The group known as Albany County for Proper Policing is set to host a public forum to discuss police reform in the area.

The calls for reform come in the wake of the shooting of Laramie resident Robbie Ramirez by Albany County Sheriff's Corporal Derek Colling on Nov. 4.

The meeting is scheduled to take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 4, at the Lincoln Community Center on Grand Ave in Laramie.

The group said in a statement that the forum is to "provide an opportunity for residents to respond to the killing [of Ramirez]."

“We want to know how residents of Albany County believe law enforcement should serve and protect,” said Karlee Provenza, a founding member of the group.

There will be moderated discussions on reform topics including law enforcement procedures, unaddressed mental health needs, and a community police oversight board.

The group has called on Albany County officials for talks of reform and to release full body camera footage from the incident, but have been declined on two requests. The requests were accompanied by a petition signed by more than 600 Albany County residents.

“It is unacceptable that our sheriff’s department hired an officer who had clearly demonstrated he could not safely or legally police the community of Las Vegas,” Provenza said. “Then, to have our recently re-elected Sheriff state that he still does not regret hiring Colling is a slap in the face to the community that elected him.”

The group says all members of the community are invited to the forum and adds that childcare will be provided on site.

“There are no special skills or knowledge that anyone needs to have to contribute to this forum,” Provenza said. “We just want to hear your voice.”

 

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