- Police Brutality Watch

Cops Go Free Despite Videotaped Beating

Prosecutors Thursday announced they will not file criminal charges against a city police officer who was videotaped pummeling a car-theft suspect with a metal flashlight, a case that critics compared to the racially charged Rodney King beating. The decision was denounced by minority community leaders and Mayor James Hahn, who said, "I do not agree with that decision. I saw what you saw." After a five-month review, the Los Angeles County district attorney's office concluded that there wasn't sufficient evidence to bring charges against Officer John Hatfield, who struck suspect Stanley Miller 11 times with a 2-pound steel flashlight after a June 23 car-and-foot chase in South Los Angeles. "In light of the totality of the circumstances facing Officer Hatfield, we cannot establish beyond a reasonable doubt that Officer Hatfield's actions were without legal necessity," Deputy District Attorney Margo Baxter said in a statement. Miller, who is black, was beaten on the ground after he appeared to surrender. The district attorney's decision "points out the regretable reality that all too often in this community we have to deal with a double standard in justice," said John Mack, president of the Los Angeles Urban League, who has been monitoring the case for the mayor. Prosecutors had been reviewing the case since Aug. 20, when the Police Department turned over the results of its investigation into the beating. Police Chief William Bratton did not make a recommendation on whether criminal charges should be filed. Miller, who turns 37 on Friday, filed a $25 million claim against the city, saying he suffered brain damage and other injuries in the arrest. [more] and [more]

CAUGHT ON TAPE: Unarmed Black Man, No Resistence -Beat Down by LA Police
Minister Tony Muhammad, western regional director of the Nation of Islam, said the decision sends a "dangerous signal ... that black life, brown life have no value." [more]