Aug. 2, 2016

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Kerr Putney brought officer J.D. Williams along with him this morning, to introduce Forum participants to a CMPD officer who could help them understand the work that all members of the police force do.

Questions ranged widely. But much of the discussion, and Putney’s comments, focused on police stops.

Putney said that during the department’s next phase of community relations work, officers attending community meetings willl focus on educating all residents, but particularly young black males, about what to expect from officers during traffic stops, how Putney holds officers accountable and what officers expect from those stopped. One of Putney’s recommendations was that anyone in an emotional situation should control their breathing.

In the video below, Putney is wearing a white shirt, Williams a black shirt. A third officer who stands up from the front row to speak is Officer A.J. Dillingham. At one point, the video swings to the back of the room, where Community Relations Director Willie Ratchford addressed the group. At the conclusion of the video are two comments from public officials, County Commissioner Ella Scarborough and City Council member Greg Phipps.