People, Policy, and Police

“The killing of my unarmed son by police thrusted me into this line of work. I wanted to understand how this could happen to my son and then learning it was not an aberration but that it was not an isolated incident. Police brutality affected people of color at a disproportionate rate than white counterparts. I had do my part by turning my pain into purpose to address police violence.”

“Police would engage with the community they serve to rebuild the trust that has been lost over the years. We would not have to have different conversations with black and brown communities about how to interact with law enforcement to avoid a potential deadly situation. People are willing to work with police instead of fearing them.”

“The relationship between police and community is one that is unhealthy because of the fear of a deadly or near death encounters with police having impunity for their actions. Having police reform that holds police accountable when they use their powers unjustly will improve community and police relations.”

“I’m deeply passionate about advocacy, particularly in the areas of police and sentencing reform, because these issues profoundly affect the communities I belong to and the people I care about. I was drawn to policy work because I believe in the power of changing laws to create meaningful and lasting improvements for Black people.”

“My ideal vision of public safety is a system where the community has meaningful control over the police disciplinary process. This includes independent investigatory and subpoena power, as well as granting community oversight boards the authority to make final decisions.”

“Policing disproportionately impacts the mental and physical health of Black and Brown communities, contributing to trauma, stress, and a lack of trust in police. Police reform, such as stronger community oversight boards, increased accountability and transparency, can help can improve community health by fostering accountability, reducing violence, and building trust, creating safer and more supportive environments where individuals can thrive without the constant threat of harm.”

“Growing up in Baltimore, my trajectory wasn’t always clear—I faced challenges as a juvenile that could have defined my future. But with determination and support, I shifted course, becoming an electrician and later a public servant. Those experiences drive my passion for advocating policies that empower communities through equity, access, and opportunity, ensuring others can overcome obstacles and cross their own finish lines.”

“My ideal vision of public safety is one where robust community investment addresses the root causes of crime, and residents feel secure and connected to law enforcement. By passing a residency requirement in Baltimore for high-ranking officers, we’ve strengthened ties between officers and the communities they serve. Additionally, legislation I passed to require audits of the Baltimore Police Department has helped increase transparency and accountability. Public safety thrives when opportunity and accountability work hand in hand.”

“Policing has a significant impact on community health, as trust in law enforcement can influence mental well-being, reduce stress, and create a sense of safety. By passing reforms like residency requirements for high-ranking officers and legislation to improve transparency through police audits, we’re fostering stronger relationships between officers and the communities they serve. These changes help build trust, reduce tension, and create an environment where public health and public safety can thrive together.”

“Growing up in Baltimore, my trajectory wasn’t always clear—I faced challenges as a juvenile that could have defined my future. But with determination and support, I shifted course, becoming an electrician and later a public servant. Those experiences drive my passion for advocating policies that empower communities through equity, access, and opportunity, ensuring others can overcome obstacles and cross their own finish lines.”

“Public safety should be primarily comprised of community based organizations that are able to resolve disputes, prevent conflict, foster community cohesion and provide the healing needed to counter the societal assaults on our humanity that leads to violence within the community. Police and prison should be the absolute last resort, and hopefully we can aspire for a world where prisons and police are obsolete.”

“Police have often taken on the posture as occupying force in our community. This has led to police being a source of anxiety, pain, and in many cases, abuse. Police reform that is driven by community control of police will give the community more power to push back against the way that law enforcement has caused harm to Black people.”

“My journey to civil rights leadership and community advocacy began at the age of 23 when I started as an entrepreneur, single parent, and part-time student. My early experiences in business, coupled with creative problem-solving skills, led me to tackle barriers that historically impeded progress for underserved populations. My work in real estate and community development in underserved neighborhoods allowed my entrepreneurial skills to flourish, setting the stage for my future accomplishments in civil rights, education, and economic development.”

“My ideal vision of public safety in St. Louis would likely emphasize community-oriented policing, criminal justice reform, and addressing systemic inequalities. And the community as a whole would advocate for increased diversity in law enforcement, improved police-community relations, and a focus on addressing root causes of crime through economic development and educational opportunities, particularly in underserved areas of north St. Louis. Public safety initiatives that promote accountability and transparency in policing are welcome, with strong support for oversight boards and the implementation of policies to reduce racial profiling and excessive use of force.”

“Policing in St. Louis creates significant health challenges for Black residents, causing mental health trauma, physical injuries, and exacerbating existing health disparities. Recent reforms like the ‘Cops and Clinicians’ program aim to reduce these negative impacts by providing more compassionate, mental health-focused responses to community needs. While promising, these initial reforms have not yet fully addressed the deep-rooted health inequities caused by aggressive policing practices.”

“Troy Davis and Tarika Wilson were some of my first eye openers to injustice. Then injustice came right to my front door when Mike Brown Jr. was killed just a few miles away from where I grew up. I started as a citizen journalist documenting the Ferguson Uprising and expanded into an organizer and activist.”

“Public safety is most effective with preventative care. That means continuous equitable access to all human rights needs (housing, education, food security, reproductive, healthcare, etc). When it comes to safety within community, that should be in the hands of community and community organizations dedicated to holistic safety.”

“Data shows that communities who face over policing are more likely to deal with PTSD, anxiety, depression and stress. Compound that with the decades of over-policing and we’re talking about intergenerational trauma, where the effects of over-policing are now embedded in a community’s DNA. Police reform and abolition would mean communities could finally have the opportunity to heal from the direct impact of police violence, abuse, and trauma.”

“In 2018 I went to St. Louis to lead efforts to reform the pretrial system. The overarching goal was to better align resources and redesign systems, structures and policies to reform the early stages of the criminal justice process and move the needle toward greater fairness.”

“Public safety in a community looks like people engaging in healthy behaviors, such as walking, bicycling, using parks and recreational spaces, and accessing healthy food outlets. It also means people coming together to support each other, solve problems, and achieve common goals.”

“Police reform can Increase access/connection to services for individuals with MH and SUD needs who encounter police. It can also improve outcomes for people who have mental health illnesses and are in the criminal justice system.”

“Always being an advocate for community service and finding ways to provide community support through resources and education.”

“Sufficient needs being met for everyone to have a fair chance to grow and enjoy life.”

“It has the possibility of saving and improving lives.”