Tyler Officials: City and Police Reaffirm Commitment to Community

TYLER — The City of Tyler and the Tyler Police Department have identified action items following continued discussions between city and community leaders. “Tyler Police Department has enjoyed a close and cooperative relationship with citizens in Tyler,” said Police Chief Jimmy Toler (pictured) in a city news release. “These relationships are built on transparency, mutual respect and trust.” Discussions began on Jan. 20, following contact with ex-football star Ricky Williams by the Tyler Police Department in response to a citizen request for police service. Community leaders, including the NAACP, Tyler Together Race Relations Forum and Smith County elected officials came together to voice their concerns and discuss ways to move forward. “I was very proud of the show of unity at last week’s meeting,” said Mayor Martin Heines in the release. “Our goal as a community is to work together.”

Tyler Police say they will continue building community trust by inviting community partners to participate in the ongoing conversation regarding social equity and justice. The Department is in the process of transitioning their former minority advisory group into a community advisory committee, enhancing diversity and broadening the scope of future conversations. “As we move forward, it is important to remember that the police department and officers have an obligation to respond to citizen concerns,” added Toler in the news release.

Tyler Police say they conducted a full review of the contact with Williams. The Tyler Police Department and the City of Tyler found that officers followed proper response procedures when responding to a citizen request. “But,” Toler adds, “there are always opportunities for us to learn and improve from our experiences.” Toler has asked staff members to review these procedures in relation to community concerns expressed during the Jan. 20 meeting. This includes a review of information from callers through dispatch, developing contact levels based on reported and observed behaviors, and reviewing departmental reporting requirements to shorten necessary contacts with citizens.

Saying the move is being made “to benefit all parties, citizens and officers,” Toler added, “Our goal is to ensure the safety of all within our community.” City officials say no change will be made that could compromise citizen safety, officer safety, or delay response times. “The community wants and expects police to protect them,” added Heines in the news release. “If a citizen calls, our police department will be there to help.”