Head of U.S. police chiefs apologizes for historic mistreatment of minorities

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On Monday, Terrence M. Cunningham, the chief of police in Wellesley, Mass., and the president of America’s largest police organization, issued an apology for the mistreatment of minorities.

In the apology, Cunningham, the President of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, apologized “for the actions of the past and the role that our profession has played in society’s historical mistreatment of communities of color.”

“Events over the past several years have caused many to question the actions of our officers and has tragically undermined the trust that the public must and should have in their police departments…The history of the law enforcement profession is replete with examples of bravery, self-sacrifice, and service to the community. At its core, policing is a noble profession,” he said.

“At the same time, it is also clear that the history of policing has also had darker periods,” he added.

He then went on to say, “While we obviously cannot change the past, it is clear that we must change the future…For our part, the first step is for law enforcement and the IACP to acknowledge and apologize for the actions of the past and the role that our profession has played in society’s historical mistreatment of communities of color.”

“It is my hope that, by working together, we can break this historic cycle of mistrust and build a better and safer future for us all.”