Crime & Safety
Easton Police Chief: 'Killing Of George Floyd Sickens Me'
Easton Police Chief Gary Sullivan says actions of Minneapolis officers accused in death "reflect on the failings of the system."
EASTON, MA — Easton Police Chief Gary Sullivan said actions of the four Minneapolis police officers accused in the killing of George Floyd last week "sickens me, as it sickens all good police officers who have chosen a profession where the protection and safeguarding of life, and putting lives of others ahead of our own, is paramount."
The statement was issued on Sunday in the midst of weekend protests, which turned violent in cities across the country — including Boston—after the police killing of Floyd in Minneapolis last week, and amid the three-month coronavirus health emergency where first responders have been at an increased risk of contracting the deadly virus.
"I denounce the actions of these police officers and am mindful that the actions of a few reflect not only on the many but also reflect on the failings of the system," Sullivan said.The Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, representing Police Chiefs in all 351 cities and towns and most college campuses has also denounced the egregious actions taken by four members of the Minneapolis Police Department, whether by action or inaction, that resulted in the death of Floyd, Sullivan said.
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Sullivan said Easton officers take part in advanced training on de-escalation techniques, mental health, diversity and inclusion, fair and impartial policing and police legitimacy. Sullivan said the "neck restraint" tactics used in Minneapolis that killed Floyd are not used in Easton, and are not part of any police training program in Massachusetts.
He added that police are never trained to place a prone suspect on their face, or to put pressure on the neck or throat of person being detained.
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"All persons — those who call for help and those suspected of breaking the law — are to be treated like human beings," Sullivan said. "I remain proud to be a police officer, but the women and men of the Easton Police Department are mindful that we are only effective as a public safety organization if we have the faith and support of our citizens. We will work every day to gain and maintain that trust."
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