POPAI stands with APPA condemning the actions in Charlottesville as well as sending condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
“The American Probation and Parole Association, a membership organization that represents 90,000 public safety professionals, strongly condemns the racial hatred and bigotry on display in Charlottesville, Virginia. The resulting tragic outcome, with the death of Heather Heyer and injuries to others, is a reminder that each of us has a responsibility to speak out against injustice and discrimination.
As pretrial, probation, and parole professionals, we understand the need to have the trust of the communities we serve. Our professional responsibilities require that we treat all individuals with respect and embrace practices that promote equality and fairness. We must perform our duties in a manner that is free from discrimination, honors human dignity, and demonstrates that we are all invested in improving our communities.
We must never allow the strength that comes from our diversity as a nation to be dismantled.
Our association remains committed to maintaining open and honest dialogue with our communities to achieve our shared goals of understanding, peace, healing, and safety. We understand the importance of exploring solutions to our mutual problems, engaging with communities, and supporting those who work with us in furtherance of these shared goals. Now is a time for fostering increased unity, not for increased divisiveness.
We express our great sympathy for those who experienced injury and loss this last weekend in Charlottesville, and it would be remiss to not also mention and honor the two members of the Virginia State Police, Lt. H. Jay Cullen and Trooper-Pilot Berke M.M. Bates, who lost their lives in the line of duty when their helicopter crashed near Charlottesville after conducting crowd surveillance. Our condolences go out to all the bereaved families.
Susan Burke
President
APPA”