Houston, TX, August 6, 2019- ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) is appalled by and concerned about a photo released today that shows two City of Galveston mounted patrol officers leading an African American man down the street with a rope.  The photo reminds us of slavery and is indicative of a serious problem we have in this country.  We need swift action to remedy these deeply concerning and denigrating policies and practices.

“Trust and legitimacy are vital to law enforcement’s ability to serve those they are sworn to protect.  Offensive actions like this undermine both of these tenets. The photo of Galveston police officers leading an African American man down the street with a rope attached to his handcuffs is disturbing and offensive,” said ADL Interim Southwest Regional Director Gail Glasser.  “Although Police Chief Vernon Hale III has apologized, the department’s actions have fallen short.  We call for an investigation of this incidents, and the department’s policies and practices as a whole,” she added.