People around the world have taken to the streets in recent weeks to protest the deaths of African American men and women at the hands of police, and local law enforcement promises that message has not fallen on deaf ears.

Dallas County Sheriff Chad Leonard says he’s so far been impressed by the civility he’s seen at local protests, and he encourages the public to keep it that way. “You know, just keep it peaceful. I think your message is heard when you do it peaceful, it’s when that other group of people that shows up and starts breaking stuff that completely ruins your message. We’ll help you, if you’re going to schedule one contact your local law enforcement. Let them help you block off the streets and stuff like that, instead of having your organization present a burden on people. I mean there’s better ways to do it, but breaking other people’s property and that stuff, that’s not the right way to go about things.”

Leonard notes that he and the other local law enforcement officials don’t agree with the incidents that have led to he protests, and he promises to stand behind any peaceful rally that takes place. He emphasizes that the responding officers want to go home to their families, just like the protesters do, so he hopes both sides remain reasonable during this uncertain time. To hear more from Leonard on how his department is dealing with protests, listen to today’s Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County program on air and at RaccoonValleyRadio.com.