"We had an extremely positive feeling of the training. The success with Lowell's program is evident in hearing the community representatives speak of their experiences with the LPD and vice versa. Both the police and community representatives were so sincere and honest about the experience..."  more

--Officer Casey Ryall, Crime Analysis Unit, Brookline Police Department

"The most valuable information I got from the conference was the need to educate regarding the cultures making up your community. That awareness was an logical starting point to identify actual and potential problems..."  more

--Major Richard F. Benton, Indianapolis Police Department

"The one thing that hit home the most with this training was the mock scenario between the gangs and the police. They traded places and even though Community Policing is somewhat ingrained in Lowell, it was interesting to watch the police being "patted down" by the kids and yelled at etc. Even these officers who were obviously attuned to community policing - cringed somewhat. Our officers weren't comfortable with it either. But the kids had a ball. So I think the issues are probably more on "our" side than the communities.   more

--Liz Allison, Indianapolis Police Department

"We enjoyed the training--it was nice to hear from community members about their participation on the council. The most valuable information was about how they involved the various immigrant communities in the council and the use of cable access TV to reach the immigrant communities. In fact, we are considering producing a cable TV show like the one done in Lowell. The training was well organized and the people at the Lowell PD Academy were very helpful and hospitable.

--Pamela Beal, Buffalo New York