ROCK ISLAND Co., Illinois (KWQC) – The Rock Island County chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People may request an independent inquiry into the recent death of DeShawn Tatum, according to a recent release.
Current leader of branch 3268 Bonnie J. President issued the following statement regarding the incident and the investigation that is currently underway:
The Rock Island County NAACP is saddened by the death of DeShawn Tatum, a young man whose family is deeply rooted in the Rock Island community. We understand that there are aspects of this situation that we are not currently familiar with, and that an ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Rock Island County Integrity Task Force. We will continue to monitor the progress of this investigation into the circumstances of Mr.’s death. Tatum, a son, family member and friend, to make clear.
As we look at it from the outside, we are reminded of the barriers that still exist between the African American community and local law enforcement. As advocates for fairness in policy, practices and public safety in the police, we will continue to monitor this situation and others. Although we have made efforts in recent years to work with the local police department, our community is not reporting on the national problems with policing. And we believe this is another wake-up call for Rock Island and surrounding communities. In an effort to increase community policing and reduce violence between law enforcement and citizens, we will continue to advocate for a higher level of accountability and transparency within Rock Island County police departments. We will continue to plead for
diversity in police officers’ staff, higher-level training, the use of body cameras at all times, and policies and practices that result in all Rock Island County citizens receiving fair and equal treatment in their law enforcement encounters. In an effort to repair the damage that has undoubtedly taken place over the years in the Rock Island community, we must continue to engage in heated discussions about the role that race, class, and gender bias play in our community during police meetings. may occur. .
Pending the local investigation by the Rock Island County Integrity Task Force, and because it was an officer involved in the shooting, we believe it is appropriate to conduct an external / independent investigation into the circumstances of Mr.’s death. .
By improving police-community relations, we make Rock Island County a safer place for all citizens to live and thrive. ”
Tatum died after a confrontation with police at a gas station in Rock Island on Thursday, April 1st.
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