In the fifth episode, Robert Rico and I will discuss the importance of creating a respectful dialogue about race in America. How can law enforcement play a role in this?

Robert is a lecturer and the University of Texas at San Antonio in the College of Health Community and Policy the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice. He also is the Restorative Justice Coordinator in the Office of Inclusive Excellence. Robert served as a police officer for 20 years and is a graduate of the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas Leadership Command College at Sam Houston University. Robert SErved as a member of the Advisory Council of the National Association of Community and REsortative Justice. He is the Founder and Program Coordinator for the Restorative Justice Program of Kendale County.            

 

In this episode Dr. Gaye Lang and Robert Rico discuss:

• Creating a respectful dialogue around race in America. 
• Making meetings accessible to the audience you are trying to reach. 
• Restrictions of civil service or collective bargaining rights.
• Transparency, honesty, and fairness given to both sides.

Key Takeaways: 

• Creating a safe space and dialogue between communities and law enforcement so that each side can understand the others feelings and understanding of things. 
• Law enforcement making it clear they are there to help the community but they also need the communities help to do that by building relationships, empowerment, and trust. 
• Using “I feel” messages or statements to avoid blaming others and build empathy. 
• Communication and listening skills are vital to be able to build relationships and deescalate hostile situations. 

 

“We have to build trust in order to have conversations.” - Robert Rico

 

Connect with Robert Rico:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-rico-98961673/

 

Connect with Dr. Gaye Lang:

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Follow our show on Facebook and check out our Website for more details and to engage with our podcast community. You can also follow Dr. Lang on LinkedIn.

 

KEYWORDS: 

Diversity, inclusion, equity, tolerance, racism, bias, implicit bias, and explicit bias.  

Show notes by Podcastologist: Kristen Braun

 

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