Special Message From Ankeny Police Chief, Darius Potts

Press release from the City of Ankeny:

June 3, 2020

"The Ankeny Police Department sends our condolences to the Floyd Family. The men and women at the Ankeny Police Department are dedicated to improving relationships with everyone in the community. We understand, respect and value the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect.

We take extreme pride and responsibility in our quarterly training, specifically in use of force and de-escalation training. The Ankeny Police Department does not use any technique involving placing a knee on a person’s neck for restraint. During any situation or incident we respond to, we provide immediate basic first aid including Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and the use of automated external defibrillators (AED) to anyone experiencing signs of destress, especially any event involving the use of force. This is in conjunction with contacting the Ankeny Fire Department to provide more advanced first aid without any delay.

Holding each other accountable is a crucial part of our police culture that we promote and practice every day. We also expect to be held accountable by the community we serve. We understand we are held at a higher standard and are expected to do better. Any trust that needs to be established, we are committed to making that happen. The Ankeny Police Department will never stop earning and maintaining the public’s trust and support.

We are servants. There is no divide between us and the community. There is no “us against them.” We realize there is no “us” without “you.” We are steadfast and vigilant in our service. WE SERVE ALL AND PROTECT ALL."

Darius Potts
Ankeny Chief of Police

This press release was produced by the City of Ankeny. The views expressed here are the author’s own.