Berlin Police Chief: No Room For Racism In Law Enforcement

BERLIN, CT – The Chief of the Berlin Police Department has shared a message in response to the death of George Floyd, who died in police custody in Minneapolis on May 25.

In his message on Thursday, Chief John M. Klett said every member of the Berlin Police Department is grieving with the community over Floyd's death.

"The actions and inactions during that incident were inexcusable and shocking to the conscience," Klett said in the statement. "The Officers involved are unworthy to wear the badge and have done immeasurable harm to the law enforcement community and the public trust that we strive for."

Klett added, "there is no room for racism in law enforcement."

In the statement, Klett said any officer who violates their oath or the public's trust must be removed from the force.

"What happened in Minneapolis does not represent the values, training or character of our officers and does not reflect the culture of the Berlin Police Department in any way," Klett said. "As a community, it is of utmost importance to respect the right to peacefully protest and we will continue to protect and serve those working and living in the Town of Berlin."