The following video and story were submitted to us via the
CopBlock.org Submission Page by Waylon Sweat
Date of Incident: 7-18-2015
Law Enforcement Agency: Santa Maria (CA) PD
Contact Agency: 805 928-3781
I am reporting a crime:
Today at around 3:00pm I witnessed an SMPD officer tackle a man from behind in front of the Santa Maria Public Library. The officer did not identify himself or give any verbal commands. He just tackled the guy to the ground. He later said the man looked like a robbery suspect and then released him.
This is s blatant unauthorized use of force. These bully cops have no right to attack an innocent civillian in broad daylight then walk away like nothing happened. If you or I did this we would be charged with felony battery and be facing prison time.
I was able to record part of the incident but not the tackle, which was witnessed by myself and another man. When the library was asked about the surveillance footage from their camera, an employee stated that it was a live feed and did not record.
This is the reason all officers should be fitted with body cameras. To prevent these incidents from happening. I am also to understand that some of the SMPD vehicals do not have working dash cams.
Where is the accountability? It’s a shame when a police department which has a history of corruption and racism is not monitoring it’s officers.
Dance your mouse this way and press the little button to get your shit all stickered up.
Santa Maria Police Tackle, Cuff and Detain Innocent Civilian is a post from Cop Block - Badges Don't Grant Extra Rights