Latino community gathers to get answers

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Updated: Monday, 23 Mar 2009, 10:49 PM EDT
Published : Monday, 23 Mar 2009, 9:58 PM EDT

East Haven (WTNH) - Some East Haven residents and Latino community gathered at a senior center wanting a chance to clear the air. Recent accusations of racial profiling by some East Haven police officers had some people wanting answers.

Earlier this month, a New Haven priest was charged with interfering with police after shooting film. Father James Manship claims the video shows how police intentionally harass minority businesses in East Haven.

"The issue is with the police department that is following people using racial profiling," said John Lugo of Latinos United in Action.

Accusations spark contention in town. Mayor April Capone Almon said she considered a public forum. But, she said her office received anonymous letters and calls from Latino residents who said they were afraid to speak publicly in fear of police retaliation.

"I certainly did my best to sit down personally one-on-one," Mayor April Capone Almon said.

She also invited department heads and local politicians to answer questions; it's a decision some minority business owners and parishioners of St. Rosa DeLima Church felt was the best approach.

"We agreed that we wanted to take baby steps with the town and to break down some of the barriers," said Angel Fernandez of East Haven.

Others thought the gathering was a waste of time.

"We don't have any issues with the fire department, with the building department, the issue is with the police department you know," said Lugo.

"I was hoping to hear from the mayor about what she intends to do given that she knows why the people are here," said Oni Sioson of East Haven.

So, News Channel 8 asked they mayor herself.

Welch: "How as mayor of East Haven will you be addressing issues of police profiling?"
Mayor: "There really isn't a magic bullet so it's going to be a series of little solutions and an overall understanding that racism is not tolerated."

News Channel 8 would like to emphasize that the accusations against the police department are just that. Many people just want to get past this with more open dialogue and cooperation among the city and the Latino community.