Virtual Conversation On Police Reform Planned In Falls Church

FALLS CHURCH, VA — As the Mary Riley Styles Public Library physical location remains closed, it is hosting virtual events. One upcoming conversation will focus on policing and police reform in the City of Falls Church.

The community conversation will be held through Zoom on Wednesday, Aug. 5 at 7 p.m. Panelists include Falls Church Police Chief Mary Gavin, Fairfax County NAACP President Sean Perryman, and Steve Mason, the city's human resources director, former Alexandria police officer and investigator with Alexandria’s Office of Human Rights. Library Director Jennifer Carroll will moderate the discussion.

To request a Zoom invite for the conversation, email Marshall Webster at mwebster@fallschurchva.gov.

Discussions surrounding racial injustice have continued after the May 25 of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody. Gavin released a statement criticizing the officers' roles in the Minneapolis incident and reaffirmed her police officers' commitment to training and accountability. She also welcomed the opportunity for dialogue about reform.

In June, Mayor David Tarter signed the Obama Foundation's Mayor’s Pledge, which calls for mayors, city councils and police oversight bodies to review use-of-force policies. City Council voted to join the pledge and created a Use of Force Review Committee to review the Falls Church Police Department and Sheriff's Office use-of-force policies and make recommendations for changes.

City residents were asked to volunteer for the Use of Force Review Committee through July 5, and members are expected to be appointed on July 27. The committee is expected to meet eight times from August to November and make a presentation to City Council in November.