As a black man in Durham, I implore police to be more vigilant in policing themselves

Police accountability

It was tribal loyalty that caused three officers to stand and watch George Floyd be suffocated right before their eyes under the knee of one of their “brothers in blue.”

As a black man in Durham County I implore the police to be more vigilant in policing themselves. Don’t allow the badge to silence an unnecessary use of force or nefarious action. I’m pleading that an allegiance towards human life would supersede their allegiance to ‘the shield’.

Officers take an oath to protect life and property, to keep the peace, and to maintain law and order. It is an honorable profession. But with such enormous authority bestowed on a person, tremendous accountability must be exercised. I know the vast majority of police are brave, noble heroes, and I’m grateful for them. But a few poisonous apples ruin the reputation of an entire orchard.

Immanuel Jarvis,

Durham County GOP Chairman

Police misconduct

Watching the news has made me weepy and enraged. For over 35 years I practiced police misconduct law, and today the problem seems no better.

The law cloaks officers with qualified immunity which makes it almost impossible to win a police brutality lawsuit. In criminal court, the immunity for cops is almost total because an elected prosecutor has to have the courage to bring charges.

Our white culture and police culture teach officers that they are always right. This extends to most prosecutors and many of our judges. The solution: Pass laws requiring law enforcement agencies to purchase insurance that waives all immunity defenses. Create citizen review boards with power to subpoena and discipline. Wrestle with our own racism and bias.

M. Alexander Charns, Durham

Raleigh’s mayor

I was taught in school that history is suppose to teach us a lesson so we do not keep making the same mistakes. Raleigh Mayor Mary Ann Baldwin has a short memory, as the riot and destruction of businesses occurred a second time on May 31. She learned nothing from the May 30 event. Also, we were taught to prepare for events and not hope we would be successful without proper preparation.

Ed TerrellI, Raleigh

Cooper’s restrictions

We believed him when Gov. Roy Cooper promised to keep us safe from the virus. We’ve faithfully obeyed his restrictions on church gatherings, funerals, haircuts, spa visits, dining out, trips to the gym. Now, he has nixed the political convention in Charlotte — another big blow to the economy — because RNC leaders would not agree to masks and social distancing in the arena. How does Cooper explain allowing thousands of people to march through our cities? Do they all wear masks and maintain safe distance? Alas, we can no longer rely on the governor to protect our health and jobs.

Kay Lusk, Raleigh

Cooper, the RNC

I am pleased that Gov. Cooper is trying to keep the Republican National Committee and Donald Trump focused on the need to contain the virus. If a fully attended event of 19,000 people resulted in hundreds of new cases, who’d take the blame? Cooper would.

Also, what would a full event at the Charlotte arena and surrounding hotels, bars and restaurants say to everyone who has followed the rules and suffered dire economic consequences to help end the spread of this deadly disease? That it was for nothing, that there’s no need to play by the rules to protect society because people with political power will undo their efforts?

Phyllis Anderson, Raleigh

Trump’s actions

We have a draft-dodger with “bone spurs” functioning as commander in chief as he orders the military to march against Americans. As the world laughs at America over this, and stands with the peaceful protesters, it is time to move from disbelief to change. The American people need to unite and protect democracy. And, come November, VOTE!

Margie Maddox, Cary

Central Prison

The wonderful Raleigh architect and community visionary, Steve Schuster, was just beginning to open a conversation about how to best use the Central Prison property when he passed away last year. His logic: In a rapidly-growing metropolis the 29-acre tract the 150-year-old prison sits on is an unpolished gem that might be better utilized. When sportswriter Luke DeCock mentioned the idea of an arena downtown to replace the PNC (May 29), I immediately thought of Steve’s idea.

In 2005, the Spectrum Center opened in uptown Charlotte. It’s surrounded by restaurants, bars, retail stores, offices, and a movie theater. I have to believe the economic impact of a development such as that, in downtown Raleigh, and the possible move of the prison to an N.C. area where jobs are sorely needed would make the kind of good sense Steve would appreciate.

Mike Collins, Raleigh