Texas- McKinney Police and Black Community Tensions Escalating

A police officer and a member of the New Black Panther Party stood about ten feet apart inside the McKinney Police Department Wednesday, videotaping each other in a moment telling of growing racial tension in an east side neighborhood. About 15 McKinney residents and members of the Dallas Chapter of the NBPP gathered at the department headquarters yesterday afternoon, demanding to speak to the police chief about law enforcement tactics at the Manor House apartment complex and about recent arrests of black community members. Derick Brown, chairman of the NBPP refused a one-on-one meeting with Asst. Police Chief Rex Redden, saying he wouldn't speak to police alone.  Former head of the NAACP of Dallas, Lee Alcorn said it appears the McKinney Police Department is "out of control," and urged council to get a handle on a situation that could escalate if the civil rights of citizens are not protected. [more ]