WEB EXTRA: Accusations of excessive force

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By KSEE News

Story Published: Feb 10, 2009 at 10:22 PM EDT

Story Updated: Feb 10, 2009 at 10:22 PM EDT

Two Fresno police officers are under an internal investigation following the release of a video tape obtained by KSEE 24 News showing the officers beating a homeless man.
This is the raw video obtained by KSEE 24 News of the incident.

Monday, Feb 16 at 7:14 AM DJ wrote ...

The man had never been a problem to neighbors or people in the area. This is the same thing you hear when the neighbors kills his family and all the neighbors say he was such a nice man. I can't brlieve he killed his whole family, nice one day a murderer the next.

Friday, Feb 13 at 12:59 PM steve wrote ...

Both of the officers did exactly what they have been trained to do when confronted with a subject who is actively resisting their efforts at controlling an assaultive suspect. Had Mr Beaty done what he was ordered to do, stop resisting and put his hands behind his back, he would have been arrested or detained without any incident. Instead he chose to take personal property from the offiers' uniform and refuse to comply when ordered. Are the officers just supposed to ask repeatedly for compliance

Friday, Feb 13 at 5:48 AM Objective Viewer wrote ...

Regardless of how you look at it, Glen was armed. First, the officers badge. A piece of metal with a sharp pin capable of penitrating a Vest or an eye, and probably capable of killing the officer if struck in the right place. Second is the pen. Capable of doing the same as above (prob. not the vest though). Yea, I would punch him too to get him to drop his weapons. One the ground, yes, under control? Clearly not! If glen is willing to attack the cops, would he be willing to attack you?

Friday, Feb 13 at 5:32 AM Objective Viewer wrote ...

To those of you who are yelling police brutality, watch the video again. I did. This time don't watch the cop but focus on the guy on the ground. Look as his arms, HANDS, and legs. He is clearly resisting and holding something. Now you can't see the pen without enhanced software, but zoom in on the cops shirt (the one cuffing him) - NO BADGE that I can see. Humm Maybe the Chief is telling the truth and not covering anything up. An enhanced video would make it much easier to tell for sure.

Friday, Feb 13 at 5:25 AM Objective Viewer wrote ...

Chief Dyer didn't sound like he was putting any spin on anything. It sounded like he was reporting what facts he knew at the time of the interview. Also, ask yourself this question, for what possible reason would the suspect grab a pen from the officers shirt? Was he trying to possibly injure or kill the officer? That's the only reason I can think of. I say it's self defence sine he had the pen in his hand, was refusing to drop it, and clearly resisting arrest.

Thursday, Feb 12 at 11:17 PM Jack wrote ...

This video is very disturbing at first...a drunk man still armed after assaulting the cops is finally restrained...No one killed...I don't see what the big deal about the few punches to the face...You attack a police officer you are fair game.

Thursday, Feb 12 at 9:49 PM Anonymous2 wrote ...

Unfortunatley, this has been the M.O. in a alarming number of police brutality incidents over the last few years: an "investigation" is called for that takes several months to proctor (usually resulting in little more than paid vacation for the offending officers) while public fervor dies down. I hope that the citizens of Fresno buck that trend and demand justice.

Thursday, Feb 12 at 9:08 PM Jorge wrote ...

The guy that said he was arm with a badge and Pen is STUPID. You are a idiot for giving a police officer the right to knock out someone for taking their pen or badge. If that man was carrying a real weapon that man would of been shot in the head by that aggressive Officer. I dont think One of the office did bad but the other did get out of hand and His partner Clearly knows it. If I was that other officer I talk now and Trash him away for involving him with his trash.

Thursday, Feb 12 at 8:28 PM A Police Officer wrote ...

THIS IS NOT EVEN CLOSE TO BEING A RODNEY KING TYPE INCIDENT, EXCEPT THAT BOTH DONT SHOW THE WHOLE INCIDENT. I see more anger in these comments from people that have probably never had to wrestle or fight with a person and subdue that person. The job of a police officer is not a prtty job at times. The SUSPECT was not subdued and still resisting the officers. He wouldnt have been hurt if he followed orders. Dont fight w/ police!!! Our level of force is higher to overcome resistance.

