I have said publicly many times that Commissioner Steve Pare and Chief Hugh Clements are part of the solution. Both are forward-thinking men. My community and I thank you for them for it but there have been many many complaints and many meetings with the GTF. They just don’t seem to get it.
On the night of the 15th Kobi Dennis’s son left work and started walking home with two other friends. Two men jumped out of a car, swore at them, took a backpack out of his hands went through it and threatened them. These boys did nothing suspicious.
I know Kobi’s son very well. He is a thoughtful, quiet, well-spoken young man. He has worked at the McDonalds’ for over 2 years and is heading to college. Because I know this young man and the family he comes from I can guarantee you that he was polite and complied with every order these officers gave, but why should our young men have to go through this? Let’s be honest, the GTF knows “the players” in the game. They also know when they are just plain harassing our black and brown young men.
You have known me and many other “activists” through our work in the community and the programs we run for our youth. The constant bad behavior of some PPD members has forced us to turn our attention to them. This is not by choice but by necessity.
Real change needs to happen. It won’t happen overnight and there will be dissension.
Putting these two officers on desk duty is a good start but could we really take some action now? I would like to invite Commissioner Pare, Chief Clements, FOP President Taft Manzotti, the GTF and any other PPD member to attend our respectful and controlled Community Forum on Friday April 24th from 7:00 – 9:00 pm at The Salvation Army, 386 Broad Street.
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