Metro police: Ferguson no 'watershed moment' in use of force
This story has been updated.
“Ferguson is not seen as a watershed moment for us to change what we are doing in terms of use of force.”
That's what Lt. Brian Marshall said as The Atlanta Journal-Constitution asked a dozen local police agencies whether recent policing controversies around the country, including in Baltimore and Ferguson, Mo., have or should spur changes in policy and procedure.
Some departments say they are responding — moving forward on employing body cameras, among other things — but several local departments asserted that they are largely getting it right and that police are being scapegoated.
Marshall works for the Marietta Police Department, recognized as one of the best agencies at community outreach by President Obama’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing.
He said Ferguson's real lesson was about improving community relations.
About the Author
A native Atlantan, Boone joined the AJC staff in 2007. He quickly carved out a niche covering crime stories, assuming the public safety beat in 2014. He's covered some of the biggest trials this decade, from Hemy Neuman to Ross Harris to Chip Olsen, the latter of which was featured on Season 7 of the AJC's award-winning "Breakdown" podcast.
