Twenty-two BBUUC members and friends attended the ICARE Justice Ministry Network Meeting on Monday, January 25. We heard updates on the issues ICARE is currently researching. We planned for the Nehemiah Action Assembly on April 19. And, because we are not gathering live on Sunday mornings, we conducted the first half of our traditional Commissioning Service for ICARE Network Members. The second half of the Commissioning Service will be presented by Rev. Amy during the February 7 Sunday worship service. 

Eight BBUUC ICARE Justice Ministry Network members have participated with ICARE Research Committees so far during this Research to Action cycle, and more may be joining them soon. 

Issues currently being researched include ways to reduce violence in Jacksonville and improve police-community relations (the Crime, Drugs and Enforcement Committee); implementing provisions of a Florida law passed two years ago that allows policing agencies to issue Civil Citations to adults for many non-violent offenses instead of arresting them (State Collaborative for Criminal Justice Reform); and continuing to monitor Sheriff Williams’ commitment to implement an accredited, forty-hour Crisis Intervention Team training program for a significant number of experienced JSO officers. This training teaches non-violent de-escalation of situations where people are not thinking clearly because of PTSD, mental health, drug or alcohol related issues.

Note that ICARE’s goals and actions locally relate closely to major concerns that often dominated national news in recent years, especially last year. If you are not currently part of these ongoing efforts and would like to participate at any level, email ICARE@bbuuc.org. 

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