The History of Policing: Then and Now

[text adapted from event announcement]

Part 1 of a 3 part series designed to help foster greater understanding and dialogue between police and the community.

The series aims to engage community members in conversations around race, diversity, equity, and inclusion, a key recommendation from the Needham Unite Against Racism Initiative (NUARI). The NUARI Working Group identified policing as a priority area of focus.

This first session, “History of Policing: Then and Now” is designed to educate the community about how the Needham Police Department is structured and its operations. This conversation is intended to provide important background information on policing so that participants have information they need for more robust dialogue in the second two conversations. Cops and Community will feature three panelists: Needham Police Officer Anthony Frongillo, who will cover the history of policing in the United States; Gloria Greis, Executive Director, Needham History Center & Museum, who will cover the history of policing in Needham; and Police Chief John Schlittler, who will discuss current policing in Needham. The discussion will be moderated by Needham resident Chad Williams, Professor of History and African and African American Studies at Brandeis University.

Presenters:
0:07:30Chad Williams – Moderator’s Welcome
0:22:30Anthony Frongillo – History of Policing in the U.S.
0:49:23Gloria Greis – Policing in Needham
1:05:04Chief John Schlittler – Current Needham Police Department Structure