Crime analyst, retired police officer speaks on how Tyre Nichols death will impact policing

News 12’s Julio Avila spoke with crime analyst and retired police officer Rick James, who says the incident is a set back to the work police departments have been trying to do within their communities.

News 12 Staff

Jan 29, 2023, 3:25 PM

Updated 621 days ago

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As the nation is left shocked by the violent death of Tyre Nichols, many are weighing in on how it will impact policing across the nation.  
News 12’s Julio Avila spoke with crime analyst and retired police officer Rick James, who says the incident is a set back to the work police departments have been trying to do within their communities.  
"Police departments across the country have been working very, very hard with building relationship with the communities and building public trust,” he said. “This is a huge setback for that public trust building that's been done using community policing, going to community events, creating partnerships with local community leaders.”  
James states that it is important for police departments to maintain transparency. He commended the Memphis Police Department for releasing the bodycam footage and having the officers charged for their actions. However, he also says restoring trust between the community and law enforcement will not occur overnight.