In a recent government meeting, a poignant discussion emerged regarding the handling of public apologies following incidents involving civilian harm. A speaker emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, arguing that apologies for such incidents should be made public rather than communicated through private channels.

The speaker highlighted that when civilians are harmed during encounters, the subsequent apologies often come in the form of \"hush notes\" or discreet phone calls, which undermines public trust. They asserted that the same community that witnesses these events should also witness the exoneration of those wronged, advocating for a more open approach to rebuilding trust within the community.

The call for public accountability reflects a broader concern about the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve. The speaker, drawing from personal experience, expressed a commitment to improvement, stating, \"We must do better,\" and underscoring the importance of fostering trust through transparency. This discussion points to a critical need for systemic changes in how public institutions communicate with the communities they impact.