An investigation has begun, in the city of Brotherly Love, because of a video tape shot by a television crew; it shows officers pulling three suspects out of a vehicle and then kicking and punching them.
The three suspects were involved in a shooting earlier. Officers witnessed four suspects getting out of a vehicle earlier and shooting into a group of men. One of the suspects got away by running from the scene. The other three drove off and were chased by the officers and stopped. The video shows the officers pulling them from the vehicle and beating & kicking the suspects, on Monday.
There has been a strong current of anxiety since Saturday when another officer was shot and killed. The officer’s name was Stephen Liczbinski, and he was a police Sgt. Three arrests have been made in the fatal shooting of officer Stephen Liczbinski. That shooting set the atmosphere presumably for the incident on the video tape. Emotions on all sides, the police department as well as the public, are inflamed.
Officers, that were involved, are being pulled off of their regular beats during this investigation. There are reports that as many as 15 officers could be involved in this video taped beating. Of course, none of us know what went on before the video or after the video was filmed. However, i think it would be very difficult to find any reason that would allow for such violent and extreme actions on the part of the officers. If it happened the way it appears to look on tape, then it is nothing short of an abuse of power.
This is a horrible situation. It damages everyone. There will be more information released when the investigation is done…but in the meantime, it will be difficult to keep peace.
When the trust of the police department in any city, or town is compromised; it creates nothing but anger, fear and mistrust. This is not a good situation for the public safety or for the integrity of the police department.
The real shame is that this investigation is going to take some of the focus off of the officer who was shot and killed, doing his duty with honor. Hopefully, a city that is being torn asunder will still find a way to mourn the loss of their officer, Stephen Liczbinski; and support his family.
Write where you are 