The tragic and horrifying death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis Police Officer on May 25 has filled communities across our nation with grief, frustration, and important questions about what work needs to be done to prevent similar tragic injustices in the future. Police chiefs and mayors across the state and country are being asked about policies in regards to “use of force,” “non-biased application of the law” and “de-escalation training and practices” that exist in our police departments.

I have worked with Chief Goldman to direct a Marysville Police Department review of all our policies, standards, and practices in this area. This review is underway and includes gathering data from internal and external training sources. It is our hope to complete this review early next week at which time we will add the information to our website for complete transparency, and work to engage in meaningful discussions with community members to build on our existing community policing relationships. At that time, we will also be in a better position to evaluate whether we need to make adjustments or changes to our current training and policies.

I am proud of the amazing work that our Marysville PD does on a daily basis to protect our community. I also know firsthand that our Department has consistently and passionately taught and practiced equal application of the law and de-escalation tactics for as long as I have been involved in city government. It is my sincere hope and prayer that we here in Marysville can unite around our shared grief of what happened to George Floyd and others to do everything we can to prevent such tragedies in the future.