Lang
6/11/20
Iowa City’s city manager has released a statement on the Black Lives Matter movement and the city’s efforts to improve the police department’s relationship with the black community.
Geoff Fruin says he’s come to realize that he has not adequately acknowledged the depth of what he sees as the racial injustice now being expressed in the Iowa City community. He adds he has not done enough to seek out the voices that have been suppressed, and he has not pushed hard enough for the local government to proactively address racial inequities.
Fruin also notes that he works closely with local police, and most officers are “phenomenal, caring people” who “contribute positively to the community in so many ways, both on-duty and off-duty.” He cites their efforts to improve homeless services, advance services for victims of domestic violence, improve response and services available to those with mental health challenges, root out human trafficking in the community, build relationships with the LGBTQ+ community, and more,
But Fruin says officers should also be held accountable for their mistakes. He feels the current department is up to the task of working with the Black Lives Matter movement to improve relationships between police and the minority community, including creating inclusive, community-wide forums for all voices.