|
Dear Mayor,
As you know, another video has surfaced documenting an
interaction with Toledo Police and members of this
community. The content of this video is particularly
disturbing because of the behavior of the officers involved.
As I understand, the officers were responding to a weapons
call in the area. However, once again, arrests were made
unrelated to the original call and investigation. It is
especially disturbing to me that the officer in the car
engages in inappropriate language with a citizen by stating
that everyone knows she’s crazy as f*** and that she is a
criminal with pending charges. It appears that this is the
same officer who was involved in the incident a week prior
at Lagrange and Manhattan. What is more appalling is that
after the confrontation, an officer goes to the back of the
SUV and offers a soccer ball to a youth. The mother objects
and said they want nothing from the officer. The officer
refused to listen, saying they want to “give back” to the
kid. He throws the ball to the child and states he’s
surprised the child could kick it with his bad leg.
Based on what I have seen, these officers show a total
disrespect for citizens of this city. Their behavior is
inconsistent with how officers should behave when we want to
improve relationships between our law enforcement and the
community. I am concerned that this behavior could easily
create a real and serious civil disturbance.
Out of this concern, I am asking for action. The officers
should be suspended, an investigation conducted, and
sensitivity training offered. Additionally, all charges
against those arrested need to be dropped.
Sincerely,
Larry J. Sykes
Councilmember At-Large
(419) 245-1050
|
