editor
The death of Tire Nichols at the hands of the police is disgraceful and reprehensible. The brutality suffered by Mr. Nichols and the failure of any of those individuals to intervene leaves everyone, including the police officers, dismayed and outraged.
Our thoughts are with the Nichols family and community.
Our association does not routinely interfere in matters occurring in other states; In this case, our opinion is not only necessary, but appropriate. It is our obligation to affirm our values, our oath, our sworn duty and our responsibility to the protection and sanctity of human life.
The officers involved were last fired from the force after an internal investigation found they violated several department policies, including using excessive force, failing to intervene and failing to render assistance.
Officers were criminally charged in the death of Tire Nichols. There is no excuse for their actions. They have betrayed their oath of office, dishonoring the law enforcement profession and shaming officials across the country who work selflessly every day to protect their communities.
Police brutality, negligence and failure to provide assistance are reprehensible and unacceptable. The actions of these officers adversely affect all of us in law enforcement who have worked so hard to earn the trust of those we are sworn to protect.
As an association of police leaders, we strive to provide guidance to our members
on best practices and guidelines. As police leaders, we remain committed to emphasizing the dignity and respect of all and to instilling in our agencies a fundamental commitment to the safeguarding of human life.
The PCPA’s mission is to assist Pennsylvania Police Departments in achieving the highest level of professionalism.
The vast majority of Pennsylvania police officers undergo the most up-to-date training in implicit and overt bias, appropriate use of force, modern de-escalation techniques, cultural diversity, and fair and impartial policing.
Great emphasis has been placed on controlled tactical training so that when an officer is confronted with a person who refuses to arrest, an officer will know what actions are appropriate and effective without increasing the risk of injury.
The association instituted the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Process for police departments in 2001, ensuring that participating agencies’ policies reflect the most modern and progressive policing practices of the 21st century and promote community trust and accountability. We have sponsored ABLE: Active Bystander Training for our leaders and their officers.
Over the past decade, law enforcement leaders have made great efforts to engage with the communities they serve and protect. They have engaged in meaningful and productive discourse with elected officials, citizens, community leaders and clergy.
The PCPA Board and members of our association join the overwhelming number of our leaders who are disgusted by what has been reported and released in videos. Our officers have shown time and time again that they are compassionate people who are willing to sacrifice their safety for the sake of their fellow citizens.
It is our moral and professional duty to reflect the values of our community, and we are proud and committed to honoring that obligation.
We understand that the video can open “old wounds” from cases where officials have broken their oath.
We understand that many will be outraged by the actions of these officials. It will shake the consciences of police officers and citizens alike.
We can’t bring Mr. Nichols back, but we can honor his memory and respect his wishes
Mother and family members calling for a calm and peaceful demonstration.
All we want is to hold these officials accountable, but in doing so we must unite and continue to find ways to prevent such horrific things from happening in the future.
Scott L. Bohn
Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association