Thoughts on the Memphis killing of Tyre Nichols

We have all had an opportunity to witness recent action and inaction by police and EMTs in Memphis resulting in the horrific and brutal killing of Tyre Nichols. While we expect that further details will emerge in the weeks to come, for now we are left with images of unrestrained violence and inhumanity on the part of individuals deployed to act as guardians for their community.    

Initial impressions are that the officers involved lacked basic de-escalation skills, were not adequately supervised, employed violence instead of appropriate force options, and were indifferent to the needs of an injured man in their custody. We expect that those responsible will be held accountable. Moreover, government and civic leaders in  Memphis leaders have an opportunity to go further; they can and should identify  the organizational culture, leadership and policies that had a part in this horrendous outcome.  

Once again, we all are given the chance to pause and consider the implications and opportunities presented for reform in San Francisco. Our community must insist on ethical, reliable, and effective policing. In this connection, we remind our local leaders of the paramount importance of selecting only the best-suited individuals to become police officers, to provide them excellent initial training followed by regular, comprehensive re-training throughout their careers.  

Equally important, we need to prioritize support for our officers’ personal and professional wellness. Referring both to the Memphis atrocity and San Francisco’s police recruitment crisis, Police Chief Bill Scott said "Hold us accountable, make sure that we do things the way we're supposed to do things, but support us. Because if we have a city where police officers are supported, I think people will want to work here ….”

Lastly, we expect our leaders to define with specificity the terms of the police mission, then staff, train, and lead in a manner designed to accomplish that mission.  Our police leaders must inculcate an organizational culture where every member is well versed on the police mission and is committed to serving in a manner based on the rule of law and the high ideals of public service.