Sheriff Horch: ‘The actions of these Memphis officers are inexcusable and will not be tolerated in our profession’

The Clark County Sheriff’s Office released a statement from Sheriff John Horch following the Friday release of the Tyre Nichols arrest video by the Memphis (Tennessee) Police Department.

Here is Sheriff Horch’s statement:

“Today the Memphis Police Department released the body cam video of a police use of force incident from January 7th, which resulted in the death of Tyre Nichols. The images in this video are disturbing. The force used by these officers was excessive and difficult to understand. After an internal investigation by their department, the officers involved have been fired, arrested, and charged with second-degree murder. This incident has caused investigations by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations, the FBI, and the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice.  

“I hope the shameful actions of these five officers over two thousand miles away will not tarnish the image of the overwhelming majority of officers who serve their communities daily with honor. 

“As your Sheriff, I am committed to working with community members, advocacy organizations, and elected officials to ensure we conduct police work with the highest ethical standards and professionalism. I am proud that our Sheriff’s Office employees are dedicated to treating all our community members professionally, respectfully, and with dignity.   

“Our mission is to protect and safeguard our community. The actions of these Memphis officers are inexcusable and will not be tolerated in our profession.”   

Information provided by Clark County Sheriff’s Office.