A work group that is updating the way the city handles complaints about the Lawrence Police Department on Monday will hold the first of two planned community conversations.
The Community-Police Oversight Work Group, which has been meeting since May, is intended to review the Lawrence Police Department’s current complaint process and make recommendations for the Community Police Review Board’s oversight of the complaint process. (Read more on the background at this link.) The group’s work was originally supposed to conclude in November, but the process has been delayed.
Now looking at an August timeline to wrap up, the CPOWG is hoping to hear from Lawrence community members about what they want to see come out of this process.
The first community conversation is set for 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, July 10 at the Carnegie Building, 200 W. Ninth St. The second is set for 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, July 31, also at the Carnegie Building. The sessions will consist of small group discussions lead by Jonathan Morris of J Morris Consulting, and food and drink will be provided.
“Interested community members are encouraged to attend both sessions as the second meeting will be based on topics mentioned during the first session,” according to a news release from the city.
An electronic questionnaire will be available later in July for anyone who is unable to attend either meeting, according to the release. Sessions will be recorded and posted online afterward. There will not be virtual participation, so the city encourages those who are unable to attend in person to complete the electronic questionnaire or provide feedback, which can be done through a form on the city’s website at lawrenceks.org/community-engagement/cpowg/.
Anyone who needs accommodations such as sign language interpretation at the sessions can reach out to Casey Toomay, assistant city manager at ctoomay@lawrenceks.org.
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Related coverage: Lawrence Community Police Review Board
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