OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF THE ETHICAL SOCIETY OF POLICE
It has been announced that the contract with a St. Louis County and Municipal Police Academy (CMPA) instructor was terminated because the instructor used racial slurs during her instruction. The Ethical Society of Police complained to Chief Barton and the Board of Police Commissioners immediately after being notified of the incident.
Though this instructor can no longer teach at CMPA, it is disturbing that she is still contracted with other departments. Her licensing as an instructor with the Missouri Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) should be revoked immediately.
We acknowledge Chief Barton for taking the appropriate action in this situation. Unfortunately, this incident is just one of at least three where derogatory terms have been used where police officers are supposed to receive training in a professional environment. These incidents have been reported in the news over many years.
We believe that additional steps are needed to ensure such an incident will not occur again. We are asking for better checks and balances at CMPA and regular evaluations by class participants.
Also, until more people of good conscience speak up and out against inappropriate behavior and policies that negatively affect Black officers and members of the community, this pattern will not change.
Hopefully, this is the beginning of a trend for the FOP and others of good conscience to speak out about race-based issues.
– Ethical Society of Police
ABOUT THE ETHICAL SOCIETY OF POLICE
The Ethical Society of Police (E.S.O.P.) is an association of police officers, park rangers, and civilians that advocates for racial and gender equity in the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) and St. Louis County Police Department. The E.S.O.P. was founded in 1972 to address racial biases within law enforcement. The E.S.O.P. also works to improve community/police relations, develop policies and programs to reduce crime, elevate the status of minority civilians and police officers, encourage greater minority employment by law enforcement agencies, and increase professionalism in law enforcement. Membership is open to all races and includes nearly 300 law enforcement professionals employed by the City and County of St. Louis. For details, call (314) 690-3565, email [email protected] or visit www.esopstl.org.
Media Contact:
Rachel Brown
[email protected]
314.266.7035