Beverly Police Will Step Up Community Outreach

BEVERLY, MA — Police Chief John LeLacheur said Beverly police officers will be more visible in coming months as the department responds to protests over the May 25 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

"We understand some in our community are scared because they don't know us," LeLacheur said in an open letter to the community Tuesday. "This department wants you to know, you are safe with us and we will protect and treat everyone equally. It does not matter what color your skin is, what your religion is, what your orientation is, if you have a disability, everyone will be treated with dignity and respect."

The department has already begun a reviewing its use of force policy. A Beverly police officer was also praised for sitting down to talk with an African American couple and listen to their concerns after a video of the interaction was shared on social media.

"We need to build on some strong relationships and make some new ones," LeLacheur said. "When we know each other it will be easier to work with and understand each other."

Earlier this month, hundreds of protesters gathered in Beverly for a youth-led demonstration. The rally, which was praised by Mayor Mike Cahill, was one of hundreds held in U.S. cities to call for racial justice and to condemn the Memorial Day death of George Floyd while handcuffed by Minneapolis police officers.

Dave Copeland covers Beverly and other North Shore communities for Patch. He can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).