The Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators held a press conference Thursday morning at Legislative Plaza to discuss concerns regarding several children in Murfreesboro being handcuffed.
Rep. Brenda Gilmore began the meeting saying the actions made by Murfreesboro Police is a great example of criminalizing kids of color.
One representative goes as far as wanting some type of resignation.
“We have to question if this would’ve happened in an affluent neighborhood,” Rep. Gilmore said. “We’re concerned with the behavior of Murfreesboro police and how they treated the children.”
At least five students, ages 10, 11 and 12, were handcuffed and arrested -- some at Hobgood Elementary School last Friday from an incident that appeared to be bullying. The actions have caused widespread outrage with many saying the officers crossed the line.
MORE: Lawmakers: Arrest Of 6-Year-Olds 'Inexcusable'
Several community leaders also joined the caucus, including Rev. James McCarroll, of Murfreesboro. He confirmed at the press conference that the distorted video uploaded to YouTube is of the March 20th incident.
The video shows kids taunting another kid to the point the victim’s mother presented it to police to take action.
However, Rev. McCarroll said not everyone later arrested were not seen in the video.
“We want to make a thorough and accurate investigation is done,” Rev. McCarroll said. “To make sure if there are any violations of policies and procedures would come forth and be properly reprimanded.”
The caucus demands a federal investigation and requests the Murfreesboro Police Department to create a sensitivity plan and train officers how to handle similar situations better in the future.
Most importantly, the caucus is asking the records of the children arrested be wiped clean.
“The children need the resources necessary in terms of counseling to make sure there are no emotional scars,” Rep. Gilmore added.
Murfreesboro Police Chief Karl Durr has spoken out, saying he is reviewing the video corrections and conducting an internal investigation and correct actions necessary.
Meanwhile, Rep. Mike Stewart and Rep. John Ray Clemmons called the incident “inexcusable” and requested an investigation into the matter.
