chh@heraldsun.com; 419-6654
CHAPEL HILL -- Volunteer facilitators from the Chapel Hill Police Department and Chapel Hill residents came together on Saturday at the Chapel Hill Public Library for a "Community Conversation" that was used to discuss the department's perception and presence in the community.
Residents discussed and voiced their opinions on a wide range of issues, but concerns over transparency, police-community relations and communication dominated the docket.
George Cianciolo said that a "bottom up" approach to the police-community relationship would be more effective and would improve relations. Instead of thinking about the town's needs, Cianciolo said the police department needs to address the community level first.
"I think re-prioritization is wanted," Cianciolo said, "much more community involvement [from the police department], things like community watch. ... Of course, all of those things require police officers. I think there is a fine balance."
Will Raymond said that "more one-to-one communication without the filter of elected officials" would be helpful.
"Basic themes came out: better communication, process, and the end communication," Raymond said.
He added that there was also a need to "leverage technology with communication and have a conversation."
He mentioned that during the Eve Carson murder case little information was provided by the police department to the public on the appearance of Carson's car. Raymond took it upon himself to provide that information on his own Web site.
It wasn't all displeasure, though. Many citizens said that the Chapel Hill Police Department was "hard-working" and "professional."
"We're very lucky compared to other cities," Raymond said, "[They] provide great leadership. So, hopefully, we can get some things done."
Cianciolo said that the improving the police-community relationship was not a one-way street, either.
"We have to take some responsibilities on ourselves." Cianciolo said.
Nancy Kiplinger, one of the volunteer facilitators, called the meeting a brainstorming session that would help in future strategic planning.
"We are here to gather information to help the Chapel Hill police improve services and the interaction with the community," Kiplinger said.
Overall, Kiplinger felt that the discussion was successful, despite a low attendance, which she contributed to the meeting's late publicity and possible inclement weather conditions.
"The evaluations indicate that most people find that [the meeting] was worth their time," Kiplinger said. "I'm quite happy after reading the evaluations."
There will be three more "Community Conversation" meetings sponsored by the Chapel Hill Police Department.
The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday at United Church of Chapel Hill, 1321 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. The third meeting will be at 10 a.m. on Feb. 13 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 920 Carmichael St. The fourth and final meeting will be at 6 p.m. on Feb. 18 at Hargraves Community Center, 216 N. Roberson St.
