21st Century Policing: Big Job, Big Questions

Issues That Matter public forum
7 p.m. July 30, 2015
Oak Harbor Library

In recent years, we have seen an increase in confrontations between police and civilians, many of which have made regional and national headlines. Police are using technologically advanced tools, which can present big questions. For example: When is the use of deadly force appropriate? Are police forces becoming overly militarized? Are officers adequately trained in the use of non-lethal force? What are the pros and cons of officers’ body cameras? A panel of police, government and legal experts will address these and other matters related to police-community relations, and will respond to questions from the audience. The event will be co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Whidbey Island.

Panelists: Greg Banks, Island County prosecutor; Mark Brown, Island County sheriff; Ray Heltsley, law enforcement instructor at Skagit Valley College and retired police officer; and Chris Carney, attorney representing the American Civil Liberties Union Moderator: Dr. Marshall Goldberg.

Click here for event photos.

Watch the discussion

Selected Resources

• Everyday Democracy
  Everyday Democracy is a project of The Paul J. Aicher Foundation, a private operating foundation dedicated to strengthening deliberative democracy and improving the quality of public life in the United States.
• National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund
  Founded in 1984, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund is dedicated to honoring and remembering the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers in the United States.
• Police & Community Relations
  Communities rely on police departments to "protect and serve" and the police, in turn, rely on community support and cooperation, but the relationship is not always harmonious. RAND researchers have examined the relationships between law enforcement agencies and their communities in several countries.
• Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial
  The Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial, located in Olympia, commemorates the lives, work and dedication of officers who have died in service to our state.

Research*

• Military & Government Collection

  A thorough collection of periodicals and academic journals offering current news pertaining to all branches of the military and government—full text for nearly 300 journals and abstracts for nearly 400 titles.

• Opposing Viewpoints in Context
  Point-of-view articles, topic overviews, statistics, primary documents, and full-text magazine and newspaper articles on current events and issues of controversy. Content is aligned with WA State Curriculum standards for middle and high school, check 'Curriculum Standards' within resource for further details.
• U.S. History in Context
  Full text documents, reference articles, and journals covering United States history from pre-colonial times to the present. Content is aligned with WA State Curriculum standards for middle and high school, check ‘Curriculum Standards' within resource for further details.

*Research sites require a library card for users not accessing from Sno-Isle Libraries.