SALT LAKE CITY July 8, 2016 — Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes released the following statement regarding recent shootings in Louisiana, Minnesota, and Dallas:
“Our office, which includes many front line law enforcement officers, is in mourning for all the lives lost this past week. From Dallas to Louisiana to Minnesota and the rest of our nation, all lives are sacred. And the sanctity of life should be a guiding principle in how our law enforcement and our communities interact: the sanctity of lives and safety of law enforcement equally with those citizens they are sworn to protect. We express our most sincere sympathies to those who have lost loved ones to violence now or in the past.
“Over the last two years, our Office has conducted round-table discussions and trainings on the topics of de-escalation and communication with both community and faith leaders in Utah along with members of law enforcement. We are committed to continuing that effort. If we can help prevent even one act of violence, we will have been successful.”
In addition to public outreach, the Office of the Attorney General, with support from Governor Herbert, the Utah legislature and law enforcement leaders, conducts statewide de-escalation training to law enforcement personnel with an emphasis on the sanctity of life. Training is also being developed to further skills and sensitivity relating to citizens with cultural and language diversity as well as mental illness or disability. Such training is intended to help Utah officers avoid violence in their peace keeping efforts and is available to all members of the Utah law enforcement community.
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