Norma Duckworth and the Open Door Community Center JC hosted a screening and panel discussion at Shorewood High School of the “Waking in Oak Creek” documentary, telling the story of the town’s transformation and healing after the deadly 2012 hate attack.
On August 5, 2014, the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) and Not In Our Town (NIOT) released Waking in Oak Creek, the first in a series of films focused on helping law enforcement and communities work together on hate crime prevention.
Not In Our Town’s film “Waking in Oak Creek” documented the powerful law enforcement and community response to the hate crime kiIIings at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin on August 5, 2012. After six Sikh worshippers were killed and Oak Creek Police Lieutenant Brian Murphy was shot 15 times by a white supremacist, Oak Creek Police Chief John Edwards and Mayor Steve Scaffidi worked together to cultivate new bonds with the Sikh community and guide the community forward toward healing. Their efforts embodied sound community policing practices.
“Community policing concentrates on preventing crime and eliminating the atmosphere of fear it creates. Waking in Oak Creek explores the unique aspects of addressing the needs of the victims and healing of communities in the aftermath of hate violence,” said COPS Office Director Ron Davis. “The film will serve as a road map for discussions about best practices in community engagement to prevent hate crimes, support victims, and encourage proper hate crime enforcement.”
Through the Working Together for Safe, Inclusive Communities project, DVDs of the film are available free of charge to law enforcement agencies, civic leaders, community groups, schools, national organizations, and others for public screenings and discussions, town hall meetings, internal trainings, conference workshops, and other activities.
“Waking in Oak Creek presents not just the tragedy, but the courageous response of police officers, and the inspiring leadership and response of the Sikh community, city leaders and community members,” said Patrice O’Neill, Not In Our Town CEO and the film’s Executive Producer. “Their stories show us what’s possible when people join forces to face the danger of hate and intolerance, and commit to making their town safe for everyone.”
The COPS Office is a federal agency responsible for advancing public safety through community policing. Since 1995, it has awarded over $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 125,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training, and technical assistance.
Developed in 1995 by The Working Group, an Oakland, California-based nonprofit strategic media company, Not In Our Town is a movement to stop hate, address bullying, and build safe, inclusive communities for all. NIOT films, new media, and organizing tools help local leaders build vibrant, diverse cities and towns, where everyone can participate.
