Town Hall Aims to Strengthen Media-Law Enforcement Trust

NABJ Sacramento chapter and retired police chief to lead community conversation on transparency and accountability.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 2:37pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cinematic painting of a solitary police car parked on a dimly lit street corner, the vehicle's silhouette reflected in a puddle and bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually representing the complex dynamics between the media, law enforcement, and the public.A thoughtful pause in the relationship between media and law enforcement, as the community gathers to find common ground.Today in Sacramento

The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Sacramento chapter is hosting a community town hall next Friday, April 24th, to facilitate a dialogue between media, law enforcement, and the public. The event will feature a panel discussion led by NABJ spokesperson Lanaya Lewis and retired Sacramento Police Chief Daniel Hahn, along with other law enforcement leaders, to address issues of transparency, accountability, and trust between these key community stakeholders.

Why it matters

The relationship between media and law enforcement is critical to how information is shared and communities are served. This town hall provides a rare opportunity for open, constructive dialogue to address longstanding tensions and find ways to strengthen trust and collaboration.

The details

The town hall is part of a larger regional conference hosted by NABJ's Region 4, which covers several western states. It marks the first time the conference has been held in Sacramento in 12 years, bringing journalists from across the region to engage with the local community. In addition to the town hall, the conference will feature professional development sessions and networking opportunities for media professionals, with a focus on mentoring the next generation of journalists.

  • The town hall is scheduled for Friday, April 24th at 4:00 PM.
  • The NABJ Region 4 conference will take place over the entire weekend of April 24-26, 2026.

The players

Lanaya Lewis

Spokesperson for the Sacramento chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ).

Daniel Hahn

Retired police chief of the Sacramento Police Department, who will be serving on the town hall panel.

Carmen Best

Retired police chief from Seattle, who will be participating on the town hall panel.

Sheriff Cooper

The sheriff of Sacramento County, who will be participating on the town hall panel.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The town hall offers that. It brings together community professionals and also to have a space where people can get their questions answered.”

— Lanaya Lewis, Spokesperson, NABJ Sacramento

“I think in our country, in society and our local communities, the media and law enforcement are two critical pieces to the way we live and the way our way of life. And so I think this panel combines both of those and allows people to ask questions that maybe they wouldn't otherwise get the opportunity to do.”

— Daniel Hahn, Retired Police Chief, Sacramento Police Department

What’s next

The town hall is free and open to the public on Friday, April 24th at 4:00 PM. No registration is required to attend.

The takeaway

This town hall represents an important opportunity for the media, law enforcement, and the broader community to come together and have an open, constructive dialogue about building greater trust, transparency, and accountability between these critical institutions.