The city of Durango and Durango Police Department offered statements about George Floyd’s death during a City Council meeting Tuesday.
“Institutional racism and discrimination continue to permeate our society. Durango is not immune,” said Bob Brammer, chief of police. “The only way to address injustice is to understand the issue and take action.”
Brammer declared support for Saturday’s peaceful protest and denounced the police tactics that killed Floyd on May 25 in Minneapolis. About 300 people gathered Saturday in Durango to protest Floyd’s death.
He said the department has started planning listening sessions with Fort Lewis College and the city to provide a safe platform for community members to share concerns about local policing. He advocated for partnering with key stakeholders to identify next steps. The dates of the listening sessions have not be determined.
“We are not your enemy,” he said.
In a joint statement, City Council and staff declared support for those exercising their rights to peacefully protest.
“We recognize that Durango is a diverse community; we have a history of assuring that law enforcement is applied in our community in a fair and equal manner, no matter the circumstances,” the statement said. “Now, more than ever, we must look inward and then diligently reassure that each and every person in our city is treated with the respect and dignity they fully deserve.”
smullane@durangoherald.com
