North Haven Police Issue Statement On Death Of George Floyd

NORTH HAVEN, CT — North Haven police say they share in the anger felt by community members and people across the country over the death of George Floyd at the hands of police officers in Minneapolis. Floyd's killing has sparked protests in Connecticut and across the country. The protests in Connecticut have largely been peaceful, garnering praise from Gov. Ned Lamont.

Floyd, who was unarmed and under arrest on suspicion of passing counterfeit money, was filmed May 25 as Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin placed a knee on his neck for nine minutes while ignoring his pleas for air.

Three other Minneapolis officers witnessed Chauvin's actions, but didn't intervene. All four officers involved in Floyd's death have been fired and Chauvin was charged Friday with third-degree murder and manslaughter in connection with Floyd's death.

The North Haven Police Department issued the following statement on Wednesday:

Today we want to address our community on behalf of the North Haven Police Department. We share in the anger many in our community and across the country are feeling about the death of George Floyd.

Unfortunately, the actions in Minnesota erode the layers of trust, confidence and good will that so many police officers have built in the community. Every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, this is the foundation of our profession. Any violation of these core tenets is inexcusable.

Police officers are sworn to be protectors, guardians of the towns, cities, or states we serve. We undertake our responsibilities with the knowledge that officers serve our communities best when we all work together. It is with the support of our community that we, as law enforcement officers, uphold the law fairly, justly, professionally, and with accountability for ourselves and our fellow officers. Accountability to each other and to our community is the foundation of trust, and it is the responsibility of every officer to uphold and maintain that trust. The North Haven Police Department will continue to serve with the professionalism our community deserves and has come to expect.