As unrest and demands for changes to racial injustices continue locally and nationally, the law enforcement agencies in Orange County have been sending messages to their communities about how they hope to address systemic racism and racial injustice by police.

The agencies released a joint video statement on Friday with the leaders of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Chapel Hill Police Department, Carrboro Police Department, Hillsborough Police Department, Mebane Police Department and UNC Police Department pledging their service to the community.

In the video, Sheriff Charles Blackwood and Chiefs Chris Blue, Walter Horton, Duane Hampton, Terrence Caldwell and David Perry state “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” They express their own feelings of sadness and say they are committed to improving the health and safety of their various communities.

With the release of the video message, the law enforcement offices also urged residents to visit the various departments’ websites to learn about their specific policies on topics like de-escalation, review of uses of force and officer training.

The video message is the latest statement made by local law enforcement following the death of George Floyd while being arrested by Minneapolis Police officers. Both Sheriff Blackwood and Durham County Sheriff Clarence Birkhead shared statements, while the Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough departments all shared messages too.

Photo via the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

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