Boston Police criticized for rough arrest
Oct 28, 2010 5:16pm
http://www.necn.com/10/28/10/Boston-Police-criticized-for-rough-arres/landing_newengland.html?blockID=341014&feedID=4206
(NECN: Josh Brogadir, Boston) – Several community leaders are criticizing Boston Police officer for being too rough during the arrest of a teen in Roxbury.
The perception among some community leaders is that dialogue is not open with police.
They want these officers suspended without pay.
A call to prayer followed the call for change within the Boston Police Department, as community activists gathered out front of headquarters to denounce allegations of police brutality.
“I believe that it is time that the mayor tells the commissioner you must do the job right or step down,” said former State Sen. Bill Owens.
The anger stems from this cell phone video of a Roxbury Community College entryway which shows police officers holding down, kneeing, and punching a 16 year old boy, who was wanted on multiple warrants and had escaped from a Department of Youth Services Center last Friday.
Police say he had grabbed handcuffs and was resisting, flailing, and throwing punches, injuring three officers.
According to a police narrative, “Officers struck SUSPECT multiple times with closed fists and used knee strikes as trained in the police academy in an attempt to control and bring SUSPECT under control.”
“No I don’t see any reason that could warrant that type of force particularly after the young man is subdued,” said community activist Jamarhl Crawford.
That video was shot and posted on YouTube by first year RCC student Eusida Blidgen.
“This young man got beaten down. And I give the love and the respect to his family and anyone who’s very close to him, because I’m still shaken up about the incident,” she said.
Boston Police Internal affairs is now investigating, and Police commissioner Ed Davis called on Suffolk County District Attorney Dan Conley to review the case which his top prosector will do.
Community leaders urged a non-violent response as they await the findings.
“Young people I want to say to you, we want your response to be positive and constructive. There are issues that are clearly identified. I heard some young people said finally, we have evidence of what we’ve been saying to the adults for years,”
said Minister James Hills, community leader.
A rally for young people that may turn into a march will be held at Roxbury Crossing Friday night at 5pm.
Boston Police did not comment on the accusations made at today’s protest.
