Since the police-involved death of George Floyd in Minneapolis nearly 2-months ago, Manitowoc Police Chief Nick Reimer says he’s noticed a change in contacts with citizens in the community, And, he says, it’s all been positive.
“It’s not just African Americans,” he explained. “It’s all kinds of different people who are saying ‘We really appreciate what you are doing here locally,’ especially considering all the different things you see on TV and read in the newspaper about police brutality and all the things going on. It’s obviously very highlighted in the media, but I really appreciate the local support we have here.”
Chief Reimer was asked about his thoughts when he hears efforts to defund police departments around the country. He said “The first time you hear it you think that’s the craziest thing you have ever heard, but then you actually see it happening in some of those bigger cities. Locally, it’s just not happening. We have not only the support of our Council, we have the support of our school system. They are really happy with our school resource officers.”
Reimer says community relations have been “awesome here.” The chief added, “I have trouble understanding how other jurisdictions have to deal with a lack of trust & respect both by officers and citizens.”
