INDIANAPOLIS, IN –It all started after two
members of the Event Response Group (ERG) were indicted by the
grand jury for excessive use of force. Now, more than 100 members
of the ERG are discussing the possibility of turning in their gear
and walking away from their roles team.
To provide some background, the ERG is an all-volunteer group
within the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. The
officers in the unit are “specifically trained to respond during
and after a major emergency or disaster…,†according to WTHR,
the local NBC affiliate.
As reported by WTHR, the the majority of the remaining
ERG-trained officers are planning to hand their gear in to the
Regional Control Center over their displeasure with the
indictments.
It has been reported that the Chief of Police, Randal Taylor, is
aware that they entirety of the ERG may walk away from the roles
they play and is meeting with his executive team to discuss way to
avoid that walk-out.
The ERG is the first line of defense in large group settings and
crowd control.
The potential resignation of the group could create a negative
impact on the morale of the entire department.
The event that led to the indictments was captured on film.
As is the norm for most incidents “caught on camera,†the
video only shows the circumstances after police are trying to take
one of the women into custody.
What led to the initial contact is not shown. The two women,
Ivore Westfield and Rachel Harding, have filed a lawsuit against
four of the officers shown in the video.
Two of those four were indicted.
Chief Taylor released the names of the four officers
involved.
They are Sgt. David Kinsey, a 20-year veteran, Officer Conrad
Simpson, an 18-year veteran, Officer Johnathan Horlock and Officer
Nathaniel Schauwecker, who have been with the department for five
and eight years, respectively.
Horlock has been indicted on three counts of battery, official
misconduct, perjury and obstruction of justice, while Schauwecker
indictment is on four counts of battery and two counts of official
misconduct.
Their initial court hearings are slated for August 20th.
While both women were arrested, the county prosecutor’s office
declined to file charges and they were released from jail 2 days
later.
The lawsuits claims that the “women were passive and
cooperative before the arrests. After the arrests, Westfield was
left with welts from the pepper balls as well as severe swelling
and bruising to both of her legs and pelvic area,â€
as reported by the IndyStar.
The lawsuit also claims that Sgt. Kinsey became aggressive with
Westfield, putting his body weight on her and pinning her arms
behind her in a painful and unnatural position. It alleges that
Kinsey then instructed officers to hit her, with one hitting her
with pepper balls, while two others hit her in the legs with
batons, telling her to get on the ground.
What is left out of the lawsuit, but is one of the things
captured on video, is that Westfield appears to break away from the
officer who is trying to place her in cuffs and then stands
defiantly rather than getting on the ground.
While the circumstances will play out through the courts, and
the officers are innocent until proven guilty, the four have been
placed on administrative duty with no policing authority while the
internal investigation continues.
Since the announcement of the indictment, here are the latest
statements from the attorneys representing Westfield and Harding,
Chief Taylor and the Indy FOP, in that order.
“We are very pleased with the effort, resolve and
diligence shown by Ryan Mears the Prosecutor here in Marion County.
He and his Staff responded to this matter with the utmost respect
and regard, not only for Ms. Westfield and Ms. Harding, but also
OUR community.
We also thank the Grand Jury for their time, attention
and diligence, especially in light of the current environment of a
worldwide pandemic.â€
“I hold great respect for our criminal justice system
and have faith that this process will deliver a just
outcome.
These officers will remain on administrative duty with
no police authority. While our internal investigation will
continue, it is my intention to address our administrative review
of the officer conduct at the conclusion of the ongoing criminal
prosecution.â€
“Our collective membership learned of the charges
announced by the Marion County Prosecutor.We recognize the Grand
Jury process and the role of the Prosecutor in selecting what
evidence is presented to them for review.
We look forward to a full, fair and public airing of all
of the facts and circumstances surrounding the events in question.
While officers prefer to avoid any use of force, we fully recognize
the requirement to safely and swiftly effectuate the lawful arrest
of individuals when called upon to do so, especially during tense
and rapidly evolving events.
Therefore, we welcome a robust review of these
allegations and have confidence in the process.
In the meantime, we appreciate the continued support of
residents for our city’s law enforcement officers as they
continue to faithfully serve during these challenging and uncertain
times.â€
Law Enforcement Today will be monitoring these proceedings and
will bring you updates as they develop.
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Entire division of Indianapolis officers threatens to quit the team
in solidarity with two indicted members appeared first on
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