By Kim Hilsenbeck

The organizers of the first ever COPS HD — Citizens Organizations Policing Salutary Honest Dialogue — invite the entire Kyle community to attend an event this Monday, Martin Luther King, Jr., Day.

Dallas Lee of Kyle, who conceptualized this event, said it’s a unique opportunity to start a dialogue between the community and first responders. Lee said he wants to avoid situations like those that happened in Ferguson, MO, and New York City between citizens and police. He also believes law enforcement officers need training to give them the tools required to deal with situations that may involve race relations or to diffuse confrontations and misunderstandings.

Members of the Kyle Police Department along with other emergency personnel will be in attendance to have concerns answered in a professional, courteous manner, according to Lee.

On a flyer circulated in the community by Lee, was the following, “Let’s begin a process of creating, understanding and promoting a better, healthier and positive understanding among citizens, organziations and police.”

Kyle Police Chief Jeff Barnett said he was approached by Lee about holding the COPS HD event about two years ago and believes it is a good idea.

“We are very proud to see the inaugural meeting come to fruition,” he said in a written statement. “We believe that open dialogue and good communication is the key to success for our department and the community.”

COPS HD takes place from 9-10 a.m. Jan. 19 at Kyle City Hall council chambers.