Wyandotte County, KCK leaders plan meeting with clergy after death of George Floyd
While Minneapolis was rocked by protests and a police officer was charged with murder in the death of George Floyd, Wyandotte County leaders said Friday they will meet with clergy to discuss how to ensure police respect the “life and dignity” of all people.
“As much as we have done and as much as we are doing we know there is more to be done,” Alvey said. “When people of good will come together in open and respectful dialogue we can achieve the common good.”
Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, Mayor David Alvey, Wyandotte County Sheriff Donald Ash and Interim Kansas City, Kansas, Police Chief Michael York issued statements and spoke with reporters Friday morning. All three men will be included in the meeting Monday.
They said they would not tolerate behavior from police similar to what caused the death of Floyd in Minneapolis and urged community members to take part in peaceful assembly.
The men offered condolences to the family of George Floyd and the Minneaopolis community. Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died Monday after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck while he gasped for breath and pleaded with officers for almost eight minutes.
Officers were arresting Floyd outside a convenience store on a report of a counterfeit bill being passed.
Derek Chauvin, who put his knee on Floyd’s neck, was arrested Friday and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. In the days and nights since Floyd’s death, demonstrations in Minneapolis have grown increasingly violent. Initially peaceful protests Wednesday turned violent. Looting occurred overnight and officers fired rubber bullets and tear gas into crowds.
The mayor of Minneapolis requested help from the state’s National Guard following a second night of violent protest.
In Kansas City, Kansas, York said officers are trained to render aid to people in all circumstances. If someone police were arresting could not breathe, officers would immediately stop and help them, he said.
If this doesn’t happen, York said, officers are directed to hold one another accountable for any time of police misconduct.
“Incidents like these clearly erode public confidence that people have in law enforcement, we remain committed to earning and keeping that trust,” York said. “We are here today to recommit to you that we do not condone these types of police actions.”
In instances where KCK officers may be accused of excessive force, York said, the department would investigate the incident and take action in accordance with the severity of the incident.
“We enforce these values in our officers and deputies throughout their careers and hold them accountable if they break the law or violate policy,” York said.
He asked that any community assembly be organized and peaceful.
“We encourage anyone who would like to be heard to reach out to Sheriff Ash and myself,” York said. “We are here and we are listening.”
In statements Thursday, a Kansas City, Missouri, Police Commissioner said the video of Floyd’s arrest would be shown to officers has an example of what not to do.
Kansas City, Kansas, police and Wyandotte County deputies have faced criticism for their own conduct in recent years.
In two federal lawsuits brought against the department, officers are accused of excessive force in arrests. In one, filed in December, officers are accused of breaking into a man’s home and beating him up.
Another, filed in February, accuses Kansas City, Kansas, police officers of beating up a detainee and Wyandotte County Sheriff’s office employees of mistreating him in prison before having him deported.
Two Wyandotte County Sheriff’s deputies were criminally charged after they were accused of beating up an inmate in the county jail in September.
Following the charges, Ash announced plans to improve training and policy regarding use of force in the department.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
This story was originally published May 29, 2020 at 2:06 PM.
