​Several members of the Unity Partnership board brought flowers to the Aurora Police Department to honor those officers who had been injured during the shooting at the Henry Platt Company. We were welcomed by Sgts. Andrew Wolcott and Chris Whitfield.  We talked about how the injured officers are doing and how the department is coping.   A reporter from the Daily Herald was present as we shared our gratitude for the officer’s bravery and our appreciation of what an important role the police play in ensuring our continued safety.  The reporter included many of our comments in her aptly titled article, "They need us now."  Regina Brent, perhaps summarized it best stating, “We come to them when we are in trouble. And today, we know that they are in trouble. So we come to them in compassion."

​From there, we went to the site of the shooting to pay our respects to the victims.  Seeing the makeshift memorials for each of the victims was profoundly moving and brought home not only the loss experienced by family and friends, but reflected the collective grief of the entire community.

Our final stop was the Naperville Police Department.  They and other departments were called upon to assist when the shooting happened. We wanted to acknowledge their efforts as well. 
 
What a solemn day.

​Last fall, Regina Brent and Paul Scott met with Chief Brian King of the Hinsdale Police Department.  In that meeting, Chief King shared both his interest and his commitment to diversify the sworn ranks of his department.  Greater visibility of minority groups within departments can improve the relationship between the police and those in the community who feel marginalized and disaffected.  It is one measure of a larger commitment to changing attitudes and promoting trust.  See the attached for details about the Hinsdale PD openings.  

The IL NAACP Law Enforcement Committee led by retired Chief Robert Moore has informed us of IL State Police summer camp opportunities for students of color.  We are posting this notice to support outreach by both the NAACP and the IL State Police, and to further our effort to bridge the police and community divide. Please see the brochure below for all the details.  
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