- Interactive community event with local police on July 21, 2020.
- Experience simulations of police encounters as pedestrian, cyclist, or motorist to learn what to do when stopped.
FABB encourages our Mount Vernon District friends and other interested citizens to attend a special community-police interactive activity hosted by the New Gum Springs Civic Association and Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) this Tuesday, July 21.
The meeting will focus on what individuals should do if stopped by the police and what attitude police officers should take in dealing with stopped individuals. Gum Springs, the oldest African-American community in Fairfax County, recently experienced an incident of excessive use of force that resulted in criminal charges against a police officer, and local residents have requested this meeting with the FCPD.
The meeting will provide attendees an opportunity to experience simulated encounters with police under various scenarios. There will be demonstrations showing how citizens and law enforcement can de-escalate tension arising from a stop. Attendees may participate as a pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorist having an interaction with the FCPD.
The event is this Tuesday, July 21, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Harvest Assembly Baptist Church, 8008 Fordson Road. It is intended for youths, adults, and parents and guardians.
Registration is not required, but registrants will be given priority over others for participating in the stop scenarios. You can register through the Gum Springs community website here.
