Program - CPAC Community Symposium Oct 2014
COMMUNITY SYMPOSIUM ON A
CIVILIAN POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY COUNCIL
Called by: The Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression
Hosted by: Trinity United Church of Christ
Thursday October 16, 2014 at 11am
400 W. 95th Street, Chicago, IL 60628
PROGRAM
11.00a – 12.30p
Introduction:
A Civilian Police Accountability Council: What is it and Why Do We Need it
by Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (CAARPR) members
Followed by questions and discussion
Presentations by Community/Organization members
Followed by breakout groups
12.30p – 2.00p
Presentations by Community/Organization members
Followed by breakout groups
Plenary session on action proposals
LIGHT REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED AT THE EVENT
PRESENTATION DETAILS:
11.00a – 12.30p
Intro by CAARPR:
· Our community has a long history of Racial Profiling, Police Brutality, Murder, and Torture, that can only be meaningfully addressed by a Civilian Police Accountability Council.
Discussion Leader: Frank Chapman, Field Organizer, CAARPR
· The critical aspect of supporting legislation to establish an ELECTED Civilian Police Accountability Council to address all aspects of police misconduct. Discussion Leader: Attorney Larry Redmond, CAARPR member
Presentations by Community/Organization members:
· The challenge of Arab American profiling by police and the Arab Community’s call for of an elected Civilian Police Accountability Council, empowering the people to hold our police accountable. Discussion Leaders: TBD
Why the Committee Against FBI Repression supports the struggle to empower the people to hold the police accountable. Discussion Leader: Joe Iosbaker
· Issues faced by predominately Spanish-speaking communities when encountering police in Chicago, including crucial aspect of having access to legal council upon detention or arrest by CPD. Organizing experience in North Lawndale reveals, urgency to push for the access to phone calls to obtain the free attorneys FDLA offers when arrested by CPD and, the importance of attending to current needs of communities subjected to police abuse in the fight to hold CPD accountable.
Discussion Leader: Alma Montes, First Defense legal Aid (FDLA)
12.30p – 2.00p
Presentations by Community/Organization members:
· Votes – the vital component for legislative pressure – and the need for community based voter registration and education campaign in support of CPACs in Chicago and Cook County. Discussion Leaders: TBD
· Support from the faith community on police reforms, including demilitarization, increased diversity, and civilian/community accountability, as we seek safer communities.
Discussion Leaders: Trinity Representative TBD
· Extending the fight for police accountability, and CPAC as the solution, to the international community through the United Nations, as framed as a Human Rights issued by Black People Against Torture and the Chicago Human Rights community.
Discussion Leaders: Stan Willis and Crista Noel
· Summary: Historical importance of support for an elected Civilian Police Accountability Council: Trinity UCC representative TBD