Editor:

Recently there was a community discussion held with members of local law enforcement and citizens of Prince Edward County, which was co-sponsored by Longwood University and hosted by Longwood students. The goal of this forum was to understand the role of law enforcement and the role of citizens in the community.

Recently, a letter to the editor was published about how Longwood students didn’t preach respect and common sense (“Preach respect and common sense,” Oct. 16).

The small group discussions centered on three different activities, each of which were led by a Longwood student moderator.

Officers deserve our respect, but citizens also deserve respect. Evidence from across the country indicates that one of the most common forms of disrespect occurs when officers use foul or disrespectful language toward citizens, oftentimes during situations that are not dangerous or escalating.

Currently, trust in police is at an all-time low.

The President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing makes many recommendations regarding how to rebuild or strengthen police and community relationships. Holding discussion forums is one of the best ways of achieving that goal.

Longwood students chose not to “preach” anything. Rather, they wanted to be proactive and make a difference before something happens in a county and community that everyone loves.

Katie Baldacci

Farmville