Calgary councillor Druh Farrell has called into question the home lives of city police officers, saying rage from their duties likely comes home with them and results in unreported domestic disputes.
“After watching multiple videos of the horrendous police violence against POC (people of colour), I can’t help wondering about domestic abuse within law enforcement families. There’s some sick rage there. I would bet it goes home with them and the outcome goes largely unreported,” Farrell tweeted at the height of rioting in the U.S. over the death of George Floyd.
The tweet drew an angry response from people in the police community.
Al Koenig, a 30-year veteran and longtime head of the Calgary Police Association was equally outraged.
“Using a tragedy in another country to disparage police families in Calgary is despicable as well as ironic, given the continual gong show that has become city council,” said the now retired former officer.
” Perhaps some focus on her own job would be a better use of resources.”
Another long-time officer expressed anger.
“I’m so disappointed,” said former Const. Mike McNamara, who served with the Calgary Police Service for 25 years.
“If she wasn’t referring to CPS members, I wish she would have said that… it’s very inflammatory to all the hard working, decent, respectful policemen out there.”
In a series of tweets following her original, Farrell credited the work CPS has done with minority groups.
“Calgary has also moved to a community policing model, building partnerships with other agencies to strengthen relationships with diverse and marginalized communities. That doesn’t mean they’re perfect. Thankfully they’re aware of the issues and are working to address them,” she tweeted.
“That doesn’t mean members of the public shouldn’t feel free to criticize their police service. That’s the sign of a healthy democracy.”
Floyd – an African American – was killed last week after a white police officer knelt on his neck while arrested him in Minneapolis.
Since then there has been eight nights of rioting across the U.S. that has resulted in deaths, thousands of arrests and billions of dollars in damage.
Four of the police officers involved in the Floyd death have been charged.
Dave Naylor is the News Editor of the Western Standard
Dave Naylor is News Editor & Calgary Bureau Chief of the Western Standard based in the Calgary Headquarters.
He served as City Editor of the Calgary Sun & covered Alberta news for nearly 40 years.
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