QUINCY, FL (WTXL) -- In light of the recent shootings involving law enforcement, two local departments are partnering up to help create some understanding.
Gadsden County Sheriff's Office and the Quincy Police Department are combining efforts to show the public why officers respond the way they do during different situations.
It's a scenario that is played out in the media in recent weeks and months involving violent interactions with police. Thursday's community gathering in Gadsden County was geared at making those interactions less tense.
Sgt. Anglie Hightower with Gadsden County Sheriff's Office says, "The Gadsden County Sheriff's Office wants to remain transparent and we want also keep the line of communication open for the public to inquire if they don't understand something that law enforcement is doing or if they are curious about something law enforcement is doing."
Deputies went through several traffic stop scenarios involving a basic traffic stop, a felony traffic stop, and pedestrian encounter. In each situation they went through the proper techniques both an officer and driver should portray.
Gadsden County Sheriff Morris Young and Quincy Police Chief Glenn Sapp remain confident they can protect and serve in a peaceful manner.
Chief Sapp believes being argumentative and disrespectful to an officer during any citation is uncalled for and shouldn't be tolerated, "When you're stopped by a police officer on the side of the street that is not the time to get into an argument on why he stopped you. We have traffic court for that, that is not the time to get into a debate as to if he is professional or not professional, you can go to the police department or the sheriff's office and they'll conduct a thorough investigation if needed to determine that."
Thursdays message is one of dialogue and transparency. The Mock scenario drill offered a chance for residents to ask questions and offer input.
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