Tension between minorities and police continue to be an issue across the country, but how are the relations here in Sioux Falls? Thursday night, a local forum helped create a dialog between law enforcement and the community.
This community forum was scheduled to happen before the violence towards police started dominating the headlines. As protests and debates continue, Thursday's event held even more meaning.
Dozens of citizens and four law enforcement officers with one goal in mind - bringing everyone together. It's exactly why Mark Blackburn helped put this forum together.
"I just encourage people to step out of their comfort zone and just say, hey it's not just their problem, but it's our problem. It's a city problem and we need to come together," Blackburn said.
Members of Sioux Falls Police and South Dakota Highway Patrol fielded questions from people, covering topics like racial tensions, recruiting more diversity on the force, and how people should act if they're pulled over. Sergeant Jon Thum has taken part in forums like this in the past, and believes it helps create a healthy discussion.
"We're not in the middle of a police call. There's no other issues around that are kind of surrounding maybe some emotional issues if we're taking some enforcement action. This is just where we're on neutral ground and just kind of talking about the issues not in the heat of the moment," Thum said.
After the shootings involving officers made national news, including the death of 5 officers in Dallas, Texas, Thum says the relationships for Sioux Falls Officers haven't changed much.
"There's little comments that are made here or there, but honestly it's nothing more than it was before. I think if nothing else it's shows how great Sioux Falls is. How our community works to be together to work together," Thum said.
After questions, everyone involved made a list of action items of things both police, and the community should work on moving forward.
"If you have a task at your job and you have some goals that you have to get to and you have people who look forward to you to do that that's going to be something that we really are going to hold you accountable for," Blackburn said.
Coming together to bring the community closer, no matter who you are.
There are more forums scheduled in the future.
For more information visit Establishing Sustainable Connections' Facebook page.
This community forum was scheduled to happen before the violence towards police started dominating the headlines. As protests and debates continue, Thursday's event held even more meaning.
Dozens of citizens and four law enforcement officers with one goal in mind - bringing everyone together. It's exactly why Mark Blackburn helped put this forum together.
"I just encourage people to step out of their comfort zone and just say, hey it's not just their problem, but it's our problem. It's a city problem and we need to come together," Blackburn said.
Members of Sioux Falls Police and South Dakota Highway Patrol fielded questions from people, covering topics like racial tensions, recruiting more diversity on the force, and how people should act if they're pulled over. Sergeant Jon Thum has taken part in forums like this in the past, and believes it helps create a healthy discussion.
"We're not in the middle of a police call. There's no other issues around that are kind of surrounding maybe some emotional issues if we're taking some enforcement action. This is just where we're on neutral ground and just kind of talking about the issues not in the heat of the moment," Thum said.
After the shootings involving officers made national news, including the death of 5 officers in Dallas, Texas, Thum says the relationships for Sioux Falls Officers haven't changed much.
"There's little comments that are made here or there, but honestly it's nothing more than it was before. I think if nothing else it's shows how great Sioux Falls is. How our community works to be together to work together," Thum said.
After questions, everyone involved made a list of action items of things both police, and the community should work on moving forward.
"If you have a task at your job and you have some goals that you have to get to and you have people who look forward to you to do that that's going to be something that we really are going to hold you accountable for," Blackburn said.
Coming together to bring the community closer, no matter who you are.
There are more forums scheduled in the future.
For more information visit Establishing Sustainable Connections' Facebook page.