Video: Tough Issues Tackled During Police Presentation At African American Church

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – Although the traffic stop happened years ago, Deputy Police Chief Allan Gilbert will never forget the young man in the back seat of the car, who acted like he was hiding something in his hand.

After repeatedly ordering the teen to show his hands, the young man made a move.

Deputy Chief Gilbert opened his presentation at the Temple of Compassion and Deliverance with the real life story, to show the potential dangers police face on a daily basis.

Bishop Clarence Parks brought Gilbert in to talk n an effort to bridge the gap between police and the African American community.

“The only thing that pulls down falsehoods, is people coming together, giving information about one another, when you sit down and talk to people, you get a different point of view about a person than what somebody said about them,” Bishop Parks said.

Parks and Gilbert spent part of the program speaking but more time just listening.

The deputy chief says he appreciates Bishop Parks reaching out to him and opening the lines of communication.

“Building that relationship where we know each other, where we can pick up the phone and say, how can you help in the community , how can I help, and a lot of times I don’t see things the way he sees them, and I want to be able to answer those questions,” Gilbert said.

When the presentation and discussion wrapped, the young people were able to see a patrol unit, up close.

Students say they learned a lot about police work, and life skills.

“They’re all not bad and they’re here to help us and stuff,” said Drew Green.

“I learned about integrity, it is always good to do great things when somebody is watching you but it’s even better when somebody is not watching you,” said Chloe Long.

The goal from everyone involved is to have productive discussions and community events in the future.

The presentation was held in conjunction with the annual conference for “Outstretched Hands International Ministries of Christ,” which is based at TCD.