Maddox on Tyre Nichols: ‘It wouldn’t be tolerated here’

Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox made his first public statement Tuesday regarding the death of 29-year-old Tyre Nichols in Memphis.

Nichols died in a hospital three days after he was brutally beaten by Memphis police officers after he was pulled over for what police at the time claimed was “reckless driving” on Jan. 7. Further investigation in Memphis has been unable to corroborate that Nichols was stopped for reckless driving.

Maddox said what happened is not acceptable anywhere or any time.

“It is good for all of us to see that it looks like those who are involved are going to be held accountable. That will not be tolerated, shouldn’t be tolerated in law enforcement, and it wouldn’t be tolerated here,” said Maddox.

Maddox went on to say there are always a few bad apples in the bunch, but he does not want national moments like this to put any reflection on the Tuscaloosa Police Department.

“We are the most well-trained police department in Alabama,” Maddox said. “We require more hours than any police department in Alabama. I believe that the training that we do and the professionalism that we demand helps mitigate from that type of incident happening here.”

In fact, TPD is searching for more officers. If you’re interested in becoming a police officer, click here to learn more. The next Physical Agility Test and written exam are happening Feb. 17, and are prerequisites for your acceptance.