Photo courtesy of the Boston Police DepartmentBoston Police Commissioner Michael A. Cox issued a statement in response to the passing of Tyre Nichols on January 10, 2023, who died three days after being beaten by five police officers from the City of Memphis, Tennessee.
The statement acknowledged the “sadness and outrage” felt by the community and emphasized the importance of holding the officers involved accountable for their actions.
Commissioner Cox emphasized that people who interact with law enforcement should feel understood and respected.
Cox also promised to ensure fair, procedurally just, community-centric policing and to hold any staff members unable to live up to these values accountable was also mentioned.
Tyre Nichols passed away on January 10, 2023, three days after being beaten by five officers of the Memphis Police Department during a traffic stop on January 7. According to reports, Nichols was pulled from his vehicle by officers who used pepper spray and a taser on him. He managed to flee but was eventually caught by the officers who punched and kicked him in the head and struck him on the back with a baton while restraining him. The beating reportedly lasted for about three minutes. Nichols was hospitalized in critical condition and died three days later. An autopsy conducted by his family revealed extensive bleeding caused by a severe beating as the cause of death.
Following is the entire statement from Boston Police Commissioner Michael A. Cox:
The Boston Police Department also committed to training and preparing their officers to be a part of the City by listening and protecting all that is dear to the residents of Boston. They acknowledged that their work can always improve and they will continue to communicate and partner with the community to make the city safer for all.
The Boston Police Department sends our deepest condolences to the entire family of Tyre Nichols. We share their sadness and outrage at this unnecessary loss of life. We and anyone capable of compassion understand how wrong this incident was and why it evokes anger and frustration.
Acting quickly to hold these officers accountable is imperative. We must stay connected and committed to those we serve. True community oriented policing is about trust building and ensuring the values of the communities we serve are represented is all that we do. People who interact with law enforcement should feel understood and respected. Tonight and every other night (January 27, 2023), the Boston Police Department will work to ensure the safety of all those who want to peacefully exercise their constitutional rights. We ask that people express their understandable emotions peacefully and do not engage in any unlawful behavior which may impact other people.
It is my intention and my promise to ensure that the Boston Police Department practices fair, procedurally just, community centric policing while holding accountable any of our staff unable to live up to these values. In addition, the BPD is committed to training and preparing our officers to be a part of the City by listening and protecting all that is dear to the residents of Boston. Our work can always improve and we will continue to do what we can to better communicate and partner with those in our City each day.
