Although Calgary police said it doesn’t tell the whole story, the man who shot a video of a downtown arrest said actions by police officers were unjustified.
As of Monday afternoon, the video had been viewed more than 10,000 times, including by Premier Rachel Notley and Mayor Naheed Nenshi.
It appears to show one officer throwing a man to the ground and punching him several times in the face. Two other officers appear to be holding the man down.
“This cop was way out of line. Straight up,” said Justin, who posted the video to Instagram but who has asked to remain anonymous. “The hair pulling? Justify that! That’s crazy.”
Justin said he was leaving a restaurant across the street from 1410 World Bier Haus Restaurant & Lounge on 17 Avenue and 14 Street when he saw a man driving a truck hit the brakes and skid.
WARNING: This video contains graphic content. Discretion is advised.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BHoFWpUBbA8/?taken-by=jk00ks
According to Justin, it led to a screaming match between the driver and a group of people on the street. Justin said police officers came out of the bar and then he started filming.
“It looked like [the driver] sees the cops and he’s going to go explain himself or ask for some help.”
In a statement, Calgary police said officers were approached by an aggressive man who refused to cooperate.
Premier Rachel Notley was also asked about the video Monday morning at the Premier’s Stampede Breakfast.
“It’s obviously disturbing,” Notley said. “But, quite honestly, it’s a question of looking at whole context. But given it is a matter that will undoubtedly be deliberated on by enforcement people, I really can’t comment on it at this point.”
In a statement over the weekend, Calgary police said the video “only captures a small portion of the interaction between the man and the officers and does not tell the full story.”
It also said, “the CPS encourages anyone with a concern to file a complaint with the Professional Standards Section.”
However, a former Calgary alderman who sat on the police commission said he wants the incident investigated externally.
“I think it opens it up. It allows for people to be trusting of the system more than if they investigate themselves on this particular issue for sure,” John Schmal said. “I think a lot of Calgarians are saying we need a more open system and we need some changes.”
Late Monday afternoon, the CPS released another statement saying a review of this incident is now underway.
“As a result of the circulation of this video, we have seen considerable concern from the public, the media and both local and provincial government. That public commentary demands a response from the Service and allows us the opportunity to review what happened and address these concerns,” said police.
Calgary Police Commission Chair Howie Shikaze also issued a statement late Monday.
“CPS regularly provides the Commission with a comprehensive report on use of force incidents so we can hold the service accountable for serious cases and so we can track trends and identify any gaps in policy,” the statement said. “This incident would certainly be captured in those regular reports.”
Shikaze also said the commission will provide “independent oversight” of the police investigation, closely monitoring it “to ensure it is appropriate, fair and thorough.”
The CPS also said the man in the video has not yet made a formal complaint.
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