Village of Yellow Springs, Ohio

Press Release: Chief Brian Carlson Statement on the Death of George Floyd & Policing in the Village of Yellow Springs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Yellow Springs, OH Today, June 1^st, Chief Brian Carlson (Yellow Springs Police Department)
issued the following statement:

“The murder of George Floyd is a blatant demonstration of abuse of power and the result of systemic racism within the United States. The circumstances of George’s death are breathtakingly horrible and further highlights the lived reality that many marginalized persons, especially Black persons, have had to face in this country since its founding. The continued practice of targeting is due to deeply ingrained problems through poor law enforcement practices. Frankly, we, law enforcement officers, have to undo the toxicity present within the Law enforcement and judicial system. It is unacceptable to be complacent in any act of oppression; thus making it quintessential and our civic duty to undo the evident inequities and oppression to move towards a world in which all are safe.

In the present, a macroscale change is imperative, these changes should include transparency and a lack of immunity for those that abuse their power. Through the act of reform, for instance, when dealing with a situation devoid of violent crimes, the could be issuance of citations in lieu of arrests. There should be improvement at the local levels that include better community policing techniques and veritable accountability. On a microscale, this police department, will continue to improve everyday practices and interactions with the public. This may result in further trainings that focus on de-escalation tactics and nonviolent methods of restraint. Yellow Springs Police Department strives to create a diverse and inclusive spaces that combat the overarching themes of inequity and violence. It may include competency in race relations and knowledge of disparities that others face, especially those outside of our own intersectionality. Instances of improper and discriminatory policing and practices that are created by implicit biases and prejudice will never be tolerated in Yellow Springs.

To that end, I tirelessly work and strive to make both myself and my staff hear and see you. To ensure that we practice the best community policing techniques, as we are here to serve and protect you. To the black men, women, and persons of this country, I see and walk with you, partaking in this fight to ending systemic racism and police brutality. There is always space for you. It is not simply enough to not partake in racism, we must actively seek to be anti-racist - to undo these systems that have built America and instead create justice for everyone. I send my sincerest condolences to those affected by this senseless murder, especially to the family of George Floyd. May he rest forever in power.”