Windsor Police Chief Issues Statement On George Floyd’s Killing

WINDSOR, CT — In a message to the community, Windsor Police Chief Donald J. Melanson said the actions of the officers involved with the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis were “disturbing and sickening.” Floyd's killing has sparked protests in Connecticut and across the country. The protests in Connecticut have largely been peaceful, garnering praise from Gov. Ned Lamont.

A symbolic funeral procession for Floyd began at Hopewell Baptist Church in Windsor Wednesday morning before making its way to the state Capitol where community leaders spoke, according to FOX 61. More than 300 cars joined the procession and were led by a hearse that contained an empty casket, the Hartford Courant reports.

Floyd, who was unarmed and under arrest on suspicion of passing counterfeit money, was filmed May 25 as Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin placed a knee on his neck for nine minutes while ignoring his pleas for air.

Three other Minneapolis officers witnessed Chauvin's actions, but didn't intervene. All four officers involved in Floyd's death have been fired and Chauvin was charged Friday with third-degree murder and manslaughter in connection with Floyd's death.

Melanson issued the following statement to Windsor residents and the greater Windsor community on Wednesday:

We have all seen the horrific incident in Minneapolis that took the life of George Floyd. The acts of those officers were disturbing and sickening. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Floyd’s friends, family, and all who are struggling with this senseless murder. We too are struggling with what we have seen. There can never be justification for the callous and inhumane treatment of any person, especially from a police officer. And for those officers who stood by and did not act or intervene to stop this injustice, they failed their basic duty to protect others.

The Windsor Police Department’s philosophy is to treat everyone with dignity, courtesy, and respect, while using all available resources to solve problems. Our officers have and will continue to work in the community to build positive relationships with you. We strive to uphold the virtues of all that is good in our profession. We cherish the opportunity to make a positive difference in people’s lives. We understand that only together can we truly become a shining community for all to prosper and cherish. We are troubled that a person in uniform could act in such a cruel and heinous way. These acts go against everything we are taught and stand for.

We acknowledge that law enforcement has a lot of work to do to change its culture. We acknowledge that some of our practices have had negative unintended consequences for some in our community. We acknowledge that we need to be ever vigilant in how we treat others and that every encounter we have makes a difference.

Yet with all the angst, sorrow, and anger, we are resolved to continue our work of improving our relationships with you. We will continue to build stronger bonds with all in our community. We will ensure that accountability and transparency to those we serve are not just words, but are a foundation upon which to build trust and legitimacy. We understand that it is only with your support and collaboration that we can carry out our mission of making Windsor a community where dreams can come true for individuals, families, and businesses.

Please stay safe and healthy.

On behalf of the men and women of the Windsor Police Department,

Chief Donald J. Melanson

Windsor Police Department