Police training centers discussion at Maricopa Citizens’ Rights forum (video)

Copper Sky Multigenerational Complex played host to a “Policing/Citizens’ Rights” forum as part of Maricopa’s Black History Month celebration Saturday afternoon.

Maricopa Police Chief Steve Stahl and Phoenix Police Department Assistant to the Chief Gerald Richard were part of a panel of presenters discussing citizen interaction with police and the training each department receives.

“This is part of the overall Black History Month celebration, but we certainly need to have more of these,” Maricopa City Council member Henry Wade said. “I think there were some myths that might have been dispelled. We had a large group of Police Explorers that were here, and even though that is what they do, I’m certain there were some things they learned today that will help them as they continue being explorers.”

The panel tackled complicated issues such as police approach to various situations and interactions with different cultures. The presenters also fielded questions from the audience regarding community and training concerns.

“I think it was an outstanding success,” Wade said. “We had a number of people here and excellent speakers. I think the attendees got some very good information and some resources they can reach out to if necessary.”

The city’s next event for Black History Month will be a showing and discussion of the motion picture “Selma” at City Hall on Saturday, Feb. 20 from 1 to 4:30 p.m.

The city is also hosting reading events for Black History Month at the Maricopa Public Library every Saturday at 1 p.m. For more information, contact council member Henry Wade at [email protected] or call (520) 316-6825.