Union City Mayor Brian Stack and Police Chief Nichelle Luster are speaking out against the George Floyd killing, both indicating that they believe their police have strong ties with the community.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“The tragic death of Mr. George Floyd represents a complete breakdown of what our country was founded upon. It serves as a painful reminder of the failings of our society and demands for us to do better,” Stack said in a statement.
“The base of our democracy depends on our ability to change the narrative about race in this country and to bring justice to those who have been discriminated against by those who swore to serve and protect them.”
He added that he hopes this tragedy, along with the coronavirus pandemic, don’t create any animosity between law enforcement and the community.
Additionally, Luster noted that the actions that resulted in Floyd’s death, then-Officer Derek Chauvin placing his knee on Floyd’s neck for several minutes while he was handcuffed, are against the law in New Jersey and go against police training in this state.
“I am deeply saddened and disturbed by the events in Minneapolis. The actions that resulted in the death of Mr. George Floyd are contrary to New Jersey police training standards and contrary to New Jersey law,” Luster explained.
“The conduct of that former officer erodes the trust that we work so hard to establish within our communities and mars the reputation of hard-working law-enforcement professionals everywhere. Police Officers have a duty and a responsibility to serve with compassion, proficiency, and respect. Anything less is unacceptable. I am proud of the relationship my department has with our residents.”
