Arlington Leaders Release Statement On George Floyd's Death

ARLINGTON, MA – Arlington leaders condemned the actions of the Minneapolis police officers involved in the death of George Floyd.

Police Chief Juliann Flaherty, Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine, Director of Health and Human Services Christine Bongiorno, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator Jill Harvey and Fire Chief Kevin Kelley released a joint statement Friday, saying they "join in the collective sense of national sorrow that the death of George Floyd has brought on our society."

Police departments across the country, including in Boston, expressed condolences to the Floyd family and indicated support for the Minneapolis police chief's decision to fire the four officers involved.

Minneapolis police identified the four officers as Derek Chauvin, who was caught on video with his knee on Floyd, Thomas Lane, Tou Thao and J. Alexander Kueng.

Chauvin was the subject of a dozen complaints in his 19-years with the Minneapolis Police Department, according to NBC. He was charged with third degree murder Friday.

"The actions of the Minneapolis police officers leading to the death of George Floyd represent at the very least a staggering departure from the training standards of a professional peace officer whose badge represents a commitment to protect life," Flaherty said in Boston. "The behavior of these officers -- whether by action or inaction -- constitute a failure resulting in the ultimate cost in the loss of life. I condemn these acts in the strongest possible terms."

The Arlington Police Department undergoes regular training in deescalation, mental health, diversity and inclusion, fair and impartial policing and police legitimacy, town officials said. This includes advanced training through the Police Executive Research Forum called "Integrating Communications, Assessment, and Tactics" or ICAT.

The Arlington Police Department undergoes regular training on de-escalation techniques, mental health, diversity and inclusion, fair and impartial policing and police legitimacy. This includes advanced training through the Police Executive Research Forum entitled "Integrating Communications, Assessment, and Tactics," or ICAT.

"The death of George Floyd is a tragedy, and it should give pause to all Americans who value liberty," Chapdelaine said. "The most basic responsibility of a police officer is to protect life--the lives of all citizens, including those suspected of committing a crime who have a presumption of innocence in this nation."

Leaders condemned the burning of a police precinct in Minneapolis overnight Thursday, stressing that this is a time for dialogue.

"People do not protest because they are thugs or criminals. They protest when they feel there is serious injustice in society," Harvey said. "While we never condone the destruction of property, we need words of healing from our leaders, not incitement to further acts of violence."

The town makes numerous resources available for residents who are seeking more information on the community's inclusion efforts or for those who find themselves angry, confused or in need of services. For more information visit arlingtonhumanrights.org.