Nearly a month has passed since a few dozen protestors chose Covington Police Headquarters for a demonstration.

The so-called "die-in" featured several of the protestors opting to lie on the ground in silence, as if to appear dead. They held signs that read "Stop Police Brutality" and "Black Lives Matter". The demonstration was one of many across the nation in the wake of multiple police-involved deaths, notably in Ferguson, Missouri, Cleveland, and New York City. One local death was also mentioned, that of 19-year old Samantha Ramsey who was shot by a Boone County Sheriff's Deputy after he said she tried to run him over with her vehicle.

"I have seen and heard a lot of hateful comments as to why we are protesting," organizer Nicole Comer said at the time. "Protesting is needed because it is not allowing these actions by these police officers who feel they can kill because they have a badge... Unfortunately, history shows that police treat blacks unfairly and we want an immediate end to police brutality."

What wasn't known at the time but was revealed during Tuesday night's Covington City Commission meeting was that the bullhorn used by Comer at the event was lent to her by the very police department she was standing in front of. Assistant City Manager Frank Warnock mentioned it at the end of the meeting to offer praise to the police department.

"I thought it was a very good thing," Warnock said.

Mayor Sherry Carran also acknowledged the gesture. "These situations were in other cities, but they chose our city for some reason when in reality I think we probably have one of the best reputations around," the mayor said. "(Chief) Spike (Jones) was in constant contact with the organizers of that event and made sure they had what they needed and that things were under control."

"I think we impressed upon a group of people how we do our policing."

Chief Jones said that while the department strongly disagrees with the general characterization of police officers by those who attended the local protest, the Covington Police Department is sworn to protect the Constitution of the United States and the First Amendment includes the freedom of speech.

"The folks that assembled that day we very peaceful and we were appreciative of that," Jones said. "We are in the business of protecting and preserving the Constitution of the United States and that includes the First Amendment. It's the first because some people felt it was the most important. These folks were exercising that right peacefully."

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Written by Michael Monks, editor & publisher

Photo: Protest at Covington Police Headquarters in December/RCN file