Virtual Forum Spotlights Police, Community Service Partnerships

A virtual meeting to promote available community services did not generate large citizen interest, still as CT Post reporter Cayla Bamberger writes “the forum provided law enforcement a chance to shape the conversation about policing in Bridgeport.”

For nearly two hours, the department marketed its relationships with community groups that diffuse situations before they escalate to law enforcement.

“We thought it important enough to take of our time to let you know what resources we have available and what our course and plan of action is for the future, and any concerns that you may have,” said Rebeca Garcia, the acting police chief. “We’re going to specifically focus on resources that we have, the relationships that we have with different entities that are represented here tonight.”

Garcia reiterated later in her opening comments that the forum would stick “strictly” to the topic of those partnerships and the help they can provide.

“If we work together as one, we can make our community better,” she said. “We can make our relationships better, and we can focus on any concerns or problems that we may be having.”

The evening’s presenters included the Center for Family Justice, Liberation Programs, Project Longevity, CASA – Chemical Abuse Services Agency, and Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants.

Full story here.