DV Journal

(From a press release)

The Race for Peace Committee hosted its ninth annual law enforcement meet and greet event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 10th at the King of Prussia Mall.

Police departments from Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties and Philadelphia came together to meet and greet people, and promote peace between police officers and civilians.

The Race for Peace Committee is made up of law enforcement, politicians, clergy from many faiths, community leaders and citizens from all walks of life, working together to bring peace to the community.

Its main goals are having ongoing and continuous dialogue with communities and the police, working with police and seniors, creating peace and harmonious relations between police and members of communities, and promoting excellence in police officer training.

“These events will always be applicable because police and community outreach is an important component to have in all cases. Interactions of trust and respect of one another is major because it may lead to reducing crime rates. When police approach the neighborhoods more substantial results may occur to address local issues because of their participation through community oriented events. Having a good understanding of police and what they do is needed from youth to adults,” said Race for Peace Committee Activist/Advocate Alim Howell.

The Upper Merion Township Police Department helps the Race for Peace Committee plan and coordinate with the meet and greet event yearly.

The Upper Merion Township Police Department is an accredited police agency committed to the following objectives that allow them to be a premier law enforcement agency in the region: problem solving and accountability, professionalism of policing, building trust and legitimacy, critical incident preparedness, community connections. The department strives to keep crime rates down while continuing to build the public’s trust. Ultimately they are committed to keeping residents and visitors safe while achieving and maintaining a superior quality of life within the community.

“We say thank you to all police departments, the community, and Race for Peace for continuing to bring law enforcement and the community together,” said Upper Merion Township Police Lieutenant Jeff Maurer.

Simon Property Group Marketing Director Todd Putt. said, “I definitely support the mission and event. In the past years I have been in direct contact with the Upper Merion Township about this event for arrangement efforts.

The organization has a few events annually. Each event is focused on providing citizens in neighborhoods a chance to participate in a meaningful conversation, get involved in activities with a cop in a safe space, without any doubt or fear.

“This is always a good and informative event which brings together law enforcement. Usually departments from several municipalities are present with residents, resources, and community organizations in an informal setting,” said Upper Merion Township Supervisor Greg Waks.

“Every event we have we want to make it unforgettable. Having all different departments here at once is historic. Our organization will keep going strong to make an impact on all people who may not have such a bright outlook on law enforcement. We also want any person to be involved with Race for Peace as it is vital for everyone,” said Race for Peace Committee Founder Andrew Howell.

(From a press release.)

In many cases, when you say or think of the word police, negative thoughts come to mind. But at the same time, some thoughts are contemplating protection and positive thoughts that come to a person’s mindset as well. The definition of police is the civil force of a national or local government, responsible for preventing and detecting crime and maintaining public order.

“Police officers are trained to keep the peace and ensure safety worldwide. People are also entitled to their own opinions and beliefs about the police. But our Race for Peace events are always positive for police to show their good side, not their demanding side of the law,” said Lim Howell, Race for Peace Committee activist and advocate Alim Howell.

On Saturday, May 11th, the Race for Peace Committee will host its 8th Meet and Greet event outside the King of Prussia Mall Neiman Marcus Store at 170 North Gulph Road in King of Prussia from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. This  event will be for police officers from southeastern Pennsylvania to come together for a day of fun, conversation, coffee, and karaoke with consumers entering the mall. Community resources plus business table set-ups will also be available at the meet and greet event.

“We want shoppers entering or leaving the mall to come, and please join us as we celebrate our eighth traditional annual meet and greet. Our organization wants the children and senior citizens to feel comfortable with police presence and not have a bad attitude towards police,” said Race for Peace founder Andrew Howell.

The police departments that have participated in the Race for Peace Committee meet and greet events in the past eight years have been Upper Merion, Lower Merion, Radnor, Haverford, Upper Darby, Tredyffrin, Bensalem, Upper Moreland, Bridgeport, and the City of Philadelphia. The Pennsylvania State Police, along with the Septa Transit Police, have also been present and participated in the event.

The committee hopes that people going in or out of the mall will stop and talk with the police officers at the event. Civilians are encouraged to speak about anything that they want in a fun, less judgmental, and more family-friendly environment.

Founder of the Philadelphia youth organization Urban Navigation Youth 4 Peace Initiative Don Jackson shared his thoughts on the Race for Peace meet and greet event, saying, “At past events, I had a few of my motorcycle dirt bikes to be on display. It was a good sight to see the youth on them posing for pictures. Bikes in my opinion are universal. Also, the cops in attendance had a lot of good insight on what they do in their field and why they do certain actions”.

Co-founder of Urban Navigation Hameen Diggins added, “It is good to see cops, youth, and adults altogether engaging in a positive way and in a non-negative manner. Too many scenarios are with police and people of our culture “black or brown people” having negative altercations between one another. This event demonstrates the complete opposite”.

For more information about the upcoming event, visit the Race for Peace Committee’s Facebook page.