Morris County authorities denounced the actions of five former Memphis, TN, police officers accused of killing 29-year-old Tyre Nichols, and urged calm ahead of Friday night’s anticipated release of grim bodycam video.
“The release of the video of Nichols’ death will understandably generate grief, horror, and anger. We recognize the community’s right and desire to express their outrage,” said the joint statement by Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Sheriff James Gannon, and Mendham Township Police Chief Ross Johnson, 2023 President of the Morris County Police Chiefs Association.
They said they have reached out to Morris community leaders, and stressed that law enforcement agencies here strive for fairness and accountability.
“The incident in Memphis is not a reflection of the good and ceaseless work of our law enforcement members. We realize emotions are running high during what are already challenging times, and ask the public to maintain a sense of perspective in their response to this tragedy,” the statement said.
Nichols, who was Black, died three days after being arrested following a traffic stop by five Memphis police officers, also Black, who were part of a special anti-crime unit. The officers were fired. They face charges of second-degree murder, among other offenses, for the alleged beating.
Here is the full statement from the Morris County authorities.
Morris County Law Enforcement Issues Statement
on the Death of Tyre Nichols in Tennessee
Jan. 27, 2023
Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker, Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, and Mendham Township Police Chief Ross Johnson, 2023 President of the Morris County Police Chiefs Association, issue the following joint statement following the death of Tyre Nichols in Memphis, Tennessee:
As law enforcement professionals, we are duty-bound to preserve and protect life. Law enforcement agencies across Morris County extend their deepest sympathies to the family of Tyre Nichols on their loss.
The nation awaits the release of the body worn camera and other video footage surrounding the death of Tyre Nichols, and the outcome of the investigation of the five former police officers, who face second-degree murder and other charges.
According to Chief Cerelyn Davis of the Memphis Police Department, the videos will likely show the heinous, reckless, and inhumane treatment of a man whose death came as a result.
To be clear, Morris County law enforcement denounces the actions of the five officers involved. Chief Davis has warned the nation that it will be sickening to see a young life taken in such a violent and senseless way, especially at the hands of those sworn to protect.
The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, and all Morris County Police Departments strive to build a rapport with the community and maintain an open dialogue on law enforcement and criminal justice system matters with civic and religious organizations. It is critical that the community understands how our agencies operate, and that we are available to listen to members of the community.
The training and professionalism of county and municipal police officers conform to high standards, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office thoroughly investigates all complaints concerning the conduct of public officials and police. We send our moral and professional support to Chief Davis, the Memphis Police Department, and the City of Memphis and have reached out to our community leaders here in Morris County.
The incident in Memphis is not a reflection of the good and ceaseless work of our law enforcement members. We realize emotions are running high during what are already challenging times, and ask the public to maintain a sense of perspective in their response to this tragedy.
Morristown has set an example in providing protection without violence for many years regardless of race or religion. Old fashioned values like honesty, civility and integrity go far in protecting our citizens.
It’s a good thing that involved were black. If there had been just one White cop in that crew, Memphis would be ablaze.
It’s a little puzzling how this kind of thing keeps happening even recently, given all the news coverage of the problem with violent cops. Imagine how things went when there were no body cameras, cell phones, and media attention.
Remember, there is no situation that can’t be made worse by the presence of police.