Focus 21st Century Minority Leadership to host public safety forum

To improve transparency between citizens and local law enforcement, the Focus 21st Century Minority Leadership Program is hosting its Safe Streets in a Strong Community Public Forum.

Focus 21st is a program in Christian County that hosts leadership development classes for those in local minority groups. Each class is responsible for putting together a community focused event and decided to spotlight public safety.

Focus 21st President Verdell Smith says public safety has been a hot topic and they wanted to host a public forum to clear any misinformation and strengthen trust between residents and law enforcement.

The forum will have a panel composed of Hopkinsville Police Chief Jason Newby, Christian County Sheriff Tyler DeArmond and Christian County Public Schools Director of Student Services Dr. Kim Stevenson. Smith says the trio will discuss recent crime and safety trends, and he encourages folks to come with questions concerning public safety.

The forum is set for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on February 10 at the Christian County Senior Citizens Center at 1402 West 7th Street. Before the forum gets underway, refreshments will be served.