BRATTLEBORO — Conversations with retired New York City police officer Jose Maldonado Jr. were one of the many things that inspired Patrina Lingard to organize a discussion on policing set for July 27 in Brattleboro.
The discussion starts at 5 p.m., at the River Garden. The discussion will last two hours, followed by 30 minutes for mingling. Panel members include Maldonado, Ken Williams, Ed.D., the interim dean at the School for International Training, Police Chief Michael Fitzgerald, Dan Davis, Esq., Orlando Alvarez, Darah Kehnemuyi of the Brattleboro Community Justice Center, and Sgt. Andy Todd of the Vermont State Police.
The event is sponsored by the Brattleboro Police Department, Brattleboro Community Justice Center, Lingard Group, LLC, and Brattleboro Area Interfaith Initiative.
Lingard said her conversations with Maldonado were “dynamic.” He shared with Lingard insights on how policing changed over the years and what he learned on the job.
Lingard said that as an African-American woman with two sons, she wondered how the Brattleboro police interacted with them. Her boys told her their interactions were always friendly.
Lingard operates the advocacy organization Lingard Group LLC, and has worked for the State's Attorney's office.
One of the goals of the July 27 discussion is to “create strategies for prevention” instead of intervention. The panel also aims to dispel any misconceptions and address any community concerns.
This is an opportunity to implement proactive measures where community members feel heard “as opposed to reactive actions,” she said.
“It's about bridging the gap so none of the things that are happening nationally, happen locally,” Lingard said.
She hopes community members arrive with written questions and concerns for the seven-member panel about how policing affects their community. Lingard, as moderator, will read the questions.
Come with an open mind and open heart, she said. She looks forward to a respectful and open dialog.
Lingard said the panel will focus on the impact of policing on a community as a whole, not only on race.
Police officers interact with so many people, she said, including those who are homeless or dealing with a mental health crisis.
“There are so many avenues that absolutely have to be discussed,” she said.
Race and policing is one slice of the larger pie, Lingard added. It is an important component but she hopes that the community discussion will include all aspects of the community and policing.
Lingard said Brattleboro is a lucky community.
Brattleboro Police Chief Michael Fitzgerald is “an outstanding man” and “an outstanding chief of police,” Lingard said.
His work doesn't get enough credit, she said.
In Lingard's opinion, Fitzgerald is building a proactive department that holds its officers accountable.