Video of police officers in Minneapolis kneeling on a black man’s neck despite cries that he couldn’t breathe sent shockwaves through the nation and spurred violent protests in Atlanta and elsewhere.
Georgia law enforcement officials are speaking out against the killing of George Floyd and in a letter released by the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police, officials called it “a negative reflection upon all of us.”
The letter, sent by Chief Wesley Walker, president of the police chief’s association is below in its entirety.
“We were shocked by the video from Minneapolis. It documents the death of Mr. George Floyd while in police custody. It also documents a death that should not have occurred. It is our desire that a thorough investigation into the incident be conducted by the appropriate state and federal agencies. The investigation and subsequent findings should be driven not by political pressures, but rather the evidence and facts. We want, and expect, the officer(s) to be held accountable for their actions.
Law enforcement officers hold a unique position within our society. They have the power, with or without due process, to deprive a person of their liberty, property, and sometimes, their life. Because of this power, they must be held accountable for their actions. The citizens would not accept anything less, and neither should we.
Police chiefs and police officers across the State of Georgia have invested a great deal of effort to develop and promote community trust of the police. It is never a “one and done” effort, but rather a continuous and purposeful desire to build and strengthen the connection with and the trust of the community we serve. When a very small percentage of law enforcement officers act outside of the law and / or policy and fail to uphold their oaths, it is a negative reflection upon all of us.”
