St. Paul police officials and black community leaders held an open forum with residents Wednesday night to answer questions and promote understanding about police interactions, most particularly with people of color.

The dialogue came during a tense time in the country, when police have faced criticism in the wake of high-profile cases involving police killings of unarmed black people.

The panel at Pilgrim Baptist Church in St. Paul included representatives from the local chapter of the NAACP, the St. Paul Black Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, the Police-Civilian Internal Affairs Review Commission, African American Leadership Council and St. Paul Police Chief Tom Smith.

The discussion focused on what residents should do when they encounter law enforcement, but topics ranged from racial profiling to mutual respect and the discretionary power of officers in tense situations. While at times heated, the event, which was attended by about 35 residents, had many give-and-take exchanges between police and residents.

"Police officers, the good thing is they are human beings. The bad thing is they are human beings," said Todd Axtell, assistant police chief.

Panelists advised those in attendance to comply with police so as not to lead to a situation where force is needed. They also elaborated on residents' rights when they are stopped.

"We have a great deal of discretion about what we do," said Nick Kellum, a St. Paul officer and president of the Minnesota chapter of the National Black Police Association (NBPA).

Residents were also encouraged to report officers who abuse their power.

"You should be treated fairly, even when you are breaking the law," said Johnny Howard, of the St. Paul chapter of the NAACP.

Some residents voiced displeasure with the police. Kimii Porter, a probation officer, asked how officers are tested to see if they have preconceived racial bias.

The St. Paul police department faced criticism after a video of a black man being arrested in the skyway was made public this past summer.

Last month, the review board exonerated the police officers involved in the arrest. The man involved has sued.

Within the last two years, St. Paul officers have received training on how to de-escalate situations, police said. The new class to graduate Thursday from the St. Paul police academy is made up 47 new officers, about 25 percent of whom are people of color.

While progress has been made, Smith acknowledged that more is needed.

"We are pushing the dial forward slowly," he said.

It is possible that the forum could be held quarterly.

Nicole Norfleet • 612-673-4495