The Police Officers for Equal Rights have given City Council our plans for a Citizen Review Board over seven years ago. We reinstated our position about the citizen review board during the U. S. Department of Justice Investigation. Our view points have not changed. The problem of racial profiling in our community has reinforced our position.

It appears that certain organizations and so called leaders what to “reinvent our citizen review board” and take credit for all the hard work our organization has done on the issue of racial profiling. The P.O.E.R. is committed to increase the awareness and education our Black Community. We will not engage in political games or give into any city leader selfish motivation.

The P.O.E.R. has given the city government enough time to do the right thing regarding these issues. Mayor Coleman was a city councilman and now he is mayor of Columbus. The leadership of this city has not changed to protect the rights of Black citizens. It is time for action – it is not the time for more panel discussions and committees.

On Friday, November 21, 2003, James Moss, President of the P.O.E.R. and National Director of the National Police Association, Mr. Ron Hampton will conduct a press conference to present a plan of action for establishing a Citizen Review Board without the involvement of the city government. It is time for the Black Community to quit begging the city government for demands to protect our community. We must be willing to spend money and tie to take care ourselves.

A press conference will be held at

NEW FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH OF CHRIST, @ 4:00 p.m.

Location: 955 Oak Street Columbus, Ohio 43205

FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL - 258-9959 / 794-0337