Marlborough Police Release Statement On George Floyd Killing

MARLBOROUGH, MA — Marlborough police on Sunday released a statement touching on the recent killing in Minneapolis of George Floyd, and following sizeable local demonstrations against police brutality in Marlborough.

Demonstrators in Marlborough stood out on the downtown common on June 2, June 3, and on Friday. Those were among the dozens of demonstrations that happened in towns and cities across Massachusetts last week and over the weekend.

Many local police departments, from Framingham to Worcester, have released statements about the Floyd killing.

Here's the full statement from Marlborough police:

"The Marlborough Police Department joins all other law enforcement agencies across the country and around the world who are outraged and saddened by the recent tragic events in Minneapolis. Our police department feels the impact of this and other similar incidents where the actions of a police officer are in direct contrast to the training, policies and practices of the Marlborough Police Department. We have witnessed the demonstrations, protests and vigils which call for action and push for continued change, and we accept the difficult role we will play in this process.

"As a department, we want the Marlborough community to know that we will work to stabilize the relationships and working partnerships which our officers share with residents, businesses, social groups, civic groups, students, parents and visitors of our city. We will continue to strive to perform our duties with respect and equality for all persons regardless of their race, culture or gender. We will continue to train our officers to reach this standard and we are committed to hiring professional police officers and maintaining a department of officers who uphold the oath we swore and respect the citizens we serve.

"We recognize that there have been reforms to officer recruitment, advances in techniques for deescalation, changes in mental health assistance and building relationships with our children in schools. We also acknowledged that although progress has been made, more effort lies ahead as we work towards a society free from bias and inequality. We understand the need to work together as a community and we pledge to continue working side by side with all persons who seek resolutions through open communications, shared accountability and peaceful actions. The Marlborough Police Department will continue to be a department whose basis is founded in our community, a community we are proud of. Our beliefs, our values, and our actions are what define us, and we promise to work together towards better days where all residents visitors feel safe, accepted and protected."