Columbus Police tonight hold the first of several forums aimed at improving police/community relations. Monday night's meeting begins at 6 pm at the First Church of God on Refugee Road. Its the first of five Columbus forums being held after some highly-publicized police-involved deaths in Ohio, including the shootings of two young black males who were holding what turned out to be air guns. Speaking earlier this year, Columbus Police Chief Kim Jacobs says shes worked to decrease the number of police-involved shootings. You could win the situation without using your weapon: loud verbal commands, taking cover, making good decisions on where to pursue, how to pursue, and when to use your firearm," Jacobs said. Jacobs says shell use recommendations from the forums to further improve officer training and education. Other forums will be held:
- March 2 from 6-8 pm at Briggs High School, 2555 Briggs Rd.
- March 5 from 6-8 pm at Linden McKinley STEM Academy, 1320 Duxberry Ave.
- March 9 from 6-8 pm at East High School, 1500 E. Broad St.
- March 12 from 6-8 pm at Crossroads Baptist Church, 5075 Cleveland Ave.