It is so refreshing to see people rolling up their sleeves and really
working to solve a problem, especially a difficult problem that is so
polarizing and complex as racial profiling. In Metro section of Tuesday's
startribune there is an article about progress in St. Paul profiling talks.
There was a meeting of officials from the NAACP, Police Chief Finney and
other top police officials, and representatives from the St. Paul Police
federation. The meeting was mediated by the U.S. Justice dept. community
resource service. According to the strib reporter, Nathaniel Khaliq head of
the St. Paul NAACP said, " We agreed to reach an agreement." The article by
Heron Marquez Estrada includes-Federal mediator says all parties are making
progress.
In Minneapolis we are not generally having the kind of conversations that
will lead to an understanding of how to change and improve the relationship
between police and citizens. The code 4 meetings are an example of big public
meetings that will highlight conflict and concerns without having much of a
chance of real dialogue about why and how we could do things differently.
I have tried to use this forum to discuss these issues and sent a letter to
the chief about developing a structure for finding a shared vision and an
understanding of the mission of the Police dept.
The Seward Neighborhood Group and the community building committee have
contacted the chief and the Mayor about these issues and asked for a
response. After two months there has been no response from the chief or the
mayor.
Scott Vreeland Ward 2 Seward
