CHRC's Public Statement on Police and Community Relations

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, April 29, 2015

MEDIA CONTACT: CHRC Executive Director Ericka King-Betts, PhD at chrc@cincinnati-oh.gov or by phone at 513.352.3237

CHRC Public Statement: Police & Community Relations / Race Relations / Human Relations

Cincinnati, OH - We at the Cincinnati Human Relations are pleased to see that former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder has taken the action of updating the Department of Justice’s 2003 racial profiling guidance for federal law enforcement agencies. While the Guidance is not perfect, it is a step in the right direction. It moves us closer to correcting patterns of systemic racial bias in policing and its negative and often lethal impact on various communities of color. However, in order for there to be lasting widespread reform and justice, it is imperative that the Guidance is further refined.

It is our recommendation that the exemptions for law enforcement activities related to screening airline passengers, patrolling our borders be removed and that the Guidance is adopted by state and local law enforcement agencies.

We further look forward to & will continue to work with the diverse commissions comprised of business and community members & youth to enhance relationships between the police and community, educate others on Cincinnati’s Collaborative Agreement, and provide trainings on cultural sensitivity & understanding.

Since 1943, the Cincinnati Human Relations Commission has worked tirelessly to help our community to overcome prejudice and discrimination, build mutual respect and understanding, and to become more harmonious and cohesive. And, we oppose racial profiling and any other form of prejudice and discrimination.

About the Cincinnati Human Relations Commission

CHRC was established in November of 1943 as The Mayor’s Friendly Relations Committee. The goal was to appoint a committee that represented various racial, industrial and religious groups to make sure all groups felt a part of their communities and supported one another in the city of Cincinnati. As time passed the name was changed to CHRC and the mission grew to target a much larger issue, discrimination. Thus, the agency's mission is “to help our community to overcome prejudice and discrimination, build mutual respect and understanding, and to become more harmonious and cohesive.”

The Cincinnati Human Relations Commission is a non-profit organization. For additional information on how you can support CHRC and its programs, please contact Executive Director, Ericka King-Betts, PhD at 513-352-3237. 

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