An Ypsilanti pastor says churches are playing an important role in the ongoing Black Lives Mattermovement.
Pastor Jerry Hatter from Brown Chapel AME Church says churches are encouraging community residents to express their concerns but in a respectful and nonviolent way. Hatter, who will be retiring this month after 29 years at his church, says in order for relationships to improve between the community and police, police departments need to take certain steps.
Pastor Jerry Hatter: The police force needs to represent the community that they are policing. Amen. When I see all white police coming in to an all-black community, you’re ready for a problem.
Hatter says all officers should also be required to take sensitivity training to prevent situations from escalating in the field.
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— Jorge Avellan is a reporter for 89.1 WEMU News. Contact him at 734.487.3363 or email him javellan@emich.edu
