On July 21, 2020, The NAACP’s Lancaster chapter hosted a webinar that discussed racial bias and police reform.
Sheriff Bilal, a former Philadelphia police officer and member of the National Association of Black Law Enforcement Officers (NABLEO), discussed what she noticed when it comes to police relations with black people. Sheriff Bilal believes that unnecessary prejudice can lead to black individuals being stopped more often by police officers than their white counterparts. The example that she gave was a black man running in the rain, empty handed, would be viewed very negatively by the police. The assumption would be that he is running from the scene of a crime. However, a white main running in the rain with a stolen tv would not prompt the same response from the police officer who happens to be passing by.
As the panel continued, Sheriff Bilal, along with the other panelists, encouraged people to join organizations that will promote reform and positive changes, such as the NAACP. Sheriff Bilal also encouraged those listening to consider a career in law enforcement to enact the change they wish to see within their cities.
About the Office of The Sheriff of Philadelphia
As the pandemic continues, the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office wants to ensure that Philadelphia residents can remain in their homes, which is why the Sheriff’s Office supports any programs that help residents. It is important that Philadelphia residents contact the Sheriff’s Office if they believe they have been illegally evicted by someone who was impersonating a Deputy Sheriff. The Sheriff’s Office will also continue to host food giveaways and virtual town halls to answer any questions that residents may have. If there are any questions that a resident may have, they can reach out to the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office at 215-686-3560 or 215-686-3542.
