SPOKANE, Wash. — The Spokane Police Department (SPD) and a coalition of representatives of Spokane’s urban Native community signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Thursday.
The MOU aims to build trust, strengthen relationships and keep communication consistent and clear.
“For many Native and Indigenous community members, relationships with law enforcement have been shaped by generations of pain, mistrust and difficult experiences. I know this all too well through the experiences shared with me by family members. We recognize this reality, and this agreement is about continuing the work of listening, learning and building stronger relationships rooted in respect and understanding,” Spokane Police Chief Kevin Hall said. “This memorandum of understanding is designed to foster open communication, collaboration and accountability between the Spokane Police Department and our urban Native partners. I appreciate community leaders’ honest commitment to making Spokane safer for all. Building real trust requires ongoing action, and we are dedicated to that work.”…