Public begs Board of Police Commissioners for competent governance

it is presented in a consistent and fair manner. If the board is going to allow one person to speak on their personal experiences with the police, then they should allow all members of the public to do the same.

Overall, Wednesday’s Board of Police Commissioners meeting was a stark reminder of the board’s struggle to maintain legitimacy in the eyes of the public. From last year’s contentious public participation process to the recent meeting where members of the public brought five little piglets to make a statement, it is clear that the board has a lot of work to do to rebuild trust and credibility.

The public is asking for better. They are asking for the board to take action on the reports they have commissioned, to use the power they have to implement real police reform. The community is hurting, and people are dying. It is time for the board to step up and do their jobs.

Chair Gavin Giles and the rest of the board have a choice to make. They can continue to dismiss the concerns of the public, or they can listen and work towards real change. The ball is in their court, and the public is watching. It is time for the Board of Police Commissioners to show that they are committed to serving the community and making Halifax a safer and more just place for all.