Bishop Murry will join former U.S. Senator and Governor George Voinovich and other community leaders on the 18 member committee.


The governor announced in December that he would form the task force after 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 a statement issued by the Diocese of Youngstown, Bishop Murry said, “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. “


In the coming months, the task force will conduct at least four 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 charged with exploring issues that include:

  • Best community policing practices
  • Law enforcement training
  • Standards for law enforcement interaction with the community
  • Criminal justice system and community oversight
  • Involvement in law enforcement.

The task force will hold its initial forum on January 20 at Cleveland State University.


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


Other members of the task force include:

George V. Voinovich of Cleveland, former U.S. senator, governor and mayor of Cleveland, Honorary Co-Chair

Louis Stokes of Beachwood, former member of Congress, Honorary Co-Chair

Eve Stratton of Columbus, former Ohio Supreme Court justice, Honorary Co-Chair

Dir. John T. Born of Lancaster, Ohio Department of Public Safety, Chair

Nina L. Turner of Cleveland, former Ohio senator, Co-Chair

Officer Brian S. Armstead, Akron Police Department and member of the Fraternal Order of Police

Phil Cole of Columbus, executive director, Ohio Association of Communication Action Agencies

Dr. Ronnie Dunn, Cleveland State University associate professor, member of the NAACP Criminal Justice Committee

Rev. Damon Lynch III of Cincinnati, senior pastor, New Prospect Baptist Church

Bernie Moreno of Westlake, president, the Collection Auto Group

Anthony Munoz of Cincinnati, former Cincinnati Bengals football player, member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame

Councilwoman Amy Murray of Cincinnati

Chief Michael J. Navarre of Toledo, currently with the Oregon Police Department, formerly with the Toledo Police Department, member of the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police

Ronald J. O'Brien of Columbus, Franklin County Prosecutor

Dir. Andre T. Porter of Gahanna (Franklin Co.), Ohio Department of Commerce

Sheriff Vernon P. Stanforth of Washington Court House, member of the Buckeye State Sheriffs' Association

Thomas E. Roberts of Dayton, former Ohio senator, life member of the NAACP, member of the Ohio Civil Rights Commission