Since my brother Mathew Ajibade’s death I’ve devoted what’s left of my life to understanding the conditions that led to his killing in the hands of the Police.
I have come to at least one realization so far. Apart from the obvious institutionalized racism, another major issue in Law Enforcement is the problematic leader. A leader filled with the pride and power of leadership forgetting that he is truly a servant of the people.
Case in point Chatham County false leader Sheriff Al St. Lawrence; When ask how he felt about the low use of tasers in neighboring counties he replied, “ I DONT KNOW WHAT OTHER COUNTIES ARE DOING AND I DONT CARE!!”
That simple statement lets you know what kind of leader he truly his. No man is an island but Sheriff Al St. Lawrence feels whatever successful tactics other jails have done to lower the abuse of inmates doesn’t matter when in fact the best way to grow is to learn from your peers.
A true leader lives above the standard, set the tone for their environment and takes responsibility for the failures of their deputies. An admirable leader would step down when they are unfit to leader but Sheriff Al St. Lawrence seems to value his position more than the lives of the people he swore to protect. Shame.