Charleston begins meetings on police-community relations

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Charleston is embarking on a series of meetings with the public to discuss ways to strengthen the ties between city residents and local police.

The Illumination Project was conceived last year as a way to build on the unity shown in the aftermath of the Emanuel AME Church shootings which left nine people dead. After the tragedy, in one show of unity, thousands of people joined hands on the Ravenel Bridge linking Charleston to Mount Pleasant.

During the coming months, residents and police will gather for listening sessions, the first of which is Tuesday evening. The idea is to let people share their opinions on how police work is done and possible improvements.

City leaders and police held an initial listening session last month.