Thursday, Feb 12 at 8:23 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I hope I don't get stopped with a tail light out on a dark street by these 2 coward cops.

Thursday, Feb 12 at 8:19 PM A Police Officer wrote ...

Yeah Me- A number of our officers are active and prior military who have served in combat. To All- The video shows the badge in one hand and the pen in the other hand while they are trying to arrest the suspect. So he is technically still "armed" with an object/weapon that can hurt or even kill the officer. The officer is striking the suspect to gain compliance and disarm the suspect. I am also an academy instructor and a baton strike or punch can be used. Wait for the whole story to decide.

Thursday, Feb 12 at 2:43 PM frank wrote ...

Metropolitan Police Officers are trained and equipped to respond to handle a wide range of high risk situations. No Police Training academy trains their recruits to strike a subject with a closed fist in tne face. The video clearly shows a male subject that was giving little to no resistance. I thing that the officer will have a difficult time explaining his actions.

Thursday, Feb 12 at 2:41 PM Reality Check! wrote ...

Isn't it time to reconsider the care that our mentally ill CITIZENS are receiving as well as the training of our police officers. I beleive Jerry Dyer should be thoroughly investigated as well an mental health professional that has treated the victim. The victim should be forced to accept care in a lock up facility until he excepts the fact that his behavior is no more exceptable than the police's behavior. Some lock up could possibly help the officer also!

Thursday, Feb 12 at 1:56 PM Matthew wrote ...

Does Rodney King ring a bell, people ???!!!!!

Thursday, Feb 12 at 10:32 AM Danny wrote ...

There are so many Stupid people responding and backing the police. they are just a organized GANG and VERY Prejudice too.That man did no wrong they treated him worse than a DOG they all need to be investigated. If a normal citzen would do the same we would be prosacuted. so all the people think its ok to abuse anybody and abuse your position and that support the police force. Keep your comments to yourself

Thursday, Feb 12 at 6:46 AM yeahme wrote ...

ok so these cops think they are bad cause they slap on a badge and it makes it ok. lets see them throw on a military uniform and get shipped off to iraq and fight their way out of that one. they think they have it bad now lets see how they do in the desert. cops have nothing on military life, at least being in the military is a honest job and not cowardly like these fools are. They deserve to be locked up and beat down like this man was. even if this man was resisting it was wrong in the end!!!

Thursday, Feb 12 at 5:59 AM Marla wrote ...

I am a survivor of violent crime on the streets of Fresno. Its easy to call the Kettle black from peeking out of the shadows on the sidelines.....how many of you have rode with an officer on a hot August Friday night.....oh geeshhh don't see many hands going up........usually the case, thats the point....

Thursday, Feb 12 at 4:44 AM Marla wrote ...

Most officers have a regular beat....they know their area and the residents and the problem makers......now isn't it funny that someone had a camera to tape this that day....like they knew of the prior incidents and maybe it was them that called it in and trumped up the seriousness of the issue....Any officer that works the streets of Fresno puts their life on the line everyday they walk out there.....I have dealt with the public for many years, and a person who can go out of control, good luck.

Thursday, Feb 12 at 3:53 AM nicole wrote ...

very disturbing indeed.these two officers(or rather i should say that one officer)was way out of hand when beating the homeless man.no matter what the man did before,he was already on the floor,restrained, face-down.therefore,there is no reason for the police officer to repeatedly assault the old man.what is up with the FPD anyway?cant they just do their jobs and do them right?the officer in this video cowardly throwing punches at an old homeless man needs to be fired and charged with assault...

Thursday, Feb 12 at 3:30 AM F's Wife wrote ...

Gene - are you serious?! Did you say thats why these officer's get paid BIG BUCKS? I laugh at that. They don't get paid nearly as much as anyone else that puts their lives on the line everyday - it's ridiculous. And by the way - we all must remember that the average schooling for people in the County of Fresno is 8th grade. So, keep that in mind when reading these posts!

Thursday, Feb 12 at 3:13 AM Bill wrote ...

I guess many will agree, better a useless mentally ill drunk on the streets than his wife and kids huh? At least he didn't take the frustration home with him.

Thursday, Feb 12 at 3:08 AM Joe wrote ...

