Gastonia Police host outreach event for Hispanic population
The third largest racial demographic in Gastonia consists of folks of Hispanic or Latino origin. Combined they make up a bloc of thousands of people spanning multiple generations and despite their prevalence, they have not always had the best relationship with members of law enforcement.
That is something that the Gastonia Police Department is looking to address and change. And the first steps were lively ones. On Saturday members of the Gastonia Police Department hosted a get-together with members of the city s Latinx community.
The event, held at Rotary Pavilion, allowed community members to meet with Spanish-speaking members of the police departments in Gastonia and Charlotte. During the event, residents also spoke with department administrators about their experiences with police and concerns they may have in their community.
Hispanic Gastonia Police officers are reaching out to the Spanish-speaking community.
The officers plan to hold a community event from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 17, at the Rotary Pavilion, 111 N. South St. We are always working to build trust and create positive relationships in our community with the people we serve, said Capt. Nancy Brogdon, the highest-ranking woman on the force of Hispanic descent. If someone is a victim of crime, we want that reported to police. Also, we want to share knowledge about community resources.
Police operate differently within different countries and Brogdon wants the Spanish-speaking community to understand that Gastonia officers are here to serve them.