COLUMBUS, Ohio — Since his first day in office, Mayor Andrew Ginther says he has been fighting for police reform and while he has made steps in the right direction, there is much more to do.
In an address to the city following weeks of protests over the death of George Floyd and racism in America, Ginther called his death a modern-day lynching.
"I am outraged at his death and the countless other black men and women who have died at the hands of the police," he said.
Ginther said he's furious that in 2020 we are fighting the same battles that our parents and grandparents fought and some died for over 50 years ago.
"I have been very clear that I believe racism exists in every facet of our culture. This is not unique to Columbus. Unfortunately—it is universal," he said.
He added there are elements that deny racism exists, including some within the Division of Police saying some are not interested in change and will fight it.
While discussing the protests in Columbus since Floyd's death, Ginther said he has seen images and videos of police pepper-spraying non-violent activists and that disturbs him.
As a result, Ginther directed Columbus Division of Police Chief Thomas Quinlan last week to stop using tear gas and pepper spray to disperse non-violent crowds.
Ginther also issued an executive order to mandate independent, third-party investigations by the Bureau of Criminal Investigations into police-involved deaths and created a Chief's Advisory Panel to guide Chief Quinlan in policy changes.
Additionally, Ginther said he is committed to setting up a civilian review board by the end of the year and the city will hire an independent investigator to review the response to protests since the end of May.
"I will take more action in the coming days and weeks. We must continue to build on the already overwhelming community support to enact change that is significant, substantial and swift," he said.
Ginther said they have made missteps too including himself and police.
"Progress is messy. Mistakes will be made. It is critical that we own the mistakes we make, learn from them and pivot to solutions," he said.
The mayor said we are on a path to move from 20th-century law enforcement to 21st-century community policing and creating a city that fights racism and discrimination.
Ginther closed his address by calling on the police officers who entered the profession to protect and serve and work tirelessly every day to do just that to keep serving admirably and to intervene if they see officers using excessive force or outdated training.
"To those officers who do not serve our community in the ways we expect, we do not have room for you in the Columbus Division of Police and you will be held accountable," he said.
He also asked the community to join him in calling for change with the police.
"Progress is a journey, not a destination. I invite you to join me on this journey," Ginther said. "We are at crossroads and the path we take is up to us."