Give me a break most of you fools have not a clue...this man was resisting...even cuffed on on his stomache he was kicking his legs up...if you think it so easy ..wear the uniform a couple of weeks...too bad the citizen with the camera didnt get out and assist HIS police..they should have charged you too for failure to render aid...

Thursday, Feb 12 at 2:51 AM Gene wrote ...

OK, everyone needs to realize that all officers recieve hours and hours of training in unarmed defense to avoid this. A shot of OC from 6 ft. away, and the man would have been unable to fight. I know, because I did this job for over 15 years. I fought many battles, but never lost my temper so badly I punched someone in the face for no reason. Yes, it's a tough job, but they chose it for the money and the adreniline. He needs to man-up,and admit he was angry, and lost control of his temper.

Thursday, Feb 12 at 2:36 AM ED wrote ...

Its a sad for us all.The one cop with the active fist should be fired and charged. Then when the homeless guys sues he should have to pay, not us the tax payers. Not for his actions which are NOT what we pay for. Too many cowboys and not enough real sheriffs.

Thursday, Feb 12 at 2:26 AM CURSED wrote ...

do you all really hear yourselves? In this ultra conservative, blue wall town, I cannot imagine too many to talk against the police. They'll bring themselves down as this continues. Let the rich be treated that way and see what happens. No one wants to fund extra cops, but then they want a shortage a police to handle petty calls. County's can't handle mental patients, but you all continue to spend and shop. HMMM, something smells wrong in this town.

Thursday, Feb 12 at 1:27 AM jake wrote ...

Dont be so quick to judge these officers.They had a job to do and to do it effectively.They need to go home at the end of the day just like you and I.If that means using force on someone,so be it.We dont know what happened prior to the recording.In the video it clearly shows he is refusing to get onto his stomach,resisting the officers. With that and him being combative when they first contacted him, these officers did what they had to do and am sure any other officer wld have done same.

Wednesday, Feb 11 at 11:38 PM mark wrote ...

this is clearly police brutality at it's best. even IF the man was resisting arrest previously, there is not ONE legal right for an officer to assault someone like that when he ISNT resisting. say your wife gets mad at you, and slaps you. now a days that's domestic violence and simple assault. this is aggravated assault and official oppression. hope these guys get some time in the slammer for this.

Wednesday, Feb 11 at 11:17 PM Bill wrote ...

Protect and serve guys, not beat and maul, hopefully their career is over in law enforcement.

Wednesday, Feb 11 at 11:09 PM frank thomas wrote ...

Now that we have at least two police events making national news, it is time to hire a independent police auditor, and since the boss is in charge of what the troops do in the field, Mr. Dyer should accept full responsibility,and it is time to same bye bye Jerry

Wednesday, Feb 11 at 10:45 PM k. detiveaux wrote ...

What may appear to some as excessive force may appear to others as resisting arrest. It appears self-evident to me that the homeless man was forcibly resisting the officers efforts to handcuff him. Punching someone in the face is not an act that lends itself to appearing anything other than brutal, yet given the situation as it appears on the video, I believe that the officers acted reasonably. And for those who would say OC or taser, those items, while useful tools, or not always the most best.

Wednesday, Feb 11 at 10:31 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Let's see some of you slap on the badge and try that job for a day. You'd be dead or scared to death by noon.

Wednesday, Feb 11 at 10:16 PM sumaritan wrote ...

Everyone who has anything negative to say are quick to pass judgement on this homeless man but....if it were you would it matter then? just because they're police officers doesn't mean they aren't me or you they are capable of doing something wrong! alls that differentiates them with us is a uniform that we could all get if we were trained too! and we are not perefect are we...?

Wednesday, Feb 11 at 10:08 PM concerned wrote ...

your're right, police work can be violent sometimes. What you don't see is the guy resisting by flexing his arms and refusing to be handcuffed. This happens all the time. What if they had used a taser and he died, as has happened several times. Then there would be an uproar about that.

Wednesday, Feb 11 at 9:43 PM Jeff wrote ...

At least he wont be homeless anymore with the huge settlement Fresno PD will be handing him. Nice job, boys. Rodney King was almost 20 years ago, technology has only gotten better. Beware, you're being watched. Always.

Wednesday, Feb 11 at 8:37 PM Gene wrote ...

