ACTIVISTS SPEAKING OUT PKG

Accountability activists speak out again...continuing their call for several changes in lexington...mostly having to do with police reform, transparency and social justice.

Abc 36's bobbi mcswine was with them today and tells us more .

That's tonight's top story at 5:30.

"it's time for a change in lexington."

It's becoming a regular refrain as they keep up the pressure...faith leaders came together at first baptist church bracktown.

"today we call on mayor gorton and the city council to do what should have been done a long time ago.."

Mayor linda gorton has a limited ban on no knock warrants.

The legislature just approved a limited ban with only a few exemptions.

Pastor akins of first baptist says it's not enough...he and other leaders have a tougher proposal they want acted in lexington... the group also wants charges dropped against protestors arrested last , "these protests were instrumental to the initiation of equity and justice conversations in our community."

Another topic...police transparency and accountability.

The group argues the difference in the handling of black officer jervis middleton and white officer donovan stewart are examples.

Middleton was fired after being found guilty of repeat policy violations.

Stewart was allowed to retire after being accused of punching an autsitic teen.

Even with differences in the cases, they say it is a stark contrast.

"these further speaks to the necessity of a civilian review board for adequate police acountability.."

Akins also mentioned the recent case involving liam long...a black autistic teen who police say was hit by an officer's cruiser while running from them.

Downtown...protest ors again walked to the police station demanding answers.

"is there a reason you all are not complying with the recommendations from the mayor's commision on social justice's subcommitee to make this process separate from the lexington police deapartment?"

They want access to a form that'll let them make a formal complaint...but police explain officers have to submit the complaint themselves...but can copy their exact words.

"why would anybody in their right minds want the lexington police department, the very entitty that you are filing the complaint against to tbe the one who is transcibing your words as part of a legal document?"

Activist april taylor says liam long's family hasn't decided whether they will file a formal complaint...but having access to the form is important...now...and in the future.

In lexington...bobbi mcswine...abc 36 news.

############ faith leaders also stress that the new superintendant should come from a diverse, urban district with a track record of helping