The President of Metropolitan Kalamazoo Branch of the NAACP says the shooting death of a teenager by a policeman in Ferguson, Missouri can lead to more discussion of important issues.
Charles Warfield issued a statement last week saying that the shooting death of Michael Brown had exposed many issues, including overzealous enforcement by police. But also Warfield says deep-rooted problems such as poverty and a lack of education need to be addressed.
Warfield told WMUK's Gordon Evans that he has a good relationship with the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety. But he says the experience of poor people with police is often very negative. They meet officers when there is a call for trouble in their neighborhood.
A study which showed that Kalamazoo Public Safety officers were racially profiling citizens enhanced the credibility of the department in Warfileld's mind. He says it showed a willingness to address problems and be honest that they exist.
Warfield says he would like to see events which allow for discussion of issues such as poverty and race. He says an open and honest dialogue is possible.
