Displaying items by tag: You and the law

Confrontations between police and citizens have gained a lot of attention across the country -- including right here in Akron. That's why the city's peacemakers and police department are working to educate people on their rights and the law.

APD officer Lauri Natko is one of the instructors of the "You and the Law" program that educates citizens on their rights when stopped by police, but also focuses on the importance of open communication and respect.

She opened the workshop with a question to some of the young people in the audience -- asking them how police officers make them feel. One teen said he feels like there's a target on his back. 

"We find that when we do inform them of that information, they're better citizens," said Natko. "They're better equipped to deal with that law enforcement officer."

Natko said educating residents on their rights can help both parties involved in a confrontation. It can start with simply asking the officer why he or she has stopped you.

"Citizens have those types of rights and most of them don't know that you can do that. But if you present it to us in a respectful way, you're going to get a respectful answer."

Natko goes on to explain that challenging an officer in a respectful and professional manner can help break down some of the barriers between a police officer and citizen.

"It makes me a better officer because now I have to articulate to them what my reason was for the stop. It creates a legitimacy to it."

The next workshop is this Thursday at Valley View Apartments on Springdale Street at 1:30 p.m.

Here are the upcoming workshops available:

March 31, 1:30 p.m. Valley View Apartments, 943 Springdale Street, Akron 44310

April 5, 1:30 p.m. Van Buren Apartments, 410 Pasadena Place, Barberton

April 9, Noon Kenmore Branch Library, 969 Kenmore Boulevard, Akron 44314

May 19, 5:30 p.m. Edgewood Village, 491 Vernon Odom Boulevard, Akron 44307

June 14, 1:30 p.m. Honey Locust Gardens, 3299 Prange Drive, Cuyahoga Falls