Indiana

Training Day

By Abdul Hakim-Shabazz

Indianapolis Public Safety Director Frank Straub says the latest allegation of excessive force by an IMPD Officer underlines the need to continue to re-evaluate the way officers are trained and recruited.

IMPD is investigating 3-year veteran Nhat Ngyuen who reportedly choked a suspect he was trying to arrest during a domestic disturbance call.    Ngyuen was reported by his fellow officers and placed on administrative leave.

This is the second incident in months where an IMPD officer was accused of excessive force.  Jerry Piland was accused of using excessive force against Brandon Johnson during an arrest.  He has been suspended from the force and been recommended for termination.  Piland has been on the force for 3 1/2 years.

Straub says there will be a complete overhaul the police academy’s curriculum; noting the department does not spend enough time on diversity or community policing.   He also plans to bring in members of the community to assist in officer hiring and promotion.

Straub also says he met with the FBI recently and they did not request any information regarding the Brandon Johnson case, however he reiterated his position that IMPD would be more than happy to turn over its findings to the Justice Department.

Full post as published by Indiana Barrister on June 23, 2010 (boomark / email).