During a recent community engagement meeting, members discussed their experiences at a local event in Boulder, where they set up a booth to promote police accountability and community outreach. While attendance was low, participants noted that the conversations they had were meaningful, particularly with individuals who initially viewed their presence as unnecessary. Many attendees expressed interest in the bilingual brochures provided, indicating a positive reception to their materials.
Participants reflected on the need for more engaging activities to draw people closer to their booth, suggesting ideas like scavenger hunts or bingo cards to encourage interaction. They emphasized the importance of visibility at community events and the necessity of involving more volunteers to share the workload at future gatherings.
Looking ahead, the group discussed plans to distribute their literature to key locations, such as the local jail and courthouse, to reach individuals who may have had recent encounters with law enforcement. They acknowledged the challenge of maintaining volunteer engagement, noting that a small number of individuals often bear the burden of participation.
The meeting also included an update from a legacy committee, which presented a new data dashboard aimed at analyzing police activity in schools. The dashboard allows users to explore calls for service related to schools, with a focus on understanding the nature of police interactions and the outcomes of those calls. Members expressed a desire for more granular data to better assess trends and impacts, particularly concerning arrests and their demographic implications.
Overall, the discussions highlighted a commitment to enhancing community engagement and accountability, with a focus on fostering meaningful connections and informed dialogue around policing practices.