The Norfolk Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in partnership with the Newport News Police Department, the Norfolk Chapter of the Citizens Academy Alumni Association, and the Newport News Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association, will sponsor an event titled Bridging the Gap, a law enforcement and community outreach program designed to promote respect and mutual understanding among all cultures, community groups, and law enforcement through education, activities, and dialogue.

The objectives of the law enforcement dialogue include:

• Educating our city about the mission and priorities of our respective law enforcement agencies
• Building understanding to overcome/prevent stereotypes of cultures and law enforcement
• Educating participants to be creative, independent thinkers and encouraging collaboration and teamwork in our neighborhoods and workplaces
• Promoting diversity and inclusion

On said date, we will have a panel discussion and participation from Mayor McKinley Price; Newport News Police Chief Myers; Special Agent in Charge John Adams; Chuck Harrison, Director of Missions, Peninsula Baptist Association; Howard E. Gwynn, Commonwealth’s Attorney; Willard Maxwell, Pastor, New Beech Grove Baptist Church; Newport News Sheriff Gabriel Morgan; and Dr. Ahmed K. Noor, Eminent Scholar; and William E. Lobeck, Professor Emeritus at Old Dominion University.

Our engagement efforts are designed to build trust in communities that can assist in opening doors, facilitating the overall mission of local law enforcement and the FBI. Your attendance and support is greatly appreciated and welcome at this event and your online reservations are suggested at the following link: www.bridgegaps.eventbrite.com