Editor’s note: Buckhannon Police Chief Matt Gregory’s statement on racism and community-police relations from the June 4 Buckhannon City Council meeting appears below in full.

‘A sacred respect for the constitutional law is the vital principle, the sustaining energy of a free government.’

– Alexander Hamilton

As keepers of the peace, we at the Buckhannon Police Department embrace the principles of our United States Constitution. We believe that the freedoms and protections this document affords to ALL PEOPLE and not just certain people, are the hallmarks of our society. We believe in fairness, justice, and equality and that the principle of due process applies to EVERYONE.

Each and every day, the officers of the Buckhannon Police Department work to exhibit these ideals. Whether it be in our encounters with the community or through our investigations, these concepts are encapsulated within our Vision and Values statement, which states the following:

The Vision of the Buckhannon Police Department is to provide the community with professional law enforcement service while establishing lasting community partnerships.

In support of this Vision, the following Values will guide our day-to-day behavior and decision-making:

• Integrity

• Professional

• Respect

• Fair

• Compassionate

• Community-Oriented

As we continue along our journey for full, professional accreditation through CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies), the standards and best practices of this process will be our guiding light. And through it all, we will serve our community with the utmost commitment and dedication.