By Jason Doyle Oden
State leaders are reacting to the Tulsa County District Attorney’s decision to charge Tulsa Police Officer Betty Shelby with manslaughter for shooting and killing Terence Crutcher in a highly publicized encounter that unfolded September 16.
Dashcam and helicopter video was made public showing Crutcher back away from Shelby and another officer with his hands in the air.
Governor Fallin is calling for patience and understanding.
“I pray this decision provides some peace to the Crutcher family and the people of Tulsa, but we must remain patient as the case works its way through the justice system, where a jury likely will be asked to decide whether officer Betty Shelby is guilty of the crime. And we must remember that in our justice system, officer Shelby is innocent until proven guilty,” said Fallin. “No matter how you feel about the prosecutors’ decision in this case, I hope Oklahomans will respect the views of your friends and neighbors because we still have to live peacefully together as we try to make sense of the circumstances that led to Mr. Crutcher’s death.”
Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus Chairman Senator Kevin Matthews said the incident is good reason for police officers in Oklahoma to start wearing body cameras.
“After being involved with prayer groups, private video screenings with the Tulsa Police Department, public protests, and many discussions with our constituents and friends within our districts and across the country, the members of the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus have come to some very clear conclusions. We are calling for immediate implementation of body cameras with all police officers in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and other communities that have them. There should be no delay in the utilization of this crucial tool that assures the best opportunity to have transparency and protection for the public and officers doing their jobs as expected,” said Matthews.
He also notes that the Tulsa Police Department was quick to release the video.
“We are pleased that the Tulsa Chief of Police Chuck Jordan was forthright in producing the available video footage immediately. Chief Jordan stated that this was a criminal investigation of homicide and that ‘justice will be served.’ The fact remains that body cameras would have given even more clarification to the actions that took place prior to Terence’s unnecessary death,” said Matthews.
The leader of the Legislative Black Caucus wants any protests to remain peaceful as the case works its way through the justice system.
“We are asking for protests to be peaceful, but emotions and tension continue to rise because of the perception that justice does not work the same when a citizen’s life is lost versus those who serve us. This incident underscores the crucial need for inclusion and healing in our cities and the State of Oklahoma. Justice needs to be swift and decisive, because the world is watching.”
My thanks to the Black community for their common sense approach to this difficult situation. Allowing the process to move forward in an orderly progression shows America that our system isn’t totally broken. But constant monitoring is advised as it moves forward. Your patience and strength is needed for the deceased’s family and you give comfort and support.