As the latest case of an unarmed Black man dying at the hands of a White police officer continues to unfold in Charleston, S.C., at least two historically Black universities are being proactive in trying to prevent the next case.
Virginia Union University in Richmond, Va., and Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, N.C., are educating their students about interacting with police.
Local and state police officers fielded questions from students Tuesday night at a Virginia Union forum, including when an officer is allowed to use deadly force.
According to a report from WWBT-TV, Virginia State Police Major Len Terry dispelled the notion that officers are trained to fire warning shots if they feel their life, or someone else’s, is in jeopardy.
“If a police officer pulls his weapon and fires at an individual, it is to protect his or her life or the life of some innocent party out there,” said Terry, who added that shooting should be the last resort.
The students were advised on protocol during traffic stops and were assured that officers should have no issue with the incident being recorded—as long as it is evident to all that the device being held is a cell phone.
Johnson C. Smith is holding a similar session Friday led by its University Campus Police Department.
