GCJAC Annual Report 2020-2021

MESSAGE FROM THE COMMISSION CHAIR

As I write this, we as a community are emerging from unprecedented times. As the global pandemic shook our nation to its core and senseless murders continue to rob us of the peace and justice for all we seek. As a commission, we have met virtually since May 2020, and many of us have not seen each other in person since well before then. Yet, the fiscal year of 2020-21 has taught us not to take anything for granted. The summer of 2020 also made us uncomfortable — for the better. The murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers forced the world to look in the mirror. Yet again, we recognize the fatal consequences of the entrenched racial caste system that allows space for groups of people to be treated in inhumane ways with little regard for consequences. As many took to the streets to demand accountability and justice for Black Americans killed by police violence, the GCJAC also stepped up to contribute to the cause by providing a platform for healthy dialogue and solution-based discussion. The Greensboro Police Department (GPD) was at the table to hear the conversations. It was not always easy to hear, but they stayed and listened. In October 2020, the GCJAC decided to centralize its efforts around the theme of “Bridging the Gap.” Since that time, I would like to report that the commission’s focus has been doing just that. We have been intentional in providing a space where community voices and policing practices can be reviewed to make data- informed, solid recommendations for change. The mission of the GCJAC is to monitor, review, analyze, educate, advise and report on criminal justice issues that affect all of Greensboro. As we continue with our mission, the GCJAC will continue to provide educational forums and outreach to the communities we serve. The GCJAC is also committed to amplifying community voice through its continued commitment to focus on transparency and accountability within the GPD. We thank the Greensboro City Council and the community for the opportunity to serve and we are looking forward to many positive changes in the future.

JayeWebb Greensboro Criminal Justice Advisory Commission Chair

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