The People and the Police

This documentary highlights the interactions and conflicts between police and citizens as they navigate a community relations experiment. The film documents the establishment of a citizens committee appointed by the D.C. government, which faces internal dissension over control of the program.

Key figures such as Marion Barry advocate for citizen control, while the project director, Robert Shallow, leads discussions on improving relations. The film showcases training sessions for police and the struggle of community leaders to shift power dynamics towards elected representatives.

As the program evolves, various initiatives, including citizen riders and local police recruiting, are introduced, reflecting ongoing tensions between the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) and the community. The documentary concludes with a poignant moment, illustrating the bitterness felt by youth toward law enforcement, encapsulating the complex emotions surrounding these efforts.