“We want to ensure that this investigation is done without bias in order to rebuild trust between the police department and our community,” said CAIR-MO Executive Director Faizan Syed. “Today we are calling on the mayor and other city officials to immediately setup a meeting with community leaders to discuss the ongoing controversy. Unless our voices are heard, the proposed ‘sensitivity training’ is not nearly enough to rebuild trust.”
CAIR-MO believes sensitivity training could potentially be positive but holds reservations as to the content and scope. The organization also believes a one-off training alone is not enough to rectify the ongoing situation.
CAIR-MO is demanding the following from city officials:
- Sensitivity Training: Need clarification as to who will be doing the training, what will be covered, and the impact of that training. This training must be provided on a regular basis and incorporate it into new recruit training in order to create meaningful long-lasting change.
- Update Hiring Practices: The hiring practices of SLMPD must be updated to ensure new recruits do not hold such prejudices before being hired by the Police Department.
- Holding Officers Accountable: All officers involved in this controversy must be held accountable.
- Expand Commitment to Diversifying Police Force: SLMPD must expand their commitment to hiring a more diverse Police Force that reflects the diversity of the St. Louis community.