The Richmond Police Department would
like to thank everyone involved in yesterday’s assemblies along Monument
Avenue: our law enforcement partners both local, state and federal; other city
agencies and especially Richmond residents and those who showed up to
peacefully demonstrate.
“I think many people heeded our advice
and stayed home,” said RPD Chief Alfred Durham. “And those who did show up were
provided with safe spaces to express their opinions thanks to the skill and
professionalism of the officers who were on-post. I can’t thank them enough. It
was an A+ effort.”
There were no accidents, no injuries
and only seven arrests yesterday. Barricades were taken down, no-parking
restrictions lifted and all streets were reopened hours earlier than
anticipated so as not to further inconvenience the residents. Crowds at any
given time throughout the day never exceeded more than a few hundred
participants.
“Our greatest fear was the fear of the
unknown,” said Chief Durham. “We had to plan for a lot of possible scenarios
which, fortunately, didn’t materialize. I am especially pleased with the help
our government partners offered at every step of the planning process and then
showed up this weekend in force. We owe them a great debt of gratitude.”
The assembly areas were quiet overnight and again today. Staffing levels have been reduced but additional patrols will continue for the time-being.
The assembly areas were quiet overnight and again today. Staffing levels have been reduced but additional patrols will continue for the time-being.
“We are not letting our guard down,”
said Chief Durham. “We will continue to monitor those groups who are attempting
to bring violence to our city. We will remain vigilant. It’s all about presence
and action.”
