North County Churches Uniting (NCCU)

Taking Action to Address Social Problems

North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice’s “Discussion and Solutions Committee” reports progress in bringing the police and African-American community together.  This group, organized to address the protests and violence after Michael Brown’s death in August, has focused on healing the long-standing problems and mistrust between police, city officials, and the public. NCCU wants to move beyond the discussion stage and take action.

President Rance Thomas states, “We have been successful in quietly making changes that will make a difference in the relationship between the police and the community.” Even though the committee has not been directly involved, action taken by this committee has resulted in several police departments becoming more involved with school districts, community organizations and churches.

Several examples were cited. The Alton Police Department is now participating in many activities within their community and has reestablished and reconstituted its Human Relations Commission.  In addition, NCCU Coordinator of Police-Community Collaboration or Partnership, Rev. Michael Krewson, has worked with the Rev. (Dr.) Freddie Clark, of Shalom, the largest African-American Church in North County. Also, the St. Louis County Police Department has formed a softball team and joined the church’s league.

All police departments on the Discussion and Solution Committee have joined with churches to explore ways to form partnerships.  All pastors have agreed to work with police departments and to participate in general breakfast meetings with other pastors to explore ways to further this goal. A breakfast meeting between mayors, police officials, clergy and others is planned for May 20. Because they are experiencing some of the same problems, the Alton police chief, the Madison County, Illinois, Sheriff and the Alton mayor also plan to attend.  The committee has also consulted Police Foundation representatives from Washington, D.C. on how to have a major impact on the relationship between police and communities. The committee is reviewing the work of the Ferguson Commission and other organizations to identify ways to increase diversity within police departments throughout the area.

For further information, contact Rance Thomas at 314-238-6828.

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