Nonprofit aims to improve police, community relations

A national nonprofit dedicated to improving relations between the community and police and fighting injustice related to race and other issues has launched a Dayton chapter, according to its leadership.

At a Saturday press conference, the Atlanta, Ga.,-based New Order National Human Rights Organization announced it has established a Dayton branch at 2801 Germantown St.

The group plans be a mediator between law enforcement and community members and lobby and advocate for fair policies, said Gerald Rose, the nonprofit’s founder and CEO.

Rose said he decided to start a local chapter after speaking with the father of John Crawford III, who was killed by police at the Beavercreek Walmart.

“This is a new generation, and there are a lot of people fearful of police, but all police are not bad,” he said. “We’re trying to bridge that gap, because some people in the community see them as protection but some see them as the enemy.”

The group’s mission statement says it monitors unjust activity, investigates misconduct complaints, lobbies for legislative changes and supports independent citizen review boards.

Rose said his group plans to meet with the Dayton Unit of the NAACP and Dayton’s mayor and its police chief to establish open-door policies.

Rose said his group plans to work with the youth of Dayton and offer mentoring, after-school programs and motivational speaking. Rose said he walked the streets of Dayton passing out business cards to spread the word that his organization is here to help.

“We want to bring unity in the community,” he said.

Rose said the impetus for opening a local chapter was a conversation he had with John Crawford Jr., whose son was killed by police while carrying an air rifle in Walmart. He said Crawford contacted him and wanted the New Order National Human Rights Organization to get involved in the Dayton area.

Donna Pearson will be the president of the Dayton chapter.

The group’s number is 1-800-346-5138. Its website is http://www.nonhro.org/