Today, April 20th, 2021, agency heads and elected officials from multiple local law enforcement agencies in Marion and Polk counties have come together to join us in affirming our Commitment to Community.
Commitment to Community
In May of last year, the world watched for what seemed like an eternity as Mr. George Floyd, Jr. died as a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck. In the days, weeks and months that followed, we saw vigils, peaceful protests, violent demonstrations and calls to action for police and criminal justice reform.
Together, as a community, we wait for the outcome of the trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin who is being prosecuted for his role in Floyd’s death. Regardless of the verdict, we encourage our community to respond with peace and civility.
We see this moment in time as a unique opportunity to come together with our communities to seek better understanding and have meaningful and productive conversations around police reform. As law enforcement professionals, we stand with you in opposition to racism and hate.
Our commitment to the residents of Salem and Marion and Polk counties remains steadfast and clear. Together we can reflect upon our policies, practices, training and the ways in which we interact to reshape policing for the specific needs of our community. We will continue to work collaboratively with all members of our diverse community as we listen, learn, enhance relationships and strive for equity in the services we provide.
On behalf of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, we want to acknoweldge the following partner agencies for joining us in this release:
- Keizer Police Department
- Marion County Sheriff’s Office
- Mt. Angel Police Department
- Polk County Sheriff’s Office
- Salem Police Department
- Silverton Police Department
- Stayton Police Department
- Woodburn Police Department
