State Rep. W. Curtis Thomas Speaks Out On Bettering Relations Between Police And The Community
By Syma Chowdhry
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- "Turning negatives into positives is how we move forward."
That's the attitude State Representative W. Curtis Thomas has when it comes to bettering the community.
He held a press conference to show his support for the Philadelphia Police Department.
It came in response to the recent murders of two New York City Police officers and what Thomas calls "escalating public tension."
"The problem in Ferguson, the problem in New York, the problem in Cleveland, that it's representative of all on the people of the Philadelphia police department or other police departments that is not the case" Thomas said.
Representative Thomas was surrounded by community leaders as he spoke out.
"How to respect, not only just officers, but one another in general. Once we get rid of that culture, that ignorant culture of 'I'm bad, I have so much pride.' That is what is killing our society," said Cornelius White, of Communities That Care Network.
Thomas also gave several recommendations to help strengthen the relationship between police and the community, such as the use of body cameras and increased patrols.
And he gave examples of how increased patrols around housing projects -- like Richard Allen homes and Harrison Plaza -- have led to less crime.
We talked to one resident who has noticed a difference.
"Now, with the strong police presence, it is very quiet, and I love the area," says Kevin Washington, a resident.
The mother of murdered Officer Moses Walker, Wayne Lipscomb, was at Representative Thomas' event.
She says it's important to support police because they put their life on the line.
"They have a tough job protecting the community and also making sure they come home at the end of the day," she said.
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