Statement on the Death of Tyre Nichols in Memphis

LAKE OSWEGO – The following is a statement by Lake Oswego Police Chief George Burke on the killing of Tyre Nichols by Memphis police officers: 

Over the last couple of weeks since the incident in Memphis Tennessee during which Tyre Nichols was killed, I have had a chance to reflect on the incident and how our police department functions in Lake Oswego. 

The Lake Oswego Police Department continues to value the sanctity of human life, and we believe that all persons should be treated humanely and with dignity. I am proud of the work our officers do every day to demonstrate our values of Respect, Excellence, Trust, and Service, and we recognize that even isolated incidents of police misconduct anywhere undermine public trust everywhere. We have worked hard to strengthen our relationships and trust with our community, and we are committed to continuing those efforts.

All five police officers involved in this incident have been fired and charged with multiple crimes including second-degree murder, aggravated assault, and kidnapping of a motorist. A system that functions effectively, both for internal investigations and criminal justice, will lead to a just outcome.

###