Posted: June 2, 2020
Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell, Punta Gorda Police Chief Pam Davis, and President of the Charlotte County branch of the NAACP Reverend Louis Anderson, met recently to discuss our community’s response to the situation that has developed nationwide as a result of the killing of George Floyd by a former Minneapolis police officer.
The group discussed agency policies and procedures, training, and accountability reviews pertaining to use of force, de-escalation, protests, and internal affairs. The protection of the constitutional rights and safety of peaceful protesters was also discussed.
All three agencies, which have been working closely together for many years as members of the Community Task Force, have renewed their commitment to communication and cooperation for the betterment and protection of our community.
“It is so important that we continue to keep those lines of communication open with our community leaders during this difficult time.”
Chief Pam Davis, Punta Gorda Police Department
Chief Davis says, “Our partnership with Reverend Anderson and the NAACP has had a very positive impact on the police department’s relationship with our community. It is so important that we continue to keep those lines of communication open with our community leaders during this difficult time.”
It is important for the community to know that we hear you. We believe in your constitutional right to peacefully protest and we understand the pain our nation is feeling. Our goal is to keep the peace while your voices are being heard.
We live in a wonderful community with leaders who collaborate to discuss the concerns of our community members. Our job as law enforcement is to protect and serve all members of this great community.
“We are committed to protecting the constitutional rights of every community member and believe in the strength that our community has shown time and time again. Our hope is that we can come together as one and demonstrate what a unified community is capable of. Our strength is in our people,” states Sheriff Bill Prummell.
“Our goal is to achieve the equality of right and eliminate race prejudice among all citizens of our community,” says Reverend Anderson. “With this transparency between our law enforcement agencies, I am confident that we will have positive change moving forward. Let us continue to pray as we strive together to make a difference.”