The relationship between law enforcement and minorities has caused unrest in places like Ferguson, Missouri and Baltimore, Maryland. Thankfully, Niles residents have not seen that kind of unrest.

That does not mean Niles residents and local law enforcement agencies could not benefit from a meeting of the minds, according to Niles Councilwoman Georgia Boggs.

“The way I see it is our Niles area should be very proud of their law enforcement and how they handle things, and I think the people need to see that,” she said. “At the same time, we aren’t a perfect community. I think they (police) need to talk about some of their ups and downs and how the community has supported them in solving cases.”

To that end, Boggs is coordinating a community meeting with Niles area law enforcement agencies at 6 p.m. Monday, July 20, at the city council chambers, located at 1345 E. Main St., Niles.

Representatives from the Niles Police Department, Michigan State Police and Berrien County Sheriff’s Department are expected to attend.

Boggs said officers would talk about who they are, hiring practices and how they go about doing their jobs. Officers will also answer questions from the community.

Anyone is welcome to attend.

“It will give people a chance to see what they (police) are all about,” Boggs said.

Boggs said her goal is to increase communication between local law enforcement and residents in the Niles area in order to make the city as good a place as it can be.

“They (police officers) can’t see everything and we need the community to be aware that they need to work with law enforcement to help them keep the community safe,” she said.

For more information, contact Boggs at (269) 683-3873 or (269) 687-4932.