New 'Synergy' Event A Conversation Between Police, Community

PECONIC, NY — With an eye toward opening the lines of communication between the community and the police department, the Southold Town Anti-Bias Task Force will host another "Synergy" event.

The event, which will be held on Thursday, March 26 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Southold Recreation Center, located at 970 Peconic Lane in Peconic, is "a respectful and open conversation between the Southold Town Police Department and all members of our community."

Past events have been held in Peconic, Greenport, and Mattituck, with the community bringing concerns on a wide range of topics, including enhanced communication and trust with police, fears among immigrants, how to create a bridge to the Latino community, school issues, and how to combat racism and discrimination.

Coming together to air questions and concerns is critical, said Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell.

"Communication is one of the best ways we can address what seems to be a growing chasm nationally between law enforcement and communities. Distrust and misunderstanding, whether valid or not, exists. By bringing varying segments of the community and law enforcement together, we can improve our understanding of the differing perspectives that we all have," he said. "Communication removes walls. Perhaps initiatives like these, not just in Southold but in communities everywhere, can build bridges over that chasm."

Patch photo by Lisa Finn.