The CNY Association of Chiefs of Police issued a statement this week emphatically condemning the actions of former Minneapolis police officers. The outpouring of emotions run higher by the day across the US and here in Central New York and the association is expressing that George Floyd’s death was "tragic and senseless."
Association President and Auburn Police Chief Shawn Butler says as leaders of the community, the time to speak is now.
“We have an obligation to stand up for what’s right and this action we condemn it in the strongest terms and we have to stand in a unified front and say we won’t tolerate it in our agencies and we’re not going to tolerate it anywhere in the country and we’re going to take a stand.”
Last weekend his officers participated with about 300 gathered to peacefully protest and he says it was an amazing experience. Some of the messages were strong and emotional… and he says everyone needs to be heard.
“Everybody’s got an opinion, everybody has a feeling in their heart. Both sides have to be able to express that and both sides have to receive it, understand it, process it and move on from there to find equitable solutions that serve everybody uniformly and that includes officers. We have a very tough job”
Butler says officers also need to be forgiven sometimes for past indiscretions. He also says officers have feelings but, he demands his officers convey compassion and empathy to also understand the public.
Another rally in Auburn is scheduled Saturday, June 6th at 2 PM in partnership with the NAACP and the City of Auburn. It will be held at the NYS Equal Rights Heritage Center at 25 South Street.
