As leaders in public safety, Police Chief David Spiller and San Rafael Police Association President Mike Mathis want to join fellow police professionals and law enforcement leaders in denouncing the needless violence and blatant lack of care or compassion demonstrated for a fellow human being as we have seen in the recent assault against Tyre Nichols at the hands of Memphis Police Officers.  The actions revealed with the release of video from this law enforcement confrontation is shameful and wholly unjustified.  Such an example of excessive use of force and prolonged lack of care to render medical aid or assistance is inexcusable and shameful.  

This incident is very difficult to watch and serves to undermine the trust and confidence the law enforcement community needs to effectively do the job of protecting our communities, maintaining public order, and managing public safety.

The actions demonstrated by officers involved in this incident are incongruous with the training standards we are accountable to and are in direct conflict with our values in professional policing. All of us in policing are accountable to those we serve. As local law enforcement, we have the duty and responsibility to help people live in safety and to enjoy our democratic freedoms.  Local law enforcement organizations have the affirmative responsibility to build trust and strengthen relationships with the communities we serve, this incident only serves to undermine this responsibility.

We remain personally and professionally saddened by this incident, but place our confidence in the legal system and remain confident that the officers involved will be held accountable within the framework of the judicial system.

Police Chief, David Spiller

Police Association President, Michael Mathis