By Adam Studzinski
BLOOMINGTON – Some black people have a genuine fear of police was a message Black Lives Matter Bloomington-Normal sent Thursday night to Blooington Police Chief Brendan Heffner.
Candice Byrd said growing up she felt comfortable around police, and even knew some by name. But she added things are different now.
“I have had my share of negative interactions with Bloomington police,” said Bryd. “From having guns drawn on me for wearing what the police officers stated were gang colors, to getting searched down to my socks in the rain for non-existent drugs.”
Byrd said the situations she’s been in with police would not have escalated to the level they did if she were white. She believed things are getting worse for people of color in the community.
“I’ve heard it said that there is not a problem in Bloomington-Normal because nobody has gotten shot, but I’m not about to stand here and wait for that to happen,” she said.
The forum comes as the city ponders the creation of a police substation on the west side. Heffner said his officers go where the calls for service are.
“That’s what dictates how we send out people to patrol in what areas,” said Heffner. “And you’re right, drugs cross all races.”
The city council tabled the proposed substation at its meeting Monday night, saying more education on the purpose of the station is needed.
Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].
