Indiana

Time For Perspective

By Abdul Hakim-Shabazz

Now that IMPD has released its findings on the Brandon Johnson police brutality case, it’s time to offer a little perspective.

IMPD investigated the case for nearly a month, interviewed 27 witnesses, and drew a conclusion that Officer Jerry Piland crossed a line that he should not have.  The Department is recommending Piland be terminated.  I know that is not enough for some members of “the community” but they need to take a step back and a deep breath.

First, why were police there?  The police were there because of a call about a daytime break-in, in a neighborhood that had been plagued by robberies.

Second, there were two other individuals who were arrested and complied with the officers orders and they walked away with no injuries.

Third, up until the point where Officer Piland used unnecessary force, Brandon Johnson resisted arrest.  The lawfulness of the arrest is not an issue per se, as courts have determined that once you are under arrest, you comply and we figure everything else out later.

Fourth,  this was not Rodney King where a 10-minute beating took place, the entire incident was two to three minutes long and two of the officers never touched Johnson.

Fifth, the witnesses and police version of events pretty much collaborate each others story while Brandon Johnson’s attorney and supporters have yet to produce once person to collaborate their version of events.

Sixth, at the end of the day we are going to have to have a frank  and good faith discussion about young black men in this town who break the law.  I have seen more clergy and community activists show up regrading this incident over the last three weeks than when three teens were shot  with an automatic weapon over a video game.

A little perspective, people.  Now we can have a community conversation.

Full post as published by Indiana Barrister on June 11, 2010 (boomark / email).