STCC Police Statement on the Murder of George Floyd
STCC Police holds the Murder of George Floyd as repugnant and reprehensible. We unequivocally condemn the actions of the four Minneapolis Police officers which lead to Mr. Floyd’s senseless death.
Law Enforcement at its foundation remains a noble profession, however, as an institution much work still needs to be done to improve what we do and how we do it.
The goal must always be to “Serve & Protect” without regard to race, sex, color, creed, religious beliefs, or social standing. The latter must remain true even in the most trying of circumstances. To this end we require STCC police officers to understand and uphold certain fundamental values.
Our values include Compassion, Honesty, and Empathy. Without these our officers would not be a good fit for our campus community. Interwoven with these values are qualities we desire in our members, these include intelligence, a strong moral compass, and the will to improve each day. We aspire to be a source of support for anti-racist efforts at STCC.
Our police officers are selected through a rigorous process. We include a cross section of search committee members, diverse in its make-up, to ensure that the only the best candidates are chosen. We emphasize that our department members should reflect members from our community. Our officers and dispatchers include those with diverse race/ethnic backgrounds, including those of LatinX, African-American, and Asian descent. Extensive background investigations are conducted to ensure high moral character, and comprehensive testing including psychological exams which certify that our officers are well suited to being in law enforcement.
Following the testing process officers are then required to complete a challenging, 30 week, Police Academy and extensive Field Training Program with our department.
Ongoing mandatory and relevant yearly In-Service training is also completed by each officer in Criminal Law & Procedure, Defensive Tactics, Use of Force, and Firearms Training. Additional training subjects include Anti-Bias and De Escalation, Health & Wellness, and CPR-First Aid training to name a few. Our officers routinely complete 40-60 hours of training each year.
As Chief, I continue to pledge that our Police Department will maintain high standards and remain committed to serving our community with respect, conduct fair and impartial treatment, exercise equality, professionalism, compassion, and be held accountable for our actions. Above all the department is committed to operating with integrity and a reverence for life.
On behalf of STCC Police, we appreciate the opportunity to serve our community.
Sincerely,
Jose Antonio Rivera
Chief of Police - Sr. Director of Public Safety
STCC Police - Building 9
1 Armory Street, Suite 9000
Springfield, MA 01105
(413) 755-4260 (direct) - (413) 755-6304 (fax)
https://www.stcc.edu/campus-life/police/