PINELLAS COUNTY — As black elected officials representing the citizens of Pinellas County, we express our collective outrage at the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, and join the call for justice for Mr. Floyd, and accountability for all officers involved in this heinous act.

Here in Pinellas County and the City of St. Petersburg, local law enforcement leaders have rightfully denounced the conduct of the Minneapolis officers involved in Mr. Floyd’s death, and pledge that our local law enforcement standards of conduct expressly ban the use of such tactics.

No law enforcement agency is perfect; however, we value the progress that has been made and the ongoing partnership with our local law enforcement agencies.

We will continue to demand community-focused policing and high standards of professionalism from our law enforcement agencies.

Moving our community forward also requires high standards from our community.