Cathedral City Police Chief and officers support peaceful protesters in support of racial equality
Another protest against police brutality in the wake of the in-custody death of George Floyd in Minnesota was held in the valley Thursday, this time in front of city hall in Cathedral City.
Cathedral City Police Chief George Crum and four other officers stood in solidarity with protestors in front of the fountain of life for a few moments as they posed for a photo.
Nicole Smith of La Quinta organized the demonstration, her third in three days, following peaceful gatherings in La Quinta on Tuesday and in Rancho Mirage on Wednesday.
The 21-year-old said her goal was to promote peaceful protesting that unites with law enforcement. Smith is originally from Indiana and was new to the desert last fall.
"The fact that I moved here and I got the guidance and the inspiration to open my mouth, now I can't shut up," Smith said. "If you guys are willing to listenm I'm willing to talk. Even if you're not, somebody's going to hear me."
A couple dozen protestors gathered to share their thoughts around the killing of George Floyd, as well as their experiences with police brutality and racism in America.
"I don't like the riots, I don't like the bad protesting, the fighting against the cops," said Antonio Ingram. "I want the unification because, at the end of the day, we do need (police.) We need them to help protect us because at the end of the day it’s their job."
It wasn't a typical protest as there wasn't any marching or even much chanting. Instead, the protestors conversed with city leaders and police about how to do better.
"We hear their message, we understand it," said CCPD Chief Crum. "We also were sickened by that video."
Crum said his department understands the need to mend relationships.
"It’s important that we continue to have dialogue, that we continue to talk about these horrific incidents that take place so that we can learn from them as well," he said. "We as law enforcement leaders need to be open to that dialogue and effecting that type of change as well."
More coverage on previous local protest:
More Coverage: Dozens of protestors peacefully march through Rancho Mirage, police lend support
Story: Dozens take part in peaceful protest at La Quinta Community Park
Details: Police disperse Black Lives Matter protestors in Palm Desert amid countywide curfew
Full story: Peaceful protest in downtown Palm Springs
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