Ferguson Police Tries Community Policing, Met With Riots
Weeks after Officer Darren Wilson shot Michael Brown, the Chief of Police for Ferguson, Missouri, Tom Jackson released a video to apologize and smooth everything over. It only shows how this issue is too complicated for him to navigate. “I’m truly sorry for the loss of your son,” he told Brown’s parents. “I’m also sorry it took so long to remove Michael from the street.” It was sincere and warranted. Then, he turned his attention to the peaceful protesters and his authenticity vanished. “The right of the people to peacefully assemble is what the police are here to protect.” Y'know, with teargas, riot shields and sniper rifles, arresting journalists and imposing curfew. When a protest broke out Thursday night calling for Jackson’s resignation, he thought it was a good idea to do some good ol’ community policing by marching with the protesters. Maybe in a sign of solidarity? Regardless, seconds after he joined the crowd, police in riot gear pushed through and made arrests before telling the “unlawful assembly” to disperse. True community policing requires a more delicate touch. More…
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- Ferguson
- Michael Brown
- Missouri
- riots