Often in cases of police accountability, the victim is highlighted if they have a particularly flawless past and respect for the constitutional rights of that victim seems to dwindle if the person is known to have a criminal record. In a surprising turn of events, Baltimore's City States Attorney Ivan Bates announced indictments against five police officers for offenses including assault, reckless endangerment, excessive force, theft, traffic violations, and misconduct in office. The indictments follow thorough investigations, with all officers charged with misdemeanors and summoned to court in March.
In the first case, three officers, Cpl. Zachary James Small and Officers Jacob Roos and Justin Graham-Moore from the Baltimore County Police Department were indicted. Cpl. Small faces charges of assault, reckless endangerment, excessive force, and misconduct for an incident involving a suspect escaping custody. Although the escaped suspect was in handcuffs and leg cuffs in the back of a patrol car his requests for air appeared to frustrate Cpl Small. The indictment states Small then pulled the suspect out of the car and threw him onto the ground before grabbing and pulling the suspect's hair and head also Small sprayed multiple blasts of pepper spray after forcing the suspect back into the patrol car. Roos and Graham-Moore were charged with misconduct for failing to assist the suspect.
The officers have been suspended with pay pending further investigation. Let me know your thoughts, is a person innocent until proven guilty, and should their rights be respected if their guilt is suspected? Do you think these officers will face any punishment by the criminal justice system or administrative discipline? Do you think the Police Union will pay for the defense of these officers? Let me know your thoughts below and as always be safe out there! I can't wait to share the next Police Accountability Report with you and to see you all in the live chat!- taya graham
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