The officer hitting is risking cutting his bare hand on a homeless guy's tooth and possibly contracting a disease. That's why God gave officers OC,the asp and taser, so they can subdue someone and not hurt themselves. A direct application to his legs might have made him controlable. SHAME on Fresno's finest, between the two of them they could not dial this guy up without punching him. Yeah, it's a tough job, but THATS WHY THEY MAKE BIG BUCKS. Wake up, Jerry!

Wednesday, Feb 11 at 8:20 PM sad to have to see this wrote ...

I worked w/Glenn for many years, he was the nicest guy. Very quite until talked to. Unfort. he had an illness that req. meds. It looks like the cop on the left needs some anger mang. classes himself. who in their right mind would hit someone whos already on the grnd and face down.Esp. after they are handcuffed. He made sure he was looking out while punching him.Guess he didn't see the cam. on him. The old "CYA" tactic.Its pretty sad that cops are what our kids want to be after seeing this.

Wednesday, Feb 11 at 7:59 PM doug wrote ...

may everyone that excuses the use of this type of force be blessed with the opoetunity to experience it first hand. They could have detained him without punching him in the face.

Wednesday, Feb 11 at 7:53 PM Chuck D wrote ...

Stop saying two Police Officer sbeat on this guy. It is clear the one officer was trying to gain control of him by the arm. It is only one officer who is out of control. And yeah he kind of looks like a rookie.

Wednesday, Feb 11 at 7:28 PM Katie wrote ...

Don't rush to judgment. Wait for all the facts to come out. Which one of us would not do whatever we had to if we were trying to subdue someone who was trying to stab us with something or worse trying to bite! Who know if this man was HIV positive or had hepatitis. Remember policemen are human too!

Wednesday, Feb 11 at 6:24 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I would just like to say that this was a blatant attempt to smear the FPD without providing all of the necessary info to make an educated judgment of the situation. Nowhere are people focusing on the fact that the homeless man became combative with officers, punched one, ripped his badge off, then tried to stab him with a pen. I suppose after all that, the officers were supposed to kindly ask him to comply, and do nothing more to affect the arrest.

Wednesday, Feb 11 at 6:04 PM CJ wrote ...

It doesn't matter what the man did to the officers before being captured on video. There is absolutely no justification for the officer to repeatedly punch the man in the face. It is understandable that police officers must, on occasion, use force to restrain someone, however, this man had already been restrained (albeit partially) when the punching occurred. Not only should these officers lose their jobs, but they should also face felony assault.

Wednesday, Feb 11 at 5:44 PM wendy wrote ...

I work in the area and often buy lunch for this man (not that he ever asks for anything) he isnt ever rude or forceful and always says thank you mamm. He is a gentle man and he deserves better than to be punched in the face over and over. I dont know his back story but can tell you he has been in the area for at least 2 years and no-one minds him at all he keeps to himself.

Wednesday, Feb 11 at 4:55 PM Paul wrote ...

Kudo's to all of the responders who saw thru the hype to the truth. A short clip, showing only the final stage of an arrest is nothing more than ammo for the (shyster) lawyers.

Wednesday, Feb 11 at 3:53 PM N/A wrote ...

this video really amazes me...no one...and i mean no one...deserves to be beaten like that at the hands of another...unless you knew your life was in danger...come on...the man was on the ground with his hands being detained...blow after blow from the cops still...this is wrong...wether the man resisted arrest or not...the judgement of these two police officer is too extreme...this is very disturbing

Wednesday, Feb 11 at 3:53 PM Robert wrote ...

Even if he was being violent, the cops probably provoked him. When I was 22 years old, a crime was committed at my place of work. I was one of many people taken in for questioning. The cops lied to me about my CVSA test results, failed to inform me of my right to leave, and sequestered me in a room where they taunted me and actually spoke ill about my mother in an attempt to get me to confess or strike the cop. I almost lost it and hit the guy on sheer principle. This is standard procedure.

Wednesday, Feb 11 at 2:48 PM rick wrote ...

I also question the motive of the 'cameraman' who is too chicken to put his face on TV...I bet he drives around with a video camera and police radio just waiting for cops to have to use force so that he can video it then SELL the part of the video which only shows the cops trying to subdue the drunk and not the part about the drunk attacking the cops. Do you REALLY think these cops just went out and beat up a drunk homeless guy for the heck of it?

