Calvin Lawrence
Calvin Lawrence

by Calvin Lawrence

The sad event that resulted in the death of Abdirahman Abdi appears to be excessive use of force. I say “appears” because I understand that a timely, accurate, open-as-possible investigation must be done before we know the truth. Then you tell the truth, no matter whom it helps or hurts.

The double standard in this case is that the police officers involved are being portrayed as golden boys who can do no wrong. It doesn’t matter what awards they received. It doesn’t matter how much time they have as police officers. What matters is what happened when this incident took place. Don’t change or lose sight of that topic.

The community has been told to wait for the investigation, yet the police chief is defending the officers’ actions already. The head of the police union lit the fuse of a racial powder keg with his early statements.

While most white people discuss the right and wrongs of this event, most black people will say, “This could have been me.” The fuse is burning.

About the writer

Calvin Lawrence retired in 2006 from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) after twenty-eight years, and eight and half years with Halifax City Police. He was recognized as one of Nova Scotia’s outstanding citizens in Steve Kimber’s book:  “More Than Just Folks”, 1998.  He is currently a consultant on police-related subjects.