Leaders of the black community plan to voice their grievances of alleged injustices by Hamilton police officers to the national accreditation agency that will be evaluating the department.

Councilman Archie Johnson, community activist Bob Harris and others said they plan to attend a Jan. 9 public information session at police headquarters that is being held as part of the accreditation process through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.

The meeting comes about one month after citizens of the predominantly-black areas of the city came forward with allegations of racial profiling and mistreatment by Hamilton police.

The Dayton chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference has taken up their cause and has vowed to start picketing the city next month unless certain conditions are met.

The local NAACP chapter is also demanding that city leaders do more to comply with a 2006 agreement that calls in part for the creation of a community relations committee.

On Wednesday, Councilman Johnson asked City Manager Joshua Smith to conduct an investigation into what was said at recent council meetings. At issue is a threatening statement that Johnson alleges was directed at him during a closed-door meeting with Hamilton police Chief Neil Ferdelman and two police captains.

“I understand the urgency of the request and will be meeting with our law department,” Smith said.

HPD gained its initial accreditation through CALEA in 1990 and has continued to be reaccredited since then.

At the Jan. 9 public information session, citizens will have 10 minutes to comment specifically on the department’s ability to comply with CALEA standards, officials said. Citizens may also provide comments from 1 to 3 p.m. that day by calling (513) 868-5811, ext. 1171, or by sending a letter to The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement, Inc. (CALEA) 13575 Heathcote Blvd., Suite 330, Gainsville, VA 20155.