The Chief Law Enforcement ofcr of the United States is speaking here to police, not "communities." His remarks serve as an invitation to police to "stand down" in the face of "disrespect" & is a violation & betrayal of the AG's oath as a law enforcement ofcr.
The obligation of public officers - whether police, the AG, or the President - to fulfill the oath and requirements of their office is not contingent on an acquiescent, unquestioning public. Not in a democracy.
"Some communities" have courageously and correctly demanded that police officers conduct themselves in accordance with the Constitution. The AG is in fact the authority empowered to do so under the Law Enforcement Misconduct Statute justice.gov/crt/law-enforc…
The statute authorizes the AG to sue depts for patterns & practices of unconstitutional policing. AG Sessions announced that the Dept would no longer conduct those investigations & Barr has adopted the same policy. A simple abdication of his statutory responsibility.
This abdication makes it even more critical that communities, civil rights groups and local govts do the work the Attorney General has refused to do. When that has happened - as when IL sued the Chicago PD, this DOJ filed a letter seeking to stop the consent decree.
This Administration's DOJ has been an absolute disaster in using its leadership role and power to address unconstitutional policing. This latest statement degrades law enforcement officers and threatens communities w/retaliation for insisting on lawful & humane policing.
