Montco NAACP Works To Build Better Relationship With Local Police Departments
By Kristen Johanson
NORRISTOWN, Pa. (CBS) -- Monday morning, members of the Montgomery County NAACP stood on the steps of the courthouse with local police officers start a collaborative effort with law enforcement.
Addressing the national divide between police and the community, President of Norristown's NAACP branch John Milligan, says it starts locally.
"Although Montgomery County may not have had recent publicized incidents similar to what has occurred in other areas, it has been accused of its fair share of racial injustices."
The group followed President Obama's Policing Task Force guidelines from 2014 as the start to strengthening the relationship.
Norristown Police Chief Mark Talbot says his department already models similar policies, but more can be done.
"We've got to engage in evidence based strategies. We've got to come up with non-enforcement based approaches with engaging with the public. We've got to recognize past injustices."
He says working with NAACP builds a better future for all of Montgomery County.
"I think it is different that we are all standing here together. I think it is a positive thing that we are all committed to the same thing, and the invitation that we got to stand with them, rather than on the other side of the table, is positive."
