Michigan Protesters Claim Police Used Excessive Force, Body Cam Shows A Different Story

The Saginaw Police say an officer acted properly during an arrest this past weekend.

According to the group The Ghost of George Floyd, on Sunday, July 26th the group peacefully gathered in Saginaw to demand that police union recognize police brutality and white supremacy within the departments.

The group claims police used excessive force against one of its members.

An official release from the City of Saginaw says that "Saginaw Police Officers responded to 1120 S. Niagara St. regarding protesters on private property at the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge #105. The Officers were in contact with the FOP board members who stated that they did not give permission to anyone to protest on FOP property and wanted the protesters removed for safety and security."

According to the City of Saginaw, the officer made "respectful contact with the group."

The city says the officers explained to the group that they were on private property and did not have permission to be on the property.

According to the City of Saginaw, it has "carefully reviewed both body camera and citizen recorded video of the incident and has determined that this was a valid arrest and find no violation of police policies and procedures."

Police Chief Bob Ruth provided the following statement:

“Police have a responsibility for safeguarding the well-being of the public, and this obligation even extends in qualified ways to protecting those who violate the law and are uncooperative. The Saginaw Police Officers in this incident followed the policy and procedure of the Saginaw Police Department and were patient when met with resistance and continuous refusal to comply with lawful commands.

Our Officers issued approximately 80 warnings in response to the protestor’s resistance before moving up the force continuum to effectuate the arrest. They repeatedly asked for the individual to place his hands behind his back. In dealing with individuals who are non-compliant, the police may be required to use force in a reasonable and prudent way to protect themselves and others. In our review, it was determined that the amount of force used was proportional to the threat and resistance and limited to the least amount required to accomplish legitimate police action.” Following the individual’s arrest, officers transported him to the hospital for medical assessment prior to transporting him to the jail. The individual was released from jail on Monday afternoon.