“The killing of George Floyd sickens me, as it sickens all good police officers who have chosen a profession where the protection and safeguarding of life, and putting the lives of others ahead of our own, is paramount,” Chief Sullivan said. “I denounce the actions of these police officers and am mindful that the actions of a few reflect not only on the many but also reflect on the failings of the system.”
The Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, representing Police Chiefs in all 351 cities and towns and most college campuses has also denounced the egregious actions taken by four members of the Minneapolis Police Department, whether by action or inaction, that resulted in the death of George Floyd on May 25. Massachusetts Police Officers have thoroughly embraced the six pillars of the principles embodied in the final report of President Barack Obama’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing, and remain committed to professional conduct, democratic policing and procedural justice for all people.
The members of the Easton Police Department take part in advanced training on de-escalation techniques, mental health, diversity and inclusion, fair and impartial policing and police legitimacy.
The methods used in Minneapolis that killed George Floyd are not used in Easton and are not part of any police training program in Massachusetts. Specifically, police are never trained to place a prone suspect on their face or to put pressure on the neck or throat of person being detained.
“All persons — those who call for help and those suspected of breaking the law — are to be treated like human beings,” Chief Sullivan said. “I remain proud to be a police officer, but the women and men of the Easton Police Department are mindful that we are only effective as a public safety organization if we have the faith and support of our citizens. We will work every day to gain and maintain that trust.”
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