Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson to hold important first 2015 meeting for the Richmond Gateway 6th Voter District to discuss Community Policing and Alternatives to Incarceration

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305 - Richmond, Virginia 23219 U.S.A. - www.council.richmondva.gov COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS RELEASE IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED Thursday, 29 January 2015 Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson to hold important first 2015 meeting for the Richmond Gateway 6th Voter District to discuss Community Policing and Alternatives to Incarceration All Richmond Gateway 6th Voter District residents invited and encouraged to attend WHAT (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) - The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Richmond Gateway 6th Voter District, will hold a district-wide meeting for the Richmond Gateway 6th Voter District. The planned program for this meeting is to discuss Community Policing and Alternatives to Incarceration. “Recent events here in the City, as well as around the country, have underscored the importance of collaborative relationships between our local police department and the communities it serves,” says The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Richmond Gateway 6th Voter District. “It is important that we have honest dialogue as we work to build trust, improve community and police relationships, and eradicate racial and socioeconomic disparities for a more stable, stronger and safer City.” “The City’s alternatives to incarceration initiative, an offshoot of the City’s Anti-Poverty Commission, is a critical component in addressing not only racial and economic disparities in the City, but also positive relationships between the community and law enforcement officials,” says Councilwoman Robertson, who also chairs the Mayor’s Anti-Poverty Commission. “Mass incarceration is one of the greatest Civil Rights issues of our time,” says Councilwoman Robertson. “In Virginia, there are more than 38,000 prison inmates. One of every 89 adults is incarcerated. In addition, the make-up of prison admissions has shifted towards less serious offenses. Nearly 6 in 10 persons in State prisons for a drug offense have no history of violence or significant selling activity. More individuals are being arrested for non-violent offenses than ever before. In the face of these alarming trends, we know we’ve got to find a better way to ensure the continued economic vibrancy of this region.” The planned agenda for this meeting includes the following: • Col. Ray Tarasovic, Chief of Police, Richmond Police Department “Blue Light” - How to keep it safe and build community-police relationships • The Honorable Levar Stoney, Secretary of the Commonwealth of Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe’s goal to restore Voting Rights to thousands of Virginians • Mr. Rufus Fleming, Director, Richmond Department of Justice Services Alternatives to Incarceration, Decreasing the Jail Population • Followed by a reception to honor Col. Ray Tarasovic, Chief of Police Richmond Police Department for his dedicated service to Richmond. Exhibitors: Drug Rehabilitation Services Mental Health Services Jobs and Career Workforce Centers This is part of the regular meetings Councilwoman Robertson typically holds each month, which include information on her Richmond Gateway 6th Voter District goals and accomplishments; thematic agendas of current interest; and, special guests. These meetings are free and open to the public and all Richmond Gateway 6th Voter District residents are invited and encouraged to attend. Free refreshments will be served. WHEN Saturday, January 31, 2015 12:30-2:00 p.m. WHERE Bon Secours Washington Football Training Camp 2401 West Leigh Street; Richmond, Virginia 23220 CONTACT For more information, please contact Michael Winborne, Liaison for The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Richmond Gateway 6th Voter District, at 804.646.7964 (tel), or michael.winborne@richmondgov.com (email) - E N D - ______________________________________________________________ Steve Skinner Council Public Information Manager RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL OFFICE OF THE COUNCIL CHIEF OF STAFF Richmond City Hall 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305 Richmond, Virginia 23219 U.S.A. 804.646.6052 (office) 804.335.4054 (mobile) 804.937.1386 (home/mobile) 804.646.5468 (fax) steven.skinner@richmondgov.com (email) www.council.richmondva.gov(website) www.facebook.com/RichmondCityCouncilVirginiaUSA (facebook) ______________________________________________________________ MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council is to represent citizens in creating and amending local laws, providing government policy and oversight, and approving the city budget. VISION Richmond City Council is committed to creating a vibrant community that is a great place to live, work, learn, play, visit and raise a family.