TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – The Toledo Police Department is working to develop a new cultural competency training program following community backlash over two separate encounters with teenagers that were captured on video earlier this year.
In April, an officer took a teen to the ground twice after stopping a group for jaywalking. About a month later, officers were recorded mocking another group of teens, telling them to “enjoy poverty.”
The incidents drew community criticism and prompted the department to pursue additional training.
New training initiative
Chief Michael Troendle reached out to Earl Mack, a retired law enforcement officer and president of the Toledo Buffalo Soldiers, to begin building the program. Troendle said he was drawn to the organization’s community outreach work, including its “comply now, complain later” message…