Police chief disrespected BUILD

We were among 2,000 Lexington citizens at Heritage Hall April 12 for the BUILD (Building a United Interfaith Lexington Through Direct Action) Assembly.

We were disappointed and surprised by the behavior of Police Chief Mark Barnard as he addressed violence in our city. He was argumentative, patronizing, and overall disrespectful of the BUILD process, its leaders and the citizens present.

Barnard knew the questions he would be asked before the meeting. He knew that only a “yes” or “no” answer was expected and that he would have a final opportunity to explain his position on the issue because the process had been explained to him. He chose instead to belittle the work of BUILD members and to impose his own procedure and try to take control of a meeting that was not his.

We have seen too many police departments in the U.S. over the last several years in trouble because of arrogance and disrespect of citizens. We do not wish to see similar trouble in Lexington. We sincerely hope he will develop a more positive attitude toward BUILD and citizens of Lexington in the future.

This story was originally published April 20, 2016 at 7:45 PM with the headline "Police chief disrespected BUILD."