Baltimore should catch up

Though we may be geographically separated from the racially charged incidents occurring within our country, it is necessary to critically examine and discuss these events as they become more frequent.

Differences in the handling of the deaths of Walter Scott and Freddie Gray may explain the different responses of their respective communities. Whereas riots erupted across Baltimore, the Charleston, S.C., demonstrators overwhelmingly engaged in peaceful protest.

The city of Charleston’s mission statement says it aims “to preserve and enhance the quality of life of the citizens of the City of Charleston.” Following the shooting of Scott, the offending officer was charged with murder. The Baltimore Police Department, however, was quick to defend the officers involved in the death of Gray. All of whom escaped first-degree murder charges.

Their mission statement highlights the fact that they “will reduce crime … by targeting gangs, guns, violent repeat offenders, and the conditions that allow crime to flourish.”

Society has moved from the slave patrols of the South to community-oriented pillars of post-modern policing, and it is time Baltimore caught up. Perhaps the key to avoiding violent protest is for the police force to acknowledge their implicit racial bias and work to address community impact.

Miranda Houchens

Spokane Valley