Please attribute the following to Hector Villagra, executive director of the ACLU of Southern California:
ACLU SoCal understands that police officers are authorized to use force when reasonably necessary. However, we are deeply troubled by the video images that appear to show San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputies beating a man after he surrendered and placed his hands behind his back.
Once again video has provided an important account of what really happened, this time in San Bernardino County. While we applaud Sheriff John McMahon’s prompt decision to investigate the disturbing actions of his deputies, we believe more is needed. Too often the department has failed to address questions, including those raised by ACLU SoCal, about use of force and Taser policies.
For media inquiries contact: Sandra Hernandez, 213.977.5247, shernandez@aclusocal.org