Montgomery County NAACP, Police Chiefs Aim To Improve Relations

The Montgomery County NAACP and Police Chiefs Association of Montgomery County are working together to improve policing across the region.

According to a joint statement issued by the organizations, the groups are focusing on improving police interactions with minority communities.

The Police Chiefs passed a motion on Jan. 17 that aims to support plans laid out in the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing, issued in 2015.

“I am upbeat about the cohesiveness that we have experienced so far,” stated John Milligan, president of the Norristown NAACP Branch. “We are optimistic that this initiative will result in positive outcomes for police and community relationships in the foreseeable future.”

The NAACP said that branches in Ambler, Cheltenham, Pottstown, Willow Grove, the Main Line, and Norristown would be working with local police departments on issues of mutual concern.

“Our mission is to establish a true partnership between the two groups, and we are fully committed to achieving this goal.” said David Duffy, president of the PCAMC. “We’ve enjoyed good relationships with all the communities in Montgomery County over the years and these proactive efforts in partnership with the NAACP can only strengthen the foundation we have in place.”

Members of both groups will attend a training together on March 31 and April “Fair and Impartial Policing: Multi-Agency Command-Community Session.”

Patch file photo