The Michigan State University Police Department has formed what it calls an Inclusion and Anti-Bias Unit to address racial tension and maintain good community relations. Current State’s Kevin Lavery talks with the program’s coordinator.
The August 2014 shooting death of 18-year-old Michael Brown at the hands of police in Ferguson, Missouri re-ignited issues of civil rights and police brutality. Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Justice filed suit against the city of Ferguson, claiming officials reneged on a deal to institute police reforms. Attorney General Loretta Lynch says Ferguson police routinely exhibit racial bias against African-Americans. It’s a cautionary tale for law enforcement agencies across the country with ripple effects felt here in mid-Michigan.
Here in East Lansing, the Michigan State University Police Department has been paying attention to issues of bias and discrimination. The department is working with some community partners to identify and prevent incidences of bias that could cause harm if left unchecked. Current State's Kevin Lavery talks to Florene McGlothian-Taylor, the MSU police sergeant who’s coordinating the new Inclusion and Anti-Bias Unit.