The community had a chance to make its voice heard during a first of its kind meeting on Wednesday night at the Manhattan Public Library.
Several community members attended, and engaged with representatives from the Riley County Police Community Advisory board (C.A.B.), and law board members in the first ever Riley County Police Department Citizen Forum.
C.A.B. Chair Corey Leavell explained that the meeting was another way to allow communication between the police department, and the community they serve. Riley County Commission chairman Robert Boyd, Jr., Manhattan City Commissioner Rich Jankovich, and RCPD Community Advisory Board chairman Corey Leavell talked to those gathered about their concerns and congratulations for the police department.
Several community members took advantage of the less formal meeting to bring forward concerns. Randi Dale voiced her opinion on RCPD tactics during high speed pursuits. Dale said she was almost struck by an officer as she was driving on Tuttle Creek Boulevard in 2013. According to Dale the officer pulled out in front of her as the officer started to pursue a speeding driver.
After the meeting concluded Dale said she felt the event went well, and appreciated the feedback given by the representatives.
According to Leavell , after taking down concerns and possible solutions from those present the representatives will take them to RCPD Director Bradley Schoen. Then representatives will continue the communication process, and provide the director’s response back to the community.
Some of the issues/solutions brought forward by those in attendance on Wednesday night included providing training to the police force on better ways to interact with community members with mental illnesses, and proper tact to be used with members of the community.
