Sanford leads the way in advancing police-community dialogue by being identified as one of three case studies in the United States, recognized by the White House and the Department of Justice. The White House released an executive order on May 25, 2022 Executive Order on Advancing Effective, Accountable Policing and Criminal Justice Practices to Enhance Public Trust and Public Safety calling for reform of policing to include a study of effective community policing practices.
The City of Sanford has been featured in the joint publication with the Divided Communities Project, US DOJ Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) and the Community Relations Service (CRS) with their “Sanford Speaks” initiative, a model process for community dialogue.
“Sanford Speaks,” a community dialogue initiative, facilitated by the Peace and Justice Institute for the Race, Equality, Equity and Inclusion Committee of the City of Sanford took place in the summer of 2023 and featured Sanford Police employees including officers, staff, and the Chief of Police. The Peace and Justice Institute has played a crucial role in facilitating these dialogues, employing their expertise in dialogue and community building to support the Sanford Police Department’s initiatives. By fostering open communication, PJI helps build bridges of mutual understanding between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
“Trust and collaboration are the cornerstones of a safe and thriving community,” said PJI executive director Rachel C. Allen. “Our work with the Race, Equality, Equity and Inclusion Committee at the City of Sanford, and the Sanford Police Department exemplifies how intentional dialogues can lead to positive change and stronger community bonds.”
“The release of this guidance is a testament to the dedication of our community and law enforcement to build stronger, trust-based relationships,” said Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith. “We are proud to be recognized for our efforts and look forward to continuing our work in partnership with PJI and the Sanford community.”
