The police captain in charge of security in Ferguson, Missouri, during the aftermath of Michael Brown's death recently spoke in Springfield. Ronald Johnson's message was one of building trust.
Johnson was the featured speaker at a conference for the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, which took place in Springfield over the weekend. Johnson says although tensions were high, he was heartened to see police officers interacting with the area's residents in ways that were not common previously.
"We have these similarities that connect us, as fathers and mothers and sons and daughters. But we got to be a part of the community - we have to walk in our communities." Johnson says.
Johnson's job is now focused on community outreach, and he says continued discussions between law enforcement and residents are necessary to address issues like racism going forward.
