Statement on the Death of Tyre Nichols

The Portsmouth Police Department is deeply saddened by the death of Mr. Tyre Nichols.  We offer our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and the Memphis community for his tragic death.

The heinous actions of the involved officers displayed in the released video are inexcusable and deplorable. They go against our sworn oath as Police Officers and have brought shame to officers across the nation who work selflessly every day to protect and serve their communities and hold themselves to the highest standards of this profession. It is the position of the Portsmouth Police Department to help ALL people. We do this by actively working in partnership with our community to protect, prevent crime and respectfully, justly and compassionately serve all people. 

Here in the city of Portsmouth, a racial justice city, we will continue to work in partnership with our citizens regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender to build trust and strengthen our relationships with the members of our community.  We appreciate your continued support in providing us with the resources and financial support to properly train our officers to meet your expectations of a fair and just department.

I would like the family members and friends of Mr. Tyre Nichols to know our thoughts are with them and we share in their sorrow.

Police Chief Mark D. Newport