Somerset Police Issue Statement Condemning Officers Involved in Death of George Floyd

SOMERSET — Chief George M. McNeil and the men and women of the Somerset Police Department condemn the actions of the Minneapolis Police officers which resulted in the death of George Floyd last week.

“As a department, we stand together in denouncing the actions that led to the death of George Floyd last week,” Chief McNeil said. “Police officers everywhere take an oath when they start their careers to protect all citizens without bias or prejudice. This is the most basic of all responsibilities for a police officer, and it is what each member of the Somerset Police Department strives for each and every day."

The methods used in Minneapolis that killed George Floyd are not part of any police training program in Massachusetts. Specifically, police are never trained to place a prone suspect on their face or to put pressure on the neck or throat of a person being detained.

The Somerset Police Department believes in treating all citizens, including those accused of committing a crime, fairly and with dignity. Officers are trained only to use the amount of force necessary to ensure safety for the suspect, the officers, and civilians in the area.

“The mission statement of our department clearly states that all Somerset police officers will work to preserve and improve the quality of life for all residents and keep the peace through unwavering attention to our duties,” Chief McNeil said. “We believe in the equal treatment of all, and stand with officers across the state, nation and world in condemning any action that violates this most basic of public safety principles.”

— Somerset Police