Spotlight on Use of Force by Police [TOWNSQUARE SUNDAY]

The Mayor's Commission on Use of Force by New Bedford Police has held one public meeting, but many in the community say one meeting is not enough.

The commission meeting, chaired by Councilor-at-Large Brian Gomes, was held on Zoom on August 26. The commission was criticized for not doing a better job of publicizing the meeting, ignoring people who speak other languages, and limiting the discussion to the department's use of force policies.

One participant called for a series of meetings around the city, to be held in local schools, where commission members could gather information for further review.

Dr. LaSella Hall, President of the New Bedford Branch of the NAACP, attended the first commission meeting, and he's in favor of a wider discussion on the issues. He spoke this week in an extended conversation on Townsquare Sunday.

Townsquare Sunday is a weekly public affairs program that highlights individuals and organizations working to make the SouthCoast a better place to live. The program can be heard every Sunday at 6 a.m. on 1420 WBSM.

If you would like to highlight your organization on Townsquare Sunday, please e-mail the host at jim.phillips@townsquaremedia.com.