A police officer from West Virginia has been fired and criminally charged after video footage caught an incident from 2018 which involved the trooper beating a 16-year-old teenager that was handcuffed.
The encounter was filmed thanks to a dash cam that was positioned on the police vehicle, the prosecuting attorney has applauded the quality cameras that the police cruisers have been equipped with, that have been able to help catch violations of criminal law in this instance.
The officer in question has been accused of using excessive force while he had been trying to arrest the boy and because of his actions he has been fired and also criminally charged over the matter by a federal grand jury.
There have been multiple investigations into the incident by various organizations, including the FBI. It's alleged that the allegations of excessive-force had only surfaced after the dash cam footage was given to the state police. It's also reported that other troopers involved have been placed on administrative leave without any pay. However, some of those officers are now heading back to work.
Regardless of what crime an individual might have committed or attempt to be committing beforehand, those who are tasked with trying to detain and arrest the individual don't have to resort to the same abusive tactics to get the job done. Seems that the department also wants to try and reinforce that sentiment, that there's a more professional manner of conduct that should be enforced when it comes to carrying out their job duties.
It's alleged that at least 4 officers have been fired now because of the incident and at least one of them who has been indicted faces several years in prison, as well as a fine that could cost him hundreds of thousands of dollars if he is found guilty and convicted.
The governor has called the actions of the officer “ridiculous” and “inexcusable,” suggesting that he stands with the police force but not when something is wrong. The Berkeley County prosecuting attorney has also applauded the dedication of investigators, to protecting the constitutional rights of the community in this instance, in responding to the potential threat in the department adequately.
Pics:
Pic1 via ABC news
