Recent events in Ferguson, Missouri, and across the country have prompted nation-wide discussions on police use of force. Mount Mercy University’s criminal justice program is hosting a community conversation with local law officials to educate Eastern Iowa on use of force procedures in Linn County.
“From the Rodney King beating a generation ago, to the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson this summer, the public wants to know where we draw the line on police use of force,” said Deb Brydon, associate professor of criminal justice at Mount Mercy. “We hope our panel discussion will offer an outlet for this community to understand use of force policies and procedures on a local level in Cedar Rapids and Linn County.”
KCRG news anchor Beth Malicki will moderate panelists Wayne Jerman, Cedar Rapids chief of police; Brian Gardner, Linn County sheriff; and Jerry Vander Sanden, Linn County attorney.
Topics for discussion may include use of force laws, deadly force, officer trainings, and procedures on officer-involved shootings. Attendees will also have an opportunity to ask questions regarding use of force to Chief Jerman, Sheriff Gardner and Attorney Vander Sanden.
The police use of force panel will take place Tuesday, Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. in Betty Cherry Heritage Hall on Mount Mercy University’s campus. An information session on Mount Mercy’s Master of Arts in Criminal Justice program is also scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 7 in Basile Hall’s Flaherty Community Room. Attendees are welcome at both events.