Chesco: Breaking Barriers Between Police And Communities of Color

WEST CHESTER, PA - Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan said the diversity of the county law enforcement staff is more reflective of the community than in any other point in history.
“Over the past two years, we have trained all DOA (district attorney office) employees on the issue of implicit bias, cultural sensitivity, use of force and de-escalation techniques,” Ryan said.
In a press release available Monday, Ryan reported on the conclusion of an 18-month program provided by the Chester County Law Enforcement Task Force on Race and Justice.
Ryan said that the task force will continue the project, soliciting input from youth and communicating better with the community.
The task force hosted workshops and town halls throughout the county in an effort to improve relationships between law enforcement and the community.
The task force learned that residents and law enforcement need to develop more trusting relationships and residents require a better understanding of a law enforcement officer’s job.
Some residents commented during the workshops that there is a lack of cultural sensitivity, little minority representation on the police force and a violent portrayal of Blacks by the media.
Law enforcement officials countered that the perception that police target minorities is inaccurate, reinforcing that law enforcement does not support acts of racism and violence.
“Building trust between law enforcement and communities of color and changing inaccurate perceptions are fundamental elements of bridging respectful relationships,” Ryan said.
Ryan thanked the United Way of Chester County for participating in discussions.
Christopher Saello, president and CEO of the United Way of Chester County, noted that these are difficult conversations and participating in these hard discussions is the only way to find common ground.
Steven Plauger, president of the Chester County FOP Lodge #11, said that residents and police came out of the meetings with a better understanding of each other.