Answers: Community Building

' A video of Cedar Rapids police officer T.J. Richardson dancing the Nae Nae with children during a Stop the Violence event in Wellington Heights has gathered tens of thousands of views online and generated reams of positive comments. What other community-building efforts have you seen between police and the public here in the Corridor? What else would you like to see?

FROM OUR INBOX

In October 2005, when the Cedar Rapids Police Department and Quota International of Cedar Rapids formed a partnership to distribute books to ‘at risk' children, the Cops ‘n' Kids Program was born in our town. This program is designed to foster a love of reading while promoting positive youth development. Books are given to children through several sub-programs by both officers and Quota members: Officer School Reading, Squad Cars (officers on patrol), Reading Corners and Neighborhood/Community events.

Our club celebrated its 75th birthday this past February. We are a non-profit organization dedicated to helping the deaf and hard of hearing, as well as disadvantaged woman and children. I like to say that we are one of the best kept secrets in town.

To date, over 40,000 books have been distributed to children in our community. But numbers really are secondary in measuring success. Seeing the look of joy on a child's face when they are told they can select a book and keep it for their very own - that is truly priceless. Thanks to the work of both organizations in making this possible.

Ramona Baldyga President

Quota International of Cedar Rapids

When Dave McLaughlin was hired as our police chief, he had a keen understanding of social media and what it could do. One of the first things Dave did was to create a Facebook page and use it as a tool to let citizens know about happenings in the community. He grew a 'following” of citizens on Facebook and also supported the community through the police department's presence in the schools, including providing police escorts for the school's band and parade events, attending the After Prom Party, and educating day care and school children about dangers. He provided homeowners with ”vacation house checks” to help ensure safety in our community. He provided treats to the Black Hawk County dispatchers during National Dispatcher's Week. In addition, he did fundraising for his department's needs.

Dave McLaughlin earned the respect of the citizens and built community in the process. He took a different job this past year; however, I feel our community is better because of the community-building efforts he did while he was our police chief.

Frances K.

Gilbertville

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FROM FACEBOOOK

Mollie S.: More mental health training and relearn their job. The police are there 'to protect and serve”. I've never had a problem with the police but I see how they've treated others and its abysmal.

Erika J.: A police officer should not automatically assume a driver is drunk - especially when stopping them for a blown bulb - or be threatening before speaking to the person in the car. One officer told my child to shut up because she was crying. I am certain police personnel are inundated with belligerent, rude, and disrespectful people. But many people are grateful, and understand they are just doing their job. I am one. I believe some people should be more respectful, but it goes both ways.

Kevin J.: Mental health issues training would help. I was regarded with suspicion during a police stop because my social anxiety makes it hard for me to make eye contact, especially with intimidating figures. But police have been understanding mostly of my mental health issues, thank God.

Bob W.: It's up to all of us to make it work, starting with respect for the police, who are there to help you and possibly save your life someday.