Police push back at Trump's prodding to 'not be to nice'
by Josh Siegel | Jul 28, 2017, 11:57 PM
Law enforcement groups and police departments pushed back Friday at President Trump's suggestion that officers should be more violent in handling suspects they arrest.
"When you see these towns and when you see these thugs being thrown into the back of a paddy wagon, you just see them thrown in, rough, and I said, ‘Please don't be too nice,'" Trump told an audience of police officers in Long Island, N.Y.
The Suffolk County Police Department in New York, an agency that covers Long Island, released a statement after Trump's remark saying it won't "tolerate roughing up of prisoners."
"The SCPD has strict rules & procedures relating to the handling of prisoners," the department tweeted. "Violations of those rules are treated extremely seriously."
Trump's comment reverberated across the country because law enforcement agencies are increasingly aiming to curtail use of force, and improve training, at a time when violent interactions between police and citizens are routinely captured on video.
"The @POTUS made remarks today that endorsed and condoned police brutality," the Gainesville Police Department in Florida tweeted. "GPD rejects these remarks and continues to serve with respect."
The International Association of Chiefs of Police called managing a police force "one of the most difficult challenges" departments face.
"The ability of law enforcement officers to enforce the law, protect the public, and guard their own safety, the safety of innocent bystanders, and even those suspected or apprehended for criminal activity is very challenging," the statement said.
The IACP added treating all individuals "whether they are a complainant, suspect or defendant, with dignity and respect" is a "bedrock principle" behind policing and justice.
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/police-push-back-at-trumps-prodding-to-not-be-to-nice/article/2630095
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