Image courtesy of the Perkins family
In the wake of that officer-involved shooting that took the life of Steve Perkins, people believe conversations on how you should engage with police are in order.
It’s a conversation Terrence Baker, a father, says he’s had with his six girls and he had with his mother when he was younger – do as the police say and try and make sure other people are around.
But now, after knowing Perkins was killed in his own front yard, the conversations with his kids become a bit more difficult.
“It’s almost nothing that we can do. It’s no protective conversation that you can give your kids to protect them from the police," said Baker.
He says he just wishes Perkins had that same opportunity before he was killed.
"He was getting shot before the police even told him to put the gun down or whatever he said. 'Hey hold on, this is the police.' Before he said 'down,' he was already shooting," said Baker.
He says he encourages his kids to show their hands if they’re getting pulled over, stay in a lit populated area and ask for the supervisor if ever dealing with law enforcement. However, after Perkins' death, Baker says he has new advice for his children and whoever will listen.
"Now at this instance, the only thing I can think of is stay dangerous, stay watchful because I want my kids to come home," said Baker.
He says if he could've offered any advice to Perkins, it would've been to just stay inside and lock his doors.
