UB Hosts Community Forum on Improving Relations Between Law Enforcement, Public, Feb. 25
February 18, 2015
Contact: University Relations
Phone: 410.837.5739
A public forum and panel discussion, "Policing the Community: Know Your Rights," will be held at the University of Baltimore on Wednesday, Feb. 25, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the M. Scot Kaufman Auditorium in UB's William H. Thumel Sr. Business Center (home of the Merrick School of Business), 11 W. Mt. Royal Ave. Sponsored by the University's Brotherhood, Mentorship, Achievement, Leadership, and Enterprise Program (BMALE), the event is free and open to the public. An R.S.V.P. is required. Details on registration are listed below.
Over the past year and in various spots across the country, a number of incidents involving law enforcement have resulted in the loss of life of young black men. Young black males have been recognized by researchers as a group that is engaged in frequent involuntary contact with the police, and that these experiences are a driver of distrust and other negative attitudes.
These incidents and experiences have drawn national attention to the need for more communication and relationship mending between law enforcement and private citizens, and especially with young black men. The public distrust of police directly affects the legitimacy of law enforcement, the authority of officers and their ability to function effectively in minority communities.
In an effort to rebuild trust and confidence in the police among young black males, the BMALE program has invited a group of law enforcement professionals to engage with the University of Baltimore community and the greater public in a moderated discussion on a range of issues related to civilian-police interactions, with a specific focus on black males.
The panel discussion will be moderated by scholar Jeffrey Ian Ross, a criminologist and professor of criminal justice in the College of Public Affairs at the University of Baltimore. Ross has published more than 20 books on criminal justice, crime and policing. The discussion panel will feature:
- Chief Samuel Tress
University of Baltimore Police Department
Former lieutenant with the Baltimore City Police Department - Neill Franklin
Former major wth the Maryland State Police Department
Former board member of the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission
Former chief of human resources and commander of training of the Baltimore City Police Department - Detective Amy Robertson
A 28-year veteran with the Baltimore City Police Department in the Criminal Investigation Division/Special Investigations Section - April Perkins
Former official with the Baltimore City Police Department
Former memnber of the Los Angeles Police Department as an adjunct instructor for defense tactics and arrest/control techniques - Lt. Victor Gearhart
An official with the Baltimore City Police Department and vice president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #3 - Lt. Col. Keith Matthews (tentatively scheduled to appear)
A 30-year veteran with the Baltimore City Police Department, currently Area 2 commander of the Patrol Division - Police Officer Robert Cherry (tentatively scheduled to appear)
Currently with the Baltimore City Police Department and former president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #3 - Attorney Russell A. Neverdon Sr.
A prominent attorney in the City of Baltimore - Commissioner Anthony Batts (tentatively scheduled to appear)
Chief of the Baltimore City Police Department
Former chief of police for Oakland and Long Beach, Ca.
The BMALE program is an initiative supported by the University of Baltimore's Office of the Provost and the Office of Academic Innovation, tasked with working to close the achievement and retention gap for undergraduate men of color at the University. BMALE activities include social, cultural and academic support through the use of intense mentoring, peer cohort support structures, faculty development opportunities, enhanced advising and tutoring access, and environmental assessments.
To R.S.V.P. for this event, go here.
The University of Baltimore is a member of the University System of Maryland and comprises the College of Public Affairs, the Merrick School of Business, the UB School of Law and the Yale Gordon College of Arts and Sciences.