DOVER, De. - A meeting to discuss violence in Dover produced what both community stakeholders called a "productive dialogue."
Community members, NAACP representatives, elected officials, and the Chief's Advisory Committee spoke for over two hours Tuesday night about the new community policing unit the department is employing and concerns about crime in the capital city.
The pilot program for the mobile mini station was the star of the evening's program. Chief Johnson, speaking at length about how the 10 person unit will go out into the community to conduct community policing, provide resources for those facing mental health struggles, and engage with those who are in crisis. The mini station hits the streets Wednesday for the first time, posting up at Simon Circle from 10am to 12pm, and then at the corner of New and Reed Streets from 12pm to 2pm. Someone from Dover Behavioral Health will be with the mini station tomorrow for those who need to utilize those resources, and the officers will be handing out cold treats for kids.
Central Delaware NAACP President Fleur McKendell says while she was happy with tonight's presentation and dialogue, she still has some reservations.
"These are the things that us freedom fighters are going to have to hold our police officers accountable to because there are unintended consequences from over policing a majority black area that already has a high level of mistrust towards the police. So we're going to have to be extra careful, and we're going to have to be scrupulous in our review - community activists, parents, friends alike - to make sure that the intentions or what the stated intentions of the mobile mini sub-station is exactly what we're seeing," said McKendell. The audience asked a lot of questions about the Police Athletic League, which is back up and running. Patrolman First Class Anthony Smith spoke at length about how they are coordinating with the Capital School District, programs such as the Youth academy that is running this week and next, among other efforts to give kids in the city outlets to learn and grow. Also on the agenda: combating gang and gun violence. A representative with Governor John Carney's office was at tonight's meeting, and says they are working with Dover PD over the coming months to get a group violence intervention program up and running. The strategy, according to the representative from Carney's office, is to work with individuals who are in violent groups, focus efforts on providing services to these individuals (social services, housing, education). It would not be mandatory program or a condition of their probation, but a voluntary program. Councilman Ralph Taylor (D-2) told WBOC that he is pleased to see the community, the city, and the police department actively engaging in these types of discussions, and putting forth thoughtful ideas that could be potential solutions. "We are not sitting idly by watching people get shot. We're doing everything that we can as a community, to solve this issue. And we're much closer today than we were yesterday," he said.
