Wellington Police Chief Tim Barfield teaches use of force nationally. He watched videos of Saturday's violent struggle between Euclid Police Officer Michael Amiott and Richard Hubbard the Third, who was to told to "face away" by Amiott during a traffic stop.
Barfield said in his opinion Hubbard did not comply.
Barfield said Hubbard's girlfriend yells for Hubbard to stop resisting, an indication Hubbard is not complying.
"Clearly his girlfriend knows he's not supposed to be behaving like this, she's trying to get him to comply," Barfield said.
The police report showed officers were concerned Hubbard might have a gun, because they said he reached for his waist.
Barfield said officers must take action, because they're told not to have what is called "deadly hesitation”.
Barfield also cited a Supreme Court decision which states that use of force is determined by the officer's "perspective”.
"We want to ask if it's excessive or reasonable, you have got to look at it from the officer's perspective, this guy gets down into this area where there might be a gun or weapon. The officer could be hurt along with citizens or the other officer," Barfield said.
Barfield believes Hubbard should have complied and then use of force would not have been needed.
"The law requires that you submit to the arrest," Barfield said.
Also on Wednesday Euclid Police Chief Scott Meyer apologized for taking four days to comment on the video of the violent struggle.
Meyer said he understands why some people are “alarmed’ about the videos and promised a “thorough investigation”.
The ACLU called the arrest of Hubbard “a disgusting use of force,”
