CSM Where kindness meets crisis: This police unit put away its riot gear. Now it walks and talks with protesters.

Dialogue unit officers talk with people gathered at a rally in support of the Palestinian cause, in Columbus, Ohio, Nov. 24, 2024. Alfredo Sosa/Staff

"At a pro-Palestinian street protest in Columbus, Ohio, last fall, demonstrators march to the rhythm of liberation chants, punctuated by occasional horns from passing cars. “Free, free Palestine,” they cry, waving flags and banners.

But mingling among the demonstrators are four uniformed police officers wearing powder-blue police vests emblazoned with “Columbus Police Dialogue.” One of them is Sgt. Steve Dyer, the team leader of a special unit that talks with protesters rather than confronting them with riot gear.

“Their goal is to have their voices heard,” Sergeant Dyer says. “We will walk and work with those who are there to peacefully protest.” By walking with and talking to protesters, police hope to build legitimacy – a bridge of communication that could deescalate potential conflicts.... "  READ MORE   https://www.csmonitor.com/Daily/2025/20250113?cmpid=ema:bundle:20250113:1191533:toc&sfmc_sub=272001716#1191533

 [AS ALWAYS PLEASE GO TO THE LINK TO READ GOOD ARTICLES (or quotes or watch videos) IN FULL: HELP SHAPE ALGORITHMS (and conversations) THAT EMPOWER DECENCY, DIGNITY, JUSTICE & PEACE... and hopefully Palestine]