ANDERSON, Ind. — Anderson Mayor Thomas J. Broderick announced on Thursday that the Anderson Police Department will be getting body cameras and dash cams following an incident where an officer put a man in a chokehold.
The purchase of body cameras and dash cameras is expected to happen as early as this year or next.
A video, which surfaced earlier this week, shows an officer using a chokehold already banned by his police department because of what happened to George Floyd.
Spencer Nice and his family were on a walk when the incident occurred.
"My family went on a walk to go to the water, and the cop came up and said there was a lot of noise," said Nice.
His girlfriend started recording with her cell phone, but placed it in her pocket. You can hear what sounds like the officer raising his voice at the family, telling them they were not free to go until he was finished with them.
“Upon first blush when we looked at that, we were like everyone else whose seen those videos for the first time. We were disturbed by that image," Mayor Broderick said. "It appeared that it could very well be excessive; we obviously didn’t have all the facts or circumstances at the time when we saw a clip that was apparently edited, but it didn’t look good to us.”
Both of the officers are on leave with pay indefinitely until the investigation is completed. Both officers have worked on the force for five years and neither has been disciplined prior to this incident.
The video is from Saturday, June 13. Just two days prior to the incident, Anderson Mayor Thomas Broderick Jr. and Anderson Police Chief Jake Brown reacted to the George Floyd case in a public letter, stating "we are banning the use of chokeholds by police to restrain or control a suspect."
The mayor said they expect the investigation to wrap-up within the next few days. The Anderson police chief will review the findings and forward recommendations to the safety board for a decision on discipline if any.
Late Thursday, Michael Anderson president of the FOP Lodge in Anderson, issued the following statement about the officers:
"One of the primary functions of the Anderson FOP is to support our membership. That membership includes Officers Ashley Gravely and Brandon Reynolds. Like those whom we proudly serve, due process is an essential mandate for police officers. To accuse either of a violation of departmental policy before reviewing all the facts and evidence would be both short-sighted, and irresponsible.
Our lodge has over 200 active law enforcement members throughout the Madison County area. We stand ready to protect the citizens of our communities as we are sworn to do, no matter the cost.
We are proud of our brothers and sisters in law enforcement, who despite recent skepticism, continue to serve and protect our communities with equity and professionalism. In kind, we pledge to always stand the line between good and evil."