Press Release:

CITY OF BEACON STATEMENT REGARDING RECENT PEACEFUL PROTESTS

Beacon, NY:The City of Beacon expressed continuing support of peaceful protest in light of the killing of George Floyd and communicated its existing police department policies and mission statement.

In light of Mr. Floyds’ death in Minneapolis and subsequent protests, the City of Beacon has received a number of inquiries about the policies and practices of the Beacon Police Department.

“First, like all reasonable people, we are outraged by the actions of the officers in the killing of George Floyd and strongly condemn them,” said Police Chief Junjulas. “We also support the first amendment and the right to peacefully protest and, as is our duty, stand against those who make that impossible by resorting to violence, destruction, and riot,” the Chief said.

Mayor Lee Kyriacou said, “I can speak for the entire council and city when I say that we are shocked at the precipitating death of Mr. Floyd, and fully supportive of resulting peaceful protest. We understand the pain and desire for change that are motivating citizens of all walks of life to express themselves.I thank the community for speaking up in the non-violent tradition of Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela, and I thank the police chief and department for honoring and protecting our community to do so.”

On Monday night, June 8th, the City of Beacon Police Chief will join the City Council at a conversation on best practices and training for the Beacon Police Department. In 2018, the Beacon Police Department was one of the first departments in the Hudson Valley region to implement body worn cameras by all patrol officers.All officers undergo yearly training on use of force procedures as well as current case law. This includes de-escalation strategies, prevention of positional asphyxia, and the duty to intervene in cases of excessive force. All patrol officers and detectives are trained by the Dutchess County Department of Mental Hygiene and PEOPLe Inc. in their extensive Crisis Intervention Training program and officers are receiving procedural justice training by the Dutchess County Police Academy.

City of Beacon Police Department Mission Statement

It is the mission of the City of Beacon Police Department to provide an exemplary level of service, ensuring public safety and a peaceful quality of life for the residents and businesses of the City of Beacon and all those who may visit our community.

The men and women of the City of Beacon Police Department strive to protect the rights of all persons within its jurisdiction, without prejudice or bias against race, religion, ethnic or national origin, or sexual orientation. We will safeguard the diversity of our community, keeping it free from criminal attack, threats of violence, or persecution. We will work to keep all citizens secure in their possessions, and stay vigilant so that together we can enjoy peace and harmony.

The City of Beacon Police Department will honor the established principles of a democratic society. Among these principles is the most profound reverence for human life, the value of which far exceeds that of any property. Every action of this Department and each of its members will be consistent with upholding this reverence for life foremost among our responsibilities.

The existence and effectiveness of the Police Department depends on public approval of police actions and behavior, and on the Department’s ability to secure and maintain the public’s respect. Our methods will emphasize cooperation with citizens based on trust rather than fear, and focus on the prevention as well as suppression of crime.

Our pledge to the community is to continually strive to achieve these goals, and to promote an organization based on excellence.

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