Fort Worth police forum emphasizes communication, trust

The public forum with Fort Worth police officials Tuesday night was not contentious.

There was concern expressed by both sides as well as understanding and appreciation.

Chief Joel Fitzgerald, Sgt. Marc Povero and the South Division command staff fielded questions submitted on Facebook — the department streamed the forum live on Facebook to thousands of users — and from a diverse crowd of a few hundred at Great Commission Baptist Church, 7700 McCart Ave.

Questions ranged over a variety of topics, but many were variations on the themes of trust and communication.

“We want people to understand that the Police Department is here for you, and we will make every effort to address the problems within the community,” Fitzgerald said, adding that the department is looking to improve and is opening itself up to constructive criticism.

Fitzgerald, Fort Worth’s first black police chief, has been in the top job for eight months, and even in his first speech, he advocated community policing.

The police officials said the department is focusing on improving community involvement, and thus communication, with new and continued programs that will put residents and cops together in a positive environment.

They emphasized positive interactions with children so they grow up with a good relationship with police.

Several questioners indicated that they personally trust Fort Worth police, but they worry that many people, especially younger folks, don’t.

“We need to break through now to the next generation of kids out there so they understand we’re here to provide a service to them,” Fitzgerald said.

Fitzgerald reminded the audience that the department has been sponsoring the forums since January, so this one wasn’t a knee-jerk reaction to recent shootings of police officers. But he said, improved and continual communication will help mend relations between the community and police officers.

Lance Davis, a young black man, asked what he could do to not appear threatening to officers, and to avoid being in situations similar to recent police shootings.

The key is transparency, police said. If you are pulled over in traffic, keep your hands on the wheel and be cooperative with the officer.

Several people mentioned that some issues are not really police issues, but rather parenting issues. That was met with applause. Police and residents alike said that good parenting can help prevent future issues with police.

Other questions were about police policies and procedures, and Fitzgerald said that the department would post all of its policies and procedures on its website for better transparency.

This story was originally published July 26, 2016 at 9:56 PM with the headline "Fort Worth police forum emphasizes communication, trust."