Powell: ‘I Was Shocked’ by DoJ’s Ferguson Report, ‘But Not that Surprised’

POWELL: “I was shocked [by DoJ’s Ferguson Report], but not that surprised, frankly, George. I know these things that existed in other parts of our country. This shouldn’t have been that great a surprise to any of us. But it’s not throughout the country. What we have to do now, then, is for all of the police departments, all of the mayors and county and other officials throughout the country, 'Take a look in the mirror. See what you’re doing. Are you really arresting people just so you can get the money needed to run the government? That’s not right. And are you doing it in a discriminatory manner so that African-Americans, Hispanic-Americans and folks in the low income levels of the society are paying the price in order to sustain your government or the police force?'

We also have to teach every police force that you have a responsibility to make sure that you are operating in a proper manner, try to use non-lethal means wherever possible. We also have to tell our young people, when you’re stopped by a police officer, stop and listen carefully and do not argue or fight. Let it resolve itself, especially if you’ve done nothing. If you have done something, arguing or fighting with a police officer will just add another charge. And I think that’s the way we have to make sure that our youngsters understand the situation that they’re placing themselves in.”