Civil rights activists are calling for increased accountability from the NYPD after video emerged showing officers punching and kicking a man during an attempted arrest last week. The incident occurred in a Cobble Hill liquor store, where police initially believed the man was involved in a drug deal before determining they had apprehended the wrong person.
Details of the Incident
Witness-recorded cellphone video reveals detectives punching, kicking, and shoving the man for several minutes. The assault reportedly continued even after the man had been handcuffed.
According to witnesses, the officers did not identify themselves or allow the man to put his hands up. Instead, they began pummeling him immediately upon entering the establishment.
Disciplinary Actions and Departmental Review
The NYPD has taken several immediate personnel actions. Two detectives seen in the video have been stripped of their guns and badges and placed on modified duty.
the sergeant who served as the immediate supervisor during the arrest has likewise been placed on modified duty and stripped of his badge, gun, and all supervisory duties.
Six other Brooklyn North narcotics detectives, along with a captain and a lieutenant, have been transferred to different precincts across Brooklyn and Queens. Video of the encounter has fueled the ongoing outcry.
Calls for Systemic Reform
On Monday morning, activists met with the police commissioner at NYPD headquarters to demand more stringent consequences. Gwen Carr, the mother of Eric Garner, emphasized the need for transparency and jail time for officers found to have abused citizens.
The Chief of Department is currently conducting a 90-day review of the narcotics unit. This review is focusing, in part, on ensuring body-worn cameras are activated during apprehensions, as the two detectives involved were not wearing theirs despite department policy.
Potential Next Steps
The outcome of the 90-day review may lead to stricter enforcement of body-camera protocols within the narcotics unit. Depending on the findings, the NYPD could implement new training or disciplinary measures to prevent similar policy violations.
the ongoing conversations between the commissioner and community members could potentially influence how the department handles officers with high complaint volumes, though an independent audit remains a demand of the activists.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the officers involved in the beating?
Two detectives were stripped of their guns and badges and placed on modified duty. Their immediate supervisor, a sergeant, was also placed on modified duty and stripped of his gun, badge, and supervisory duties. Six other narcotics detectives, a captain, and a lieutenant were transferred to other precincts.
Why is the NYPD reviewing the narcotics unit?
The Chief of Department is leading a 90-day review to focus on ensuring body-worn cameras are activated during apprehensions, as the detectives in this incident were not wearing theirs despite it being department policy.
What specific demands are activists making?
Activists are demanding greater accountability, transparency, and jail time for officers who abuse citizens. They are also calling for an independent audit for any officer who has more than 15 complaints.
Do you believe independent audits for officers with multiple complaints would improve police accountability?