By james art FREMONT, Ohio (WTVG) – The Fremont community has had some tough conversations in response to a wrongful foreclosure that made headlines.
Police mistakenly arrest a man on a warrant not in his name. Officers didn’t realize he had a different last name than the suspect until they went to the jail.
A community roundtable of local organizers, politicians and first responders gathered to answer questions and learn how the community can change for the better. Throughout the evening, the panelists had tough discussions about what could be improved.
A number of topics were covered at the meeting, but policing was a focal point. Law enforcement acknowledged the wrongful arrest from this summer. They discussed the lasting effect these interactions can have on citizens, especially in black and brown communities.
Not only does the police department have new procedures in place after the wrongful arrest, but they have committed to working with more empathy.
“It’s 2024, we have to do things like it’s 2024, part of that is tracking those negative experiences, making sure those employees can see it, and sometimes that means bringing those people together who have had this negative experience with this officer,” Fremont Police Chief Derek Wensinger told 13 Action News. “And those conversations can be uncomfortable.”
The superintendent also talked about working to integrate employees into the community, including showing events and spreading awareness about the positive interactions employees have on site.
Leaders say they will continue to hold town halls to promote community unity.
“This thing is going to be an outgrowth of other things going on in the community that we’re going to be able to come together and talk and bring great minds together and how we can improve our city,” Pastor Luther McKinstry III, who organized the event, said 13 Action News.
Latest local news | First signal time | a crime | National | 13abc Originals
Copyright 2024 WTVG. All rights reserved.