The department confirmed that the decals are being removed from all patrol vehicles and uniforms effective immediately. I am honestly stunned that this happened and I have you all to thank for pushing this conversation forward. Please keep staying observant as we see these changes take root in the community.
March 24, 2021
Remove Thin Blue Line decals from SPD vehicles and other apparel while on duty.
Final supporters
The Thin Blue Line has a long history in law enforcement, has meant many things, and is viewed many different ways by different people. Standing behind a symbol that traditionally marginalized groups in your community have expressed symbolizes the mentality that allowed their oppression to be perpetuated is harmful to the communities our officers are sworn to protect and serve. As such, it has no place being displayed by on duty officers or adorning taxpayer purchased police cruisers or on any other municipally owned property and should be promptly removed and apparel disallowed while on duty or in uniform if there is any sincerity to requests for better cooperation with the communities they are sworn to protect and serve.
Comments will be read at an upcoming meeting with SPD and shared with the city council, please leave a few words as to why you feel the symbol should be removed. Thank you.
Updates
February 13, 2021
I am honestly overwhelmed by the momentum this is gaining and I never thought we would reach this point so quickly. This progress belongs entirely to the people who took the time to speak up and share their perspectives. Please keep leaving your thoughts because they are the real driving force behind this push for change.
Reached 100 supporters
February 13, 2021
39 Comments
The evolution of the Blue Line has become harmful to communities as it now represents ineffective police officers being protected by good officers and senior police staff. Communication with the people that police swear to serve and protect becomes strangled by that blue line and trust evaporates.
The blue line added to the US flag renders it disrespectful under the Flag Code. 4 U.S. Code § 8. The display on police vehicles is additionally offensive by suggesting official sanction to the myth that police are the "last line of defense"
The Thin Blue Line creates an us vs them mentality between police and the citizens they claim to "protect and serve." If you want to restore public faith, you can start by removing divisive language from squad cars.
personally I would not feel comfortable at all being (especially alone ) with an officer proudly peacocking his personal agenda . they need to figure out a way to be approachable and inclusive . this isn’t it
The Thin Blue Line decal is political speech. Springfield citizens need to know that our officers serve the community despite citizens' political viewpoints. The decal sends the wrong message that citizens must agree with that political argument to be served and protected by our PD.
1
The thin blue line apparel, flags and decals being displayed on the back of Springfield Police Department cars and vehicles gives off a racist and divisive message that makes a Black Woman such as myself afraid of the person behind the wheel and the department they represent. It is uncalled for and should be removed permanently. A police department is supposed to protect and serve all people no matter what they look like and having the black and blue flags and decals shows they support the views and domestic terrorist mindsets of white supremacists who fight against racial equity, equality and the right for all people to peacefully dwell not only in Springfield but the USA as a whole. I am disappointed in how Chief Kenny Winslow chose to handle the situation via an article released not too long ago. I shouldn’t have to have my guard up around those who are supposed to protect and serve a community I live in. It shouldn’t have to cross a citizen’s mind whether an officer supports white supremacy or systemic racism when they are calling 911 for help. Please remove the blue and black thin blue line decals and flags so I, as a Black Woman, can feel safe in my community.
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The department confirmed that the decals are being removed from all patrol vehicles and uniforms effective immediately. I am honestly stunned that this happened and I have you all to thank for pushing this conversation forward. Please keep staying observant as we see these changes take root in the community.
March 24, 2021
Remove Thin Blue Line decals from SPD vehicles and other apparel while on duty.
Final supporters
The Thin Blue Line has a long history in law enforcement, has meant many things, and is viewed many different ways by different people. Standing behind a symbol that traditionally marginalized groups in your community have expressed symbolizes the mentality that allowed their oppression to be perpetuated is harmful to the communities our officers are sworn to protect and serve. As such, it has no place being displayed by on duty officers or adorning taxpayer purchased police cruisers or on any other municipally owned property and should be promptly removed and apparel disallowed while on duty or in uniform if there is any sincerity to requests for better cooperation with the communities they are sworn to protect and serve.
Comments will be read at an upcoming meeting with SPD and shared with the city council, please leave a few words as to why you feel the symbol should be removed. Thank you.
Updates
February 13, 2021
I am honestly overwhelmed by the momentum this is gaining and I never thought we would reach this point so quickly. This progress belongs entirely to the people who took the time to speak up and share their perspectives. Please keep leaving your thoughts because they are the real driving force behind this push for change.
Reached 100 supporters
February 13, 2021
39 Comments
The Postal Service has uniforms and a government fleet. The vehicles have never had any decals for any cause. It may seem a truism but: strict neutrality is the only way to be neutral and the servants of all the people.
The evolution of the Blue Line has become harmful to communities as it now represents ineffective police officers being protected by good officers and senior police staff. Communication with the people that police swear to serve and protect becomes strangled by that blue line and trust evaporates.
The blue line added to the US flag renders it disrespectful under the Flag Code. 4 U.S. Code § 8. The display on police vehicles is additionally offensive by suggesting official sanction to the myth that police are the "last line of defense"
The Thin Blue Line creates an us vs them mentality between police and the citizens they claim to "protect and serve." If you want to restore public faith, you can start by removing divisive language from squad cars.
personally I would not feel comfortable at all being (especially alone ) with an officer proudly peacocking his personal agenda . they need to figure out a way to be approachable and inclusive . this isn’t it
The Thin Blue Line decal is political speech. Springfield citizens need to know that our officers serve the community despite citizens' political viewpoints. The decal sends the wrong message that citizens must agree with that political argument to be served and protected by our PD.
1
The thin blue line apparel, flags and decals being displayed on the back of Springfield Police Department cars and vehicles gives off a racist and divisive message that makes a Black Woman such as myself afraid of the person behind the wheel and the department they represent. It is uncalled for and should be removed permanently. A police department is supposed to protect and serve all people no matter what they look like and having the black and blue flags and decals shows they support the views and domestic terrorist mindsets of white supremacists who fight against racial equity, equality and the right for all people to peacefully dwell not only in Springfield but the USA as a whole. I am disappointed in how Chief Kenny Winslow chose to handle the situation via an article released not too long ago. I shouldn’t have to have my guard up around those who are supposed to protect and serve a community I live in. It shouldn’t have to cross a citizen’s mind whether an officer supports white supremacy or systemic racism when they are calling 911 for help. Please remove the blue and black thin blue line decals and flags so I, as a Black Woman, can feel safe in my community.
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The Postal Service has uniforms and a government fleet. The vehicles have never had any decals for any cause. It may seem a truism but: strict neutrality is the only way to be neutral and the servants of all the people.