On Sunday, Sacramento cops went to COP - Center of Praise Ministries, that is.
After Alton Sterling and Philando Castile were shot and killed by police officers, protests sparked across the nation, including here in Sacramento.
Pastor Joseph Sissac decided to invite local law enforcement to Sunday services instead of participating in a protest.
"I think the solution for us here locally is to deal with local law enforcement," said Pastor Sissac, the senior pastor at Center of Praise. "I think it is detrimental for the community in Sacramento to take on the frustration around the nation and allow that to spill over to our local officers."
All three services on Sunday focused on coming together. The energy was welcoming, open, and often humorous as churchgoers and law enforcement officials all laughed together.
As a Sacramento Police Deputy Chief explained the protocol when pulling someone over, the crowded responded "Yes!"
Sissac even joked that it was "fresh on people's minds" as a churchgoer sitting next to him held his hand over his heart, as if he was panicking.
Of course, there were serious moments too as community leaders, churchgoers, and representatives from Sacramento Police and the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department sat down together to address questions and concerns from the crowd.
"I know you're frustrated. I know there's anger," Sissac said. "The black community is tired of seeing this happen. Leadership needs to come in and say 'Here's how we can take energy frustration target it in positive way.'"
Sissac believes the positive way is through unity and meaningful dialogue, which is why he set up a panel to discuss three major topics: officer training, civilian training, and unity steps. Law enforcement leaders agreed.
“[Right now it's] us and them,” said Deputy Sheriff William Yost. “It's supposed to be us as a whole. [We have to] have a feel for [our community] and the citizens we are sworn to protect.”
“We don't want all law enforcement painted with the same broad brush," said Deputy Chief Mike Bray of the Sacramento Police Department. “We need to be held accountable but what happens here in Sacramento isn't what happens in other communities.”
While Sacramento remains peaceful during its protests, churchgoers hope strengthened community ties in Sacramento will remind other cities of the motto: United we stand; divided we fall.
Pastor Sissac said he will encourage more panel discussions and meaningful dialogue. He also hopes to get the community and police officers more involved in each other's daily lives.