Mason the scapegoat suspend him maybe even fire him but nothing else changes. Michael tightened his grip on the steering wheel that's not going to happen we're not giving them that option as they drove through the city. Michael's thoughts raced the weight of his responsibilities pressed down on him but it also fueled him this wasn't just about last night it was about the broken system that had put him in that situation his reform agenda couldn't wait any longer. Joshua glanced at him worry still creasing his brow we need to get ahead of this once people hear what happened the story is going to explode we need to be in control of the narrative. Michael nodded wek go public but on our turn terms the people need to hear the truth and I'll make sure they get it directly from me by the time they reached City Hall.
Michael had already formulated a plan he moved quickly to his office his mind locked on what needed to happen next get the Press ready. Michael said as he sat at his desk glancing at the clock I want to hold a press conference this afternoon no delays we'll outline what happened the steps were taken and make it clear that there will be transparency in this investigation. Joshua nodded already dialing his phone are you going to tell them everything. Michael hesitated thinking through the details yes they need to know the full truth we can't gloss over this. Joshua paused his phone in hand you're going to name the officer not yet.
Michael said the investigation still needs to happen but I'll make it clear what he did and how wrong it was within hours the media gathered outside City Hall reporters news cameras and members of the public filled the space in front of the building all waiting for. Michael to speak he could feel the tension building the city already buzzing with speculation. Joshua walked into his office phone in hand we're all set the Press is waiting are you sure you want to lay everything out. Michael adjusted his tie in the mirror his jaw still bruised it's the only way to make sure they understand how serious this is. Joshua nodded letun do this as.
Michael stepped out of City Hall and approached the podium the crowd quieted cameras flashed microphones were held high and all eyes were on him he took a deep breath feeling the weight of the moment good afternoon. Michael began his voice calm but Resolute I've called this press conference today to address an incident that occurred last night involving one of our City's police officers and myself the crowd stirred the tension Rising as people leaned in to hear more last night I was standing outside a store waiting for a ride when I was approached by an officer on patrol despite my calm explanation of why I was there the officer became increasingly aggressive he made assumptions about who I was and why I was there. Michael paused letting the weight of his words sink in before continuing he accused me of Ling of being up to no good simply because I didn't fit his idea of who should be in that neighborhood when I calmly tried to explain myself the situation escalated he punched me handcuffed me and was about to throw me in the back of his patrol car a murmur rippled through the crowd the shock of his words sinking in at no point did I resist. Michael continued his voice Rising with conviction I was calm clear and respectful but that didn't matter What mattered to him was what he saw when he looked at me not the words coming out of my mouth not my explanations he saw a threat and he acted on that assumption. Michael glanced at.
Joshua who gave him a nod of encouragement he turned back to the crowd his voice steady but impassioned it wasn't until I told him to check my ID that he realized who I was at that moment everything changed the Panic set in he uncuffed me stammering apologies realizing the mistake he had made but the mistake wasn't just about me this is about the systemic issues in our police Police Department he leaned forward slightly gripping the sides of the podium this isn't just about one officer it's about a culture that allows these assumptions to be made it's about a system that allows people to be treated as suspects based on their appearance rather than their actions this is what we've been fighting to change the crowd was silent hanging on his every word there will be a full investigation into the actions of this officer. Michael continued and I will personally ensure that the investigation is transparent the people of this city deserve to what happens in their police department and I won't let this be another story that Fades into the background. Michael paused again locking eyes with the cameras but this is bigger than one incident this is about making real lasting changes in our Police Department I've been fighting for police reform for years and last night I experienced firsthand why that fight is necessary no one no one should be treated the way I was treated last night reporters began shouting questions their voices rising in the crowd. Michael held up his hand silencing them there will there be more to say as the investigation moves forward but let me make one thing clear this is not the end this is the beginning of real change I will not stop until every person in this city no matter who they are no matter where they're from can trust that they will be treated fairly and with respect by the very people sworn to protect them with that. Michael stepped away from the podium.
Joshua met him at the bottom of the steps his expression serious that was intense. Joshua said quietly but you did what needed to be done. Michael nodded it's time for this city to wake up we've talked about reform long enough now it's time to make it happen as they walked back into City Hall. Michael felt the burden of leadership more acutely than ever but he also felt something else A Renewed sense of purpose this was the moment he had been waiting for now it was up to him to push for the reforms the city desperately needed this time he wouldn't stop until the system changed for Good. Michael sat in his office at City Hall staring out of the large Windows overlooking the City the press conference had shaken the city's leadership and the phone had been ringing non-stop since he stepped off that Podium calls from Council Members local organizations and even from his constituents flooded in everyone wanting to know more to express their outrage or support or to demand faster action the city was waking up but the challenge ahead was daunting.
Joshua entered the office his phone in hand you've been getting a lot of attention social media is buzzing and the Press is covering the story non-stop. Michael sigh and rubbed his temples good we need to keep the pressure on I want people to understand how serious this is. Joshua nodded stepping closer to the desk I've spoken to some Community leaders and they're ready to support you but they're also expecting something concrete they want to know what reforms you'll be pushing for. Michael nodded slowly his mind already racing we need to start with the investigation into officer. Mason but that's just the first step we need real systemic changes more oversight better training and stricter accountability meas es.
Joshua's expression was serious I agree but you know the police Union will fight this tooth and nail they're already pushing back against your public statements saying you're jumping the gun I don't care what the union says. Michael replied his voice firm if they're not willing to reform from within then we'll push from the outside this isn't going away before. Joshua could respond there was a knock on the door and. Michael's assistant stepped in Mr Trent the police chief is here to see you. Michael exchanged a quick glance with.
Joshua before nodding send him in. Chief. Harland entered his usual confident stride now more measured he offered a tight lip nod to both men before sitting down across from. Michael's desk there was a brief uncomfortable silence as harland's gaze met Michaels Mister Trent. Haren began his tone polite but with an edge of defensiveness I've seen the coverage of the press conference I understand why you felt the need to go public but we need to discuss how we move forward from here.
Michael leaned forward his hands clasped in front of him what's there to discuss the officer's actions were inexcusable the investigation needs to move quickly and there must be consequences. Haren shifted in his seat I agree that officer. Mason's actions warrant a thorough investigation and we've already suspended him pending the outcome but you understand that these things take time we can't rush to judgment Michaels expression hardened I'm not asking for a rush judgment Chief I'm asking for accountability the public needs to know that this is being handled transparently and that means no delays no excuses harlon frowned slightly I've served this department for over 30 years I know the community's trust is fragile right now but we also have to ensure we follow the proper procedures. Michael took a deep breath his voice calm but insistent Chief this isn't just about procedures this is about rebuilding trust that's already been broken officer. Mason's actions are part of a larger problem and you know it I've had complaints come across my desk for years claims of racial profiling unnecessary Force and most of them go unaddressed harland's jaw clenched I'm aware of the issues but sweeping changes can't happen overnight I'm not asking for overnight changes.
Michael said his voice Rising slightly but we can't sit on our hands while this department loses the faith of the very people it's supposed to protect the time for small incremental fixes is over we need comprehensive reform and we need it now. Harland met. Michael's gaze his expression unreadable after a long moment he nodded slowly what exactly are you proposing. Michael sat back his mind quickly organizing his thoughts first we need to establish an independent oversight committee something outside the department to review complaints of misconduct and make recommendations for discipline second I want mandatory deescalation training for every officer in the force with specific training on racial bias and third there must be a public Reporting System where residents can see the progress of complaints and investigations. Haron raised an eyebrow an independent oversight committee you know the union will push back hard on that.