Chief Mark Crowe Still be Investigated

PEMBROKE, GA

There is a new police chief, but a controversy is following him to his new job. People are still speaking out against Pembroke police Chief Mark Crowe.

Many at Thursday night's meeting wanted a full investigation into a fight that Chief Crowe had that lead to the arrests of several people.

"We're going to pursue justice with all the force and relentless. Pursue justice until justice comes home," said Liston Singletary with NAACP.

The crowd was thin, but that's not stopping the NACCP from demanding answers. They say the crowd would be larger but many are scared to speak out against the people who are sworn in to serve and protect them.

The NAACP wanted to make sure people knew what they're rights are and that if they're civil rights are being violated that needs to be dealt with by the justice system.

One by one people stood up telling their stories of how they felt they were wronged by police.

"My heart is aching right now because there's a legacy in Pembroke, I'm 4th generation, and there's a legacy of police harassment and intimidation," said one woman.

Some say this has been going on for a while, but no one stood up; until the latest incident involving Mark Crowe. At the time Crowe worked for the Bryan County Sheriff's Office. Just before they named him chief of Pembroke, he was involved in a fight. Several people were hurt, including officers.

Many are outraged, including the President of the Georgia chapter of the NAACP. He couldn't attend the meeting, but called in and spoke to the crowd.

"We want to send a strong message to the mayor, we want to send a strong message to community leaders, we want to send a strong message to the sheriff and all law enforcement down there that you cannot beat our folk down here and not expect retaliation," said Edward Dubois.

They say Pembroke is known for sweeping things under the rug, but that's not happening this time around.

"It might not stop all of the brutality, but at least we will make them think," said Bryan Williams with NAACP.

No charges have been filed against Mark Crowe. The city of Pembroke said until there are charges they will continue backing him.

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Other Information: http://www.wsav.com/sav/news/local/article/racial_allegations_against_law_enforcement_officer_in_bryan_county/12132/