SLO County Sheriff’s Office criticized for video promoting diversity: ‘You’re Safe With Us’
–The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office came under criticism this week for a video showcasing the department’s diversity and sending the community the message: ‘You’re Safe With Us.’
The SLO County Sheriff’s Office posted the video to its social media on Tuesday, then quickly deleted it after a wave of criticism. The video was reposted by a Youtube user.
“I’m Senior Deputy Ron Slaughter, I’m Black and I’m American, you are safe with us,” the video begins. “Hi, I’m Sheriff Ian Parkinson, I’m white and I’m American and you are safe with us… I’m Deputy Zafar, I’m Afghani I’m American, you are safe with us.”
The video shows deputies appearing to interact with the public, fist-bumping passersby, and playing with children at a playground. The video, made in July, during the COVID-19 pandemic, does not show deputies wearing masks as they interact with people, or practicing social distancing.
“The video was completely tone-deaf and another example of how far out of touch Parkinson and the department are with a large segment of the community,” Morro Bay resident Kim Barton commented to the sheriff’s office. “The video was so disingenuous it’s appalling. If you want to foster relationships with the community, why not get out and ask what the community wants. This PR stunt was beyond embarrassing,” said Courtney Brogno. See additional comments on the sheriff’s office’s Facebook page.
The sheriff’s office responded to the criticism on Wednesday, saying:
Yesterday, the sheriff’s office released a video which was meant to show and celebrate the diversity in our agency and in the community. This video was made in July. The employees appearing in this video and producers all volunteered their time. Unfortunately, our video may not have appealed to some in the way it was presented. Our motives were pure. We were hoping to further the dialogue of diversity during what has been a very challenging year for our community. We are and will continue to work with community members to make our county a safe and diverse place to live. Our efforts in this area are a work in progress. We formed a community group several months ago and are working together to identify and address racial and discrimination issues in our community. including systemic racism. That being said, we read your comments. We hear you. Thank you for your understanding.
The SLO Tribune joined in the criticism, publishing an editorial Thursday, “A SLO County sheriff’s video meant to showcase diversity and concern. It was a PR flop.” The SLO New Times’ Shredder added commentary to a column titled “Awkward!” saying “It’s like one of those ‘let’s talk about sexual harassment in the workplace’ videos from the ’90s. Poorly scripted and a little weird. If I didn’t know better, I would think it was a spoof: Parkinson haltingly using sign language, a fist bump between a white deputy and a Black man on the sidewalk, deputies talking to “randoms” and attempting to play with little kids on a slide, no masks, and a not-so-solid attempt at social distancing.”
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