By Joe Gamm
News & Record, Greensboro, N.C.
GREENSBORO — Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan and Police Chief Wayne Scott responded tonight to a statement issued by the Greensboro Police Officers Association.
Although some media outlets have described the organization as a police union, the department does not have a labor union. Many Greensboro officers participate in the organization, which often raises money for events such as Christmas with a Cop shopping program.
The organization’s statement, released earlier today, criticizes the city for not supporting its officers after a recent New York Times article alleged Greensboro officers engage in racial profiling.
“Our officers target violations of law, not individuals,” it states. “We are greatly disturbed by the lack of public support from our city leaders.”
It goes on to say that after Scott issued an order stopping traffic stops for certain vehicle infractions, Vaughan has asked Scott to expand on the order, possibly eliminating arrests on charges of resisting arrest.
In her reply to the statement, Vaughan explained that the City Council is waiting for results from an independent study into the traffic stops before making “any necessary changes.”
The association statement also called for a plan to legally release body camera footage.
But, agencies, such as the Greensboro Police Department, have called on the N.C. General Assembly to pass laws outlining how and when departments could release footage from body cameras.
“It didn’t get supported in this session,” city spokesman Donnie Turlington said. “The Police Association said they support the release of body-worn camera footage. That’s in line with what Chief Scott and the mayor feel.
“I think the fact that the association comes out today and says they support it is great.”
Copyright 2015 the News & Record