City of Auburn Police Department Statement on Death of Tyre Nichols

The Auburn Police Department, alongside law enforcement agencies across the region, condemns the brutal and senseless killing of 29-year-old Tyre Nichols in Memphis earlier this month.

Law enforcement agencies across the United States and at home in Auburn have worked tirelessly over the last several years to earn and maintain the trust of the communities we serve. Every person in our community has a right to be treated with dignity, respect and empathy, especially by members of law enforcement. We strive to be professional and engage in ethical and equitable community policing.

We continue to train and hold our officers accountable so they can provide the service that our community expects and deserves. The five male Memphis police officers charged with murder in connection to Nichols’ death have tarnished that work and the oath each officer takes to protect their community.

We applaud the actions of the Memphis Police Department and other law enforcement to hold those former officers accountable for their actions. Officers who abuse their power and leave a stain on the law enforcement profession through illegal and reckless actions should be held responsible and face proper consequences.

For those that choose to exercise their right to express their outrage at those events, we ask that you do so peacefully and within the law.

Mark Caillier

City of Auburn Chief of Police