Huntington's Black Community and Chief of Police Will Resolve Profiling Issues

The Cabell-Huntington Chapter of the NAACP is claiming members of the African-American community have been the victims of illegal racial profiling. The NAACP and the Huntington Black Pastors' Ministerial Association say they are not indicting the Huntington Police Department, but they do say there is a need to temper the actions of law enforcement officers in the African-American community. Huntington Police Chief Skip Holbrook said he was surprised by the claim.

Holbrook is an excellent law enforcement administrator, and the members of the NAACP executive committee and members of the association of black pastors are all highly respected members of our community. We are confident that the chief and members of the NAACP and the Black Ministerial association will meet immediately to review the claims of racial profiling. If profiling is occurring, we have confidence in Chief Holbrook's commitment to fair and equal law enforcement, and he will investigate the issue and resolve it - in a timely manner. Holbrook has said he is willing to meet with individuals about allegations of racial profiling, and he takes pride in the Huntington Police Department's goal "to provide organizational transparency."

We are confident the groups will participate in prompt, frank and open discussions to ensure the continuing cooperation between the citizens of our various neighborhoods and the Huntington Police Department.

Citizens of Huntington have the desire for a safe and secure hometown for each and every person. Let the talks begin!