Yesterday was a banner day for Sheriff Chuck Jenkins.
He participated in two major events - an Open House held at the Frederick County Law Enforcement Center and a discussion of the Trayvon Martin Case hosted by the Frederick County Human Relations Commission.
The panel discussion was held at Winchester Hall and involved seven local leaders (according to the Frederick News Post). When several of us asked why County officials felt it necessary to discuss a case that happened in Florida while ignoring the incident that occurred within their own jurisdiction, we got a form email in return that began by explaining the role of the HRC:
He participated in two major events - an Open House held at the Frederick County Law Enforcement Center and a discussion of the Trayvon Martin Case hosted by the Frederick County Human Relations Commission.
The panel discussion was held at Winchester Hall and involved seven local leaders (according to the Frederick News Post). When several of us asked why County officials felt it necessary to discuss a case that happened in Florida while ignoring the incident that occurred within their own jurisdiction, we got a form email in return that began by explaining the role of the HRC:
- "We are a diverse, volunteer body of fifteen Frederick County residents who are committed to fighting illegal discrimination and promoting an appreciation of the benefits of multiculturalism and citizen empowerment in the County."
- "Though many confuse our role, we are neither an advocacy or political group. We simply desire to promote equal opportunities for everyone and raise public awareness about human justice issues that affect our community."
The letter basically invites concerned citizens to present information about Ethan's case at one of the regularly scheduled meetings to be held in August or September. (In other words, it doesn't warrant it's own forum. Quite a limited view of multiculturalism.)
In the meantime, at the HRC forum held yesterday, Jenkins claims that discrimination is not a problem in Frederick County.
In the meantime, at the HRC forum held yesterday, Jenkins claims that discrimination is not a problem in Frederick County.
Sheriff Chuck Jenkins acknowledged he has never “walked the streets of Frederick as a black man,” but said he’s never heard anyone complain of racial profiling in the county. He also responded to a fellow panelist, the Rev. Derek Shackelford, who had talked about systemic inequities that are present in the Frederick area. Though Jenkins said he doesn’t deny that discrimination exists in the community, he told Shackelford he doesn’t “believe it’s as prevalent as you say it is.”
- Glad he realizes he's not in a position to judge - he should read up on white privilege.
- He appears to be a proponent of racial profiling when it comes to brown skin, what makes him think any of us believe his prejudice is limited to this one group?
The other event Jenkins attended was the annual showcase of the county's public safety agencies. The event included "building tours, table and public safety vehicle displays, a hands-on crime scene station and K-9 demonstrations." The highlight for some was the chance to see the Maryland State Police helicopter. | |
For those of us in the #JusticeForEthan brigade, the highlight of the event was a chance for reporter Debra Alfarone from WUSA9 to ask him about his role in the events of January 12th and the internal investigation that followed. Since he had previously referred all questions to his lawyer who had not returned any calls, the investigative reporter went directly to the source.
It comes as no surprise to us that initially Jenkins "didn't want to talk about Ethan," especially during his own party. His quote in the Frederick News Post article on the event says “I am proud of this agency, and I am proud of what we do.” So when pressed about the Saylor case, Jenkins told Alfarone that he stands by his officers and he believes his men didn't use excessive force and that once the Justice Department is done with their investigation his men will be exonerated. He also added that the media was only reporting one side of the story.
You can watch the segment on WUSA9 here.
It comes as no surprise to us that initially Jenkins "didn't want to talk about Ethan," especially during his own party. His quote in the Frederick News Post article on the event says “I am proud of this agency, and I am proud of what we do.” So when pressed about the Saylor case, Jenkins told Alfarone that he stands by his officers and he believes his men didn't use excessive force and that once the Justice Department is done with their investigation his men will be exonerated. He also added that the media was only reporting one side of the story.
You can watch the segment on WUSA9 here.
- Really? You're proud of all the reported cases of questionable actions by your officers?
- No excessive force is needed to produce the crushing injury to Ethan's throat?
- If he thinks the media is skewed, why doesn't he answer their questions?
My question to Sheriff Jenkins remains: Do you really believe this stuff you're spewing and do you think that anyone outside of your band of political cronies believes it?
I applaud people like Debra Alfarone, Theresa Vargas (Washington Post), Danielle Gaines (Frederick News Post), and Delegate Mizeur who continue to pose the difficult questions and force Jenkins to talk.
I support their efforts to find #JusticeForEthan
I applaud people like Debra Alfarone, Theresa Vargas (Washington Post), Danielle Gaines (Frederick News Post), and Delegate Mizeur who continue to pose the difficult questions and force Jenkins to talk.
I support their efforts to find #JusticeForEthan