KSHB captured some disturbing video following a high-speed chase yesterday. The footage, shot from KSHB's Skytracker helicopter, shows a man surrendering, lying face down on the ground with his hands behind his head. An officer seems to have him subdued when another runs up and repeatedly punches the guy in the head. Other officers swarm the guy. An officer by the guy's legs elbows and punches him.
Uh, I don't think that's proper technique. Neither does KCPD spokesman Capt. Rich Lockhart.
"Certainly, what I see on tape, it's an improper use of force," Lockhart told KSHB. "Coming in and hitting someone in the head is not a proper use of force for the situation that was on tape."
I can't tell whether the officers are KCMO or KCK because both departments wear similar uniforms. But KSHB says both departments are investigating their officers' actions.
Update: The KCKPD released a statement this afternoon saying they're doing a joint investigation with the KCPD into the officers' conduct involved in the chase and arrest that ended in the 1700 block of Quindaro Boulevard. Read the full release after the jump.
PURSUIT & ARREST 1700 BLOCK OF QUINDARO BOULEVARD
The Kansas City, Missouri and Kansas City, Kansas Police Department are
conducting a joint investigation into the pursuit and subsequent arrest
that took place on Monday, February 16, 2009 in the 1700 Block of
Quindaro Boulevard. Both Police Departments are in the beginning stages
of the investigation. The Departments are currently reviewing reports
and video of the incident and encourage anyone who witnessed or has
video evidence, to contact either the Kansas City, Missouri or Kansas
City, Kansas Police Department. Once the investigation is reduced to
writing, all documentation will be handed over to the Wyandotte County
District Attorney's Office for review.
The Kansas City, Missouri and Kansas City, Kansas Police Departments
are professional organizations and hold our Officers to the highest
standards. Our Officers are fully aware of the ethical responsibilities
of their position and must strive constantly to live up to the highest
possible standards of professional policing. Both agencies have
policies regarding the use of force and this situation will be reviewed
to determine if department policies were properly followed.
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