CHELMSFORD — Police Chief James M. Spinney denounces, in the strongest possible terms, the actions and failures of police in Minneapolis that resulted in the death of George Floyd earlier this week.
The methods used by Minneapolis Police are not used by the Chelmsford Police Department. Our officers are not trained on these methods, and frankly, these methods are inconsistent with modern law enforcement best practices and are clearly hazardous to life and safety.
“Police officers must, at all times, act with the protection and defense of life in mind. To depart from that mantra is to depart from the oath of a law enforcement officer,” Chief Spinney said. “Criminal suspects in our care and custody enjoy the presumption of innocence and remain members of our society. We are all human beings. Too many people have forgotten that the real purpose of the criminal justice system is to heal wounds, not cause them.”
Massachusetts police officers have thoroughly embraced the six pillars of the principles embodied in the final report of the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing, and remain committed to professional conduct, democratic policing and procedural justice for all people.
The men and women of the Chelmsford Police Department take part in training on de-escalation techniques, mental health, diversity and inclusion, fair and impartial policing and police legitimacy.
“A police department is only effective if it has the trust of its citizens,” Chief Spinney said. “I join in the consistent voice of responsible law enforcement leaders around the nation in expressing my sympathy and deep regret for the death of George Floyd.”
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