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AACO Top Cop Addresses Police Mistrust Following Michael Brown Shooting

GLEN BURNIE, Md. (WJZ) -- The Michael Brown case has incited protest nationwide, including in Maryland.

Christie Ileto reports Anne Arundel County's top cop met with dozens to tackle police mistrust in the community.

What's happening in Ferguson, Missouri is highlighting a strained relationship between police and residents. Top brass in Anne Arundel County want to make sure it never gets to that point.

Their chants tell a story. Those rallying Thursday title it chronic mistrust in the criminal justice system. That has top brass in Anne Arundel County building faith in their badge.

"We're only as good as our partnerships with the community. And if those partnerships aren't strong, a critical incident like the one we're seeing now in Ferguson, Missouri can have long-lasting ramifications," said Chief Kevin Davis, Anne Arundel County.

It's a hot issue right now, intensified by the deadly police shooting of unarmed teen Michael Brown in Missouri.

"Everywhere, African-American people are finding themselves having young people die senselessly. And there's a sense that there's injustice going on," said Carl Snowden, chairman, NAACP, Anne Arundel County.

In Glen Burnie: "My faith is slanted for more than one reason," Felicia Carroll said.

Carroll still wrestles with the June acquittal of Matthew Pinkerton, who police charged with murdering her son, Kendall Green. He barged into Pinkerton's home last fall.

The NAACP says the shooter used a racial slur before pulling the trigger. Defense attorneys deny that ever happened.

Ileto: "That ruling, what message did that send you?"

Carroll: "That it's open field day to shoot and kill and get away with it."

The family is now asking the Department of Justice to investigate to make sure no more Kendall Greens or Michael Browns are failed by a system their families say failed them.

Chief Davis did acknowledge the criminal justice system has made strides over the years, but still has a very long way to go.

Kendall Green's family and the NAACP sent a letter to the Department of Justice, asking for an investigation. They are waiting to hear back.

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