Marion Police Department hosts film on police-community relations

MARION - The Marion Police Department hosts a screening of the documentary film 'Uncommon Allies” at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Lecture Hall at Linn-Mar High School, 3111 N. 10th St., Marion.

The film provides a glimpse into the struggles of a Midwest city dealing with the realities of high crime, homicide and a need to adapt evidence-based police strategies to improve community relations. The film shares the story of Rosilyn Temple, who in the wake and devastation of her son's murder, turned a personal search for justice into a life-changing community call to action.

Temple, and others with the Kansas City chapter of Mothers in Charge, plan to take part in the event, which also includes a panel discussion with representatives of the Marion Police Department, students from the Linn-Mar Accountability Leadership and Opportunity organization and community leaders.

Marion Police Chief Joseph McHale had the opportunity to work with Temple during his career with the Kansas City Police Department.

'Rosilyn is part of an exclusive group whose members have all lost children to homicide,” said McHale. 'While she and others continue the fight against homicide and gun violence in their community, we can learn from their powerful example about the importance of fostering two-way relationships and have a meaningful conversation about how it translates to Marion and the region.”

The film contains mature content and is not intended for young children.

For more information or to RSVP - which is not required, but requested - go to cityofmarion.org.