College of the Redwoods Presents Open Forum on Police and the Establishment of the CR Police Department

Press release from the College of the Redwoods:

[Photo from College of the Redwoods’ website]

In light of recent events, including the killing of Tyre Nichols, and in an effort to foster open and transparent dialogue, on February 2, College of the Redwoods hosted the first of a series of open forums to discuss the ongoing development of a campus police department. The forums will provide a platform for students, faculty, staff, and community members to express their thoughts, concerns, and suggestions.

Attendees engaged in a lively and productive dialogue, exchanging ideas and opinions on how to work together to create a safer and more just community and addressed student concerns regarding over-policing and police misconduct. Police Chief Michael Perkins ensured the audience that he is committed to ensuring that both his officers and the cadets at the CR Police Academy are held to the highest standards of professionalism and accountability.

It was also an opportunity to meet CR’s new Police Sergeant Corrie Watson, who was open and forthcoming about her own sadness regarding the tragic events surrounding the death of Tyre Nichols at the hands of officers who were sworn to serve and protect. Both she and Chief Perkins invited students to get to know them, to think of them as allies and to come to them with any concerns.

The event was moderated by CR’s Student Trustee Marabeth Madsen and Dr. Kintay D. Johnson, Director of Student Equity and the Multicultural & Equity Center. The hope is that these open forums will provide a time for healing, open discussion, and an opportunity to co-create a police department that will ensure that our campus remains safe, while also respecting the rights of all individuals.

Future events and initiatives will be announced in the coming weeks.