COLUMBUS – Violent protests over the death of a black man in police custody, coming in the midst of a pandemic, are creating stress fractures between the American people and their leaders, between police and their communities and between officials at every level of government.
How Columbus police handled protests in the city over the death of Georgie Floyd while in the hands of Minneapolis police on May 25 drew criticism from local officials, including Mayor Andrew Ginther, who says he told police chief Thomas Quinlan he thought officers overreacted when they used pepper spray, tear gas and rubber bullets to clear crowds during three days of protesting that often descended into rioting.
“We fell short on protecting public safety while allowing peaceful protest. The goal must be to do both,” Ginther said during a Facebook Live briefing with Quinlan Tuesday.
Ginther is one of several city leaders who want a civilian review board but it would have to be included in negotiations with the Fraternal Order of Police this year, calling it his “top priority.”
The board was one of the recommendations from a consultant and the Safety Advisory Commission.
Ginther says some of the commission’s recommendations are already being implemented and he expects a status report Thursday.
“The protesters have been very clear with me, they’re tired of talking and commissions and studies. They want action, they want justice, they want reform” Ginther said during an interview for Perspective, which will air on June 7.
An email inbox has been set up where citizens can send complaints about police if they are reluctant to voice their concerns through official channels. Ginther said the city had received 375 photos and 80 complaints about police actions.
The head of the union representing the city’s police officers says he saw police exercise “unbelievable restraint.”
“I saw officers taking rocks, bottles — being assaulted for days – and standing there and taking it, It’s enough,” said Keith Ferrell, president of FOP Capital City Lodge No. 9.
Ferrell says the union is willing to discuss the issues with the administration but leaders did not return his phone calls.
Police reform is one of the areas Governor Mike DeWine wants to address as he taken on the problem of economic and health disparities in Ohio.
He said there are plans in the works to improve access to quality training, enhance transparency between the police and the public, encouraging minority recruiting and adding more oversight to Ohio’s law enforcement agencies.
DeWine and U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, both Republicans, say the military shouldn’t be sent into their home state.
President Donald Trump, also a Republican, vowed to send the military into states to quell protests if state authorities don’t restore order.
DeWine says he thinks cities have done a good job so far handling the protests.
Portman says he thinks the Ohio National Guard can handle the situation.
Trump has since appeared to be privately backing off his threat to deploy troops.