This petition stems from a personal encounter I had when an African-American friend was unfairly targeted by Police Officer Bradley Vaught in Loris, South Carolina. My friend was arrested without a legitimate cause and suffered physically as the handcuffs were applied too tightly, leaving him with painful welts. This incident was not a one-off situation, it appears Officer Vaught discriminates and targets specific individuals and audiences because of their vulnerability.

Good policing should be free from any form of discrimination. However, officer Bradley Vaught's unprofessional actions point towards a darker side of racial discrimination that exists within the law enforcement agency of this otherwise serene town. His behaviour undermines public trust and goes against the United States Department of Justice report stating that, "Effective, ethical, accountable, and constitutional policing is dependent upon building trust with the community."

It is important that law enforcement agencies and their officers embody the principles of fairness, impartiality, and respect for all citizens. Bradley Vaught's actions, as both a public servant and an officer of the law, defy these principles and require immediate attention. We call upon the South Carolina State Highway Patrol Department to enact justice by dismissing Officer Vaught for his racially discriminatory conduct.

We believe in a police force that serves and protects all its citizens equally. By signing this petition, you are standing up against discrimination and advocating for accountability in our law enforcement agencies. Please sign and share this petition.