Second in a series. 

Re: “Bixby Horrified by Cop Shooting” 

The startling real-time video of a white South Carolina police officer killing a fleeing black man, playing out daily this week in America’s largest newspapers, instantly telegraphed a message to Culver City’s most attentive viewer of the video.

At what point did Police Chief Scott Bixby realize this tragedy would make the jobs of his department more difficult?

“Immediately,” he said. “As soon as I saw it, I knew.

“I have said before that sometimes we get painted with a very broad brush.

“It happens in many professions in life,” said Mr. Bixby, “that incidents and groups get lumped together, and it is not necessarily fair.

“But when I saw the video, I knew right away this was going to be a big negative for law enforcement in general. Just like Ferguson or New York or any of these other cases that have occurred.”

What is a panacea, while acknowledging none comes with a guarantee attached?

Back to basics.

“It’s tough, but we just have to keep doing what we are doing,” said the low-key chief who celebrates his first anniversary next week.

“We have to keep doing the right thing. Keep doing more community outreach.

“We need to be open,” said Mr. Bixby, “and we need to do everything we possibly can to gain the community’s trust.”

(To be continued)