Local leaders share their reaction:
Robert Ruth, Saginaw city police chief since 2015:
“No police department should tolerate that type of behavior. Our aim is to continually push the philosophy of law enforcement progressively forward. After a hard inward look several years back, the Saginaw Police Department reflected upon its current status and made earnest efforts to do more for our community. A culture shift needed to take place, and we have moved to place an emphasis on community-oriented policing and victim-centered strategies, department-wide to help reduce incidents like the tragedy we saw in Memphis.”
Reggie Williams II, BV chief and Saginaw City Council:
“I am thoroughly disgusted by the incident that took place in Memphis! There are so many dynamics that need to be dealt with regarding this incident. The main dynamic in my opinion is reforming the background investigation and vetting process of those who come into my profession. Until that part is remedied, we will continue to see unfortunate and heinous acts like this take place around the country.”
Cliff Block, SVSU police chief:
“The conduct, actions, and inactions by the Memphis Police Department and Memphis Fire Department on the evening of January 7, 2023 are tragic and unjustifiable. The Memphis Police Officers involved in the death of Tyre Nichols failed their community, the Nichols family, their agency, and the policing profession. It is personally and professionally disturbing to see officers act in such a manner of disregard to another human being. I continue to communicate to my staff that It is imperative upon us here at the SVSU Police Department to set the example for professionalism in policing.”
Gary Loster, former BV chief and Saginaw mayor:
“Memphis was horrific and unbelievable. The special unit lacked supervision, and it made me think of our own Gang Task Force 25 years ago. As mayor, I worked with Darnell Jackson, who was assistant police chief at that time, and Phil Kerby from the FBI. We formed a six-month plan and began by meeting with community leaders and clergy so that they would join as our partners. When we vetted the officers for the special task force, we made sure to incorporate psychological exams.”
Evelyn McGovern, Women of Colors co-founder and president:
“I got sick to my stomach after viewing the video of the handling of Tyre Nichols by Memphis Police! Their jobs should have been to serve and protect citizens not to punish them by death. Thankfully, action was taken rapidly within three weeks against these black police officers. However, as a member of Saginaw’s Citizens Police Advisory Commission, I ask: Why does it take months, years, and oftentimes never to charge non-black police officers of the same type of brutality against people of color? Despite the hatred that is plaguing our society, I pray we can come to a peaceful solution for us all.”
Bishop Larry Camel, leader in police/community relations:
“This is heartbreaking, a real setback for us. The officers carried out this incident like they were the Crips and the Bloods. We try to make our people aware that if the police pull you over, do not resist, keep your hands up, just do what they say. Then we have a young man who does these things, and this still happens to him. What can we do? We can get involved and stay involved in nonviolent events, until this all stops.”
Carl Williams, NAACP, former state rep and mayor pro-tem:
“We must push to finally pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which is being held up by one lockstep party in Congress. We need something with some teeth. Dr. King always had goals behind his marches, and we need to see legislation become a result of our demonstrations. It’s up to everybody to begin to get more politically involved. Otherwise, it will be ‘here we go again’ and the senseless killings of young black men become all too familiar.”
Charles Schoder, Michigan Dept. of Civil Rights:
“We may pause for an honorary and respectful moment of silence. But then, it is important that your voice is shared so that the people can hear those voices, so that the people in the community can share their voice and their ideas about how to bring the change that they so desperately want. Being black or brown is not a crime, nor even suspicious, and should not be treated as such.”
Bobby DeLeon, Mexican American Council:
“Mexican people can identify with this type of abuse, all through history and now more recently with the border patrols. Many people are taking note that in this case, the officers were Black, but with young people in all groups, it seems like once they put that badge on, a few bad elements will take advantage of all that authority, and we pay the price.” (DeLeon, Schoder, Camel and Williams also have joined Chief Ruth in AL-PACT, Advocates and Leaders for Police and Community Trust.)
Ernest Bradley, retired Saginaw police lieutenant:
“The officers were entirely wrong in their actions, and never should have been hired in the first place, but the police authorities also must be held accountable. They sent a special unit swat-type team out there with no supervision. And then, why would they call it SCORPION? The first thing that it makes me think of is a black spider.”
(SCORPION is for Street Crimes Operation to Restore Peace in Our Neighborhoods.)
Julie A. Gafkay, civil rights lawyer:
“The death of Tyre Nichols highlights the need for law enforcement to uphold citizens’ constitutional rights, and to be held accountable for any violation of those rights. The use of excessive force by police officers undermines the trust and confidence in the law enforcement system and it is imperative that such actions are thoroughly investigated and addressed appropriately. The protection of life, liberty, and due process of law is a cornerstone of a just society and must be upheld for all citizens”.
John Moton, former community police, owner MWN Investigations:
“Based on the video, their actions were unprofessional. They took a life and not only should they be terminated, they should be fully prosecuted under the law. My question is, they are quick to terminate and prosecute black officers, which they should be, but when it comes to white officers, so often it is paid administrative leave, pending the outcome of the investigation. Then the officer is allowed to resign and move on to another department. Why is that acceptable in law enforcement?”
