News from:
Improved Benevolent and Protective Order Elks of the World
Death of Darius Chappell
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Improved Benevolent Protective Order Elks of the World (IBPOEW) Issues Statement on the Death of Darius Chappell and Allegations of Excessive Force in Clarksville, Tennessee
Clarksville, Tennessee — The Improved Benevolent Protective Order Elks of the World (IBPOEW) expresses grave concern regarding the arrest of Darius Chappell by members of the Clarksville Police Department and his subsequent death while in custody at the Montgomery County Jail.
Public reports and bystander video depict an arrest on Fort Campbell Boulevard involving multiple Taser deployments and the release of a police K-9 that allegedly restrained Mr. Chappell for an extended period. The incident has generated widespread concern and raised serious questions regarding whether the force used was justified, proportionate, and lawful.
Mr. Chappell died four days later while in custody. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is conducting an investigation into both the arrest and the circumstances surrounding his death.
Leonard J. Polk, Jr., Esq., Grand Exalted Ruler and Chief Executive Officer of the IBPOEW, issued the following statement:
"The authority to enforce the law does not grant the authority to disregard human dignity. When an individual dies following an encounter with law enforcement, the public deserves answers—not silence, not delay, and not excuses. Incidents involving serious injury or death require a full, independent, and transparent investigation.
The IBPOEW recognizes the difficult responsibilities carried by law enforcement officers. However, no challenge justifies the erosion of accountability, the misuse of force, or the loss of public trust. Community safety depends upon effective policing and unwavering adherence to constitutional protections."
The IBPOEW calls for:
A comprehensive, independent investigation into the arrest and death of Darius Chappell;
A complete and unredacted review of body-worn camera footage, use-of-force reports, K-9 deployment records, and medical response documentation;
Transparency with the public, consistent with applicable law; and
Appropriate accountability should any violations of law, policy, or constitutional rights be confirmed.
For more than a century, the Improved Benevolent Protective Order Elks of the World has championed justice, civil rights, civic responsibility, and community service. The organization remains steadfast in its commitment to fairness, accountability, and equal protection under the law.
"We stand with the family of Darius Chappell and the Clarksville community in demanding truth, justice, and accountability," Polk added. "Public confidence is restored only when every life is valued, every action is scrutinized, and every violation is confronted without hesitation."
About the IBPOEW
Founded in 1898, the Improved Benevolent Protective Order Elks of the World is one of the nation's oldest and largest historically African American fraternal organizations, dedicated to charity, justice, education, community service, civil rights, and improving the quality of life in communities throughout the United States and abroad.
Media Contact
Terry Porter
Director, Grand Lodge Media Relations & Communications
Improved Benevolent Protective Order Elks of the World (IBPOEW)
Email: tporter@ibpoew.org
Website: www.ibpoew.org
Official Statement of Condolence for Dr. Donald P. Wilson, GERE
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Grand Exalted Ruler Emeritus Dr. Donald P. Wilson
Rare file footage of the 1939 ELKS Georgia State Association convention and parade
(Laney-Walker Area, Augusta, GA) This recently discovered 1939 rare footage of the IBPOEW, Georgia State Association parade, was found in a collection belonging to Nelle and Walter Golosky. Nelle and Walter owned N&W Camera Exchange in Augusta from 1938 until 1998. The University of Georgia Libraries made this footage available after retouching the film and digitizing it. Video courtesy of the University of Georgia. Go to https://www.ibpoew.org/history and view Legacy and Tradition for more information.
Video courtesy of the University of Georgia, Walter J. Brown Media Archives.