Mayor Paul Coogan last evening brought together five minority police officers to meet with a group of residents as part of an effort to have an ongoing discussion around how Fall River can become a more inclusive community.
Thursday’s event was the second in what the mayor hopes will be ongoing conversations on community relations following the death last month of George Floyd.
The event began by asking each officer how and why they became Fall River police officers. Sergeant Kelly Furtado has served on the force for over 30 years. Her father was a police officer, as are her son and husband. She says despite what is portrayed in the media about police forces in general, the Fall River department is well respected.
When community members had the opportunity to ask officers questions, one woman shared her experience with local police and expressed concern that all officers need to be more accountable for how they interact with people of color.
In response to how the city’s police force will embrace change, police chief Jeffrey Cardoza said the department is actively reviewing its use of force policy with the intent on training officers to be more aware of the unforeseen circumstances of any individual they encounter. He also looks to the community to speak up when they see acts of officer misconduct.
Officer Steven Washington, who has been a Fall River police officer for 26 years, said that as much as police try to have constructive conversations with city residents, the biases of the subjects, and officers, are sometimes difficult to overcome.
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