CITY OFFICIALS ISSUE STATEMENT ON GEORGE FLOYD SITUATION

Rockdale city officials have issued the following statements:

Local elected official, police chief, and city manager address fatal police encounter that has rocked the nation. As we move forward through the second week since the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police on Memorial Day and the ensuing protests nationwide inspired by Floyd's death, City officials were asked to share statements issued regarding the incident.

Rockdale Mayor, John King: What happened was a disaster and obviously wrong. Everyone needs to be treated with respect. All lives matter and everyone should be treated equally.

Rockdale Police Chief, Jerry Meadors: The fundamental duty of law enforcement is to protect the constitutional rights of all citizens, regardless of race. The Rockdale Police Department has policies that have been in place for many years on the use of force and limitations on force. In Section 6.1, Article V, our policy clearly states, “Application of choke holds or carotid control holds are prohibited.”

Rockdale City Manager, Barbara Holly: Our hearts go out to the family of George Floyd and all other families who have had to face similar tragedies. On behalf of and with the members of my office, I extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Floyd’s family, friends and his community. As leaders of the community, it is our job to recognize a system that might be broken and work towards a means of repair. As leaders, we encourage constructive dialogue and genuine engagement with one another as we decide together how we – as a community – make our city a better place. Let our collective efforts reflect the community we strive to be as we honor those who have gone before, those who are here today and those to come.