NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Police in several major Tennessee cities have indicated they made a concerted effort to avoid arrests and maintain peace during recent Black Lives Matter protests.
Media outlets report most events in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville and Chattanooga in response to last week’s police shootings of black men in Louisiana and Minnesota, and the retaliatory killings of five police officers by a black sniper in Dallas have been peaceful.
Nashville’s police department shared photos of officers praying and smiling alongside others over the weekend.
Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland said his city “set an example for the world” Sunday after police avoided arrests and violence during a protest.
Knoxville Police Chief David Rausch says collaboration between his officers and protesters has helped keep the peace.
Chattanooga police worked with protesters during demonstrations Saturday, Sunday and Monday without any problems.
RELATED CONTENT Local man holds protest against racism in front of City Hall
WATCH: Clarksville demonstrators hold peaceful protest against violence
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.