Post by KC on Oct 29, 2006 22:05:13 GMT -5
Angered by what they consider racial profiling by Madisonville police, more than 100 people squeezed into Sweet Zion Baptist Church on Tuesday night to call on city officials to take action.
The Concerned Citizens of Madisonville formed in September, and the group's growing membership called the forum to seek solutions to what they call unfair law enforcement tactics.
"Our organization started with just a few people complaining, then more people kept coming forward. We learned that it wasn't just an isolated group or area, and it wasn't just a few incidents," said the Rev. Fred Randle, pastor at Sweet Zion Baptist and spokesman for the group.
The organization contacted the American Civil Liberties Union and HipHop Against Police Brutality. The first public step was taken Tuesday at the town hall meeting, when residents voiced frustrations and submitted solutions to city officials.
"We want to have a voice," Randle said. "Everyone in the community is affected by this. It's not just the people who are always in trouble. Doctors, preachers and respected people in the community are victims as well."
Randle and three others told the panel - Mayor Scott Singletary, City Manager Tom Ginter, Sheriff Dan Douget and Councilwoman Lois Brown - how they felt targeted by law enforcement officials.
"Most [of the misconduct] is racially motivated. The police will stop an African-American for a little bit of nothing," Randle said.
The residents are requesting that the Madisonville Police Department ban consent searches and require written consent for all vehicle searches. They also want to create a civilian panel to investigate allegations of racial profiling.
Ginter said the city council will review the residents' concerns with the city attorney and Police Chief George Sweetin, who did not attend the meeting.
"We intend to get input from all sides," Ginter said. "The mayor and I are both concerned about what we were told tonight. It will take time to digest it all."
The public is invited to the next town hall meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday at Sweet Zion Baptist Church, 305 Bogan in Madisonville.
www.theeagle.com/stories/102506/local_20061025017.php
The Concerned Citizens of Madisonville formed in September, and the group's growing membership called the forum to seek solutions to what they call unfair law enforcement tactics.
"Our organization started with just a few people complaining, then more people kept coming forward. We learned that it wasn't just an isolated group or area, and it wasn't just a few incidents," said the Rev. Fred Randle, pastor at Sweet Zion Baptist and spokesman for the group.
The organization contacted the American Civil Liberties Union and HipHop Against Police Brutality. The first public step was taken Tuesday at the town hall meeting, when residents voiced frustrations and submitted solutions to city officials.
"We want to have a voice," Randle said. "Everyone in the community is affected by this. It's not just the people who are always in trouble. Doctors, preachers and respected people in the community are victims as well."
Randle and three others told the panel - Mayor Scott Singletary, City Manager Tom Ginter, Sheriff Dan Douget and Councilwoman Lois Brown - how they felt targeted by law enforcement officials.
"Most [of the misconduct] is racially motivated. The police will stop an African-American for a little bit of nothing," Randle said.
The residents are requesting that the Madisonville Police Department ban consent searches and require written consent for all vehicle searches. They also want to create a civilian panel to investigate allegations of racial profiling.
Ginter said the city council will review the residents' concerns with the city attorney and Police Chief George Sweetin, who did not attend the meeting.
"We intend to get input from all sides," Ginter said. "The mayor and I are both concerned about what we were told tonight. It will take time to digest it all."
The public is invited to the next town hall meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday at Sweet Zion Baptist Church, 305 Bogan in Madisonville.
www.theeagle.com/stories/102506/local_20061025017.php