In the wake of nationwide shooting attacks on police and civilian deaths at the hands of law enforcement, a memorial for those who have lost their lives in the incidents — along with a discussion between the community and police — is set for Thursday, July 28.

Taking the lead in organizing the event is Prince Edward County Commonwealth’s Attorney Megan Clark.

“It’s a lot of people in the community who have reached out to me to say, ‘What are we going to do? Are we going to have a response to the national events, both with the civilians being killed and with law enforcement being killed?’ And I said from the very beginning I want to have more of a community presence, and I do …,” Clark said during the Farmville Town Council’s July 13 meeting.

The event will begin at 6 p.m. on the Prince Edward Courthouse steps with a remembrance of those who’ve died — both civilians and police — followed by a discussion at 6:30 p.m. in the chambers of the Farmville Town Council, located on Main Street one building down from the courthouse.

“Bringing community together to pray and memorialize those (who) have lost their life allows our community a chance to show support for the families and our local law enforcement agencies,” said Farmville Mayor David Whitus.

“We will come together for a … moment of silence, for everyone whose lives have been lost. And then, it is my hope to be able to bring members of the community together with local law enforcement and have a discussion. And, the discussion, I want to be very careful with the way that discussion takes place, and that it is not a bashing session by any stretch of the word for our local law enforcement,” Clark said.

The main purpose of the event, said Clark, is for law enforcement to be seen in a non-confrontational environment, for citizens to have their questions answered and concerns expressed and for police to explain their roles in the community moving forward “and increase the ‘transparency’ people so desperately desire.”

Discussion will focus on community policing techniques, using body-worn cameras and other topics law enforcement agencies and citizens pose.

During the council meeting, Clark said the event would be a time to focus on being positive and moving forward “in making sure that these events don’t take place in our community.”

Clark said she’s reached out to police in Farmville, Prince Edward, Longwood University, Hampden-Sydney College and troopers with Virginia State Police.

“Everyone is on board with coming here, and we want to have a discussion, really (about) what’s going on with our local law enforcement and how they are communicating with the community,” she said.

“I don’t anticipate this taking more than a period of 6-8 p.m,” Clark said during the meeting. “I don’t want to belabor the point. I think we can get enough done in that time.”

Clark said she’s reached out to the faith community and the schools, inviting members of the community.

“I think that something needs to be done, and I also think that there are people in the community who are concerned and some people who do feel as if they have a voice and make sure that law enforcement hears their concerns.”

“Thankfully, our community has not experienced what other parts of this nation are going through,” Clark said following the meeting. “We believe that by continuing to have these types of discussions and interactions all of us will gain a better understanding of each other, and the various challenges and identities unique to this community.”

Clark said, through the event, “We also want to continue to foster a collaborative relationship between members of the community and area law enforcement. And, finally, we want members of the community who may be hurting right now to know that even though their frustrations may be valid, law enforcement in our community (are) here to help and (are) not the enemy.”