CalChiefs Issue Statement Regarding Tyre Nichols

Sacramento – The following statement from the President of the California Police Chiefs Association, Chief Christopher R. Catren, regarding the death of Tyre Nichols:

“The brutality suffered by Tyre Nichols at the hands of the very people sworn to protect the public is hard to comprehend, and our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends suffering immeasurable grief right now. It is a tragedy that challenges us to face, again, many of the questions we have grappled with over the years. How do we prevent these cruelties from happening? How can we ensure equal safety and dignity for all people? How can law enforcement and affected communities heal from these wounds?

The first step is to ensure the individuals responsible, and those who failed to intervene, face appropriate consequences. We were encouraged to see the swift termination of the officers involved, and that our criminal justice system is already set to allow a jury of their peers determine proper criminal penalties. We have put faith in our judicial system to hold all those accountable and measure them equally by the law.

As we look to answer the questions above, what we can say definitively is that the heinous acts witnessed upon Mr. Nichols do not represent the values, principles, and training of California’s law enforcement community. California has the strongest laws and policies governing use-of-force in the nation, which require de-escalation, intervention, rendering of medical aid, and more. The California Police Chief’s Association and our members are proud to have helped create these laws, which reflect our commitment to integrity, decency, and fairness to all. We will maintain that commitment moving forward.

Again, our hearts go out to those directly affected by this event, and we join with our communities in need of healing once more.”

The California Police Chiefs Association represents the State’s municipal police chiefs whose agencies protect 26 million Californians.