LPD, sheriff’s office issue statement on Floyd death, protests.

LPD, sheriff’s office issue statement on Floyd death, protests.

The Ludington Police Department and Mason County Sheriff’s Office has issued a statement about the recent events regarding protests over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The statement reads as follows:

Over the past several days there have been peaceful demonstrations and protests in Ludington. The Ludington Police Department and Mason County Sheriff’s Office  have collaborated in information and intelligence sharing in reference to possible future protests. At this time, we have not developed any credible information on any future planned protests in the City of Ludington or Mason County. We will always strive to keep the community informed on any upcoming events.

Sheriff Kim Cole and Chief Timothy Kozal unequivocally condemn the actions of the Minneapolis Police Officers in the death of George Floyd. Never before in our history have the individual actions of a distinct few, adversely affected the vast majority.

Sheriff Cole and Chief Kozal are committed to ensure that each and every contact we have with the public we serve is with dignity and respect. It is a difficult task to quantify the level of trust, respect and legitimacy that we have with the public we serve. We firmly believe and are focused to continue to train our officers and deputies in the pillars of the 21st Century Policing Initiative.

Social media should not and must not drive our actions or inactions. There has been misinformation spread recently referencing possible protests and riots. The fanning of a false narrative only lends to heightened anxiety and fear.

We have not been contacted by any organization wishing to demonstrate. We have reached out to the Black Lives Matter Movement and had discussions with other jurisdictions that have had protests. We have not corroborated any information that there will be protests in the City of Ludington with the Black Lives Matter Movement.

We are prepared however to work with any organization or citizen that wishes to exercise their right to protest and exercise their right to free speech.

Together, Sheriff Cole and Chief Kozal are committed to providing exemplary service during these disquieting times. This is not an afterthought; we truly believe it is essential for the success and safety or our community.