The LRPD distributed the above news release after news of the decision of a St. Louis County grand jury not to indict Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of Michael Brown in a confrontation that followed a reported shoplifting.

I am glad to know the LRPD respects constitutional rights (something not always in evidence in actions of Little Rock officers beating and shooting suspects.) I am glad to know they will “allow” exercise of constitutional rights, though I wasn’t aware they had a choice in the matter. I am pleased to know the police will not tolerate “unlawful behavior.” And that they will handle incidents in a “professional manner.” Some cases pending in court demonstrate a lack of professionalism by Little Rock police at times.

I guess what I’m saying is I’m not sure there was a need for a police agency in Little Rock, Ark., to be moved to say it would observe the law and Constitution. Doesn’t it always?

The president spoke powerfully later that the decision in Missouri was the Grand Jury’s to make and that we must follow the rule of law. But he said there are problems in “communities of color” that are real and must be addressed.