Columbus Police Dialogue
Our Mission
“Facilitating the 1st Amendment Activities of Distinct and Diverse Communities in our City”, we intend to connect communities with police using unbiased dialogue and safeguarding constitutional rights by encouraging self-policing. We aim to mitigate the need for additional police intervention at public order events. We are guided by the simple principle: "Honest dialogue requires honest intent."
What We Do:
Provide impartial assistance to all groups that are lawfully exercising their 1st Amendment rights at demonstrations and events. We also respond to counter-protestors facilitating their 1st Amendment rights allowing both groups to be heard.
Why Work With Us?
Working with us will establish a familiar point of contact with law enforcement to mitigate the need for additional police intervention.
Why Dialogue?
Dialogue is the simplest method to de-escalate conflict and confrontations to create a shared understanding between the public and the police.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 1st Amendment? What rights do I have?
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
- Constitution of the United States, Bill of Rights, Amendment I
The United States Bill of Rights is the first 10 amendments to the United States Constitution which is the governing document of the United State of America. The 1st Amendment establishes protection of five fundamental freedoms:
- Religion
- Speech
- Press
- Assembly
- Petition
When examining these freedoms, it is essential to know that there are limitations. When exercising your rights, you must not interfere with or invade upon the rights of others.
Individuals have the freedom to choose their religion under the 1st Amendment. Furthermore, they are free to practice it as they see fit as long as it does not cause violence or property damage, the threat of violence or property damage, and does not otherwise infringe upon the rights of others.
While freedom of speech is fundamental, speech that threatens or insights violence or threatens the destruction of property is not protected under the law and can be criminal.
The freedom of the press, the press can publish accurate material that is not a matter of national security without fear of punishment from the government. The press can be held accountable for libel, printing false information.
In addition, assembly is lawful as long as it occurs in a lawful location and manner. Assembly in the street, for example, is only lawful with a permit; assembly at a private location is only lawful with the express consent of the property owner. Assembly must also be peaceful so as to not cause injury or property damage to be protected under the 1st Amendment.
Finally, individuals have the freedom to petition the government regarding grievances.
What can the Dialogue do for me?
The Columbus Police Dialogue will work with community members who want to peacefully assemble and express themselves lawfully. The unit will meet with public order event organizers before event day to create social contracts and a working relationship if they so desire. On event day, we will be present, encourage lawful self-policing, and work to de-escalate conflicts when needed. After the event, we are willing to meet again with organizers to debrief to further improve events in the future.
Who does the Dialogue work with?
The Columbus Police Dialogue will work with everyone to ensure their 1st amendment rights are expressed safely. We are solely present to serve the community equally and equitably.
Can I request Dialogue come to my event?
The unit responds to public order events at the discretion of leadership. Event organizers can always reach out to request Dialogue respond to help facilitate 1st amendment activities.
Do I need a permit?
Moving events in the roadway require a Parade Permit
2111.02 – Permit Required
• No person or organization shall engage in, participate in, aid, form, or conduct any street parade without first obtaining a permit from the Director of Public Safety.
Penalty–conducting a parade without a permit – M4
Non-Moving Events in the roadway require a Block Party Permit or a Special Event Permit.
For information on permits, contact: Specialevents@columbuspolice.org
Contact Us
dialogue@columbuspolice.org
