'Brutal' Beating Death Of Tyre Nichols Condemned By Westfield PD Chief

WESTFIELD, NJ — Westfield Police Chief Christopher Battiloro reflected on the recent police beating death of Memphis man Tyre Nichols following the release of body cam footage last week.

Nichols, an aspiring photographer, was pulled over near his home on Jan. 7, but not charged with a crime. He died three days after being beaten by Memphis police officers, officials say. The five officers face second-degree murder charges.

Memphis authorities released more than an hour of footage Friday of the violent beating of Nichols in which officers held the Black motorist down and struck him repeatedly as he screamed for his mother, the Associated Press reported.

Read more: DA: 5 Memphis Cops 'All Responsible' For Tyre Nichols' Death

"Like you, I am struggling with the question of why?" Battiloro wrote in his statement. "Like you, I am struggling with the fact that such evil could disregard the sanctity of human life while wearing a badge."

"And after much thought, I offer my most significant words to you: I am sad."

"I am sad that this is the second time in my tenure as chief that I’ve had to craft a written response to you about the tragic taking of a human life at the hands of police officers."

"I am sad that I am raising three children in a world where this is not just a reality, but a recurring reality that I must try and explain to them."

"I am sad that the profession I chose at a young age and that I work so hard to represent with honor, integrity and pride, is once again vilified and maligned by the cruel, cowardly, inhuman behavior of individuals who also wear the badge."

"I am sad that the innumerable courageous, noble, honorable and compassionate acts of police officers all over the United States are being tarnished, overshadowed, and disregarded once again, by the incredible evil of five individuals who do not share those values."

"I am sad that today people woke up feeling more afraid, more uncertain, and more angry at police officers."

"However, I write this to you today to reassure you, the citizens of Westfield, that we, the men and women of the Westfield Police department, are also shocked and appalled at the needless, tragic, and brutal beating and death of Tyre Nichols. Please also be assured, this is NOT what law enforcement is and this is not what we stand for," Battiloro said.

The Chief said that becoming a police officer in his home town of Westfield has been a "personal point of pride" for him for 27 years. He equated taking care of the people of Westfield to caring for his own family.

He also wrote about how professionalism in law enforcement is "a complex recipe of ingredients" that he seeks, encourages and demands of all of his officers.

"Professionalism is not only a commitment to excellence, pride, integrity, and hard work, but it is also a profundity of compassion, empathy, and kindness for our citizens," Battiloro said. "Professionalism in law enforcement requires a personal investment in the community in which we work. It requires listening and true communication with our citizens. Professionalism requires the very highest level of performance, and it demands the very highest level of accountability."

He said he will continue to hold law enforcement officials in Westfield accountable for their representation of not only Westfield, but also of law enforcement in general.

"The work of a police officer is dangerous, yet rewarding and it is challenging, yet fulfilling," Battiloro said. "Please be comforted that the people who wake up each day to serve and protect you, the citizens of Westfield, do so with honor, integrity, pride and a belief in the duty of service to others as being one of the highest callings. We stand with you in our grief and shock at the loss of Tyre Nichols, but we also stand before you, pledging to never fail you in our service."

You can read the Chief's full message on the Westfield Police Facebook page.