Civil rights leader Reverend Markel Hutchins has emphasized the need to restore public safety and trust in policing during his appearance on Sunday Night In America. Hutchins, who had previously led protests against the police, organized a series of pro-law enforcement rallies across several cities over the weekend. In an interview with Digital, he highlighted the detrimental effects of demonizing and demoralizing law enforcement officers, emphasizing the impact on crime rates, the profession itself, and the communities they serve.
The National Faith & Blue Weekend, organized by Hutchins, aimed to promote stronger communication between police and communities, advocate for more police officers, and put an end to the stigmatization of law enforcement. The events occurred nationwide, with Hutchins engaging with law enforcement officials in multiple cities. He stated that the people he spoke to overwhelmingly opposed police defunding, particularly as cities across the country face police shortages.
Contrary to popular narratives, Hutchins pointed out that recent polling shows a majority of Americans, including African-Americans, Hispanics, and white Americans, want the same or more law enforcement presence. He emphasized the importance of fairness, equity, and being treated fairly by law enforcement. According to Hutchins, the perception that the American people do not support law enforcement is false and was contradicted by the thousands of activities that took place during Faith & Blue Weekend.
Hutchins, who had previously been critical of the police, explained his shift in perspective, stating that working with law enforcement is now his strategy for keeping communities safe. He urged both sides of the police brutality debate to find common ground, highlighting the ineffectiveness of anger, animosity, and demonization in bringing about positive change. Hutchins emphasized the need for a more excellent way, which involves turning to each other instead of turning on each other.
In addition to organizing Faith & Blue Weekend, Hutchins’ group, MovementForward, Inc, held a police training conference known as “Professionalizing Law Enforcement Community Engagement Training.” Hutchins plans to expand the program next year, providing additional tools and resources for law enforcement agencies and communities to build bridges and heal wounds.
Hutchins believes that better training and understanding between police officers and communities will lead to a decrease in attacks on officers, a decrease in officer suicides, a decrease in violent crime, and an increase in mutual respect. He sees healing the divide between police and communities as one of the most important issues in America today.
