Statement from Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell:

(January 27, 2023) - The actions by the former Memphis, Tennessee, police officers are sickening; they are inhumane and indefensible. Frankly, the death of Tyre Nichols should have never happened. These officers used excessive force, failed to intervene, and neglected to call for immediate medical attention.

As a public safety professional, I support the swift response by the Memphis Police Chief to terminate these officers, and the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office for filing criminal charges to hold these police officers accountable.

Accountability is central to public safety. Public trust in police agencies is vital to building and supporting safe and strong communities. The callous actions of these officers’ harm our community’s sense of safety and fracture trust in policing everywhere.

I want you to know, their actions are not reflective of our values at the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, and they go against our training and code of ethics, and everything we believe in.

The actions of the Memphis officers will likely reignite pain and anger from other excessive use of force events involving police officers, including the murder of George Floyd. We recognize people may use their individual and collective voices to express grief, outrage, and call for action.

At the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, we are committed to the safety and well-being of the communities we serve, and we continue to hold ourselves and each other accountable every day.

I stand with Tyre Nichols’ family, and I have faith that justice will be served.