Police chief says he’s ‘saddened and angry’ by police killing in U.S.

In wake of George Floyd death and riots, Larkin says local service committed to rooting out racism

WATERLOO REGION — Waterloo Regional Police Chief Bryan Larkin said he is “saddened and angry” by the “devastating” events south of the border.

In a video posted on Twitter Monday, Larkin said he is committed to working with the community to root out racism.

“Intolerable attitudes and incidents of hatred cannot go unchallenged,” he said in a twominute video.

Over the weekend protests in Canadian and American cities continued, marking the death of George Floyd, a Black man who died gasping for air last week after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck for several minutes.

The officer has been charged with murder. Other officers standing nearby have been fired.

Floyd’s death triggered massive protests across the United States and Canada.

“The actions of four have set back policing decades. We have been working hard to build trust in our system and make inroads in our diverse communities,” Larkin said in an interview with The Record.

Larkin acknowledged that systemic discrimination exists in policing and that police have flaws, but the service wants to work with the community to make people feel safe and included.

“We are not perfect,” he said. “There is work to be done within our police service.

“We must take action to make change,” he said.

Larkin said it is his priority to make the community stronger and more vibrant.

“I promise you that we will do better,” he said.

Larkin said he is disheartened to see the impact on people’s lives, particularly the Black communities.

“I just pause and think about the repeated history and that we can do better,” he said.

“The work we have done, the relationships we have built are hindered and tarnished by unacceptable behaviours,” he said in an interview.

Larkin said he is concerned about what’s next especially within a pandemic and a time of high unemployment.

“I would describe the last five days for me as disbelief, shock, frustration, worry,” he said.

Larkin said the nationwide protests remind him that work needs to be done to “tear down walls, build bridges and to keep talking.”

As a police leader, Larkin said tackling cultural change such as systemic barriers has been his greatest challenge as chief.

“I come from a place of privilege. My role is one of privilege,” he said.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, a rally is being held in Kitchener. A K-W Solidarity March for Black Lives Matter is planned in Victoria Park.

Larkin said police will support event organizers by ensuring democracy and a right to free speech. Police will work with organizers and the City of Kitchener.

“It’s an important event that will ensure voices are heard,” he said. “Those planning the event are doing it with heartfelt intentions around healing and heartfelt intentions around a call to action and social justice.”

But Larkin said “opportunists” may try to latch on to peaceful events with a counterprotest. Police will be on hand to ensure safety. Roads will be closed near the park.

Larkin said he was glad to see organizers telling all those participating to wear face masks.