Yesterday, most of America was captivated by the verdict in the murder trial of George Floyd and the ensuing verdict of guilty on every count charged against Dereck Chauvin.  While this trial is complete, and the main officer responsible is being held accountable, there are still more trials ahead in this case and I ask for the public’s patience as we move through these events together.

I am very sensitive to not use the word, “Justice” in referring to this verdict.  I do not believe this is justice for the Floyd family but rather a verdict which has held Derek Chauvin accountable for his heinous and despicable conduct.

True justice was lost when George Floyd was murdered by the very people who were responsible for protecting him.  There is no greater responsibility upon a sworn police officer than the obligation to protect the people we serve; this includes people we arrest.  Once George Floyd was placed in handcuffs, his care, his life, was in the hands of Dereck Chauvin. Dereck Chauvin’s actions went beyond a failure to uphold his oath when he personalized the encounter and murdered George Floyd.

While we have made progress in police reform, locally, and at the state and federal level, there will always be more that can be done to ensure what we saw on that video from May 25, 2020, never happens again.

I ask that the community join with the Lansdale Police Department to work through the challenges facing our community together in cooperation with mutual respect and support. 

Michael B Trail,

Chief of Police

###