HPCAC to host March 14 public forum on interacting with police

Published on March 1, 2023

Huntsville Police want to ensure our citizens know how to interact with a police officer if they’re stopped or encounter one in the community. Doing so makes any experience with officers less stressful and safer for everyone involved.

The Huntsville Police Citizens Advisory Council (HPCAC) is partnering with the Huntsville Police Department to host a community forum Tuesday, March 14, at 5:30 p.m. on tips for handling police encounters. The event, which will take place at the North Huntsville Public Library, 3011 Sparkman Drive, will also offer roundtable discussions with the public, HPD officers and members of the HPCAC.

“Knowing what to do during a police encounter is critical for everyone’s safety and well-being,” said Huntsville Police Chief Kirk Giles. “Although it might be inconvenient or frustrating, officers have a number of reasons why they might stop you. We hope you attend this forum to learn more about how to safely and calmly engage during an interaction.”

The HPCAC serves to promote productive police and community interaction and foster mutual trust by assisting the police in achieving a greater understanding of the complex social fabric of the community. The HPCAC brings a citizen’s perspective on the policies and procedures of law enforcement and helps advise on a variety of topics, including diversity, recruitment, training and discipline.

HPCAC Chair Jonathan Rossow said the March forum is a great opportunity to participate in thoughtful dialogue with HPD, learn something new and provide feedback for future police operations.

“Education is an important component of the HPCAC,” he said. “We hope the community comes out March 14 to better understand common reasons for routine police stops and how to handle the encounter.”

For more information on the HPCAC, visit their webpage.