Following their meeting on June 22, 2020, the City Council released the following statement in light of the issues at the forefront of our country:
"As Mayor and City Councilors, we condemn the senseless deaths of George Floyd and other Black Americans at the hands of police officers who violated their oaths to protect and serve. We pledge to use our voices and our policies to combat systemic racism, to listen to the experiences of community members most impacted, and to reflect on our own roles in how to address these challenges as we shape our path forward together.
Every person in our community deserves to be able to count on fair and just treatment, especially within the leadership and institutions of our democracy. Our nation’s long and harmful history of systemic racism and institutionalized discrimination requires all of us to work harder to actively address and challenge racism and bias.
We also express our gratitude and appreciation of the Concord Police Department. Our community can be proud of its Police Department and its commitment to protect and serve the people of Concord.
But we can always do better. Over the coming months, the City plans to convene community discussions and identify actionable steps to ensure that we are delivering on our commitment to racial justice. We will be undertaking a public review of our policing and use of force practices so that community members may feel confident in our approach. It makes sense, in this moment, to identify areas for improvement throughout City government. The work ahead is both immediate and long-term, as well as expansive. We will create inclusive forums for all voices that move us forward together."