A Strong Police Leader
this IS the way
A strong police leader immediately and unapologetically publicly defends officers under their command from dishonest and vicious attacks.
The following story exemplifies this non-negotiable principle of modern leadership in policing.
What Happened
On February 16, 2025 there was a fatal Officer-Involved-Shooting (OIS) in Flowood, Mississippi.
The suspect was an eighteen-year-old named Jaylon Robinson.
The Controversy
Before the body cam footage was released a local news station interviewed an anonymous supposed witness to the fatal shooting. The witness claimed that the young man was gunned down “in the back” by a police officer for no legitimate reason.
This testimony was not questioned by the reporter and was relayed to the public as though it was an objective fact of the case.
This caused outrage in the community and death threats were directed towards police officers in the area.
The thing is - this testimony was a lie.
Correcting the Record
The narrative spun by the witness did not align with reality.
And the Police Chief (Eric Zetterholm) has the body camera footage to prove it.
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What really happened is that Mr. Robinson ran from a traffic stop and then:
An officer pursued him and deployed a Taser,
Mr. Robinson then turned around, while holding a firearm,
Mr. Robinson shot the officer two times in the abdomen.
It was at that point that the officer drew his weapon and fired rounds at Mr. Robinson.
Most Important
The officer was struck by the gunfire just 2 inches above his belt-line, hitting his bulletproof vest. The officer is expected to fully recover.
Police Chief Eric Zetterholm
Chief Zetterholm watched the body cam video of the OIS and was aware of the witness interview. In an effort to defend the officer and stand up for the entire police department Chief Zetterholm sat down for an interview with the same news organization that carelessly aired the disinformation about the OIS.
The Chief was blunt. He not only expressed displeasure towards the lying witness but also at the irresponsible reporter and news desk that allowed this garbage to enter serious public dialogue.
The Chief came armed with receipts. And there was no question as to who was the hero and villain in this story.
Final Thoughts
This is what the rank and file should expect from a police leader - immediate and aggressive opposition to dishonest narratives spun about police officers.
There is a reason that people still believe that Breonna Taylor was asleep in her bed when she was shot, or that Sonya Massey didn’t throw the pot of boiling water at the deputy. Police leaders consciously choosing the security of passivity - instead of the danger that lies in objectivity.
Imagine how many police officers around the country find themselves in similar situations - being publicly slandered by Ben Crump and other anti-police activists - wondering if their department leaders will do the right thing (like Chief Zetterholm) or meekly wait for politicians to grant them permission to speak the truth.
⚠️Remember⚠️
*Facts are not material to anti-police activists.
Where are courageous police leaders found?
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“Stand up for your officers when they’re right, stand beside them when they’re wrong and prosecute them when they’re criminals”
Yes, courageous police leadership is the path forward. Great job Chief Zetterholm on facing the cowards promoting a false narrative.