Concerned situation may impact police

Recently, Bellingham’s Police Department issued a report fully exonerating an officer accused of racial profiling and violating the department’s policies during a traffic stop of Alfredo Juarez, age 15.

Mr. Juarez, who had no driver’s license, was driving the wrong way on a one-way street. He also was in the United States illegally. After the report was released, a Latino Advocacy representative expressed concern that the police provided the report to the media before contacting Mr. Juarez and his family. She felt that action “discouraging and disrespectful to the community and disrespectful to Mr. Juarez.” “In order for us to trust the police, you would think they would work to build relationships with us.” Fair enough. However in September, Latino Advocacy invited members of the media to watch as Mr. Juarez, accompanied by civil rights activists, presented a formal complaint to the police. Some people might characterize that action as “grandstanding.” If a person or group desires to be treated with dignity, respect and courtesy, perhaps, they should treat others with dignity, respect and courtesy.

I am concerned that the circumstances related to this situation may create a chilling effect on Bellingham’s police officers who, not wanting to be the target of an unwarranted complaint, will not always fully and legitimately enforce Bellingham’s laws.

This story was originally published December 20, 2015 at 4:01 PM with the headline "Concerned situation may impact police."