CARROLL COUNTY, Ga. — We’ve all seen the images of the damage and destruction after protests here in Georgia and across the country.
But here’s something different: There was one demonstration in Georgia that was so peaceful, it got people dancing – including police officers.
Hundreds of people took part in the rally in Carrollton Monday. They marched from the courthouse to the amphitheater.
Beverly Dittmer drove by and stopped to join in. The group chanted and marched to the amphitheater where the program continued thanks to the officers’ involvement.
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One officer called in a DJ and just like that, the march became more of a family reunion.
“I happened to be in conversation with a white policeman when this music started up. I was thanking him for being there. He was smiling and saying he was glad to be there and then he excused himself,” said Bev
Carrollton officer Philip Ball excused himself to go dance with the protestors.
Officer Michael McDowell was Ball’s partner. They, along with Sergeant Omereo Potts were with the crowd from start to finish.
“Instead of ignoring it he said, ‘Man we could probably make this better,’” Potts said.
McDowell called in a favor, DJ Bluue arrived just in time to provide a PA system and music.
“I think we’re getting it, that this is how you act. This is how you do it. You be unified,” Dittmar said.
“We’re not going to beat them, so we’re going to jump in there and have a great time with them and it was electrifying,” McDowell said.
Those officers are part of Carrollton police department's community-oriented policing services. They say creating relationships and being transparent is what they're about and felt perfectly suited to be part of the event and just show they are people first.
The sheriff’s office and University of West Georgia police were on hand too.