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Iowa City police outreach staff describe efforts to build trust with immigrant and refugee communities
Summary
Trey Hall and community liaison Joshua Daboussu briefed the Human Rights Commission on outreach activities — fundraising for Special Olympics, Welcome Week participation, soccer-club engagement and one-on-one cultural liaison work — that aim to bridge gaps between police and immigrant communities.
Trey Hall, community outreach coordinator for the Iowa City Police Department, and Joshua Daboussu, the department’s community liaison focusing on immigrants and refugees, told the Human Rights Commission about recent outreach work and upcoming events meant to build relationships with diverse community groups.
Hall listed recent and upcoming activities that included a joint fundraiser at Texas Roadhouse that raised $1,147.36 for Special Olympics, Welcome Week events and youth soccer program visits. Hall said outreach staff will staff and promote events including African Fest (Oct. 4), a trunk-or-treat (Oct. 23) and homecoming-related outreach. He also described a citywide Coat Drive scheduled for mid-October in partnership with faith groups and community partners.
Joshua Daboussu said his role centers on bridging cultural and linguistic divides: he works with immigrant and refugee communities, speaks French and Lingala, attends community events, offers one-on-one conversations when people have concerns and helps officers understand cultural context behind calls. He described follow-up efforts with a Sudanese soccer club where initial mistrust eased over time and stressed the department’s aim to be approachable rather than enforcement-focused in these settings.
Commissioners commended the outreach work and encouraged ongoing engagement with community groups to address fear and build trust. Several members suggested more visible educational materials and that outreach continue to target groups most likely to be wary of police. The commission thanked Hall and Daboussu for their time and invited continued updates.
