RCC Arrest Video: What Is Going On Here?

Published October 28, 2010

When the Globe first flagged it yesterday afternoon, some 350 people had viewed this YouTube video, which appears to show a plainclothes Boston police officer punching and kicking a young man on the ground at Roxbury Community College. Now the video has racked up more than 14,000 views.

Police Commissioner Ed Davis has seen the video, and he says it’s clear the police used force. The question is whether the force was excessive or appropriate. Davis said he reviewing the footage, as well as surveillance video from the school.

Here is context from today’s Globe story:

The teenager, who was not identified because he is a juvenile, was wanted on outstanding warrants and for escaping Department of Youth Services custody. He was seen Friday by Boston police and a DYS worker entering the college’s administration building. An officer told him to stop, and he did, according to police reports.

But according to the reports, the teenager resisted when an officer attempted to place handcuffs on him, and at one point grabbed the handcuffs from the officer. A struggle ensued, and the teenager was taken to the ground after flailing his arms and throwing punches, according to police reports.

Before you watch the video, keep in mind:

  • You weren’t there.
  • You can’t see the suspect most of the time.
  • You can’t see what did or did not happen before the video started.
  • Though the video does not appear to be edited, it might have been.
  • The video is uncomfortable to watch and contains explicit language.

Now, tell me, what do you think is going on here?

[youtube url=”pXDJvBaTTDQ”]

Update: A group called the Boston Black Men’s Leadership Group has condemned what it describes as “police brutality.” The group will hold a news conference at 3 p.m., BPD headquarters.

Respond in the comments. I may share your responses later on Radio Boston.