Dear Providence Residents,
I continue to grieve for the family of George Floyd and so many others who have died in acts of unlawful violence. This must end. It is time to stand up against the persistent racial inequity in our country.
Today, the Board of Supervisors voted to identify options for funding the next phase of the police body-worn camera program, and develop a timeline and implementation plan for all future phases. While we know no one program or policy can fix the problem, we have seen the value of police body-worn cameras. COVID-19 budget changes originally impacted the body-worn camera program, but we can assure you that the Board will now examine all potential funding options as part of the budget we previously approved.
Racial injustice is finally at the forefront of the country’s dialogue. Locally, we know Fairfax County has work to do. Recently, one of our officers violated a FCPD policy and broke the trust of the community. I am deeply disappointed in what I saw on the video from the police body-worn camera and I am thinking of the victim and his family. These cameras are key for accountability and transparency during interactions of police officers and citizens.
We must address the greater systemic issue of racial disparities that our country faces, and how we can improve here in Fairfax. Today, Chairman McKay announced a new Taskforce on Equity and Opportunity, created to reflect on our journey and inform the path forward. The Chairman's Taskforce will explore the range of situations and conditions that contribute to disproportionate trends, facilitate shared responsibility and collective action, build on the strengths of our community, and lift up solutions to make all residents and neighborhoods more resilient.
I have heard from hundreds of residents advocating for change in our community. You are not alone. We are listening to your concerns and re-examining our policies. We will continue this conversation and look at actions the Board can take to make positive changes. I see you, I hear you, and I want you to know we are in this together.
With Gratitude,
Supervisor Dalia Palchik
