Last year's events in Ferguson, Mo. and New York City showed just how poor the relationship can be between police and the communities they serve.
Police in Idaho say they have a much better relationship with the public than law enforcement agencies in some other parts of the country. Their focus is to maintain that goodwill so it doesn't deteriorate.
But civil liberties advocates in Idaho say problems do exist with the way police and community members interact. Civil liberties groups are concerned with the use of body cameras, the militarization of police agencies and how law enforcement engages with a growing refugee population.
Join Boise State Public Radio Wednesday, Feb. 11 for a discussion on the state of community and police relationships in Idaho.
Our conversation will include representatives from law enforcement, academia and the legal world. We'll explore what's gone wrong with the police/community relationships in other parts of the country, and examine how police and the public interact in Idaho.
WHEN: Wednesday Feb. 11, 2015 6-7 p.m.
WHERE: Boise State Public Radio, Yanke Family Research Park 220 E. Parkcenter Blvd.
PARKING: Free
RSVP: Please let us know you're coming to the event. The community conversation is open to the first 200 respondents.
Learn more about the guests who will be part of this discussion:
Bill Bones is the Boise chief of police. He served as the BPD's deputy chief between 2012 and 2015. He's a 22-year veteran of the agency. Bones has a bachelor’s degree in management studies from Excelsior College in New York, and has credentials from executive leadership programs from the FBI National Academy and Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command.
Stephen Bartlett is an administrative captain with the Ada County Sheriff's Office. Barlett is in charge of the ACSO’s Community Information Unit, Administrative Investigations Unit, and special projects. Bartlett joined the Ada County Sheriff's Office in 2003. Since then, he has served in a wide variety of jobs at the agency — including patrol field commander, sergeant in charge of detectives, crisis negotiator, and Chief of Eagle Police.
Leo Morales is the communications and advocacy director for the ACLU of Idaho. He joined the ACLU in 2011 and served as the interim executive director for parts of 2014 as the organization searched for a new executive director. Prior to joining the ACLU, Morales worked with a statewide non-profit advocacy organization addressing issues of poverty and racial justice. His experience includes legislative work, media relations, and grassroots community organizing.
Dr. Andrew Giacomazzi is a professor at Boise State University. He teaches in the College of Social Sciences and Public Affairs. He's written books on community policing and controversies in policing. He holds four degrees, including a Ph.D in political science from Washington State University.
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