STOUGHTON — Chief Donna M. McNamara and the women and men of the Stoughton Police Department condemn the violence involved in the death of Tyre Nichols in police custody earlier this month in Memphis, Tennessee.
“First and foremost, the women and men of the Stoughton Police Department send our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. Nichols. We realize the loss that they are grieving, and the sorrow felt by the Memphis community and other communities across the nation. Those responsible for Mr. Nichols’ death must be held accountable, which we trust to the investigative and legal process ahead.
“As a department, we are outraged and saddened by the senselessly brutal treatment Mr. Nichols suffered at the hands of five former Memphis Police officers. The video released on Friday shows a level of inhumanity that is difficult to comprehend. The actions of the five officers are egregious, reprehensible and unprincipled. They are vicious, cruel and display a complete disregard for Mr. Nichols’ life that is shocking beyond words.
“At the Stoughton Police Department, we strive to protect those who live in, work in and visit our community. What happened in Memphis defies everything we stand for as Stoughton Police officers and as human beings who swore an oath to protect and serve. We do not police in this way and we do not treat people in the horrific way Mr. Nichols was treated.
“As police officers, we are obligated to treat everyone we encounter with respect and dignity, no matter the reason for the interaction. Stoughton Police officers seek everyday to serve with integrity and work to build confidence and trust by doing our jobs with care, and that is what we will continue to do.
“The men and women of this department are here to serve the Stoughton community — a duty we do not take lightly — and will work to prove through our actions that the conduct of these Memphis Police officers does not represent us.
“We want everyone in Stoughton to feel safe and valued, and encourage our community members to reach out to us regarding any public safety concerns. We are always working to build the public’s trust and believe that we can achieve more by working together.”
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