Candid Conversation On Police & Community Relations At Event In Irondale

IRONDALE, Ala. — Law enforcement held a ‘Unity in the Community’ event in Irondale Sunday night, in an effort to build bridges between police and the public. Police said recent incidents of violence by and against police are raising tension and concerns in communities around the nation.

The forum was a chance for law enforcement to have an open dialogue with members of the public.

Irondale Police Chief Ken Atkinson said, “We want them (the public) to tell us, ‘hey we like that you are doing this’ or tell us, ‘hey we think you could help with that’. It’s also for us to kind of share, this is how we do our job and this is why we do what we do.”

Panel and Moderators: Chief Nathaniel Rutledge, Bessemer Police Department; Pastor Michael McClure, Revelation Ministries; Jefferson County DA Brandon Falls; FBI SAC Roger Stanton; FBI ASAC Jackie McGuire; Public Safety Director Theo Lawson, Miles College; Pastor Jason Hooper, King's Way Church; Chief Ken Atkinson, Irondale; Chief Antonio Weatherly, Center Point Police Department — Panel and Moderators: Chief Nathaniel Rutledge, Bessemer Police Department; Pastor Michael McClure, Revelation Ministries; Jefferson County DA Brandon Falls; FBI SAC Roger Stanton; FBI ASAC Jackie McGuire; Public Safety Director Theo Lawson, Miles College; Pastor Jason Hooper, King’s Way Church; Chief Ken Atkinson, Irondale; Chief Antonio Weatherly, Center Point Police Department

Dale Crear, 14, explained the format answered questions for himself. “I think it’s very important because you get to voice your opinion,” said Crear. “And get a closer relationship with law enforcement and police officers and feel safer.”

Federal and state law enforcement representatives were also on hand to hear people’s ideas and concerns at the unity in the community event.

Article by Patrick Thomas of ABC 33/40 News