Winchester Police and NAACP host second forum on improving relations

Improving Race Relations forum will be held Saturday near Stephens City.

WINCHESTER –   The Winchester Police Department and the Winchester NAACP are hosting the second in a series of community discussions to improve race relations. The event will be held Saturday, November 18th from 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. at The Life Church, located at 199 Agape Way in Stephens City.

Both groups partnered to hold the first in a series of events in August at Shenandoah University.  A constant theme among participants was continued interaction and positive dialogue between police and the community. 

This weekend’s forum will include an interactive presentation on “The Law and Your Community,” led by Sgt. Easton McDonald with the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office.  It will also include smaller breakout sessions, and a question and answer period.  A portion of the program will be dedicated to brainstorming additional ways the community and police can work together. 

“We want to do all we can to regain understanding and trust among our residents,” said Chief Kevin Sanzenbacher.  “An open dialogue is part of building trust,” he said. 

Police Department representatives meet with NAACP leaders and community members on a monthly basis to discuss ways to improve police-community relations. 

“The police department can’t do it alone. The community needs to participate in these discussions, provide input, and solutions,” said Gwen Walker, Winchester NAACP President.