After watching the events of this past week, I felt compelled to speak directly to my community about the actions that took place in Minneapolis. I wanted all of you to know that as your Chief, I was repulsed at the actions taken by those officers and grieve for the family of George Floyd. There is no justification for their behavior, and I believe they should be held accountable for their actions. The members of your police department believe in fair treatment for all, and the protection of everyone’s civil rights is a cornerstone of our profession. I join with Police Chiefs from across the country in speaking out against this sort of police misconduct and assure our community that we will always strive to protect everyone equally, no matter who they are or how they look. We never forget that we are public servants, and all that we have comes from you. Thank you for the opportunity to serve NRH.
- Chief Jimmy Perdue
With regard to the death of George Floyd, I was in shock when I watched the video and saw the excessive force being used. All public servants have a duty to uphold fair, equitable and professional treatment of all of our citizens and people we encounter each and every day. As Mayor of the City of North Richland Hills, I stand with Police Chief Perdue, our City Council members and other leaders across our nation in condemning these actions and grieving for George Floyd and his family. Police officers in every community have a responsibility to treat all persons with decency and respect, and must be held accountable when they fail in that basic principle of public service. Locally, I know the men and women of the North Richland Hills Police Department strive to serve and protect everyone equally and remain committed to earning your faith and trust daily. I pray that as a community we can help the healing of our nation, and do our part to assure this does not happen in the future.
- Oscar Trevino, Mayor
June 8, 2020 City Council Meeting Remarks
Mayor Trevino
Chief Perdue
8 Can’t Wait
1. Ban chokeholds & strangleholds - NRHPD does not permit or train these types of restraints to gain submission or control. (General Order - 303)
2. Require De-escalation - De-escalation is part of the culture and ongoing training for department staff. The policy was developed in alignment with the 21st Century Policing Report and concepts of Procedural Justice that ensures actions by our officers are proportional, legal, authorized, necessary and ethical. (General Order 303.04)
3. Require Warning Before Shooting - Policy states that an officer should identify themselves and give a warning that deadly force may be used, except in situations where doing so places any person at a greater risk. (General Order 303.06 B)
4. Exhaust All Other Means Before Shooting - Our policy states we will only use the amount of force that appears reasonably necessary given the facts and circumstances of the encounter. (General Order 303.09C)
5. Duty to Intervene - Any officer that observes a use of force that is clearly beyond what is reasonable, has a duty to intervene by verbal or physical means, and immediately report to supervision. (General Order 303.13)
6. Ban Shooting at Moving Vehicles - Shooting at a vehicle is not permitted unless, the person in the vehicle is threatening the use of deadly force towards the officer or another person and there is no other option available. (General Order 303.07-5)
7. Require Use of Force Continuum - Officers receive extensive de-escalation training and are taught to only use the amount of force that is reasonably necessary in response to the perceived threat. (General Order(s) 301.02A & 303.09)
8. Require Comprehensive Reporting - All use of force incidents are documented and reviewed by a chain of supervisors, then analyzed by Professional Standards and the Chief of Police. (General Order 303.15A)