SALISBURY — The Salisbury Police Department (SPD) is continuing its series of in-person conversations with the community, this time with a focus on engaging the Latino community on Tuesday, April 23, at 5 p.m. at City Park, 316 Lake Dr.

The program will feature open discussion and engagement between officers and residents. Spanish language translators will be on hand. Food will be served.

“The attendance at the most recent Cultivating Community Conversations has been a testament to our increasingly positive relationship with community members,” said Police Chief Patrick “PJ” Smith. “We hope we can engage more freely and openly with our Latino residents who historically are apprehensive about law enforcement. Our goal is always to serve and protect all of our neighbors. We welcome all residents to attend.”

Elia Gregorek, of El Centro de la Comunidad, added, “El Centro de la Comunidad Latina is working very hard in gathering the Hispanic community to become more knowledgeable of the resources, opportunities and protection that our community has to offer to all of us in general. We are looking forward to being a part of this gathering.”

The dialogue series is made possible thanks to a second $25,000 Duke Energy Foundation grant. The grant was also awarded to SPD in 2021 as part of the energy company’s annual $1 million pledge to social justice and racial equity in North Carolina. SPD is one of 40 organizations across North Carolina selected as a recipient of the Duke Energy Foundation grant.

Additional conversations with other stakeholder groups in various Salisbury neighborhoods are being planned for the remainder of 2024.

For more information, contact Michael Brooks at michael.brooks@salisburync.gov or call 704-638-5220.