Community & Police Panel at WCSU Includes Danbury Police Chief Ridenhour

WCSU panel will spur discussion on how residents & police can work together

Western Connecticut State University is creating a discussion about how citizens and police can work together to protect the liberties and lives of both civilians and law enforcement officers whose job it is to safeguard the public.

“Race, Community, Policing and YOU — A Conversation to Make a Difference” will feature a panel of law enforcement and student leaders at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 5, in the Ballroom of the Westside Campus Center, 43 Lake Ave. Extension, in Danbury. The event is free and the public is invited.

Participants include Danbury Police Chief Patrick Ridenhour; Redding Police Chief Douglas Fuchs, who is also a WestConn instructor; Trooper 1^st Class Kelly Grant, the public information officer for the Connecticut State Police; WCSU Police Chief Roger Connor; and student representatives.

WCSU President Dr. John B. Clark said the discussion will be the first of several events that will engage students, faculty, staff and members of the wider community in creating understanding about the approach police take toward their job and the experiences of residents, particularly students, who interact with law enforcement.

University student organizations such as the Black Student Union, the Latin American Student Organization, student radio station WXCI, the office of Multicultural Affairs and Affirmative Action Programs, the divisions of Academic and Student Affairs, and the WCSU Police Department are among the organizations that are coordinating the event.

“This started with a conversation among students and has evolved into a proactive community event,” said Daryle Dennis, WCSU Chief Diversity Officer. “We are planning for this to be an ongoing conversation that will lead to better understanding of what police do and what citizens understand about policing.”

For more information, call the Office of University Relations at (203) 837-8486.