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Roundtable Discussion On Community Policing Held In Philadelphia

By Cherri Gregg

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Federal prosecutors, the mayor and Philadelphia police officials met with more than a dozen community leaders Monday in the second roundtable discussion on community policing.

It's part of President Barack Obama's effort to strengthen trust in law enforcement.

First there's Michael Brown, Eric Garner and Walter Scott, three unarmed Black men killed by police. Then there's Robert Wilson III, Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu, three police officers murdered by Black men.

"These issues highlight the difficulties that we as a community face when trying to work together when trying to assure community safety."

U.S. Attorney Zane Memeger joined two deputy police commissioners and Mayor Michael Nutter in opening dialogue with leaders from the Hispanic, Black, Asian, disabled and religious communities.

"We're very excited about this, we want to hear what you have to say."

"Together we can make an inroads in this reform," says Richard Ross, deputy police commissioner, who told the groups the department needs their input as they implement the 91 recommendations resulting from DOJ investigation and report requested by Commissioner Charles Ramsey.

"Together we can make a difference and make some inroads in this reform."

The DOJ, as well as Nutter appointed community oversight board will spend the next 18 months overseeing implementation of the reforms.

Reporters were only allowed to view opening remarks and were excluded from witnessing the actual roundtable discussion.

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