Kaepernick gets support from black cops

Friday, September 7

Black cops follow Kaepernick, more on policing

News and opinion gathered from outlets across the country by Policing the USA

Black cops follow ad's lead, "believe in something" even as others don't

As police unions and departments across the country speak out against Nike for its Just Do It campaign featuring Colin Kaepernick — the former NFL quarterback who started protesting police brutality by kneeling during the anthem — at least one group is going against the grain. The National Black Police Association still believes in both the apparel line and the athlete, stating that "NBPA believes that Mr. Kaepernick's stance is in direct alignment with what law enforcement stands for — the protection of a people, their human rights, their dignity, their safety and their rights as American citizens."

Chairperson of the NBPA Sonia Pruitt told The Washington Post's Eli Rosenberg that she wanted to make it clear that all police officers don't think the same way. She also implied that the views of black officers are often overlooked.

"On many of these social issues we disagree," Pruitt said. "But nobody knows that, because the assumption is that if you're a police officer that you all think the same way."

Taser and racist remark

Remember the officer who tasered an 11-year-old black girl? Turns out he also made an inappropriate remark after he did it. And that wasn't the first time he'd said something questionable.

Body camera footage reveals that the officer, who is black, said the girl's actions are the reason that there are "no grocery stores in the black community."

On Aug. 6, Cincinnati Officer Kevin Brown tasered the girl as she ran from him. Brown states that she had been shoplifting. The officer is currently on desk duty.

An investigation found that the officer violated four department policies. He is awaiting punishment, which could include dismissal. Brown was previously written up for using a homophobic slur.

Key to solving police-community divide: communication

Members of disadvantaged communities should be able to share their grievances with officers, and police commanders should be prepared to listen. After serving as a San Jose, California ombudsman — a job that included police patrols and investigating misconduct allegations against officers — J. Manuel Herrera wants to try something new. He's calling for area community elders and police department commanders to talk about grievances on equal footing. He also wants less emphasis on aggressive policing and more investment in mental health and other social services. His theory: Clear lines of communication with credible community members will help police departments more easily weed out bad actors.

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