Today, Dr. Phillip Atiba Goff, president and co-founder of the Center for Policing Equity, released the following statement on the Sterling Brown video release:
“‘Contempt of cop’ is neither illegal nor a reason for police use of force. However, in this situation, Milwaukee officers treated it as both.
I urge our nation’s law enforcement leaders to step up and denounce these officers’ actions. Speaking in a shared language of justice amplifies our nation’s communal values and will help move us to a system that is much more just, honest, and equitable.
The behavior displayed in this video is concerning – and should never happen. But it is not a true representation of law enforcement across the country.
Now, more than ever, more law enforcement officials must say so.”