Chief's comments on civil unrest and community relations.

To the Citizens of Jaffrey,

I was recently asked by a reporter to comment on what some describe as a “facture in trust” between citizens and police following the tragic death of Mr. George Floyd.  I was asked if this distrust affects my approach to the job and if I feel like we need to repair our image.  I would like to summarize my response to him, and give my perspective, so the citizens of Jaffrey understand my position. 

As Chief of Police for the Town of Jaffrey, I expect my officers to uphold our core values of Honor, Integrity, Courage, and Respect.  I expect them to apply our core values to their daily words and actions.  Lastly, I expect them to provide professional police services in a fair and courteous manner.  If we consistently do that, there is no need for us to adjust our approach to the job or take special steps to repair our image.  Our image, or reputation, should speak for itself.  I hope that our citizens, whom we are sworn to protect and serve, judge us based on our character, our words, and our actions, not those of others.   

The video of the Minneapolis incident showed the police officers involved utilizing improper tactics and demonstrated a total disregard for Mr. Floyd’s welfare.  The reason for his arrest is immaterial and I cannot comment on Mr. Floyd’s guilt or innocence.  The fact is, as police officers, it is our responsibility to safeguard the welfare of people in our custody.  That clearly did not happen, and that failure had tragic results.   

We understand that many people are frustrated and angry.  They have a right to be.  What happened to Mr. Floyd is inexcusable.  People have a right to demand justice for Mr. Floyd.  I join them in that demand and hope that the officers involved are held accountable for their actions or inaction.  People have a right to peacefully protest.  We as police officers have an obligation to protect that right, and them, while they do so.  Sadly, anarchists and criminals have infiltrated many peaceful protests around the nation and the gatherings have transformed into lawlessness.  People do not have a right to riot, damage property, steal, and commit acts of violence.  If they do, it is our obligation as police officers to protect life, property, and restore peace to our communities.  We are mandated to use the minimum amount of force necessary in doing so.  I do not, nor do the other Chiefs in our region, condone the use of unnecessary force on peaceful protestors.  If people in our community want to peacefully protest, I would urge them to reach out to me so I can assist them with their planning, enhance their safety, and ensure they understand our laws and ordinances.               

As a police officer of almost 30 years, I understand that the trust and respect of our citizens must be earned.  We can’t demand it.  As a police department, we must earn and sustain a reputation that meets the high standards of excellence our citizens place on us.  Our reputation must instill confidence in our citizens that we will fairly, effectively, and professionally perform our duties as guardians of our community.  Our reputation cannot be based on my words alone.  Words are important, but our actions speak volumes and reflect the true culture of our organization.  Ultimately, I pledge that the men and women of the Jaffrey Police Department will strive to maintain a culture based on mutual respect, trust, and understanding.           

Respectfully,

Todd A. Muilenberg

Chief of Police