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"One of the biggest pluses about the hat's been done so far is the fact that v ight together people who don't <br />normally come together," Lawrence says, pointing to examples of leaders from the city and suburbs, as well as Democrats <br />and Republicans. After more than a year, more than 150 community members attended the listening tour including civic <br />leaders, elected and appointed, organizational leaders representing educational institutions, businesses and not -for -profit <br />agencies showed up to speak and listen to each other about issues of racism and poverty in the community. <br />In 2014, under the leadership of Unite Rochester Justice Committee Chair Cynthia Herriott-Sullivan, the group launched the <br />Community Response Team. In 2015 the Democrat and Chronical reported that the CRT would <br />"Work in collaboration with law enforcement or other government <br />entites and communities to promote communication, trust, and <br />positive, non-violent response to events or issues of community <br />concern. It will also engage in activites to raise awareness about race <br />and racism, and inspire a more inclusive and creative approach to <br />solving community problems.99 <br />Herriott-Sullivan stated CRT was "Taking pro -active initiative to bridge communication between law enforcement ... and <br />the community so we don't get to a point like we have in Ferguson," where divisive issues "have been brewing." Herriott- <br />Sullivan was concerned that law enforcement and the community seemed to be growing further apart, rather than coming <br />to an improved understanding. <br />ASSEMBLE a planning group <br />660ur focus is not only to focus on responding to a critical incident, <br />but to also employ strategies that prevent one from occuring. <br />— Cynthia Herriott-Sullivan <br />660ur work is toward community buildin . Building a resilient <br />community that can withstand fracture.9� <br />— Frank Liberti <br />Herriott-Sullivan, a local housing authority official and a former police officer convened CRT with representatives from the <br />Center, the judicial system, the county and the public defender. <br />Local Judge Craig Doran became "intrigued" about Unite Rochester because of its focus on the justice system. While <br />the Democrat and Chronicle regularly criticized the justice system, Doran felt it was important to have constructive <br />conversations about the justice system. Doran began his engagement with the CRT after a conversation about jury duty <br />over coffee and donuts. A relationship was formed and a level of trust was developed between a "conservative Republican <br />and a liberal Democrat". Doran was convinced the Justice system had to be part of the conversation and part of the <br />solution to the problem of bias and division in the Rochester community. <br />Monroe County Sheriff, Patrick O'Flynn, "wanted to be up to speed regarding any opportunities to assess information, <br />intervene... or support the community in public safety." According to O'Flynn, information derived from the clergy, <br />neighborhood groups, and other citizens was very informative and helpful in support of public safety efforts for the whole <br />community. The type of intervention the Monroe County Sherriff's office would provide depended on the type of crisis <br />and the specific needs. In partnership with the Rochester Police Department, the "flashpoint" could be identified so an <br />appropriate conflict intervention could be identified. <br />