Mayor Domenic J. Sarno will join with community stakeholders, leaders and advocates for a roundtable discussion on the collective perspectives on policing and race.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic, the roundtable discussion will be done remotely. Those invited to participate will join the conversation to share their collective perspectives and to listen, learn and share initiatives and strategies to maintain the many bridges that have been built over the last 12 years by our community, the Springfield Police Department and the Administration. The meeting will help formulate a collective plan of action and maintain the channels of dialogue in this and future continued community meetings.
This meeting will build upon the collective efforts of organizations and individuals who have worked with the city over the past 12 years to build upon and maintain bridges connecting both the police and the community. Over 90 individuals have been invited to participate as panelist. The panelist will consist of a diverse group of individuals from across the city with varying backgrounds to provide their own unique insight and strategies.
The public is welcomed and encouraged to join the open meeting, as it will be livestreamed on the City of Springfield’s Office of Communications Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CityofSpringfieldMA/ .
Mayor Sarno stated, “The roundtable conversation is meant to educate, inform and share collective perspectives and initiatives and what measures and best practices can be utilized to address the systemic issues that are facing our nation, state and city. I want to listen and hear your thoughts, concerns, ideas and constructive criticisms. We must routinely review and update our policing policies and best practices. I am looking forward to continuing the dialogue between the city, our community stakeholders and leaders, our residents and business community. Our goal is to always strive to do better for all of our residents.”
“As I have said before, I am not perfect nor is our Police Department, but I want to reassure our residents and business community that public safety and respect for all our residents will remain top priority within my administration,” Mayor Sarno continued. “Over the past 12 years, we have made tremendous strides and advancements for the betterment of all of our residents in moving our Springfield forward.”