Cornwall, ON – The Cornwall Police Service (CPS) is disheartened as the world learns of the tragic death of Mr. Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old black man from Memphis, Tennessee.   

Mr. Tyre Nichols died following an altercation with five (5) police officers from the Memphis Police Department (MPD).  After an internal review of the incident, all five officers were terminated for violating departmental policies pertaining to excessive use of force, duty to intervene and duty to render aid. 

All five officers have since been charged criminally for several offences, including second degree murder, two counts of official misconduct, two counts of aggravated kidnapping, one count of official oppression and one count of aggravated assault.   

“In light of these recent events, as Chief of the Cornwall Police Service, I stand united with leaders across Canada in denouncing the horrific actions that led to the unnecessary death of Mr. Tyre Nichols” said Chief of Police, Shawna Spowart. “These reckless actions only further contribute to the erosion of public trust and confidence in police across North America.  We share in the public’s outrage and frustration towards those who disregard the human rights of others and who abuse the authorities entrusted in them.  It tarnishes the reputation of all police officers, the majority of whom are unwavering in their dedication to public safety and their communities.”

The CPS will continue to confront issues around racial injustice in law enforcement.  We are constantly engaging in difficult conversations in our quest to eradicate the systemic racism that exists in policing and the justice system as a whole. 

CPS is committed, through both continued open dialogue and action, to serving the citizens and guests of the City of Cornwall with integrity, respect and empathy. We remain dedicated to providing service excellence, free from any form of racism or abuse of power, ensuring everyone in our community is and feels safe.

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