Tacoma police officers welcomed feedback about policing from Stadium High School students Wednesday.
The discussion centered on contacts between the police and minorities, particularly African-American males.
“Speaking as a person of color, it hits home,” said one of the moderators, Lizette Harris. She helped lead the discussion organized by Project PEACE, a community group launched by the city in 2015.
“It’s definitely a positive experience to be a part of this because you get to see both sides, not seeing the police as an organization,” said Che Rogers, a Stadium High School senior and student moderator. “You get to see the officers individually, so it’s more of a personal contact, which makes it easier to have a conversation.”
Tacoma’s assistant police chief, Ed Wade, said the students’ voices add a unique perspective.
“We have to get your input and so that’s what these dialogues are all about,” he told the students.