Anger over ‘I can’t breathe’ police arrest video
Police brutality in the uk, a lot of you love to say it only happens in America, this is not the case. @sussex_police pic.twitter.com/I6iqmf6UJF
— soph (@PasDe_Cheval) July 8, 2020
Sussex Police have responded to anger about a video of officers pinning down a suspect while he tells them he can’t breathe.
Leader of Brighton and Hove City Council Nancy Platts is to meet the city’s policing commander, Nick May, over her concerns about the footage, which has been circling on social media.
In the film, a suspect loudly objects to an officer putting his elbow on his neck, and then tells him he can’t breathe. At the end of the footage, the officer takes his arm away.
Chief Superintendent Nick May said police are reviewing the officer’s body worn footage and would take appropriate action, but cautioned that the clip only featured a snapshot of a much longer operation in Montpelier Road on Tuesday, 7 July in which the 28-year-old man was arrested during a search for a missing 17-year-old girl.
He said: “Officers were investigating a missing teenage girl who they subsequently found and took into safety.
“We understand that some people may find these videos shocking but it is important for people to understand the wider context. Both videos show a small part of much longer interactions.
“All police officers are trained to use reasonable force, lawfully and proportionately, if they believe there is an imminent risk of physical harm to either the public or to themselves, and if they cannot otherwise defuse the situation.
“We are reviewing these incidents, including body worn video footage captured at the scene, to identify if any further investigation or learning is required. We have voluntarily advised the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) that we intend to refer the most recent matter to them for additional scrutiny.
“It is vital people can trust and have confidence in our policing approach, that we are fair, inclusive and that we treat everyone in our diverse communities equally and with respect. We meet regularly with community groups and independent advisors to seek their feedback and advice on this but accept there is always more work to do.
“We await the outcome of the reviews of these incidents and will take any appropriate action as required.”
The force will also be reviewing the circumstances around another video from Friday, June 26 which shows a 22-year-old man suspected of concealing a large blade being arrested. Officers found he was carrying garden shears and further searches uncovered stolen goods and two kitchen knives.
Councillor Nancy Platts said: “I was angry when I saw the video and I know other people are too. Many people have contacted me to share their fear and distress and I thank them for reaching out to me and other councillors about this.
“I’ve spoken with Nick May and have asked him for details about this arrest and about the restraining techniques that were used.
“I agree with Sussex Police’s decision to refer the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct who will look into this and form a decision on whether any further investigation is needed.
“I understand this referral in itself won’t make people feel less angry about the restraint methods used yesterday. I have spoken with the Chair of the Brighton and Hove Racial Harassment Forum Mahir Chowdhury and have agreed to attend a meeting between Mahir and Nick to hear more about how people are arrested and community relations between the police and Black communities in the city.
“Brighton and Hove is renowned around the world for its strength as a city because we challenge inequality. We know as a council we need to do more to end racism and racial inequality in the city and we have given that commitment to start this work immediately.
“A Black Lives Matter march is being held in the city this weekend. I want the march to be safe for everyone to attend so that together we can show our solidarity in ending racism.
“I ask everyone to protest peacefully so that voices can be heard and listened to.”
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Strange that he first said the policeman had his knee on his neck then changed his mind to ‘arm’. Is every suspected criminal going to spout the same thing? If you respect the law it won’t happen. Maybe before Nancy gets involved she should check the facts.
Rachel have you lived under a fucking rock your whole life? Sussex Police are the most corrupt force along with the Met. I’ve been arrested for mistaken identity and the police used brutal measures like that. Blow that smoke out your ass. It’s got nothing to do with “respecting the law” you idiot:
Omg every villain is going to jump on the bandwagon now! It’s going to be “police brutality ” all the way now isn’t it? We are not America !! They have always been over the top but our cops aren’t like that! Pathetic!
Leave the police alone and give them support then they are trying to sort out issues in the City. I had to call them this week regarding a criminal issue with some Asian youths who were taking drugs and causing criminal damage. All they kept on saying was is it because we are Asian to the police. The police were polite and should be left alone to do their job and it is up to decent people to support them.
If he couldn’t breathe then how could he shout and swear as much as he did? I think this is just an attempt to deflect from the fact that he is a criminal and didn’t like being caught!
Wow! at this rate the police just may as well let all criminal crack on with what their doing I’m sure at some point the public will realise that the police are doing a tough job, again body cam footage proves otherwise let’s hope these poor Bobbies are not made to apologize like the last lot had too.
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