By SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) —A video was posted over the weekend of Syracuse Police officers pulling one man out of a car and knocking the phone out of the hand of another. Since the incident city officials have commented on the issue.
Syracuse Chief of Police Kenton Buckner released a statement on Tuesday addressing the video.
It read: “Consistent with the Syracuse Police Department use of force protocol, the incident that occurred on Grace and Oswego Streets on Friday night was immediately reported to the Department following the incident. The case was already under review before the video was posted online. I recognize the concerns that have been raised by the community and I want to assure the community that under Department protocol, when officers use force, including this time, we complete a thorough investigation.”
The vehicle was pulled over because of a violation of the city’s sound reproduction ordinance, a quality of life issue frequently reported to the department for action. Importantly, it occurred immediately following a coordinated police response to Skiddy Park, where individuals were involved in the sale of illegal substances, and an unlawfully possessed handgun was recovered. Officers heard the noise from the vehicle as they were concluding the drug and weapons investigation at the park. The vehicle was stopped a few blocks from the park. The incident is under active review which will occur on a timely basis. The officers continue to be in service and will be interviewed as part of the review.”
Mayor Ben Walsh also released a statement after meeting with Chief Buckner Tuesday morning.
It read: “Out of respect for the process and in the interest of both the arrested individual and the officers, we will await the findings of the review.”
On Friday, the Syracuse Police Department tweeted a response to the video.
Syracuse 5th District Councilor Joe Driscoll said the council approved body cameras for the officers to help with situations like this. He also noted that with the new funding city hall received it will be able to provide more officers with body cameras.
