Photo by LOGAN WEAVER | @LGNWVR on Unsplash
A firearm safety class conducted by a Georgia police department has sparked outrage for using targets with a Black man’s face on them. The Carroll County NAACP in Georgia said that many Villa Rica and Carroll County residents found the use of these targets highly offensive. The police department’s decision to let civilians shoot at posters of a Black man has raised serious questions.
Earlier this year, the Villa Rica Police Department organized a safety class, the details of which have garnered widespread attention. Although the specific social media post containing the video clips and photos has been removed, the department continues to face criticism for their choice of targets. According to WSB TV, Villa Rica Police Chief Michael Mansour confirmed that a training session for police officers involved shooting at different types of targets. He said that initially, the class used a target depicting a white man wearing a face mask. However, when they ran out of that target, they switched to using posters of an African-American man as a substitute. Mansour said that this was an inappropriate and unacceptable decision that did not reflect the values of the department.
The incident has sparked controversy, with community members and civil rights organizations expressing outrage at the department’s decision to utilize racially charged targets. The Carroll County NAACP highlighted the harmful impact of such actions, emphasizing the perpetuation of stereotypes and the offense caused to numerous residents.
Critics argue that the use of these targets during firearms training perpetuates systemic biases and contributes to the marginalization of communities of color. They call for police departments to prioritize culturally sensitive and inclusive training programs, aiming to eliminate the reinforcement of harmful stereotypes.
As public outcry grows, the Villa Rica Police Department faces mounting pressure to address the concerns raised by the community. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fostering a police force that prioritizes equity, fairness, and the eradication of racial biases.
