City council hears outcry over police shooting

Jack Roberson death spurs questions from Waycross community

WAYCROSS, Ga. – The community turned out Tuesday night in Waycross to speak to the city council and the mayor about the police-involved shooting that occurred in Waycross last week.

The community said they want something done about Jack Roberson's death. Roberson was shot and killed by police last week in Waycross.

The police-involved shooting has not been determined yet to be justified or unjustified. The Georgia Bureau of Investigations said they are investigating the situation.

The people in Waycross are not happy about how police handled the situation and joined in the Waycross city hall meeting Tuesday to try and get answers.

Many community leaders and pastors spoke out during Tuesday's meeting.

"The input is going to cause the department of culture to change," said Reverand Fer'Rell Malone. "In other words, there's a culture that says it's OK to kill black African American males. There's a culture that says it's OK to kill. With a citizens review board, it would cause the training and the entire culture of our community to reflect on making decisions that move away from that because we know there are then consequences, and ramifications for not thinking that through."

City officials are looking into a possible citizens review board to look into this case, and others like it. There is no word from the council on when that might be done.


About the Author:

Scott is a multi-Emmy Award Winning Anchor and Reporter, who also hosts the “Going Ringside With The Local Station” Podcast. Scott has been a journalist for 25 years, covering stories including six presidential elections, multiple space shuttle launches and dozens of high-profile murder trials.