Nearly 100 Beloit community members gather to build understanding with law enforcement

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Nearly 100 Beloit community members, most of them black, come together with police to strengthen understanding between them both.

Pastor James Ivy and his New Zion Baptist Church (Wednesday) held the first “Conversations with the Community” event, which is sponsored by the Beloit Police Department with input from Beloit faith-based leaders.

Police Chief David Zibolski moderated the three-hour event, which addressed traffic stops.

Much of the time was offered up for attendees to put forth their inquiries and concerns over their city’s police department.

Pastor Michael Ramsdail of Lighthouse Fellowship Church said he and other faith-based leaders felt urged to take action after seeing so many police-involved shootings.

Two other events are planned this year.