The Alabama Sheriffs Association have taken a “personal affront” to the actions of Memphis police officers in the death of Tyre Nichols this month. The group representing the sheriffs in the state’s 67 counties released a statement Monday.
“The Alabama Sheriffs Association represents the combined voices of Alabama’s 67 sheriffs,” the statement read. “We are united in our unyielding stand against the actions and images presented recently in Memphis, Tennessee.
“We consider it a personal affront not just to us but the vast majority of peace officers in our nation who place service above self in every action they take.”
All officers involved have since been fired and a special unit that they were a part of has been disbanded. Each officer faces multiple charges of second-degree murder, two counts of official misconduct, two counts of aggravated kidnapping, one count of official oppression and one count of aggravated assault.
The event has prompted a response of condemnation across the country from the law enforcement community.
“As constitutionally elected officials, it is our sheriffs’ duty to do their best to deny individuals who display lawless behavior from joining the ranks of law enforcement,” the sheriffs’ statement said. “It is also the sheriff’s duty to act decisively to remove those who engage in actions displaying blatant disregard for the constitutional rights of citizens.
“It is our honor to serve with the mission of protecting the public in our communities.”
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.
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