Senator James Sanders Jr. (D-Rochdale Village) hosted a community meeting on Saturday evening in Jamaica to discuss the recent civilian shootings by police which took place in Minnesota and Louisiana as well as the assassination of five police officers in Dallas, whom were allegedly targeted in retaliation. The event was aimed at bringing the community together, allowing residents to vent their frustrations and giving attendees the opportunity to propose changes that they would like to see implemented. “All across the country, people are having these conversations,” Sanders said. “There are no easy solutions. Unity is process. It’s not something that can be turned on and off like a light switch. I have committed myself to this long struggle.” Sanders also said that violent incidents between the police and communities of color are not new, but the cameras are new, alluding to the fact that the killings of Philando Castile and Alton Sterling were both captured on video. The same is also true of other recent incidents including the deaths of Eric Garner and Walter Scott. While Sanders condemned the killings of the police officers in Dallas, he said he was not shocked by what had taken place. “If you take a pot, fill it with water, put it on the stove, turn the heat on, put a lid on that pot and don’t do anything about it, that pot will explode,” Sanders explained. “It’s science, it’s not craziness. That type of shooting does not aid our struggle, however I don’t understand why anyone would be surprised by it. We cannot ask these youth to be humiliated and expect them not to do anything. They may do the wrong thing, but they are going to do something. It falls upon us as leaders to show them a better way.” Sanders called for the police to clean up their ranks and out those among them who are racist. “If you say that many cops are good, then turn in the ones who are bad. You know better than anyone who’s a racist in your midst. Don’t let that blue wall of silence separate us from good policing. Everyone here is willing to be a good citizen. If you know that one of your fellows are racist or breaking the law and you are silent, then you’re not a good cop either.” There were many suggestions from attendees on how to stop the illegal killing of civilians by police. Dr. Linda Guillebeaux of Rochdale Village blamed the crimes on an “uneducated and miseducated” police force. She said guilty officers should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law rather than receiving, what she categorized, as a slap on the wrist. She added that police training should include a curriculum of inclusion, one that emphasizes respect for all cultures and races. Others believed more community involvement is necessary to create change and advised that residents attend their local police precinct community council meetings, so that conversations with police are continuous and consistent and that problems or concerns are reported right away. Additional ideas included advocating for greater input in the creation of policy, such as having a say as to what is contained in the NYPD's Patrol Guide. Some attendees said it was important to educate the community so that they know their legal rights, understand the law and can file appropriate complaints against law enforcement when necessary.
There was support for the police to wear body cameras, though it was mentioned that the footage should be monitored by an independent entity so that it could not be tampered with or altered. Some called for support of the Right to Know Act, legislation that requires police to identify themselves to those whom they interact with, and prevents searches without probable cause or a warrant. “It’s time for everybody to get involved,” said Jazmine Outlaw, president of the 101stPrecinct Community Council and member coordinator with the Rockaway Youth Task Force. “It’s time for everybody to make a difference. I’m not saying you have to be the next Martin Luther King or Malcolm X, but everybody can do something.” Dozens of residents, including community leaders, elected officials, clergy and youth attended the three-hour meeting which was held at LIFE Camp headquarters on Sutphin Boulevard. The organization co-sponsored the event along with 100 Suits for 100 Men and the Rockaway Youth Task Force. Senator Sanders plans to hold more such meetings in different parts of his district. | 
