14 to address police reform in Gary

Black Lives Matter rep among people named to mayor’s commission

Gary Mayor Prince announced the members of his previously announced Police Reform Commission on Thursday.

The panel will consist of 14 members drawing from those in law enforcement, mental health, military, the legal profession, education, the ministry and a Black Lives Matter representative.

Prince said the commission was authorized by an executive order he signed earlier in the year in response to incidents of police violence that sparked large protests and rallies across the country.

“I heard the cries for justice and change,” Prince said. Issues that must be addressed are deeper and involve looking at systemic problems that have been faced since the country was founded.

“First, please keep in mind my team and I are closely following all city polices and procedures. There will be many changes in many areas. We’ll work it out,” he said.

Prince stressed his support for police and the involvement of law enforcement on the committee.

“The vast majority of the men and women who spend their working lives putting the Gary police uniform on and badge are truly protecting and serving the citizens of Gary,” Prince said. “Right here, right now, I say thank you to each of you who have the heart and willingness to serve with honor on the Gary Police Department.”

Prince said unfortunately not everyone is keeping with that spirit of community.

“Even one case of an officer abusing his or her authority is one too many,” Prince said.

Prince named Joy Holliday, executive director of Gary for Life, chair of the commission. Holliday will be joined by Lake County Sheriff’s Deputy Cliff Caldwell; Fraternal Order of Police president and Gary Police Sgt. Gregory Wolfe; Elaine Spicer, mental health professional; attorneys Rebecca Wyatt, Sabrina Haake, Barbara Bolling Williams and James Dillon; the Revs. Rahmeen Jackson and Octavious Wilson, Indiana University Northwest professor Joe Gomeztagle; and retired law enforcement officer and military veteran Alger Boswell.

Black Lives Matter will have a seat at the table with the appointment of Alexia Hamilton, the local chapter representative.

Holliday served as a liaison for the National Initiative for Building Community Trust and Justice. She said the commission will work with the community and law enforcement to develop proposals that are inclusive and consistent.

“I cannot stress enough the appreciation for officers who at times are the voices for the voiceless,” Holliday said.