Wyandotte County’s Task Force on Community and Police Relations, first introduced by Mayor David Alvey in June, had its first public meeting last week. Alvey created the task force to guide conversation and education about police and African-American and Hispanic community relations.

“My intent is for law enforcement and local leaders to utilize this to expand education and awareness, review and improve policing policies and procedures, and build trust, interaction, and inclusiveness with all groups and populations in historically diverse Wyandotte County,” Alvey, co-chair of the task force said in a press release in June.

At their first meeting, the task force heard from District Attorney Mark Dupree who shared information about the Community Integrity Unit, a program he introduced last month that will investigate police misconduct. Interim police chief Michael York also presented information about the police department’s training techniques, including their use of force policies and their goals for body cameras for the rest of the year.

The task force will hold 8 to 10 public forums where members will hear community members’ stories about their experiences with police in Wyandotte County.

For the next meeting, taking place July 27, time to be announced, Alvey said the task force is encouraging the community to bring their input. To share your story with the task force, visit their website www.community-taskforce.org or email cprtaskforce@wycokck.org.

Jazzlyn Johnson is a Report for America corps member based at The Community Voice covering Kansas City’s African-American community.