GREEN BAY, Wisc. (SPECTRUM NEWS) — Police departments around the nation find themselves at the front lines of the reaction to the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on Memorial Day.

As protests have swept across the county, law enforcement has found itself interacting directly with protestors, in both a peaceful manner and while enforcing laws.

In recent days, Green Bay Police Chief Andrew Smith has been on both sides. Over the weekend he was speaking directly with protesters. On Monday night he was out with his officers as they arrested a group of people violating the city’s 9 p.m. curfew.

When meeting with protesters Sunday, Smith said he he had a clear message.

“I was appalled by what I saw in Minneapolis. I was appalled by the actions of the officer who wears the uniform I proudly wear,” he said earlier this week. “I was literally sickened by watching that video as minute after minute progresses and this man is obviously in distress and ultimately dies right in front of our eyes.”

Green Bay protests have been largely peaceful. There was a flare violence late Sunday night that left several downtown businesses damaged, but Monday evening’s  protests —  albeit smaller — were again peaceful.

Smith said meeting with protesters on their turf, like he did this weekend, are one more step in broader policing strategy  aimed at collaboratively solving problem with the people police are serving.

“Community policing is not something you start the day the protesters are in front of your station,” he said. “Community policing is something you build on for years leading up to that.”​