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The decision of Opelousas Police Chief Donald Thompson to allow the use of OPD uniforms, vehicles, and property in a video depicting an African American being shot by a white police officer is causing controversy.

KATC reports that the video will be used in a stage play entitled 'All Lives Matter,' set for release July 28 at the Opelousas Civic Center. The play is the work of EJTyler Productions, which describes 'All Lives Matter' as

'another production filled with highs and lows. This production is centered around what we see happening NOW in our country.'

Chief Thompson tells KATC that he allowed the use of OPD resources to create the video as a way of 'taking a preventative measure.'

The video has led to some controversy on Facebook, and Chief Thompson's statements and the description of the play by EJ Tyler Productions lead to more questions. Why was it necessary to allow real police uniforms and other property for the creation of this video?
Why was the video in question removed from the EJ Tyler Productions Facebook page? Most importantly, why does a video of a police officer shooting someone need to be made when the footage of the real shootings of Alton Sterling, Philando Castille, and Charles Kinsey continue to circulate throughout the Internet?

What the play will ultimately say about what 'we see happening now in our country' and how that message is shared by Chief Thompson remain to be seen. Chief Thompson and the OPD have already hosted an event to help ease tensions between police and civilians this month, 'United with The Community.'

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