Council For Safe Neighborhoods Hosts Discussion Between Hispanics, Police

The Council for Safe Neighborhoods organized an event Saturday at McCullough Park to discuss issues between the Hispanic population and police.

Group founder Vicente Ruiz said this year’s event was the first time law enforcement was involved.

“Today, it was more special,” Vicente Ruiz said.

Ruiz said he believes a lack of trust has grown over the past several years between the Hispanic population and law enforcement.

He said the tension has a noticeable effect on his neighborhoods.

“We know what is going on in our neighborhoods and a lot of us don’t care,” Ruiz said.

Attendees were able to relax, eat free food and play games while they had important conversations.

The Tulsa County Sheriff's Department and Tulsa Fire Department also took part in Saturday’s event.

"It's a combination of work we have done over the past six months to really bring everyone together so we can have a wonderful interaction,” Tulsa Police Department Major Mark Wollmershauser said.

Wollmershauser said that communication is what his fellow officers need the most.

Ruiz said the best way to help build good relationships with law enforcement is to speak up and report the crimes in your neighborhood.