Black Shield Calls For Withdrawal of Police Union's Trump Endorsement

African-America officers in Cleveland are calling on the Police Patrolmen’s Association to withdraw its endorsement of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. 

The group of officers, known as the Black Shield Association, say the union should have never taken a position in this year’s election.

Black Shield president Lynn Hampton says the union’s support for Trump, who has described inner cities as more dangerous than war zones, harms relations with African American neighborhoods.

“And we want to stand by the community and we want to do our part in helping reform. This is critical times and we must, we must take that into consideration before we start making rash decisions in this election," says Hampton.

The Cleveland Police Patrolmen’s Association endorsed Trump on September 30, after 71% of those who voted chose him over Democrat Hillary Clinton. Hampton says that vote did not include enough members to represent the department.

The Patrolmen’s Association President Steve Loomis has cited Trump’s pledge to provide funding and equipment to police departments nationwide to explain his support.