Tyre Nichols Beating By Police Condemned By Alexandria Police, Sheriff

ALEXANDRIA, VA — In the wake of a beating by Memphis police officers that led to a Black man's death, Alexandria's two law enforcement agencies denounced the police officers' actions and reaffirmed a commitment to accountability.

Five police officers were fired and charged with second-degree murder in connection to the Jan. 7 beating of Tyre Nichols, who died of his injuries days later. Memphis police suspended two other officers, and the Memphis Fire Department fired three emergency response workers who arrived on the scene for failing to assess Nichols' condition.

There has been sharp criticism against the officers' actions and renewed debate about police brutality against Black people as video of the deadly assault was released last week.

Among those releasing statements condemning the officers were the Alexandria Police Department and Alexandria Sheriff's Office.

Police Chief Don Hayes said in a message to the community Tuesday that it was important for law enforcement agencies to denounce the Memphis officers' behavior.

"The violence displayed in this video has impacted both members of our community and the police department, with many experiencing feelings of shock, anger, disgust, and outrage," Hayes wrote. "The deplorable actions of these officers not only illustrate a complete disregard for the sanctity of human life but violate the fundamental values of the law enforcement profession as a whole."

Hayes believes the incident will "undermine" the Alexandria Police Department's efforts to build trust with the community.

"We also want to assure our community these actions are the antithesis of APD’s values," Hayes wrote. "Every member of our department is dedicated to serving the Alexandria community with integrity and empathy. Our department values the sanctity of life and appreciates the trust the community places in us."

Sheriff Sean Casey released a similar statement last Saturday condemning the police officers' actions and outlining accountability measures at the sheriff's office.

"Like other law enforcement leaders, I am extremely disturbed by the horrific attack on Tyre Nichols by Memphis police officers," Casey wrote. "Their actions are not only counter to police training and acceptable law enforcement practices, they are in complete opposition to the sworn oath we take to protect life."

Casey noted the sheriff's office adopted a policy following the George Floyd killing by police. The policy requires employees to intervene when they see unacceptable conduct by another employee.

Following George Floyd’s murder less than three years ago, the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office adopted a policy of active bystandership that requires employees to intervene when they witness another engaging in unacceptable conduct. According to Casey, the sheriff's office was one of the first agencies in the Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement project with Georgetown University’s Law Center, which trained deputies in peer intervention.

Casey said there will be mandatory refresher training on peer intervention and use of force policies for deputies.