Summary

On Jan. 27 the Memphis Police Department released video of the death of Tyre Nichols.

Story

Following the Memphis Police Department’s release of the video of the death of Tyre Nichols, Executive Constantine and King County Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall issued the following statements.

Executive Constantine:

“Today the Memphis Police Department released the video of the beating of Tyre Nichols, another Black American taken from this world too soon during an interaction with the state. What was recorded is brutal in every sense of the word – yet another heartbreaking reminder that the justice and simple humanity we seek in this nation and world is still far from being realized.

“No one can disagree with Dr. King's assertion that ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.’ We are often reminded of the wisdom of our county’s namesake who also insisted that ‘darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.’

“I know that in the darkest times in our nation’s history, the paths forward feel narrow and limited, as though change is not possible. In these moments, violence in the face of violence can present itself as the only way people feel they can be heard, and focus shifts from the very real societal issues with which we are struggling, to the visceral response felt in our communities.

“Violence as a response to violence does not make the change that we need. We know that Black Americans far too often experience a different legal system, riddled with injustices large and small, and the death of Tyre Nichols is yet another example of the need for integrity and equity in our nation's culture and institutions. The sad reality is that Tyre’s name will become yet another name that we must say, a life that we must honor, and another loss that must serve as a solemn reminder that we must ALL do better and be better.

“It is my hope that the investigators in Tennessee see this case through in a manner that ensures true justice. We know that the cruel and outrageous actions of these former police officers in Tennessee do not reflect most law enforcement officers, and that they join in condemning this brutal killing. Collectively, we and the many good people employed in the criminal legal system, must daily demonstrate truth, justice, and mercy for every person.

“And in moments like today let us all remember the words of Dr. King, that ‘Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.’ Let us continue working together to make King County that welcoming community where every person - regardless of race or any other characteristic irrelevant to the fact of our shared humanity - has the opportunity to thrive.”

Sheriff Cole-Tindall:

“I was shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Tyre Nichols, an African American man, at the hands of several officers from the Memphis Police Department. No words can express my condolences to his family and the entire Memphis community. I want to assure our King County community that we take our responsibility as peace officers very seriously and that these actions by the involved officers do not reflect the integrity, dedication, and hard work of the deputies of the King County Sheriff’s Office, nor do they reflect what I expect from them.

“As your Sheriff, it is essential to note that I hold my deputies to the highest standards of conduct and strive daily to make the King County Sheriff’s Office a public safety agency that exceeds the needs and expectations of our communities with a foundation of safety, compassion, dignity and respect for ALL people.

“The King County Sheriff’s Office is a model agency in our state and is known for its high standards, robust training program, and oversight. At the KCSO, we have measures in place to prevent the incidents like this from occurring. KCSO’s Use of Force Policy complies with the Washington State Attorney General’s Model Use of Force Policy, and we provide ongoing training on an annual basis to all our commissioned staff. Additionally, deputies receive training in both De-Escalation and Crisis Intervention. Beginning in 2023, all deputies are required to participate in the Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE) which guides agencies and communities on the concrete measures that must be in place to create and sustain a culture of peer intervention and accountability.

“Also, this year with the support of Executive Constantine and the King County Council, KCSO will begin equipping our deputies with body-worn cameras, which supports and enhances transparency, accountability, and improved community trust.

“I want to assure our community that the Sheriff’s Office investigates all complaints of excessive force, and those investigations are reviewed by the Office of Law Enforcement Oversight (OLEO), which is separate and independent of the Sheriff’s Office. In addition, every Use of Force incident is thoroughly reviewed by our Internal Investigations Unit and the OLEO.

“We are incredibly proud to be one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier law enforcement agencies and will continue to uphold the highest standards of community transparency and enhance safety within the neighborhoods we serve. Thank you for trusting us to keep you safe.”

For more information, contact:

Chase Gallagher, Executive Office, 206-263-8537