Reimagining Public Safety Forum Set For Dec. 3: How To Register

GAITHERSBURG, MD — Montgomery County residents will have an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback on police reform — as well the county police department's structure, services, and funding — during a virtual community discussion on Thursday, Dec. 3.

The forum will be hosted by County Executive Marc Elrich over Zoom at 6 p.m. Space is limited and registration is required.

Residents recently participated in a survey about the county police department and its services. During the forum, the results of the survey will be presented, and residents can ask questions or express concerns to Elrich and members of the county's Reimagining Public Safety Task Force.

The task force, comprised of community members and county representatives, are responsible for:

• Developing recommendations that reimagine the Montgomery County Police Department and all public safety programs by January 18, 2021;
• Discussing institutional racism in public safety and exploring opportunities for reforms in policies and programs that disproportionately impact communities they serve;
• Reviewing police operations that may not be mission focused;
• Reimagining the county response to community needs for health and social services where police are filling the void; and
• Providing input on the independent and comprehensive, including racial bias, audit of the police department.

To participate in the discussion, residents can register in advance here. The forum may be viewed live on the county's Facebook page, the County Cable Montgomery page, and at Comcast/RCN Channel 6 and HD Channel 996 or Verizon Channel 30.

For more information about the county's Reimagining Public Safety initiative, visit https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rps/.