Selected excerpts from CPD Chief Rafferty
By Canton CitizenBelow are selected excerpts from Police Chief Rafferty’s public statement given at Tuesday’s Select Board meeting.
On body cameras:
“I would like to stress that the officers at the police department are just as motivated to have this additional law enforcement tool, as those we serve. We know that the 360 degrees of transparency is critical to our profession, as we move into the future of policing. So, I’ll make sure to keep everyone in the loop as we forge ahead.”
On the administrative code:
People in positions such as mine, and that of elected officials, should be held to a higher standard. That is why I am proposing it be adopted by every town board and every elected official. It seems hypocritical to solely make members of the Select Board adhere to such a rule when we have a current elected Planning Board member who actively participated in an event that made residents of our community feel disrespected, targeted and intimidated … Additionally, we have an elected library trustee who, as of noon today was still listed as a co-administrator on a social site that is allowing residents of our community to also be disrespected and dehumanized with innuendos, outright falsehoods, half-truths and bullying comments.”
On sensationalistic reporting:
“In my initial and only statement about this case thus far, I used the word sensational. When you google that word, the first definition to pop up is ‘causing great interest.’ Ironically, the example used in the definition is a ‘sensational murder trial.’ My statement expressly asked for people to sit back and wait for all sides to be presented. How [blogger] Aidan Kearney manipulated my message was certainly not how it was intended. However, as with many things in this case thus far, Aidan Kearney has shown that his perception is not the reality of the situation.”
On public perception:
“I know that mistrust for the Canton Police Department has taken root around [the O’Keefe case]. Based on the feedback that I and officers have received, I’m not sure that it is nearly as widespread as portrayed by one of the speakers at the last meeting. However, I do acknowledge that it is there — I hear you. I believe the first step in bridging that trust gap is effective and healthy communication … So, let me reiterate, I am willing to meet with any Canton resident, one on one, wherever in town you would feel most comfortable so that we can have a dialogue where you can ask questions and you can get a sense of who I am and what I stand for as the leader of the Canton Police Department.”
Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=119073
Posted by Canton Citizen
on Aug 10 2023. Filed under Opinion, Police & Fire.
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