The DeFuniak Springs Police and Walton County Sheriff’s Office participated in an “Educating Our Teens” forum held on Friday evening, December 5th, 2014. The forum was held at the DeFuniak Springs Community Center and was centered around law enforcement relationships in our community with an emphasis on teenagers in light of the tragic events that occurred in Ferguson, Missouri and New York City.
Among the organizers was Mayor Bob Campbell of DeFuniak Springs, Myles Austin with Brothers Mentoring, and local businessman Kevin Crystal. The moderator for the event was local radio station personality Art Dees. The open forum allowed the public to address issues and ask questions of local law enforcement to help strengthen the relationship with the community.
Chief Mark Weeks mentioned that the problems going on in other parts of the nation are not necessarily the ones facing our local community. A demonstration was also given showing a potential law enforcement encounter with a citizen. Leaders of both law enforcement agencies expressed their desire to be open and transparent so that the public can be confident in their men and women in blue and green. Chief Weeks feels that his “open door policy” allows for anyone with a complaint or concern to have it resolved. Sheriff Mike Adkinson was in attendance and expressed similar sentiments.
The forum lasted approximately two hours and was attended by WZEP AM 1460 Radio and WMBB Channel 13. Photos of the event are courtesy of Reporter Casey Liening with WMBB.