Riot response

All people of any color have a right to protest. The proper response to a protest should be to not create a confrontation that will lead to a riot.

Instead, the police commander should order his officers to “stand down,” remove their riot gear and do their duty and serve and protect. Have them positioned in front of the businesses that could be looted by a small numberof the protesters who are actually criminals looking for an opportunity.

Let the protesters protest peacefully, and do not create a confrontation that will only end up being bad news on all of the media outlets.

This story was originally published September 25, 2016 at 2:00 PM with the headline "Riot response."