In an effort to try and keep their space “family friendly,” a Detroit-based ice cream parlor named Cold Truth has opted to ban officers in body armor from its space. But what was supposedly a peaceful resolution has resulted in uproar.
Cold Truth owner Tim Mahoney recently took to Instagram this past week to announce the new policy after a Detroit police car parked on the wrong side of the street, in front of the shop. “We can tolerate the parking however you please, but we will not serve anyone wearing body armor.”
In a follow-up on Facebook, Mahoney clarified his statement as to why the ban was in place. “Cold Truth is a family/community ice cream spot. There are times when various units will come through and are outfitted in heavy duty tactical gear, and is disturbing and unsettling for some of the families in our space.
He concluded, “In the last 24 hours, it has come to my attention that the City of Detroit outfits EMS and FIRE with armor and this is not my concern.”
As a result, dozens of readers have hammered the ice cream shop with one-star reviews, with Mahoney noting it’s “unfortunate people are spending their time doing this.” He also made it clear that the location is “not anti-police,” though the ban seems to indicate otherwise.
Speaking with us now is Michael Letts, a pro-police advocate who also serves as founder and CEO of InVest USA. This is an organization that provides police officers with bulletproof vests across the country, through various charitable foundations and sponsorships. His expertise will weigh in nicely with this topic.
Q&A:
- How severe an issue is it to see a business ban certain police officers merely because they’re wearing body armor?
- Isn’t this shop located in a rough Detroit neighborhood? The department chief seemed to note that the body armor was a necessity for this particular area.
- The community seems to be siding more with the police in this matter, even if the ice cream shop owner isn’t backing down. Is it a relief to see them taking their side instead of Mahoney’s?
- How concerning would it be if other businesses followed this credo for the sake of making some people feel “safer” within their environment? Do you see it as separatism?
- What do you think will happen to this business if Mahoney continues to stay the course? Do you think a lesson can be learned from all this?
- Where can we learn more about your InVest USA organization?
- You can visit our official website at https://investusa.org.
About Michael Letts…
Michael Letts is the Founder, President, and CEO of InVest USA, a national grassroots non-profit organization that is helping hundreds of communities provide thousands of bulletproof vests for their police forces through educational, public relations, sponsorship, and fundraising programs. Those interested in learning more about Letts can visit his official website here.
CONTACT: Gerald McGlothlin at: jerry.specialguests@gmail.com
