Milwaukee leaders speak out as public awaits release of Tyre Nichols footage

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee leaders released a statement Friday, Jan. 27 as the public awaits the release of video from Tyre Nichols' arrest in Memphis.

It comes after five former Memphis officers were indicted on murder and kidnapping charges Thursday in the death of Nichols. 

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, Police Chief Jeffrey Norman and Director of the Office of Violence Prevention Ashanti Hamilton released the following statement Friday:

"The Mayor, the Milwaukee Police Department, and the Office of Violence Prevention are appalled by the recent incident that occurred in Tennessee.

We emphatically condemn violence in all forms. Accountability must occur for those in law enforcement who commit unlawful acts. Policing must be constitutional, fair, and impartial. Above all else, policing must always respect human dignity and life.

We are united in the belief that a truly safe community is possible only when residents and sworn public safety employees are allied toward that goal. We must trust each other and rely on each other to achieve safety. The horrific episode in Memphis undermines trust there and across the country.

The Milwaukee Police Department demands that our members hold life in the highest regard. MPD’s Code of Conduct requires our members treat all residents with dignity and respect, and requires our members to act with fairness, self-control, tolerance and impartiality.

Together, we condemn reckless and intentional violence of any kind."

On Thursday, Milwaukee police said they were prepared for any potential unrest, but noted there were "no known credible threats in the city of Milwaukee." 

They went on to say, "The Milwaukee Police Department respects the rights of all individuals who wish to peacefully express their First Amendment rights. We continue to work with our community and system partners to build a safer city together."