City leaders, community discuss police relations

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — City leaders and CMPD are trying to figure out how to bridge the gap where the Charlotte community is divided.

A three-part series began Thursday night called “Bridging the Difference.”

Eyewitness News anchor Brittney Johnson co-moderated the event.

The night started with questions to a panel, which included CMPD Chief Kerr Putney, community organizers and a civil rights leader.

“I'm impressed by the way people are being genuine,” Putney said. “There are some confrontational parts of it, but we're doing it in a conversational manner, which is what we hoped we'd accomplish.”

Some of the questions asked how people perceive the police and if they support officers.

The goal was to find common ground among people already in Charlotte, especially before the city hosts major events, like the Republican National Convention in 2020.

[Leaders push for community involvement in RNC safety plans]

“Until we see different people in the room, we're going to see the same results,” participant Blanche Penn said.

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