Vancouver, Wash. – The tragic death of George Floyd at the hands of officers from the Minneapolis Police Department is disturbing, upsetting and heartbreaking. This incident absolutely does not reflect the oath police officers take to serve and protect their communities. The actions depicted in the video of this incident absolutely do not reflect the values of the Vancouver Police Department or the way that we train our officers. 

Law enforcement is a profession based on public service, compassion, safety and care for others. Hearing a man begging for his life, saying he cannot breathe, while other officers stand by and do nothing, is not reflective of the values of law enforcement in any way. The result of the actions of a few officers left a scar on the honorable profession of policing, and fractures the hard-earned relationships between the men and women who put on the uniform across our nation each day and the communities they are privileged to serve.  

The Vancouver Police Department remains steadfast in our duty to honorably serve the citizens of Vancouver with professionalism and accountability. We are committed to continuing to build relationships with the community, to build trust and to maintain the highest levels of training for our personnel. 

Our hearts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Mr. Floyd. I sincerely hope our communities can heal from this tragedy without further violence and division, but rather by seeking to come together peacefully to build relationships and continue to make our communities stronger.

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