Friday, January 27, 2023 - Woodburn, OR - This evening, the Mayor of Woodburn issued the following statement to the Woodburn community in response to today's released footage of the brutal assault on Mr. Tyre Nichols by the Memphis, TN Police Department. 

We all have been shocked and angered by today's video of the brutal assault of Tyre Nichols in Memphis, which resulted in the arrest of five Memphis police officers, now charged with murder. There is no greater betrayal than being hurt by those we rely on to protect us. Our concerns and prayers go out to the families and communities affected by this tragic and unacceptable abuse of authority by law enforcement officers. I know that members of the Woodburn community will be deeply affected by the Memphis events.

As Mayor and on behalf of the City, I want to restate my expectation that all police officers and everyone associated with our law enforcement services uphold our constitutional rights and the dignity of those they serve with professionalism and compassion.

In light of these events, I ask that the Woodburn community continue to have faith and trust in our Police Department as they work to uphold the law in a manner consistent with our values and community expectations.

Frank Lonergan, Mayor
City of Woodburn

***********************************************************************

Later the same evening, the Woodburn City Administrator and Chief of Police issued the following joint statement to the Woodburn community: 

This evening, the video of the encounter between Memphis Police Officers and Tyre Nichols was released. Understandably, this incident has reignited nationwide concerns about the relationship between the police and the communities they serve. It is not lost on us that today's news impacts our local community or that this is not the first time we have had such instances occur in our nation.

The video of Mr. Nichols’ arrest is profoundly disturbing and should disgust everyone who serves in a law enforcement capacity. As Woodburn's Police Chief and City Administrator, we condemn the actions of these officers and applaud the efforts of those holding them accountable for their actions against Mr. Nichols.

The City of Woodburn believes that it is our responsibility to talk about these events, ask the hard questions, and to reflect on our own values and efforts to provide a Police Department consistent with the values and expectations of our community. Our work to build an inclusive community public safety program that reflects the diversity and values of our community, founded on honest community relationships, is never ending. This is an expectation of the City Council, the City Administrator and the Police Chief.

On behalf of the fine people working for the Woodburn Police Department, we want our community to know that our core values are: Integrity, Empathy, and Respect. Each member of our Police Department is expected to understand these values and reflect their meaning in their day-to-day work.

Our screening for new Police Officer recruits is rigorous. If you are a bigot, racist, or a bully, then you will not work for the City of Woodburn. Continuous training is also a top priority. Woodburn Police Officers are regularly trained in the proper use of force, communications skills, and de-escalation techniques. Further, our police officers are required to intervene if they see another Police Officer acting in a dangerous manner or behaving improperly.

In more than 60 years of combined public service, we have seen our share of tragedy and improper policing. We understand the damage that poor leadership, misaligned organizational culture, and poor training can do to our community, our police department, and to individual police officers. We know the trust and support of our community is not to be taken for granted; and when issues do arise, we deal with them swiftly and efficiently.

Accountability, professionalism, and transparency is our objective. Public safety is an honorable and difficult profession, and we are proud of the men and women who serve and protect Woodburn day-in and day-out. Every day we strive to improve community relationships, transparency, and accountability and greatly appreciate your support.

Scott Derickson
Woodburn City Administrator

Marty Pilcher
Woodburn Chief of Police

###