The State Police Association of Massachusetts releases statement on protests and violence

Boston, MA – The State Police Association of Massachusetts is outraged at the tragic death of George Floyd.  We denounce in the strongest terms the senseless acts of violence and destruction of property which followed, dishonoring Mr. Floyd’s memory.

The men and women of the Massachusetts State Police are highly trained, especially in de-escalation techniques and violence prevention.  Right now, hundreds of our troopers and sergeants are deployed throughout the Commonwealth using those skills to protect life and property and to keep all of our citizens, regardless of race or color, as safe as possible.

As the Commonwealth and the nation confront this moment of great social unrest, we urge our elected officials to speak out responsibly in support of peaceful protesters, but also forcefully against those who have committed the gratuitous violence and wanton destruction of property we have witnessed, which does nothing to advance meaningful civil discourse and healing.  The vicious and targeted attacks on law enforcement must stop.  

Our members put their lives on the line every day to uphold the First Amendment and to ensure peace. We will continue to do so in these very troubling and challenging times.