NORTH BRUNSWICK, NJ – North Brunswick Police Chief Jpseph Battaglia, a 37 year police veteran today said he was embarrassed and appalled after seeing the body camera footage of Memphis 29-year-old Tyre Nichols.
“As we wake up this morning, many of us are still in disbelief having seen the video released last night that captured the brutal events that took place on January 7th in Memphis, Tennessee where the reckless acts of five police officers cost a young 29-year-old man his life,” Chief Battaglia said. “We at the North Brunswick Township Police Department are appalled and embarrassed by this event. When incidents such as this take place anywhere in the country it affects every man and woman that wears the badge. These tragedies not only take an emotional toll on the officers who know right from wrong, but they erode the trust the community has in them.”
Battaglia said that New Jersey’s laws are written to a standard that enforces strict use of force policies and de-escalation.
“Our officers train on use-of-force and de-escalation tactics throughout the year and are devoted to protecting and serving our community in a professional, compassionate, and humane manner in every interaction,” the chief said. “We promise you that the North Brunswick Township Police Department will continue to work hard on ways to secure the trust of the community we serve, build bridges for more inclusive relationships, and assure residents and visitors that the events in Memphis, Tennessee, or Minneapolis, Minnesota, or elsewhere will never happen here.”