Video: COP Committee Tackles Issues During Meeting

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – Committees in Tupelo continue their meetings in an effort to rebuild trust between the police and the community.

Members of the “Community Oriented Policing” committee met at city hall.  The group is charged with finding more ways for police to be actively involved in communities throughout the city.

Six committees were formed in the wake of the shooting of Ronnie Shumpert by a Tupelo Police officer, after some citizens said various issues needed to be addressed.

“I don’t want it to be a mayor led program, I want it to be a citizen led program, but I think the meetings, even when they have been a little heated and a little passionate, have been very productive and we’re getting a broad range of viewpoints,” said Tupelo Mayor Jason Shelton.

“Whatever is going on in our community affects all of us, it’s not a one person or a one community issue, it’s all of our issues and we have to come together, put our cards on the table and discuss the issues at hand and do what we can to bring healing and deliverance to our community,” said Dr. Stevie McKinney, pastor of People’s Community Baptist Church.

All committees have a November 1st deadline to bring their recommendations before the Tupelo City Council.