As the incidents in Charlottesville recently showed us, our country is dealing with more and more heated racial tensions. As a result, law enforcement must appropriately do its job and protect individuals when there are public demonstrations.

Charlottesville was a sad example of what happens when various offices and agencies don’t work together effectively. The mayor, city council, police chief and even the governor’s office have all said more could have been done, but it’s not really their fault. Municipalities must be prepared for future public demonstrations, because these events will continue happening, and law enforcement and the government officials must be better prepared and learn from the lessons of Charlottesville.