Pittsburgh Police Chief Cameron McLay has been open about his willingness to fight racism and support the movement to ensure equal treatment by police, but it seems his latest move has upset some officers, who say the Chief is calling them racists, and attacking the department from within. McLay has apologized for offense, but isn’t backing down, and is asking officers to be aware of subconscious bias that may affect their interactions.
McLay might have gotten a hint at public sentiment when he shared a Twitter status from ‘@endwhitesilence’ on New Year’s Day.
"@endwhitesilence: It's time for courageous conversations about implicit bias, race and gender @ work & in our communities. It'll be OK…
— Cameron S. McLay (@ChiefCSMcLay) January 1, 2015
The tweet got numerous responses, most accusing any anti-racism movement of being an anti-white movement, with a few addressing seemingly unrelated issues, such as whether income tax is constitutional and the rates of out-of-wedlock birth across racial divides.
Still, the Police Chief went further to declare his desire to eliminate racial bias in police work: at the First Night Parade, he was photographed holding a sign that said “I resolve to challenge racism at work.”
@ChiefCSMcLay just committed to challenge racism at work #endwhitesilence We gonna hold you to it Chief! http://ift.tt/1D1cFaT
— WHAT'S UP?! (@endwhitesilence) January 1, 2015
Police Union President Howard McQuillan says that the sign accuses the department of racism. He told KDKA that the photo had angered many officers.
Pittsburgh’s police department, and specifically Chief McLay, have been lauded by protesters for not preventing marches, and for being respectful of the right to protest.
"@HazenWTAE: Protesters crossing Birmingham Bridge back to Oakland @WTAE http://ift.tt/1yoUD0F" Kept safe whole way by Pittsburgh's finest!
— Cameron S. McLay (@ChiefCSMcLay) December 6, 2014
“@davonmagwood: The police have been respectful . Thank you @ChiefCSMcLay” #pittsburgh
— #kinselcollection (@DSKinsel) December 6, 2014
A Chief of Staff for Mayor Bill Peduto says that the mayor supports the chief in the matter, and that it’s part of a movement to improve relations between the police and their community. While the Chief may have members of his own force angry at him, it appears the efforts to connect to the community are working.
@ChiefCSMcLay Thank you … You have my support!
— Katherine McCormick (@KSMcCormick) January 4, 2015
@ChiefCSMcLay awesome work! I applaud your humanity and courage.
— Wayne Strong (@wstrong904) January 4, 2015
@ChiefCSMcLay respect to you and yours. Thank you for your service. God bless.
— P/T King Tut (@CharlieBlacksII) January 4, 2015
Thanks for standing with the people, @ChiefCSMcLay !! #BlackLivesMatter
— cvillarreal (@cvillarreal) January 4, 2015
@ChiefCSMcLay Respect for your #endwhitesilence pic. May you, & the best & fairest of your force, bring justice & compassion to Pittsburgh.
— Robert Rands (@Vittidinia) January 4, 2015
WTAE reports that, while the Police Chief apologized to those who were offended, he also stands by his statement, and says that the department will implement training to overcome bias in police work.
Officers Upset After Police Chief Vows To Fight Racism
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