President of Connecticut Police Chiefs Association Responds to Minneapolis: "Every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect"

The Redding Police Department shared this important message on their Facebook Page from Keith L. Mello who is Chief of Police, City of Milford and President of Connecticut Police Chiefs Association. Mello also serves as Chairman, Police Officers Standards and Training Council.

Thank you to our police department for keeping us safe and informed and for being part of the fabric of our awesome Redding community.

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We have all seen the videos from Minneapolis, where a man has lost his life during an encounter with the police, as well as the aftermath of those actions.

These images are beyond disturbing and cast a stain over the law enforcement profession and the dedicated men and women who strive to protect and serve their communities with honor. As Law Enforcement Officers we recognize that the behavior in these videos reflects failures in police tactics, judgment and training.

Of equal concern is the lack of intervention by other officers on the scene. We are reminded that we are leaders in our communities, especially during a time of crisis. Our oath and our ethics require us to act whenever we are witnessing an unjust act, even by another police officer.