Black Lives Matter Post Earns Police Chief Time Off

JOHNS CREEK, GA — Following a Facebook post criticizing the Black Lives Matter movement, Johns Creek Police Chief Chris Byers has been asked to take some time away from the job.

Johns Creek City Manager Ed Densmore said Thursday that in an effort to address the situation pragmatically, he asked Byers to take some personal time which he agreed to take on Densmore's request.

"As I continue to comprehend all of the events which have transpired within Johns Creek and the nation over the past several weeks, I am reminded that we are a resilient and caring community," Densmore said in a press release Thursday. "I have been listening carefully to the comments, feedback, and reactions related to Police Chief Byers from residents all over our city. Listening is important.

"As part of my listening and decision-making process I am speaking with community members, as well as police officers, so I can best determine the most appropriate course of action. I am seeking a course of action based on sound reasoning, exploration, and valuable discussions. My plan is to come back following these important conversations and share my thoughts and next steps. I am confident that the outcome will help create a stronger and united Johns Creek."

On Sunday, Byers wrote in a now-deleted Facebook post that pastors have let their congregations down, and he does not support the Black Lives Matter movement because it is "glorifying the killing" of police officers. He previously condemned racism and the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody.

While Byers took down the controversial post, city officials released it late Monday afternoon, along with a statement to Patch that said they "do not condone or accept any form of racism, hate, brutality, or repression. The city stands against all forms of racism and will continue to work hard to protect the rights of all our citizens regardless of race, color, or creed. The city supports people's right for peaceful protest, demonstration, and the sharing of ideas, because it is through these rights and the sharing of ideas that we can enact proactive and positive change."

The post written Sunday night was nearly 1,000 words, and included Byers saying, "I have been asked by those in our community countless times... 'Do you believe black lives matter?;' My definitive answer, YES! I believe that the lives of every black man, woman, and child matter just as much as the lives of every white man, woman, and child and police officer. Just as with every other nationality we get the privilege of calling our neighbors and every religion represented.

"But I do not support the Black Lives Matter as a movement as it seems to glorify the killing of my brothers and sisters," Byers said. "It is not what you pastors and religious leaders think it is. Stop trying to be relevant and look deeper into what you are saying, posting, and tagging before you do it. But please..never give up the fight against racism. We have a long way to go! But we need everybody moving in the same direction."

Densmore said Monday that, "with everything that is taking place around the U.S. and the world, it’s important that we listen, understand, and make thoughtful decisions which will bring about improvements to everyone’s health, safety and quality of life. We will conduct a careful review of the content and comments from the posting and explore potential next steps or actions, as appropriate. Equitable treatment and respect for each and every member of our community, including those of the Black Lives Matter movement, is part of our city’s culture.”

Byers, who is white, said as a police chief he's trying his best to serve those he's charged to lead, and has been holding meetings with officers to discuss the turmoil in the country.

"To discuss the horrific actions that lead to Mr. Floyd's death, as well as to discuss the horrific actions of those who are preying on our law enforcement brothers and sisters in the name of justice," Byers wrote. "There have been tears in those meeting. Words of anger toward the wolf in sheep's clothing that took his life. Words of fear. And then there have been countless words that I as a Christian am ashamed to hear. 'Chief, our pastors have abandoned us.' 'They have sold us out for slogans in the name of attempting to be relevant.' 'Chief, what about us?' 'Why has my pastor and congregation hash tagged organizations that condone killing us in their social media postings and sermons?' 'Chief, don't they know that the movements they are promoting at its core celebrates the killing of police officers simply because they wear the badge.'"

Last week, Byers wrote on the department's Facebook page to address the death of George Floyd, and how his department is responding to protests against police use of force.

"Johns Creek is a very diverse community and I could not be more proud to serve as the chief of the Johns Creek Police Department and be a resident," Byers said on June 1. "We will always strive to 'set the standard' in policing as our mission statement says.

Then on Sunday, Byers said he will not be taking a knee as many other police officials have across the country.

"Taking a knee is a sign of surrender," Byers wrote. "I will not surrender to this fight for justice. I take a knee of surrender to my Lord and Savior alone. I will however stand with you and protect your rights to protest and have your voices heard. And I will bow down to pray with you. To pray to make our hearts pure. My heart pure. For us to see each other as we are...God's creation. His Son's and Daughter's. Regardless of race. To celebrate diversity. That's what I bow for."

However, Byers also said,"I am 100 percent supportive of all of the protesting and demands for justice that are happening now. They are valid and necessary for change. I am your biggest ally in the fight to stamp out any racism, or corruption in our country's police agencies. I am on the front line in this battle. It's my job to not only keep the 'bad apples' from wearing the badge, but also to make sure the soil in my organization and profession remains pure."

Byers began his career in law enforcement in 1996, joining the Johns Creek Police Department in 2008. He became the chief of police March 23.

Related:

• Black Lives Matter, Pastors Criticized By Johns Creek Police Head
• Johns Creek Chief Wants His Officers To 'Set The Standard'