The president of the Fond du Lac United for Diversity Board says she believes the local police department is sincere in it’s efforts to want to build bridges with the black community. At the same time Tracy Abler says it would be naïve to think there isn’t at least some systemic racism in the Fond du Lac police department, just like other departments across the State and country. “I think our own police department understands that there are problems and they’re working to address them,” Abler told WFDL news. Representatives of United for Diversity and Ebony Vision recently met with Fond du Lac police regarding an officer’s conduct involving the black community. Abler says the meeting with police chief Bill Lamb stems from a Facebook post the officer made. Abler says the post caused concerned citizens to “question the officer’s character, their demeanor and their ability to be level-headed when a high-emotion situation, while on duty, carrying a weapon, especially when dealing with people of color.” Abler says the post was inappropriate and believes some type of action should be taken action should be taken against the officer who made the post. The Police Department says it is conducting an administrative review of the complaint. Abler says she also believes there have been instances of racial profiling by Fond du Lac police. “I will say that I have had people tell me that, yes, that is happening,” Abler said. Abler says it makes her feel sad and frustrated. She says United for Diversity’s goal is to be proactive and not have Fond du Lac be the next city to hit the national news with a story of unjust police brutality against a person of color.
