London's police chief has stressed his commitment to "bias-free" policing in the city and is offering his support to the hundreds of people who plan to join Saturday's peaceful Black Lives Matter rally in Victoria Park.
Chief Steve Williams said he plans on attending the demonstration slated to run from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The rally is in protest of racism and police brutality toward people of colour. It is one of the countless demonstrations to be held worldwide following the death of George Floyd. The unarmed black man died last month after a white police officer in Minneapolis knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes.
In a statement released on Friday, Williams was clear he does not condone the behaviour that has been seen in the U.S.
"That is not reflective of our values," said Williams. "The women and men of the London Police Service, along with members of the London Police Association and the Police Services Board, are committed to bias-free policing and treating every person with respect and dignity without exception."
Williams added that police will be standing in solidarity with those at Saturday's rally, noting the police service supports the right for people to peacefully demonstrate, "because through demonstration can come meaningful change."
The London Police Services Board will also have members attending the rally in person as it strives to "listen and learn" from the city's black community.
"We also support the right of the black community and allies to protest and have their voices heard, in Canada and around the world, without being subject to unjustifiable state violence. This right is a fundamental aspect of our Charter and of human rights," said Board Chair Dr. Javeed Sukhera.
He added that, in addition to condemning racism, the board intends to take action.
"We know that despite the progress we have made in London, much more work needs to be done to address racism against black, Indigenous and people of colour," said Sukhera. "We as a board recognize that there is no room for white supremacy in our community. We recognize, as well, that deeply-rooted historical, institutional and systemic racism must be acknowledged and dismantled."
Among the actions the board intends to take on the issue is advocating for more diversity on the board and within the police service, as well as continuing equity, diversity, anti-racism, and inclusion training for all officers.
The Middlesex London Health Unit has requested anyone attending the rally in the downtown park wear a face mask and maintain a physical distance of two metres. Following the rally, attendees should monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 and stay home as much as possible, the health unit said.
