Statement from Mayor John P. "Jack" Seiler

I am disappointed, disgusted, and shocked by this incident.  The inappropriate racist behavior exhibited by those involved is unacceptable and reprehensible.  It violates the trust we place in our law enforcement officers; it damages the bond we have established with our community; and it undermines the standards to which each and every City employee is held accountable.

I applaud the steps our Police Department has taken to appropriately and effectively address the issue.  Their thorough investigation, respect for due process, and decisive decision-making are a reflection of the strong leadership of Police Chief Frank Adderley and City Manager Lee Feldman. This afternoon, our collective actions are an explicit reminder that we have zero tolerance for this type of behavior in the City of Fort Lauderdale.

I want to be clear that the conduct of these four officers is in no way indicative of the outstanding work being done by the Fort Lauderdale Police Department 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  More than 500 sworn officers proudly put their uniform on every day to fight crime, enforce law and order, assist our neighbors, work at our schools, keep our streets safe, protect our property, and save lives.

I certainly hope these four officers can learn from their mistakes; take responsibility for their decisions, their actions, and the resulting consequences; and, at some point in the future, take the necessary and appropriate measures to heal the wounds caused by their conduct. 

If we can all take something away from this today, it is my hope that it would be a greater awareness for the need to raise the dialogue about race relations.  If this helps families, friends, and co-workers to continue open and honest conversations about race, diversity, ethnicity, tolerance and acceptance, then I think we will all be better off.

John P. "Jack" Seiler