In the past two weeks, Wicomico County has been the site of peaceful assemblies and rallies. I want to thank members of our community for expressing their thoughts and emotions in a positive and productive way while not losing sight of the tragic death of George Floyd. Citizens should never be without a voice, and the men and women of the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office and I will always be ready to defend your constitutional rights, without fear of violence. I continue to be proud of our community, the passion and commitment you have all shown to each other and members of this Agency.
Like any person with a heart who watched the video released of the death of George Floyd, I was shocked, angered, frustrated, and deeply concerned by what I saw. Watching a person lose their life is heartbreaking and emotional. As an elected Sheriff who believes in law and order, I believe people who commit violent crimes should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and face stiff penalties. That statement extends to law enforcement officers who commit illegal acts and act outside of their authority. As I have written to many individuals who have inquired since Mr. Floyd’s death, I have trust in the criminal justice system to ensure a thorough review of all the facts and evidence in the case. At this point in the ongoing investigation, the officers in the video have been formally charged and evidence is being collected and analyzed, and statements are being obtained and evaluated in pursuit of justice. The Attorney General for the State of Minnesota who is prosecuting the case has stated this process could take months as these cases normally do.
At the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, we continue to reevaluate police tactics and techniques while ensuring that nationally recognized best practices are integrated into our 21st Century Policing. The Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office was one of the first agencies in this entire region to arm patrol deputies with both in-car cameras and Body-Worn Cameras to ensure the highest levels of transparency. You deserve nothing less.
We strive to harness the power of every individual through education, training, and volunteerism to make Wicomico County safer, stronger, and most recently, better prepared to respond to civil disturbances of any kind. Building a resilient community involves multiple sectors and meaningful engagement from every corner of our society.
At a time when many are feeling contrary, I am optimistic about the future of law enforcement and community relations. The level of training, communication, cooperation, and professionalism in our County’s law enforcement arena has never been higher or more inclusive. It is up to all of us to leave this world a better place than it is today, and I believe the conversations and non-violent actions occurring as a result of Mr. Floyd’s tragic death will drive that conversation.
Sheriff Michael A. Lewis
18 comments:
Well said and well written.
Lol echo echo echo. All the same from every politician. None dare to talk about the actual problems but honestly I could careless. Hope Trump wins if not taxes will go up a lot but I will survive just like I did under the Obama “ war machine “ President. Be happy and turn off the tv for 4 months.
There is really no racism anywhere other than a few individuals. What started out as protests over a mans death has morphed into a communist coup
Where is your voice in Annapolis to change c.c.l. laws for citizens to protect themselves. Too many peoe for you to protect them all 24/7. Where is your voice and empathy for the unprotected citizens
Sheriff you have an army of volunteers anytime you need us
Thank you Sheriff Lewis - this country will survive with true patriots. I know this because they don't make Vegan meals for military... they will fold once you cut the internet off from millennials.
Where was this statement the day after a bad cop killed Freddie Gray on nationwide social media???? Would have quelled a LOT of riots and violence from happening.
But noooooooooo!
Freddie gray lol Another pathetic Angel.
As always Mike you have our hearts and our backs, with a mayor and SPD chief we have you are the only one and your officers we can really depend on. Thank You from us all.
Thank you ...
This goes both ways as shown on this site of abuse of black officers killing white people. I am not racist but why was there no protest when the black man murdered two elderly white people while visiting the grave of their son at the cemetery in Bear, DE. There is no cause for these uprisings as lets be sure of one thing "all lives matter". It is a National disgrace with what is happening across this country and all of the looting and burning. It is one thing to have a peaceful protest but with all of the pillage and burning that has to stop!
ok Mikey, so what are you gonna do when these pos's start rioting here? their little protest the other day they were blocking traffic on rt 50 2 blocks from spd station not a kop around.
ask the pregnant woman who floyd stuck a gun in her belly how she feels about him. I'll believe blm when they stop killing each other raping robbing pillaging and stop the infanticide of abortion! until then they show us otherwise!
crickets from you on 2nd amendment!
take your knee mikey!
Bullshit!! So called Patriots have been called out for a month now and NOTHING. I sure hope you at least have the balls to do something when they start going door to door robbing and pillaging. By the looks of all the protesters it's all the so called white Patriots kids/grandkids out in the streets protesting, rioting and looting. Better stay in your recliner where it's safe
"some of my best friends are black"
Why is his FB page gone?
Say the word Mike.
I'll just wait for his TV appearance on CNN or fox news.
What are your thoughts about the incidents in oc on the boardwalk?
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