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Police officer training and community discussion on bias happening Wednesday

Fox 4 speaks with the professor and author leading Wednesday's conversation
Posted at 7:16 AM, Sep 09, 2020
and last updated 2020-09-09 07:17:58-04

PUNTA GORDA, Fla -- There's never been a more important time to discuss issues like bias and its impact on policing.

Wednesday, community members in Punta Gorda will have that opportunity.

The Punta Gorda Police Department and the NAACP realizes these are important conversations to have. It’s hosting an officer training course, along with a community presentation and discussion at The Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center at 6:00 p.m.

It will be led by FGCU Professor of Forensic Studies Dr. David Thomas. He's also the author of The State of American Policing.

Prior to the officer training, there will be a community presentation and discussion. Community members will have the opportunity to ask questions when it comes to things like why officers use force and police/minority relations. They'll specifically look at how these issues relate to The Punta Gorda Police Department and community.

Due to social distancing, this was a ticketed event that's already sold out.

This training is being provided through the George and Mary Chapoutot Trust / Punta Gorda Police Department Endowment Fund in cooperation with the Charlotte Community Foundation and Charlotte State Bank.