In an effort to build better trust between law enforcement and the community, Florala’s Carver Community Center has invited representatives of the criminal justice system to present a program at 6 p.m. this Thurs., March 26.

Organizer Hazel Lee said District Attorney Walt Merrell, Sheriff Dennis Meeks and Florala Police Chief Sonny Bedsole have all agreed to participate, she said, and she also has invited defense attorneys to participate.

Among the questions she’d like to have answered are:

• What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?

• Under what conditions can an officer of the law stop and interrogate a person?

• What questions must you answer when questioned by police officers?

• What questions can you refuse to answer?

• What should you do if you feel unsafe around law enforcement?What should she do?

• What is statutory rape?

• Is there help for drug addicts?

• What should you do if you feel that your civil rights have been violated by a police officer?

• Is there an active plan to recruit more minority police officers in Covington County?

• How can the community and law enforcement work together to build trust and build a safe community?

“The idea is to educate public and start building plans so that we can build trust between law officers and the community,” she said.

Carver Community Center is located at 2453 Martin Luther King Street, Florala, AL 36442, at the corner of 12th Avenue and Martin Luther King Street.

–Michele Gerlach