Yesterday a jury was sat for the Schurr trial. Officer Schurr fought with and killed an unarmed man during a traffic stop several years ago. As a preface: I am not “anti-police(ing)” I am “anti bad-police(ing).”
Officer Schurr is facing accountability for his criminal mistakes. This attitude of “me or them” and “us or them” is our downfall. According to the Chief of GRPD the police exist for: “Your safety is our highest priority. We will work together as a department and in partnership with the community to ensure all people feel safe and are safe in Grand Rapids. We are committed to being an effective, inclusive, and modern police department and advancing public safety while earning the trust and pride of those we serve. We value service delivered with compassion and courage; equity in providing fair and just services for all individuals; integrity of purpose and action; and being transparent and accountable in all we do. I am proud to lead this department and to serve Grand Rapids.”
On that fateful day Officer Schurr failed to uphold the values of the department and the reasons for the existence of a police department.
Let me be clear: There was no reason for Officer Schurr to initiate physical contact with the victim. From the shop cam to the body cam there was plenty of data to identify the victim and arrest him at a later time. There were numerous options for deescalation in support of public safety.
Officer Schurr and Patrick, the victim, would both be alive and safe today if Officer Schurr had heeded his core call to public service.
Officer Schurr is receiving his due process that he denied to Patrick. I wish godspeed to this jury and court.
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