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The death of a 29-year-old Black man at the hands of police in Memphis is drawing condemnation from Saskatoon’s police chief.
Tyre Nichols died three days after a confrontation with five Black police officers during a traffic stop in Memphis that occurred Jan. 7.
The officers involved have since been fired from their jobs and charged with second-degree murder, along with aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and official oppression. Video footage of the confrontation is expected to become public Friday evening.
Troy Cooper, chief of the Saskatoon Police Service, released a statement on Nichols’ death Friday, saying the incident will hurt public confidence in police.
“Over the past few days as we learned of this event, I have reached out to local Black community leaders to discuss the issue and offer support,” Cooper said in his statement.
“Although this tragedy occurred in another country, it will impact trust and confidence in policing by Black and all equity-deserving communities in Canada as well.”
Cooper said it’s important for police to build trust and listen to the needs of the communities they serve, and that work is happening in Saskatoon.
“Our efforts to enhance de-escalation and unconscious bias training are first steps,” Cooper said, “and the community-led redesign of our advisory committee on diversity to include Black voices will continue.”
Cooper ended his statement with a condemnation of the killing.
“Our staff are professional, accountable and committed to the safety of every citizen,” Cooper said. “Together we condemn this unnecessary and tragic loss of life.”
On Thursday, Regina Police Chief Evan Bray shared a video to social media expressing similar sentiments.
— With files from The Canadian Press