Little Rock's mayoral candidates spoke publicly Monday about a case highlighted by a Washington Post opinion piece alleging illegal and dangerous practices in the city's Police Department.
At a forum hosted by the Central Arkansas Library System at the Ron Robinson Theater, the five men were first asked what they would do about the "no-knock warrants" described.
The piece in Sunday's Post stems from a federal court lawsuit filed in 2017 by Roderick Talley stating that Little Rock police violated his civil rights in executing a search warrant at his former apartment based on incorrect information. Talley, a black man, was injured when officers knocked down his door.
Earlier on Monday, Frank Scott Jr. had released a statement saying the city needs an independent community review board to hold Little Rock police accountable, as well as a letter he sent to the U.S. Department of Justice asking for an investigation.
"It's appalling, and as a black man, it's something that's not necessarily new," Scott said. "Here's the thing: If Roderick Talley did not have a video recording at that point in time, if he did not have a lawyer, he would be in jail today, and that is an issue we have to understand."
State Rep. Warwick Sabin, D-Little Rock, and Baker Kurrus had also issued statements responding to the article. Sabin called for a transparent investigation.
"We also have to understand the greater context here," Sabin said. "We have a situation around the country where people are losing faith in how law enforcement is being applied, whether it's equitable and fair."
In a previous debate, Sabin also called for an independent review board, while Kurrus did not. Kurrus said Monday that he was extremely concerned about the case, but mechanisms to review it already exist.
"We have to be very, very certain that our policies are sound, our processes and procedures are sound, that our tactics are only utilized in accordance with law and that we have complete review every time we have a problem, and there is a process for that within the Police Department," Kurrus said.
Vincent Tolliver said Police Chief Kenton Buckner needed to answer to the allegations immediately. Glen Schwarz said the issue came from harsh sentences for drug-related offenses.
The forum will be broadcast on KUAR public radio tonight. The other sponsors are the League of Women Voters of Pulaski County and the American Association of University Women, Little Rock. Early voting begins Oct. 22, and the election is Nov. 6. Little Rock's mayor serves a four-year term and receives an annual salary of $160,000.
Metro on 10/16/2018