10 seconds. That’s how much of the Tyre Nichols video I was able to stomach before I had to look away. I was shocked. I could not believe what I was seeing. Moreover, I was horrified that I was seeing it now in 2023. We…I…had not had a chance to recover from the George Floyd tragedy, among others. And here we were, facing this again.

I now realize I was watching all of my fears as a Police Chief, as a Black man, as a father, and as a leader convene in one place and time. I watched what I swore to prevent and to stop unfold before my eyes. I watched a wanton disregard of Tyre Nichols’ fundamental civil rights. I watched a shameful display of cowardice by people who swore to prioritize life and uphold the law. I watched these people tarnish their badge, break their oath to the community they serve, and void parts of the social contract between the police and the community.

I was heartbroken. I could not be silent, yet I was unsure what to do. The only thing that I am sure of is that where important covenants are broken, new ones must be established. The collective agreement between the police and the public must be fulfilled individually by each and every law enforcement officer each and every day. In this, we must not continue to fail.

These things have been said; I must condemn the actions of the former officers of the Memphis Police Department (MPD). I say this as Police Chief, as a Black man, as a father, and, more importantly, as a leader. I cannot and will not tolerate this type of behavior around me, and certainly not in any area where I hold leadership responsibility or have influence. I read somewhere that lasting change always requires commitment. I stand resolute in my commitment to making contributions to change in the right way. UPD stands in solidarity with the Nichols family with their outrage and their sense of loss.

I am saddened as I write these words. I also have to admit to a small sense of thankfulness when I heard that charges of murder had been filed. That sense is small because I am reminded of what had to have happened in order for the charges to be necessary. A father lost a son. A mother lost a son. And finally, a global community lost a little bit more of its humanity…

Above all, do right!

Keith Jemison, Ed.D.
Associate Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police