Urban League of Greater Madison: Statement on police chief’s findings in East Towne Mall use of force review

Media contact: Ruben L. Anthony, Jr., PhD Phone: 608.729.1200 Email: ranthony@ulgm.org

STATEMENT ON POLICE CHIEF’S FINDINGS IN EAST TOWNE MALL USE OF FORCE REVIEW

Yesterday the results were released following the review of the force used by Madison police when two officers arrested 18 year-old Genele Laird earlier this summer. Although I am disappointed by the finding that the forced used was “reasonable and consistent with MPD policy,” I am not surprised. In many places across the country the use of excessive force has become a prevalent pattern and practice imposed on African Americans. They are becoming as prevalent as Jim Crow laws were in the south 50 years ago. There is no place for this today.

In his findings, Chief Koval notes that there is a “gap where reasonable people can disagree between “justifiability” (were the actions taken legally defensible) and “desirability.” On this matter, I certainly find myself on the other side of that “gap” with the Chief’s findings, as I believe that while the approaches may be lawful, they should not be. Not only are they unjust, they are harmful to community cooperation and development. As Mayor Soglin said in his response to these findings today, “just because something is legal, that does not make it right.” As long as these unjust patterns and practices are standard, they will continue to cause disharmony in the community.

At the same time, Chief Koval did surprise me today. It is rare that an active leader in Law enforcement has the courage to speak up and say although his police officer’s actions were lawful: they did not get it right. They can do better. We as a community expect better.

Moving forward, the true test will entail watching what the police will do: not what they say. Are they willing to rebuild training and practices that mandate an equal application of justice? Will they continue to support restorative Justice initiatives? Will they continue to be honest when they are wrong? The four examples cited by Chief Koval of what MPD has put into place to address use of force issues concerns are a good start. The Urban League will be monitoring their implementation.

As a community we have to restart an honest conversation and design a path forward. These are difficult conversations, but are necessary to make Madison the best that it can be for all.

Sincerely

Ruben L. Anthony, Jr., PhD President & CEO