SAN DIEGO, Oct. 18 (UPI) — The chief of the United States’ biggest police organization acknowledged Monday that minorities in America have suffered mistreatment at the hands of officers for decades.
Speaking at a national convention in San Diego, International Association of Chiefs of Police President Terrence M. Cunningham issued an apology for the poor treatment.
“Events over the past several years have caused many to question the actions of our officers and has tragically undermined the trust that the public must and should have in their police departments,” Cunningham said. “The history of the law enforcement profession is replete with examples of bravery, self-sacrifice, and service to the community. … At the same time, it’s also clear that the history of policing has also had darker periods.”
Cunningham’s remarks come amid ongoing tensions across the United States between local communities and the officers charged with their protection. Many high profile incidents, some of which have led to the deaths of minority citizens, continue to draw substantial attention to the matter.
The IACP leader made the apology “for the actions of the past and the role that our profession has played in society’s historical mistreatment of communities of color.”
“It is my hope that, by working together, we can break this historic cycle of mistrust and build a better and safer future for us all,” he added.
Advocacy organizations like the ACUL and NAACP applauded Cunningham’s remarks.
The IACP is made up of more than 23,000 police officials across the country.
