How can law enforcement build better relations with underserved and minority communities? That’s the theme of a one-of-a-kind conference, “Leave No Victim Behind,” organized and hosted by the University of California, Davis, Police Department, April 11-12. More details and registration information can be found here.

“It’s time for us to reconnect with our communities,” UC Davis Police Chief Matt Carmichael said. “Victims of crime are not going to report to police if they don’t trust police.”

The conference is aimed at police departments, sheriffs’ offices and district attorneys who want to engage with communities that are often wary or skeptical of law enforcement. Carmichael promises two days of high-energy presentations and discussion. Attendees will hear from various communities about their needs, including the LGBTQIA community, veterans, disabled people, black-African American and Latino/a, as well as Sikh and other communities of faith.

Other speakers will present programs from across the country, including Seattle’s Safe Place program, Los Angeles’ outreach to the homeless, Yolo County’s Neighborhood Court and the UC Davis Police Department's cadet program.

The conference is sponsored by the UC Davis Police Department and the California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board.