Lexington council members Wednesday fielded comments from citizens regarding policing in the central Kentucky community. The almost three hour session was interrupted several times by crude and vulgar comments by certain participants.
First to address the council remotely was Latonya Jones. Regarding protests locally and globally, Jones said, quote, “the whole movement exists because there is no trust.” “The protests are happening all over the country and the world and to believe that Lexington is somehow could be immune to this is a lie,” said Jones.
Megan Jennings said police officers need more than periodic diversity training.
More than one person with police officers in their families spoke. Martha Jones said she believes racism does exist in the police department, but talk of defunding police is, quote, “not right.” “There’s fear on both sides of this line. I just want to speak up for our police officers, our police department because it’s not 100 percent broken,” explained Jones.
Martin Bass, a volunteer chaplain for police, said both sides need to come to the table to discuss concerns. There was consideration given to ending the virtual meeting after a number of participants used racist crude language during their comments before they were cut off. Vice Mayor Steve Kay apologized and Council Member Angela Evans said it only reaffirmed these negative attitudes do exist in the community. “Because we’re allowing anonymity, you all wouldn’t know this is what people do. You wouldn’t know this is what I get called, just walking down the street, just because,” said Evans.
The public comment meeting last night came following a six hour session Tuesday when the council heard from the police chief, the fraternal order of police, and city lawyers on issues like police policy on no knock warrants and collective bargaining.?
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