The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
North Fulton officials seek to reassure residents
Sandy Springs, Johns Creek mayors urge frank talks on race.
As protests erupted across the country over the death of George Floyd in Minnesota, north Fulton officials sought to reassure residents.
In a Facebook post, Johns Creek police Chief Chris Byers said Monday the entire department was “stunned and angered by the force used against (Floyd)” a nd supports peaceful protests for justice.
Floyd died in Minneapolis on Memorial Day while detained by four police officers, who were soon fired. One of the officers, Derek Chauvin, was captured on video with his knee pinned to Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes. He was charged with murder and manslaughter last week.
“I can assure you that the video of Mr. Floyd and his treatment is not represen- tative of law enforcement and especially not the Johns Creek Police Department
and those in our neighbor- ing area,” he added.
In his Sunday blog post, Chief’s Chat, Alpharetta
police Chief John Robison said that he has received several inquires asking about the department’s deescalation training. Offi- cers are trained beyond state requirements annually
with scenarios that would introduce deescalation of given situations, he wrote.
“Ultimately, we have extremely high expecta- tions regarding how our offi- cers handle any interaction with citizens, and our train-
ing reflects those expecta- tions,” Robison wrote. The Atlanta Journal-Constitu- tion was unable to reach the chief for comment.
One of two Atlanta Police
Department officers fired Sunday for excessive force when arresting two college students had recently com- pleted deescalation train- ing, according to the state Peace Officer Standards and Training Council.
During the last four years, neighbors and strangers formed groups, as well as church members across the metro area, for frank conversations on race. Now the mayors of Sandy Springs and Johns Creek want to continue that trend.
Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul suggests local faith-based organizations
and community groups host gatherings of 10 or fewer people for conversations on race.
“I am asking that they forward conversation notes, suggestions and ideas to me at City Hall for review and presentation to the City Council,” Paul said.
Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker said the Johns Creek Police Department wants to establish better community relations.
“The entire community is hurting,” Bodker said in a statement released Monday. “Any form of hate, brutality, or racism is detrimental to our community
and will not be condoned or ignored here in Johns Creek.”