The acting police chief in New Haven, Connecticut, has defended a city officer who had a "Thin Blue Line" flag in his back pocket while on patrol. That’s after Black ministers sounded the alarm.
An email exchange obtained by the New Haven Independent shows Police Chief Renee Dominguez called the flag a “sign of professional honor, not community disrespect.”
A half-dozen Black ministers from the Greater New Haven Clergy Association said the flag creates "fear and distrust" among the communities that police officers serve to protect.
New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said he doesn't believe the officers should be wearing the “Thin Blue Line'' flag. He said uniformed officers must abide dress policy while on the job.
Dominguez also told the Independent that she is open to having conversations within and outside the department to not display it.