Windsor's chief of police is weighing in on the controversy that has led to protests across North America.
In an open letter published Friday on the Windsor police Twitter page, Chief Pam Mizuno addressed the growing cries for racial equality in the wake of the death of George Floyd, and promised to connect with groups in the community affected by the events.
Floyd, 46, died in police custody in Minneapolis after an officer held Floyd down with his knee despite pleas from Floyd that he could not breathe. The incident, which was caught on video, sparked protests all across Canada and the U.S., with violence erupting in cities like Minneapolis, Atlanta, Buffalo, New York City, Los Angeles, and others.
Mizuno stopped short of condemning the officers involved but acknowledged that they must accept responsibility for what was allowed to happen.
"We are left questioning the actions of the officers involved in the killing of George Floyd, and believe that they should be held accountable for their actions," wrote Mizuno. "The job of policing can present challenges, however, we are never able to deviate from conducting ourselves professionally and ethically at all times."
The chief added that believing racism is strictly an American problem serves no purpose.
"We must acknowledge that anti-black racism and bias exists in Canada, but that does not mean it cannot be addressed and eradicated," wrote Mizuno. "Accountability continues to be a marker for tangible and substantive change and is one of the core values of the Windsor Police Service."
Mizuno encouraged people in Windsor and Amherstburg to provide ideas on how the police service can ensure people are treated with equality and respect.
The statement can be read in its entirety on Twitter.