PRESS RELEASE
May 30, 2020
Chief Paul J. Doucette
Lt. Camillo Grande
Death of George Floyd at the hands of the Minneapolis Police Department
Members of the Bennington Police Department are appalled at the actions of, and lack thereof, by members of the Minneapolis Police Department resulting in the death of George Floyd. Kneeling on the neck of an arrested person is not an accepted practice and is not used as a control technique by members of the Bennington Police Department. Holding Mr. Floyd down on the ground while he stated he could not breathe and clearly showed signs of distress is deplorable. Furthermore, failing to take immediate medical action when Mr. Floyd became unresponsive is not acceptable. The Officers present failed to render medical attention knowing Mr. Floyd was in distress. We stand together and support the arrest and prosecution of Officer Derek Chauvin. Following a thorough investigation, Officers who stood by and failed to intervene with Officer Chauvin and failed to assist Mr. Floyd while he suffered a medical emergency, should also be charged.
On May 29, 2020, Chief Paul Doucette sent a message to all Department members advising the actions of the Officers involved from the Minneapolis Police Department were inexcusable. Officers have been tasked with watching the video of the incident while also viewing a training video made available to the Department by the Vermont League of Cities and Towns. The training video reminds Officers of their duties and responsibilities when taking someone into custody.
Members of the Bennington Department are trained in the use of de-escalation techniques. Members receive annual use of force and response to active resistance training and use this training in an effort to avoid confrontations. Members use the least amount of force required when absolutely necessary and render medical aid immediately, when needed.
Our hearts go out to the family of George Floyd and the Minneapolis Community. This tragic death was clearly avoidable had the Minneapolis Police Officers on scene acted professionally and humanly.
PRESS RELEASE
May 30, 2020
Chief Paul J. Doucette
Lt. Camillo Grande
Death of George Floyd at the hands of the Minneapolis Police Department
Members of the Bennington Police Department are appalled at the actions of, and lack thereof, by members of the Minneapolis Police Department resulting in the death of George Floyd. Kneeling on the neck of an arrested person is not an accepted practice and is not used as a control technique by members of the Bennington Police Department. Holding Mr. Floyd down on the ground while he stated he could not breathe and clearly showed signs of distress is deplorable. Furthermore, failing to take immediate medical action when Mr. Floyd became unresponsive is not acceptable. The Officers present failed to render medical attention knowing Mr. Floyd was in distress. We stand together and support the arrest and prosecution of Officer Derek Chauvin. Following a thorough investigation, Officers who stood by and failed to intervene with Officer Chauvin and failed to assist Mr. Floyd while he suffered a medical emergency, should also be charged.
On May 29, 2020, Chief Paul Doucette sent a message to all Department members advising the actions of the Officers involved from the Minneapolis Police Department were inexcusable. Officers have been tasked with watching the video of the incident while also viewing a training video made available to the Department by the Vermont League of Cities and Towns. The training video reminds Officers of their duties and responsibilities when taking someone into custody.
Members of the Bennington Department are trained in the use of de-escalation techniques. Members receive annual use of force and response to active resistance training and use this training in an effort to avoid confrontations. Members use the least amount of force required when absolutely necessary and render medical aid immediately, when needed.
Our hearts go out to the family of George Floyd and the Minneapolis Community. This tragic death was clearly avoidable had the Minneapolis Police Officers on scene acted professionally and humanly.
