Our community is grateful for all of the work that the Orange City Police Department has done. Our department cares about members of the community and they strive to serve and protect those who reside in Orange City. Many community members can depend on the police department when they feel in danger but for others, especially for persons of color, police officers bring anxiety and fear rather than peace and protection. The purpose of this petition is to show the Orange City police department that there is a disconnect within the community and that there is a desire to bridge the gap by rebuilding relationships. We have collected stories from some community members who do not feel protected or respected by our local police department:

“During an especially bad time with the local police, we were terrified of going grocery shopping because we didn’t want to be pulled over on the way there. It was terrifying.”

“[M]y dad got pulled over for a light out a block from our house and we looked on from our house and I remember shaking in fear that this was going to be the time that he got taken away because of a stupid light.”

“Me and my siblings, I think all of our hearts used to stop in the car whenever my mom would pick us up from school and a cop would pass by.”

“Ask any child of an immigrant and they’ll tell you that the sight of police doesn’t make them feel safe. It makes them feel targeted and triggers emotions of panic that their parent is going to be deported at any second.”

“Even minor traffic stops can lead to panic attacks”

“I noticed how cops would literally do a U-turn in the middle of the street just to follow me. When I notice I am being followed, I usually just lower my glasses and try to go below the speed limit.”

These are only a few stories from fellow community members, and we suspect that there are so many more voices that we were not able to represent. This petition is aiming to advocate for those who were not able to share their stories with us but who still ache for representation, protection, and change. Your signature will provide proof that the community that you serve wants you, as leaders of our city, to take further steps to support the desire to rebuild relationships between community members and the Orange City Police Department.