For our research we
conducted interviews in
the Spring of 2014 with
an array of community
leaders, law
enforcement officials,
and other community
members.
Researchers:
Zack Bassage
Benny Calderon
Matt Cragg
Donna Davenport
Molly Doris-Pierce
Four students and the professor from SJSP 101, Community-Based Research: Intro
to Engaged Scholarship, initiated a community-based research project in late
March, which investigated the current standing of the Geneva Community
Compact, drawn up in March 2012 between The Geneva Police Department (GPD)
and The City of Geneva. Our investigation comprises a series of interviews with
Geneva community leaders, college students and teens of color, and HWS staff
associated with the Compact. The end result will be a report to the Compact's
constituencies, summarizing the interviews and making primary
recommendations to the GPD, as well as to community organizations in Geneva,
including HWS Colleges.
Nine aspects of the community were represented on the 2012 Compact: Geneva
Human Rights Commission, NAACP (Geneva Chapter), African-American Men's
Association, City Council, Courtyard Apartments Tenant Association, the Faith
Community, Concerned Citizens of Geneva, former Mayor of Geneva, Geneva
Police Department
City Progress:
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5.
The Citizen Police Academy occurred once, but has not
happened since its inception. The second academy was
cancelled due to low enrollment. Chief Trickler is interested
in continuing to try to re-establish the academy.
Reports indicate that the citizen complaint process has been
improved. Complaint forms can be downloaded from the city
of Geneva’s website.
A representative from the Department of Justice, Linda Ortiz,
facilitated cultural sensitivity and awareness seminars for city
representatives and the Geneva Police Department.
Some reports say that response time on behalf of the GPD
improved, but that this improvement was short-lived.
The Civil Service Exam has tied the hands of the GPD in its
hiring practices.
1.
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There is little evidence to suggest
progress has been made to recruit more
African Americans for civil servant
positions in Geneva.
With a budget cut in 2012, the actions of
the Geneva Human Rights Commission
have been severely limited, but the
commission continues under the
leadership of Richard Thomas.
The Compact’s Steering Committee met
for approximately 18 months and no longer
meets.
Our recommendations for the Geneva Police
Department will feature enhanced
communication, visibility, diversity, and
training.
While the GPD has a lot of work to do, we
also recognize that it is essential that the
Geneva community meet the Department
half way through dialogue and collaboration.
Only a true partnership of the community
and GPD will lead to the fulfillment of the
Geneva Community Compact’s goals.