“Formats like these are needed to breakdown the distrust between the police and the community. More of the are needed.” Marcus Hudson
by Don Mooney
Lake Como, Texas—Fort Worth police officers, whom serve in the Lake Como community, and residents came together, not in a manner of protest or heated clash, but to gain clarity and exchange information. Community proactive groups in Lake Como, L.E.G.A.C.Y. and L.I.T., organized the forum for a candid conversation on the policies and procedures set out by the state of Texas.
Of course issues like traffic stops were a topic of concern from both sides – the officers point of view and the passengers role. The questions of how to inform officer if you have a registered hand gun in the car? Scenario’s were offered such as what if there is marijuana in the car. Does this change the nature of the stop making the gun illegal? Whether or not to give an officer permission to search you vehicle.
How to address an officer during a stop and the requirements the officer has to inform you on the reason for the stop. Scenario of finding a safe, lighted place where you feel comfortable when being stopped by a patrol car. Such subjects were the mainstay on the discussion table.
Criminal attorney Leon Reed Jr directed the attendee’s to the State of Texas Drivers License manual section that spells out the drivers role when stopped by an officer.
The candidacy of the conversation didn’t shy away from the discussion around implicit bias. Officers shared when the uniform comes off they have been subjected similar treatment by police when off-duty and felt the sting many of the Black men at the meeting have felt.
Deputy Chief Roy Hudson his suggestion from his view from his 27 – years of experience, “survive the moment. Do what you have to do to go home safe. From there you can follow up with a report, said Hudson. “The goal is…survive the moment!”