Chief Persley holds community discussion regarding violence

(ALBANY, GA) – For Lavicka Stewart, 2020 hasn’t been easy as she lost a member of her family earlier this year to ongoing violence in the City of Albany.

Stewart says, “We tragically lost my brother, Dequario Thomas, earlier this year to acts of violence…They said that the suspect turned himself in and we can have justice and closure.”

For those who came out Monday night, community members met with Albany Police Chief, Michael Persley for a special “Chat with the Chief” to discuss the ongoing problem of violence in the City of Albany.

Chief Persley says that an environment like this can help in the healing process.

He says that, “These are family members who have to deal with the loss of a loved one. So i’m sure there’s a huge amount of grief that is in there, and just to have their voices heard and talk about this grief, and then at the same time, find out that you’re not alone in this and that there are other people.”

After Monday night’s session, Chief Persley wants those who’ve been affected by the violence over the last few years to speak up as they continue to hold more of these discussions.

They want more families who are affected by these violent crimes to feel comfortable enough to come forward.

“We’ve reached out to families, and those who weren’t able to attend, we do want to give an opportunity and it’s my intent that we touch every family that’s been affected by the violence and lost a loved one,” says Chief Persley.

Chief Persley says he wants to be able to hold these discussions several times during the year, starting in 2021.