At the conclusion of Tuesday morning’s (Sept 23rd) Danville Police Department swearing in ceremony; which included the promotions Doug Miller to Deputy Chief and Jason Jeffries to Lieutenant; Danville’s Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr had something to say.
Williams had missed the September 16th City Council meeting, but received word about the discussion that took place at the end of the meeting. There was talk about the forming of a Violence Prevention Task Force. But there was also discussion that brought out some passion from Police Chief Christopher Yates, who felt the Police Department was receiving some unjust criticism. Mayor Williams felt that way as well, and let all Danville Police personnel in attendance at Tuesday morning’s ceremony know it. He was very angry at times while speaking, saying he felt some Council members were looking to turn citizens against the police officers who are “out there trying to keep everyone safe.” Williams stated that more than anything a major problem right now is a justice system letting people back on the streets.
After the ceremony, State’s Attorney Jaqueline Lacy, who was in attendance, declined comment. But Williams had more to say, and spoke with the media concerning the City Council and justice system, respectively.
AUDIO: When they create a wedge in between the police officers and the people that we serve, and they’re talking about unsolved murders; they just make it harder to solve murders. Because the people trust the police. And the elected officials are telling them that the police aren’t doing their jobs. They should be absolutely ashamed.
AUDIO: But there are other parts of the criminal justice system, namely our state’s attorney. Even when she does charge them appropriately; then we have judges that let them out. And I’m telling you, I’m tried of it for our people. Our people here deserve better. And our Police officers, who bust their butts every day to keep us safe, absolutely deserve better.
Mayor Williams missed the September 16th City Council meeting due to being part of Vermilion Advantage’s lobbying trip to Washington, D.C.
