Holliston Police Chief Speaks On George Floyd Death

HOLLISTON, MA — Holliston Police Chief Matthew Stone joined a choir of police officials in condemning the death of George Floyd in police custody. Stone outlined some of the department's policies and the training process officers go through in response to questions from the community.

Floyd was the Minneapolis man who died after a police officer kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes. Protests against police brutality and systemic racism have spread across the country since Floyd's death was caught on video and went viral.

Stone said the Holliston Police Department embraces the six pillars in the final report of the President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing. The pillars are:

1. Building Trust and Legitimacy
2. Policy and Oversight
3. Technology and Social Media
4. Community Policing and Crime Reduction
5. Training and Education
6. Officer Safety and Wellness

"We practice these pillars each and every day through our actions and community engagement," Stone said.

He added that the department is a state-accredited agency through the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission. Stone requested another on-site assessment this year by MPAC to "ensure that our department meets or exceeds the commission's high standards."

Stone mentioned the importance of community relations to the department and called it the cornerstone of the department.

"Our officers pride themselves on being approachable and having an excellent rapport with citizens," Stone said.

The full statement is below: