Policing the City

Effective and fair public safety stands as one of the most crucial responsibilities of city leadership. Unfortunately, tragic incidents from Ferguson, Missouri, to Staten Island, New York, have shifted a critical public eye on urban police departments and the communities they serve, giving rise to hot debate in cities across the country.

Many important questions persist. Given the proven effectiveness of community policing, why are some urban police departments moving away from this strategy? What impact does diversity have on urban police departments? How can police, city, and community leaders adapt to improve collaboration and establish peaceful and safe neighborhoods? And if incidents do occur in the community, how do police departments ensure fair and thoughtful investigations?

The Panel discussion featured experts in law enforcement and community issues, including Boston Police Commissioner William Evans, Reverend Jeffrey Brown, and Professor Shea Cronin.

Boston University Dean of Students Kenneth Elmore served as the panel’s moderator.

Look back at this conversation on Twitter at #IOCSeminar and @BUonCities

The full Panel Discussion can be viewed below: