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25 <br /> want to engage this conversation, and Orange County is not Minneapolis. He said what Sheriff <br /> Blackwood has been talking about tonight is so important. He said so many residents are <br /> uninformed about what is currently being done, and this is the moment not to be missed, and <br /> they owe it the community to have this discussion now. <br /> Sheriff Blackwood said they just need to keep moving forward. <br /> Chair Rich thanked Sheriff Blackwood for coming to speak tonight and sharing with the <br /> Board. She said she and the Sheriff do often come from different perspectives, but all can work <br /> together regardless. <br /> Commissioner Price said Sheriff Blackwood has been open and out in the community, <br /> and she is wondering why a forum is needed. She said she has held two community forums in <br /> the past, and Sheriff Blackwood always joined. She said a resolution was totally unnecessary, <br /> and it was just a matter of calling the Sheriff, and he was always available. <br /> Commissioner Bedford said the Sheriff's department and Caitlin Fenhagen, Criminal <br /> Justice Resource Director, are instrumental in the behavioral health committee in Orange <br /> County. She said she knew of SROs in the schools but until she became a Commissioner, she <br /> has learned so much more. She shared a personal story about her daughter. She said the <br /> community needs to know all that the Sheriff's Department is involved in within the community. <br /> Commissioner Dorosin said the purpose of the resolution is for the Orange County <br /> Board of Commissioners to go on record that it wants to have a community forum that is <br /> sponsored by the BOCC, and held in collaboration with the Sheriff. <br /> Commissioner McKee said he usually does not engage in social media except to find <br /> out what is going on in his community. He said last week he saw a picture and video of a <br /> military vehicle, which was completely inaccurate and ill informed. He said the Sheriff has a <br /> vehicle that is not like the one in the video, and he asked if the Sheriff would clarify the vehicle <br /> that his department currently has. <br /> Sheriff Blackwood said his department has a mine resistant, armored personnel carrier, <br /> an MRAP, which is stripped down. He said it is a defensive tool that been used three times: a <br /> high water rescue in Chapel Hill, where the vehicle was ultimately not needed; in Carrboro, <br /> where an armed subject had been in a house for about 12 hours and the Sheriff's department <br /> was called to get the gentleman out of the home and get him to safety and services; and the <br /> third time it was needed was a high water rescue in the eastern part of the state, but was never <br /> used. He said there is no weaponry on the vehicle, and it is to deploy deputies in a safe <br /> manner. <br /> Commissioner McKee said it is like his own two-ton truck he has on his farm; a high <br /> water truck. <br /> RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board receive the report from <br /> Sheriff Blackwood, and be apprised of this information. <br /> b. Discussion on a Potential Community Forum Regarding Policing and Racial <br /> Justice and Equity in Orange County <br /> The Board discussed and considered voting to approve a potential community forum <br /> regarding policing and racial justice and equity in Orange County and a resolution calling for <br /> such a forum. <br /> Commissioner Dorosin and Commissioner Marcoplos presented this item: <br /> BACKGROUND: <br />