Race, Policing, & Social Justice in 2020
Looking Back and Moving Forward
This three-part series investigating issues of race, policing, and social justice in Southeast Michigan has taken place, but you can watch videos of all three events at the links below.
Addressing the Ills of Policing within a Black Community:
The City of Inkster and the Floyd Dent Case
The City of Inkster and the Floyd Dent Case
Speaker:
Barbara Patrick, Associate Professor of Political Science, Eastern Michigan University
Thursday, September 24, 6:30-8:00 pm
In January 2015, Inkster police officer William Melendez pulled over Detroit resident Floyd Dent, took him from his car, put him in a chokehold, and struck him repeatedly in the head. Melendez was subsequently fired and found guilty of assault and misconduct, and Dent reached a $1.4 million settlement with the city. High profile police brutality cases like this incident prompt us to examine the administrative practices and imprecise policies that undermine policing strategies in minority communities. In this talk, Dr. Patrick will explore provisions of Michigan legislation and local administrative practices that served as precursors to the Floyd Dent incident and undermined public trust within the Black community.
Working to Bridge the Divide between the Police and Communities of Color:
Reforms in the Aftermath of the Floyd Dent Case
Reforms in the Aftermath of the Floyd Dent Case
Speaker:
William T. Riley III, Chief of Police, Inkster Police Department
Thursday, October 8, 6:30-8:00 pm
Soon after the Floyd Dent police brutality case exposed corruption, mismanagement, and racism within the Inkster Police Department, William T. Riley III assumed leadership of the embattled department in August 2015. In this presentation, Chief Riley will reflect on his efforts to transform relationships, establish trust, improve morale, reduce crime, and repair the reputation of the Inkster Police.
A Conversation on Race, Policing, Voting, & Social Justice:
Where Do We Go from Here?
Where Do We Go from Here?
Panelists:
Derrick Jackson, Director of Community Engagement, Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office
Kevin Karpiak, Associate Professor of Criminology, Eastern Michigan University
Suntrease Williams-Maynard, Assistant Staff Judge Advocate, U.S. Air Force Reserve, and Former Assistant U.S. Attorney
Thursday, October 22, 6:30-8:00 pm
Calls for social justice and policing reform across the country have expanded discussions about how concerned citizens can meaningfully engage in the process of improving policing. Panel experts will discuss highly debated proposals regarding police oversight, de-escalation tactics, prosecutorial discretion, social advocacy, voting, and policy reforms, and they will present their recommendations for pursuing change.