Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo and Police Chief Quentin Holmes discussed a planned protest at the city's Public Safety Center. Their comments came during a news conference Monday morning.
The rally, scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, is in response to the Civil Service Board's reinstatement of Monroe Police Officer Doug Lambert. Lambert was initially fired from the department for posting comments on Facebook concerning riots following the Ferguson, Missouri verdict in the case of Michael Brown.
The board acted to reinstate Lambert in March. He served an 89-day suspension without pay and took sensitivity training as part of the board's decision.
Mayo says "we understand the right to rally, but we expect it to remain peaceful." Holmes commented that officers are prepared for the protest, but expects everything to run smoothly. "Those who have planned the event have expressed their intent for a peaceful rally," he said.
