Alexandria law enforcement issues condemnation of Tyre Nichols killing in Memphis

The Alexandria Police Department and Sheriff’s Office shared statements condemning the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols in Memphis earlier this month.

Five police officers were fired and charged with second-degree murder. The recent release of the video showing the assault has sparked a wave of protests in Memphis.

While Alexandria is around 880 miles removed from Memphis, police deaths elsewhere have still impacted the local community in the past. Alexandrians hosted vigils and protests against police brutality in the wake of George Floyd’s death.

The full statement from Don Hayes, Chief of Police with the Alexandria Police Department is below:

In the aftermath of the recent Memphis police incident, the Alexandria Police Department wants to acknowledge the importance of law enforcement agencies denouncing such horrific behavior at the hands of sworn officers.

“The men and women of the Alexandria Police Department are deeply disturbed by the released footage of actions from five police officers in Memphis that led to the death of Tyre Nichols. The violence displayed in this video has impacted both members of our community and the police department, with many experiencing feelings of shock, anger, disgust, and outrage. The deplorable actions of these officers not only illustrate a complete disregard for the sanctity of human life but violate the fundamental values of the law enforcement profession as a whole.

The impact of excessive force is visceral and is an exceptionally painful reminder of the importance of continued accountability within policing. While the justice system has begun the process of investigating this tragedy, the community is just now beginning to process the pain of yet another life lost at the hands of the police. The inhumane actions of these officers will inevitably undermine the efforts APD has made to strengthen our community relationships, shattering trust and police legitimacy.

The Alexandria Police Department strongly condemns the actions evident in the footage, but condemnation is not justice. Mr. Nichols’ family deserves a thorough, expedited, and transparent investigation into the conduct of these officers. We share in their grief and in the heartache the community feels. We also want to assure our community these actions are the antithesis of APD’s values. Every member of our department is dedicated to serving the Alexandria community with integrity and empathy. Our department values the sanctity of life and appreciates the trust the community places in us.”

Donald C. Hayes

Chief of Police

The full statement from Sheriff Sean Casey is below:

Like other law enforcement leaders, I am extremely disturbed by the horrific attack on Tyre Nichols by Memphis police officers. Their actions are not only counter to police training and acceptable law enforcement practices, they are in complete opposition to the sworn oath we take to protect life.

Following George Floyd’s murder less than three years ago, the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office adopted a policy of active bystandership that requires employees to intervene when they witness another engaging in unacceptable conduct. ASO was one of the first agencies accepted for the Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE) Project with Georgetown University’s Law Center and all our deputies received training on peer intervention to prevent harm.

We will be reinforcing this by immediately conducting mandatory refresher training for all deputies on peer intervention as well as on our use of force policies.

I remain committed to working toward a more just society and ensuring that our profession does all we can to prevent abuse of power.

Sheriff Sean Casey