It is clear that Arbery’s murderers targeted and killed Arbery because he was Black, in a neighborhood they decided he did not belong in – yet another death in an all-too long string of killings that bring to echo the lynchings that were a shameful part of this country’s history. We all have the right to human dignity, safety, and to feel free from fear in public spaces, but Arbery’s killers did not see Arbery’s common humanity, and took the law into their own hands.
Redesigning public safety requires accountability, transparency, and the recognition that marginalized communities have value and must be protected. Deadly force can never be a reaction to fear. Instead, we must build equitable public safety systems that acknowledge our common humanity and provide the tools to care for vulnerable communities beyond fear, coercion and unnecessary force.
Our thoughts are with Arbery’s family, loved ones, and the Brunswick community.
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About Center for Policing Equity: As a research and action organization, Center for Policing Equity (CPE) produces analyses identifying and reducing the causes of racial disparities in law enforcement. Using evidence-based approaches to social justice, we use data to create levers for social, cultural and policy change. Center for Policing Equity also holds a 501(c)3 status.