The Memphis City Council president said Saturday that the Memphis Police Chief, who was commended for his conscientious charge against the five former officers involved in the police beating to death at Tire Nichols, must now take responsibility and help rebuild community trust.
“From the police chief all the way up to the recruits in the class now, they have a firm responsibility to go out into this community and rebuild trust,” Matavius Jones told CNN’s Jim Acosta.
“They have a responsibility for people to see them, to be heard,” Jones added, noting he was the “only” council member who voted against Cerelyn “CJ” Davis being confirmed as CEO, but “Willing to let her benefit from the doubt.”
Civil rights attorneys representing Nichols’ family also applauded Davis’ arrest and joined Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy in a vicious confrontation with police officers near his home when Nichols Charges were brought against five black police officers within 20 days of the conflict.
“When you see police committing crimes against citizens, we want you to act as quickly as the sheriff has said and show that the community needs to see it,” said Ben Crump. “But we also need to see it when When it’s white cops.”
Some background: Davis was in charge of the Memphis Police Department just 20 months ago. Nationally known as an advocate for police reform, she touted ambitious plans, including new connections with community leaders and efforts to reduce violent crime — hoping to win people over to law enforcement in Tennessee’s second-most populous city. trust in the department.
Now, the life and death of Tire Nichols put her leadership skills to a crucial test.
Read more about Davis Gentlemen.