Abington Police Committed To 21st Century Policing After Nichols Death

ABINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA — In the wake of Tyre Nichols death at the hands of Memphis Police, Abington Township Police Chief Patrick Molloy issued a statement reassuring the community of the department's commitment to equality.

Molloy's statement comes on the heels of disturbing video that showed officers Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Justin Smith, Emmitt Martin, and Desmond Mills Jr. taking Nichols into custody and beating him.

The five officers have been charged with second-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping, and more.

Molloy said the officers showed "brutality" and "callousness" and called their actions inexcusable.

"While I can never fully understand the pain and anger that his loved ones are feeling after viewing this video, I can assure you that law enforcement professionals throughout the country are appalled by this example of extreme police brutality, callousness, and failure to render aid," Molloy said. "I can sympathize with the outrage some may be feeling after witnessing this relentless attack and murder at the hands of those who took an oath to serve and protect. What made this video even more disturbing was the complete lack of humanity displayed by the officers. The conduct of these officers is inexcusable, and all involved need to be held accountable."

Molloy said the Abington Township Police Department is committed to 21st century policing with an emphasis on building trust and legitimacy.

"Community-Oriented Policing for our Department is not just a Division, but it is the dominant philosophy that guides all of our operations," he said. "Unlike most police departments, we have remained committed to programs designed to mentor our youth and divert them from the criminal justice system when appropriate (PAL, DARE, School Resource Officers, Youth Aid Panel, Community Service, Youth Police Academies, Police Explorers, etc.) None of these programs would be possible without the support of our elected officials, the dedicated personnel and the army of volunteers that make up the Abington Township Police Department family."

He said the department will never take its relationships with minority communities for granted.

"Much of our success has come from the past and present leadership and commitment of Abington Township Police Department, along with the late Presidents of the Willow Grove NAACP, Dr. Donald Clark and Ms. Valerie Ward, and our current president, Mr. Tony Davis," Molloy said. "There is not a day that goes by that I don’t feel the loss of my great friend and trusted advisor, Ms. Valorie Ward. She understood, as do I, that there is so much more that unites us than that which divides us. And at times like this, we need to demonstrate the love that we have for one another and reject any rhetoric from those who would like to divide us."

Molloy thanked the Abington community and said he looks forward to further building trust among residents.

"The Abington Township Police Department will remain committed to putting the needs of the community first," he said.

Read his full statement here.