Protesters attempting to stop raise in SBPD salaries

 

SOUTH BEND, Ind.-- Protesters from the Black Lives Matter chapter in South Bend gathered on Forest Avenue to make their voices and opinions known about their opposition to Bill 21-20.

The protest began around 7:30 a.m. Monday morning in front of Common Council President, Tim Scott's house.

This was a peaceful protest, where the protesters gathered together to share thoughts and feelings on the current state of our country and our community regarding African American lives along with the denouncement of the police force here in South Bend.

This is the first of two protests occurring today to tell the common council that Black Lives Matter wants them to "vote no" and not allow the bill to pass.

The proposed 21-20 bill would give officer sworn in to the South Bend Police Department a 2.5% pay increase for the rest of 2020.

The Black Lives Matter movement sent out a press release stating they believe professions do deserve pay increases.

However, due to the "lengthy track record" of misconduct along with recent showings and protests not only here, but across the country against injustice make the approval of this increase deplorable.

Tim Scott responded to the groups announcement of a protest in front of his home Sunday evening, saying first and foremost Black Lives Matter and "systematic racism in our police department or any other governmental department must be eliminated, the entire council is committed to this goal."

He followed by stating he has asked Mayor James Mueller to revoke the bill for now.

Scott hopes to have more time along with the common council to make an informed decision.

There will be a second protest Monday afternoon starting at 3:15 p.m. in front of the County-City Building in downtown South Bend prior to the Common Council meeting starting at 4 p.m.

The meeting is closed to the public physically due to physical distancing, however the entire meeting can be viewed online in live time.