1. Ray Watson set out to ask the community what we would like to discuss and what we would like to hear.

2. The entire meeting focused on what we hope to accomplish in our once-a-month meetings with the police officers.

3. The broad tone left many with a sense of frustration, especially those who wanted to talk about specific incidents and action items.

4. However, detailing an agenda of how to proceed on a go forward basis should prove to be constructive and fruitful. Often these meetings degenerate into chaotic shouting matches with no resolution. Having a detailed agenda, especially the agenda we decided on (below) can be an excellent tool to communicate exactly the types of concerns the residents have.

5. The agenda going forward will include the following updates:

a. The police officers will report on the following-

i. What are they doing to reach out to the community and what events have they attended, or plan to attend to help further the goal of "Community Policing"

ii. What are some of the crime statistics and hotspots in the neighborhood?

iii. What should we as community members be doing? Be made aware of? How can we help?

b. Political Update. Kevin Jackson was asked to provide a political update.

i. What is the city doing to help Mount Hope?

ii. What programs is the city investing in where our citizens can get involved?

iii. What are our political leaders doing to help our city?

c. Community Feedback

i. The residents will be able ask specific questions to the police.

ii. The residents will have an opportunity to air grievances.

Turnout

1. Captain Campbell was very impressed with the turnout on Monday. It was more than double the previous meeting.

2. Increased turn out will only strengthen the cause.

3. Lt. Schiavulli and Sgt Steve were on vacation and not able to attend

4. Greater police participation should be expected now that the community has begun to respond.

5. Thanks to all the residents who were able to attend and let’s do whatever we can to expand our numbers for the next meeting!!!!

Tone of the Meeting

1. Ray Watson began the meeting talking about the relationship the community has with the police. He referred to "a contentious relationship with the community and the police."

2. Mr. Watson was soon to realize, based on the comments of the majority of the community residents in attendance, that the relationship the community has with the police is not the issue bringing them to the meeting. The issue bringing the residents to the meeting was the relationship between law-abiding citizens and those who choose not to abide by the law.

3. Many of the most vocal residents who were looking for more law enforcement where African Americans. This is an important note and one that should be recognized by the leaders in the community.

4. This, the third such meeting, was very well organized and civil. Mr. Watson did an excellent job maintaining flow, allowing all people to speak, and ensuring the tone was civil and respectful.

5. The main detractor from group consensus was Cheryl Taylor. Ms. Taylor referred to the newer residents as "Lilly White Asses" and also said, "I know the drug dealers in Mount Hope and I don’t care. They don’t bother me." She also admitted to being afraid of white people because they complain, as well as saying the drug dealers in the neighborhood are okay as long they keep the white folks from moving in. What’s most disturbing about her comments is that Ms. Taylor is a long time board member on the Mount Hope Neighborhood Association and was sitting right next to Council Jackson who was nodding his head in affirmation.

Going Forward

1. It is very important as many residents as possible come to meetings and be vocal. Please do what you can attend!!!!!

2. Again, the next meeting is August 20th at 6:30pm.

3. Specific Issues will be discussed in the next meeting.

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Special thanks to the Anonymous Attendee who took the time to type up these excellent and detailed meeting notes and submitted them to the blog.