The Citizens Police Review Board met last week to watch body camera and surveillance footage from the DUI arrest of Jacquez Kirkland. During the arrest, Tallahassee police say a baton was used to prevent Kirkland from resisting. The board is reviewing whether or not the use of force was necessary.
Commissioners discuss use of force ahead of Citizen Police Review Board meeting
and last updated 2021-06-02 22:49:06-04
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) â Mayor Pro Tem Jeremy Matlow called the Tallahassee Police Department into question ahead of a citizen Review Board Meeting Thursday.
He wants to discuss the city s use of force policy following the arrest of Jacquez Kirkland in May. We re in the middle of a national conversation that saying best practices aren t good enough, said Matlow.
Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell told leaders the use of force caught on camera May 17th was justified. Matlow, in turn, signaled frustration with what s happened since.
Commissioner pushing for policy change to prevent similar incidents
Matlow has been vocal about the arrest and has pushed for policy changes that could prevent similar incidents in the future. He noted several high-profile incidents in the last year, including the arrest of protestors last September on Monroe Street, in which he said little internal action has followed.
Inaction sends a signal to the community about the relationship between the city and its police force and residents, he added.
“The best thing we can do for our officers on the street is restore trust in our community, Matlow said. They can’t do it as individuals; it has to come from the top that we want to build a relationship that’s different. Some decisions are just so clear that I would expect the city manager and police chief to take immediate action.”