Mayor Curry says he's open to discussion about independent police review boards

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — For the first time since Sunday’s police involved shooting, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry addressed the issue publicly following a Jacksonville Jazz Festival news conference at City Hall.

It's now been three days since the shooting happened in Springfield, one that sparked protests at the scene and inside City Hall Tuesday.

Police said 22-year-old Vernell Bing Jr. was shot and killed by a Jacksonville Sheriff's officer in Springfield on Sunday. Police say Bing, who was unarmed, led officers on a high-speed chase and hit a patrol car head-on.

“All human life is of value and any time anyone in our city is killed it's tragic. Every life matters,” said Curry.

Since the incident, some City Council members have come out in favor of an outside agency independently reviewing police involved shootings, a practice not in place with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.

Action News Jax reporter Lorena Inclan asked Curry if he would support such a measure if a bill for an independent review board were passed by City Council.

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“I will evaluate them and move forward in an appropriate manner at that time,” said Curry.

“To gain the trust of the community though, there's a large sector that has a deep mistrust. Do you think that independent reviews of police shootings are necessary?” asked Inclan.

“Again you know I’m working with the sheriff working with members of the faith community to make sure that we have trust in the community and we'll continue to that end,” said Curry. “But I’m open to the debate and the discussion and figuring out how to best move forward for all of Jacksonville.”

The officer involved in the shooting, Tyler Landreville, has not made any public comments yet. He’s being represented by an attorney with the Fraternal Order of Police. The officer, like anyone else, has legally protected rights and can’t be compelled to give a statement.

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