Santa Cruz police prepare for community reaction Derek Chauvin trial verdict
After weeks of testimony, the fate of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin is now in the hands of the jury.
The jury began deliberations Monday afternoon and will decide if Chauvin is guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder or manslaughter in the death of George Floyd, or acquit him of all charges.
When that verdict is decided, local police are gearing up for community reactions. Santa Cruz police are planning for their communities' reactions.
Santa Cruz Police Chief Andrew Mills said they want to support those that want to express their first amendment rights to protest or gather. This means anything from police officers brushing up on their de-escalation procedures to blocking traffic so people have the safety and freedom to express their rights peacefully.
Although the chief said Santa Cruz in the past has been peaceful when it comes to protesting, he has a reminder for people when the verdict lands.
"We want to make crystal clear, violence is not going to be accepted and we don't think it's likely," Mills said.
Santa Cruz police are preparing for anything from an angry community to a celebratory one, following the verdict in the trial against Chauvin.
Mills says they want to support their people's First Amendment rights either way. The chief will instruct his officers to block traffic if needed for safety and use de-escalation procedures if necessary.
"Santa Cruz has a history of being loud and proud. But at the same time peaceful and doing things the right way," Mills said.
Their strategy also includes hearing from Black voices, being transparent with them on police plans.
This includes speaking with people like Joy Flynn with the Santa Cruz County Black Coalition. Flynn is working with other community members on a clear, appropriate way of how a response to the verdict might look.
"I think we're pretty hoarse by now. This is another pandemic that we're dealing with —with racism," Flynn said. "Because this is an ongoing process and, you know, the system needs to be completely radicalized."
Flynn said she fears a hung jury and further injustice with no accountability. But is appreciative of Santa Cruz PD's support. She has a message of change for her community. "Their mindset also has to change. Their actions have to also change. It's not enough to accept things as the way, that's just the way they are. It's time to actually get up and take this over. And hold people in power accountable," Flynn said.
Chief Mills says they are not going to bring in extra staff and placing officers in certain areas of the city. KSBW asked Mills if he will take a knee of solidarity like he did during the protest in 2020 after the death of George Floyd. He said, if it's appropriate, "absolutely yes."
But Mills said what is most important is working together with the community and making important policy changes.