WARREN Officials report progress in race relations talks

The U.S. Justice Department has been part of discussions.
By AMANDA C. DAVIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- The city and two groups fighting to improve race relations in Warren have come to an understanding.
Officials announced this week there has been progress in talks with Warren Minority Coalition and the Warren-Trumbull chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
The coalition includes representatives from the public, Warren-Trumbull Urban League, the local Ministerial Alliance and the A. Philip Randolph Institute.
A representative with the U.S. Justice Department has been in town on occasion since meetings began in July, trying to improve relations.
Meetings were prompted by allegations of racial profiling and use of excessive force by the police.
The city and two groups agree that a committee will work to recruit more minorities and women for the police department.
Developing training: Cathy Bercheni, the city's Equal Opportunity Coordinator, is working with police to develop a training program promoting cultural diversity and sensitivity training.
Officials say it's their goal that all Warren officers attend the training by the end of the year. It will start in April.
Suggestions have been made by police officers to educate citizens and students about how to react when approached by police, and to rid them of their fear of filing complaints against officers.
Police Chief John Mandopoulos has invited the two groups to ride along with officers of their choice to observe day-to-day operations.
Changes are also being made to enhance the citizen complaint process in regard to alleged officer misconduct.
Mandopoulos is asking that the NAACP and other organizations bring concerns to him or the administration before voicing them at city council meetings.
The city and two organizations concluded that a mutual effort will be made to meet again in the future and to implement all of the suggestions addressed during meetings.
davis@vindy.com