Bridging the Divide between Police and Community
Increased national attention on policing in America, as well as national calls for police reform, have pushed many law enforcement agencies to examine current police practices, and assess how effectively those practices contribute to ensuring public safety, officer safety, and building public trust in local police agencies.
Vera's PEACE Initiative is designed to help police agencies work collaboratively with the communities they serve, to enhance or repair police-community relations, and cultivate trust between all stakeholders. In Asheville, North Carolina Vera worked with local law enforcement and community groups to develop new use of force and de-escalation policies, and is working with other jurisdictions to facilitate police-community engagement and enhance public safety.