'We Have To Do Better:' Chesco DA's Reacts To Tyre Nichols' Death

WEST CHESTER, PA —Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan vowed Monday to make changes to educational programs to improve relationships between communities of color and law enforcement to ensure justice for all people.

“The murder of Tyre Nichols is yet another unconscionable criminal act condemned by me and all of those who are committed to ensuring justice fairly and equitably for all people,” Ryan said Monday in a prepared statement.

“Sadly, we are again reminded how far we still have to go to make that happen.”

Ryan’s comments are in response to the recent fatal beating death of Tyre Nichols, a 28-year-old Black man by police during a traffic stop in Memphis.

Nichols died on Jan. 10, three days after Memphis police officers beat him during a traffic stop, according to the Associated Press.

Five officers were charged Thursday with second-degree murder and related charges. They are Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley Emmitt Martin III, Desmons Mills Jr., and Justin Smith.

Ryan said those of us in law enforcement who are there to protect and serve the community with genuine care and compassion in our hearts will never tolerate or condone acts of violence, especially from law enforcement.

“We will hold those accountable who violate their oath to uphold the law,” Ryan said.

What’s been done so far in Chester County

The Chester County Law Enforcement Task Force on Race & Justice was formed in 2020 to improve relationships between communities of color and law enforcement.

The group consists of police chiefs, rank-and-file police officers, community leaders, residents of color, the NAACP, social workers, and prosecutors.

The task for provides programs in schools, churches, and community gatherings with the hope of improving relationships between the community and law enforcement.

“We are working diligently to prevent this from happening here in Chester County,” Ryan said.

The work includes conversations with hundreds of students and adults throughout the county to improve relationships between communities of color and law enforcement, the district attorney said.

“We must continue to make changes and improvements in training, education, and recruitment in law enforcement," Ryan said.

The district attorney noted that discussions about systemic racism, excessive use of force, and other vital concerns – difficult subjects to address – are affording a clearer insight and better understanding between these groups that have already affected change.

“We all send our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Nichols, as well as to everyone who has been impacted by this horrific tragedy,” Ryan said. “We must do better.”