NAACP panel, local officials to meet Thursday

TEXARKANA, Texas — The Community Affairs Committee of the local NAACP chapter will meet with government and law enforcement officials Thursday to discuss interactions between police and citizens.

Scheduled to attend are Mayor Bob Bruggeman, City Manager Shirley Jaster, City Council Member Jean Matlock and Police Chief Kevin Schutte, as well as Bowie County Sheriff James Prince and Sheriff-elect Sheriff Jeff Neal. The meeting will not be open to the public.

“Our intent is solely to hear from city and county officials by asking questions pertaining to but not limited to law enforcement best practices, regulatory agencies that monitor the implementation of those practices, citizen input and advisory boards, and strategies for improving communication between city hall, the police department, and citizens,” a news release stated.

Officials will be given a list of concerns before the meeting, said the Rev. Dr. R.E. Ruffin, committee chair. For example, the committee will ask about local policies regarding hiring law enforcement officers who have been disciplined or dismissed elsewhere, he said.

The killing of George Floyd while he was in Minneapolis police custody May 25 has sparked widespread, ongoing protests calling for reforms of policing.

The meeting is scheduled for Thursday morning at Oak Street Missionary Baptist Church, 401 Waterall St. Dr. Brian Matthews will serve as moderator.