Local youth and police aim to find common ground amidst national civil unrest

SALINAS, Calif. (KION)

Local high school students organized a one of a kind virtual gathering with members of the Salinas Police Department to address ongoing national protests, calling for the defunding of police.

Students say their goal is to have an understanding of how law enforcement works while police say their objective is to educate while building a closer relationship with the community.

Salinas Police Chief Adele Fresé says events and programs created to allow the community to engage with police officers personally have been impacted and put on hold due to the ongoing pandemic.

One student who helped organize the virtual meeting is North Salinas High School senior, Michael Ndubisi, who says he is a passionate advocate for community and police reform.

Ndubisi says more than 60 students joined the meeting to address what they call a deep divide between law enforcement and citizens, as seen in protests happening across the country.

“Every great movement has always started with conversation whether it’s a civil rights movement in the 60s, the women’s movement in the 20s, throughout history, people talked," says Ndubisi.

The students and officers addressed topics including racial bias, police training and concerns some community members have about how much funding is given to local police.

“It’s not just disturbing, it is heartbreaking to see how some communities are responding this, even our history is being rewritten," says Adele Fresé, Salinas Police Chief.

Chief Fresé argues many people are misinformed about law enforcement, but says dialogues like these are a key component in their efforts to work with he younger generation.

“Right now it’s all national narrative, and now these teachers that they’re learning from about this whole different perspective on policing and our role, they just want to be part of the conversation and we value that," says Chief Fresé.

The students say sending a positive message nation wide starts in their very own neighborhoods.

“This is the first of its kind in our city but it can’t be the last, this conversation has to continue long after it ends and it is really important that youth lead this movement," says Ndubisi.

Salinas Police say programs and events will be put on hold due to pandemic restrictions, but they will continue to engage virtually.

They also say anyone who has concerns or suggestions for change can reach out on their forums.

For more information, visit https://www.salinaspd.com/