Summit aims to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the community
June 9, 2017
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Richland County Sheriff’s Dept. (RCSD) is one of several primary participants in the second-annual MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER SUMMIT, a national conference aimed at improving “interactions and [relational] outcomes” between community leaders, educators, students (especially those of color), and the law enforcement officers who serve them. The summit will be held this Mon. and Tues., June 12-13, at the Columbia Convention Center in downtown Columbia.
Pictured is RCSD Capt. John Ewing with Midlands-area schoolchildren during one of RCSD’s “High Five Fridays.”
“This will be something of a unique conference,” says Maj. Stephany Snowden, director of Community Initiatives at RCSD. “It’s not simply a gathering of professionals, but a conference for members of the community and students; giving all a voice.”
Summit planners and facilitators hope the two-day event will better equip communities with the tools necessary to create a newfound culture of understanding, respect, and open-communication between schools, communities, and law enforcement agencies like the RCSD.
“Government and faith-based leaders, other members of the community, students, educators, and anyone else interested in strengthening our schools, neighborhoods, and improving the educational outcomes for our youth are urged to attend,” says Snowden.
Among the law-enforcement speakers and session facilitators are Detective Garry McFadden, a 30-year veteran of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Dept. (McFadden will deliver the keynote address); also Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott and RCSD Deputy Chief Chris Cowan, both of whom will be making presentations on day-two.
To register for MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER, please visit http://blueribbonschools.com/blog-best-practices-and-more/blog-best-practices-and-more-2/121-summit-2017.html.
For additional information, contact Maj. Stephany Snowden at (803) 576-3117.
