Wellesley police chief's apology to 'communities of color' gets mixed reactions

BOSTON — An apology by Wellesley's Police chief is getting mixed reactions across the country.

The chief apologized for law enforcement's history of mistreating communities of color in the United States.

Wellesley's police chief is also the head of one of the nation's largest police organizations, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP).

Wellesley Police Chief Terrance Cunningham told a packed room a history of injustices on the part of law enforcement has created mistrust in communities of color and the only way forward is to acknowledge it.

"The first in this process is for law enforcement profession and the IACP to acknowledge and apologize for the actions of the past and the role that our profession in society's historical mistreatment of communities of color," Chief Cunningham said at the IACP national conference in San Diego. "There have been times when law enforcement officers because of the laws enacted by federal state and local governments have been the face of oppression to far too many of our fellow citizens."

Cunningham's comments come after a series of shootings of unarmed black men by police from Ferguson, Missouri to Saint Paul, Minnesota, that have sparked violence targeting police.

The National Fraternal Order of Police says words aren't enough, proactive steps that address the real concerns would benefit all Americans and they look forward to a dialogue of action.

"At the same time, those who denounce the police must acknowledge today's police officers are not responsible for the past," Cunningham added.

Boston Police Commissioner Bill Evans said Chief Cunningham's remarks highlight a need for across the board change.

There has been criticism of his department around police and community relations and questions about diversity in the ranks.

"We all look at that as a brave statement, given what's going on, and I've always said, we're not perfect. We have a lot of things to improve," said Commissioner Evans.

You can read Chief Cunningham's full apology here.

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