Publisher’s Note: This was sent to the Herald Wednesday morning by Jefferson Chief of Police Jason Carroll.
My name is Jason Carrol, this community’s Chief of Police. I’d like to take a minute of your time in reading this to first sincerely apologize; second, share my remorse and empathy; and third, tell you what is being done to make amends.
First, let me make it clear that I am deeply sorry for my actions and thereafter insensitive Facebook post. I don’t like myself for acting in such an insensitive manner in seeing that I was reactive and not being proactive in my community. I know from my job in seeing and dealing with things of a desensitize nature that there can be elements of harsh and judgmental value in this world, but I do not want that – for this community that we call home. With that said, I again apologize for my actions and ask you for your forgiveness.
Second, I feel bad for what I have done and I want to make it crystal clear that as the Chief of Police I reflect the intentions of this community, the aspirations of you the citizens, and I am upheld by not only my duty to protect and serve you, but also my moral integrity to understand and comprehend your view and feeling in this community that I call home.
I want you all to know that I am listening. Also, I am human, and as human I make mistakes. But what makes us so great as people and a community is that I along with you can learn from mistakes. And with this mistaken insensitivity, I along with you can change it into a positive learning experience.
Finally, I am a firm believer in that Jefferson as a whole, is a place of forgiveness. But, nevertheless, we can agree that, words of apologetic nature mean very little when not followed up with action. Thus, I’d like to share with you that this, while a regrettable mistake is a lesson, we can all learn from and, as such, I am taking action by enrolling in a cultural sensitivity training class. This is needed at this time to reflect on my actions and my cultural awareness. This step in the right directions will also demonstrate that this community is unlike other places in the Nation in that that we are proactive, protective, and join together in times of tribulation to take quick action. With this training I and Jefferson as a whole will have a broader understanding and comprehension of the issues we face and the feelings involved, which are so intertwined in this unfortunate matter. Thank you.
Jason Carroll
Chief of Police
Jefferson Police Department
106 N. Alley Street
Jefferson TX 75657
(903)665-7159
jcarroll@jeffersontxpd.org
Apolo”lying” isn’t going to change the fact that he’s still and will always be racist. He’s just going to find a way to keep unjustifiably harassing the black citizens of Jefferson. No Justice! It’s Just Us! Everyone knows he was racist and against the black citizens of Marion County long before the statue incident and the protests.
#BLACKLIVESMATTER