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CMPD trains officers to better interact with demonstrators

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is implementing new training to better prepare officers on how to interact with demonstrators.

This comes two months after the violent protesters erupted in uptown Charlotte after an officer shot and killed Keith Lamont Scott.

“The officers that are working on those lines where they're holding their positions,” Major Mike Campagna said. “They really can't have conversations with people, that's interpreted as being apathetic.”

Campagna started training 50 officers on CMPD’s new Constructive Conversation Team, teaching them not to be afraid to engage with protesters, how to answer their questions and listen to their concerns

“You think about the protests, people want to be heard,” Campagna said.

The lessons also stem from Campagna's experience this summer, discussing how to break down stereotypes with peaceful protesters like Tony Wright who said the experience changed his perception of police.

He believes the new team could help violent protests be a part of Charlotte's past.

“No, we're not always going to get along and no everything isn't always going to be peachy and perfect,” Wright said. “At least if we have people who understand where we're coming from and we understand where they're coming from, it'll be easier for us to sit down and have a real conversation.”

Campagna said officers from detectives to patrol volunteered for the Constructive Conversation Training and hopes the advice on how to interact can be used every day, not just during times of crisis.

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