Ohio Governor John Kasich announced last week that he had appointed Bishop Murry to the panel which was formed in response to a series of incidents in Ohio and around the nation including the shooting of an unarmed black teenager by a white police officer in Ferguson, Missouri.


Since that time, there have been several events that have highlighted strained relations between police and some communities around the nation.


“In light of events which have occurred during the past few months, events which have demonized police departments and various communities, it is my hope that this Task Force will help communities and police departments better understand each other and work together for the common good," said Bishop Murry.


In the coming months, the task force will conduct at least three more public forums throughout the state to gather input on ideas of how communities across the state can build what the governor's office calls constructive relationships between communities and police that are built on mutual understanding and respect.


The task force is exploring issues that include determining the best available community policing practices, assessing law enforcement training, setting standards for law enforcement interaction with the community, and gauging the impact of the criminal justice system and community oversight.


The organizational meeting is scheduled to begin at 4:00 pm, and the public forum will start at 4:30 pm at Waetjen Auditorium, Cleveland State University, 2001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland.


The governor expects the task force to issue a report by April 30.


Bishop Murry is the only representative from the Valley on the task force.