Trust in police topic of event

The “I Fear For My Life Campaign,” an effort to address mutual trust between law enforcement and people of color, will be held at two local schools and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

On Tuesday, school discussions will be held with PEN OR PENCIL students at the Watson Chapel High School Auditorium from 9:30-10:30 a.m. and at the Pine Bluff 9th Grade Academy cafeteria from 10:45-11:30 a.m.

Also Tuesday, law enforcement officials will talk with UAPB students in a focus group from 5-6 p.m. The broader conversation with UAPB students will occur from 6-8 p.m., the Rev. Jesse Turner, executive director of Pine Bluff Interested Citizens for Voter Registration, said in a news release.

“The goal of community policing is to establish mutual trust between law enforcement and residents,” Turner said.

“The tension and fear in some communities between younger people of color and law enforcement have escalated in recent months and years. During a regular stop, both the officer and driver have reasons to fear for their life because of the uncertain response that could occur.”

National conversations with historically black colleges and universities aim to capture information to enhance relationships between communities of color.

The “I Fear For My Life Campaign” is sponsored by the 400 Years of African American History Federal Commission. Officers from the UAPB Police, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and various law enforcement agencies will participate.

Participants also include the UAPB Student Government Association and PBICVR, Arkansas’ lead PEN OR PENCIL affiliate, according to the release.