On Wednesday, October 22nd, law enforcement officials and other interested citizens came together for the County's 9th Annual ENPACT Forum for the "enhancement of police and community trust."

The annual event, hosted by Public Defender Lloyd Powell, brings together the County's top law enforcement officials and is a main feature of the Washtenaw County Bar Association's annual Bias Awareness Week.  (See more photos below.) The guest speaker for the forum was former Detroit Police Chief Dr. Ike McKinnon, now a noted educator and author.

Dr. McKinnon, and each of the panelists sounded a common theme of collaboration, as well as not losing sight of the importance of earning and maintaining trust with the communities represented by these leaders in law enforcement. Prosecutor Mackie reminded attendees that Michigan has the dubious distinction of being one of the top three states in the country in numbers of hate crimes.

The nominees for Washtenaw County Sheriff were also invited to say a few words - Republican nominee Dwayne Talyor and Democratic nominee Jerry Clayton.

At the dias and speaking to a group of more than 50 attendees on ways to address and prevent incidents of bias, like racial profiling, in law enforcement and maintaining public safety were:

Public Defender Powell was also honored this week with the Washtenaw County Bar Association's Martin Luther King, Jr. I Have A Dream Award at a dinner reception.

Part of the audience for the ENPACT Forum

Former Detroit Police Chief Ike McKinnon, Guest Speaker

Democratic nomineee for Washtenaw County Sheriff, Jerry Clayton
Washtenaw County Prosecutor Brian Mackie in the foreground

Pittsfield Township Public Safety Director John Phillips

Michigan State Police Commander Wynonia Sturdivant

Ann Arbor attorney Ray Mullins (left) and Washtenaw County Administrator Bob Guenzel in the Forum audience

City of Ypsilanti Police Chief Matt Harshberger speaking (left)
EMU Police Chief Greg O'Dell, Ann Arbor Deputy Chief Greg Bozick and Saline Police Chief Paul Bunten