Wednesday, Feb 11 at 2:46 PM Judy wrote ...

I think it was awful the way the officers treated this guy.I think they should be fired because they think cause they wear a uniform it gaves them the right to abuse someone, it looked like to me that once they has him on the ground one of the officers still was beating him in the face, I will be following this and if the homeless man plays his cards right he sure will not be homeless anymore. From NC and it makes me mad for Police officers think they can do whatever to anyone????????????

Wednesday, Feb 11 at 1:02 PM n wrote ...

Did anyone pay attention to the fact that this man has a previous hisotry of asault on peace officers. Dont you think those two officers want to go home to their families at the end of the night. And what did happen before someone decided to turn the camera on? Agreed there are not all good eggs in law enforcement but is there in any professio, hello politicians?

Wednesday, Feb 11 at 12:38 PM N/A wrote ...

Had this guy been at your car window, yelling, cussing and spitting at you. Most if not all would praise the Officers and would wait to draw judgment. It's funny how the media skews video and will not show the whole picture. Remember people this kinda stuff sells and gets big ratings. Mabey next time if this guy is terrorizing you and your family, DONT CALL THE POLICE if they area as bad as most people are saying. Hold your judgement unit an investigation is done. R

Wednesday, Feb 11 at 12:25 PM Amber wrote ...

What do people want officer's to do in a situation when someone, who is lawfully under arrest, doesn't comply so officer's can put handcuffs on them. Talking doesn't always work and officers have to use some kind of force to arrest them.Glen is out there all the time and I would like to thank all of the citizens out there who give Glen money for alcohol or when he walks up to your car, scaring your children inside, so he can get that next bottle of liquor. Let's the police do their jobs.

Wednesday, Feb 11 at 12:14 PM Rob wrote ...

We don't know what happened prior to the camera being turned on so don't judge so quickly.Isn't it irresponsible of a media outlet to release an imcomplete story without having pertinent documents such as the police reports to have both sides of the story.When did people begin to accept that people commiting crimes do not listen to the police and can be combative when confonted by the police.Let's see Glen's complete arrest history and see how he has contributed to our society.

Wednesday, Feb 11 at 11:57 AM Rob wrote ...

We shouldn't judge the police officers' actions from a very brief clip of the end of an altercation. As witnesses are interviewed and the statements are reviewed, we'll have a better idea of how things went down. Also, when an officer tells you that you are under arrest... COMPLY! Watch Chris Rock's video.

Wednesday, Feb 11 at 5:32 AM N.T wrote ...

I don't understand why the officers chose not to use pepper spay or mace? Instead they choose to beat the homeless man repeatedly in the face. In addition, after the man was cuffed he was again socked in the ribs. It's embarrassing to see that even police officers who are sworn to protect and serve are still capable of committing such a bad image of the law.

Wednesday, Feb 11 at 5:12 AM n/a wrote ...

Both of the "POLICE OFFICERS" has there badge on during the time the homeless was on the ground and cuff. How can the homeless rip off the "police officers" badge when he's already hand cuffed.

Wednesday, Feb 11 at 4:53 AM Marla wrote ...

Everyone moans, get the pan handlers and drunks off the street, and when the officers do, and have to use force, because it doesn't show what happened before what we saw......then the officers are wrong...try being a clerk in a store dealing with an abusive drunk.....

Wednesday, Feb 11 at 3:40 AM Matthew S wrote ...

Way to go Fresno. More police brutality. I assume all men are proven guilty until innocent now and all excessive force is necessary to take down these harden criminals. Or, I wonder, is the Fresno police corruption, moving from car theft scandals to petty assault? We can't all be perfect now can we. It's nice to know that someone is there to set the example.

Wednesday, Feb 11 at 1:24 AM Brian wrote ...

Hinesite is 20/20 ....Its like football the ref only sees the second half of the penalty....dont be so quick to judge

Wednesday, Feb 11 at 1:18 AM Steve in Mariposa wrote ...

It is not obvious to think this guy was under control. Anyone who sees this few seconds and thinks such, has never had to wrestle anyone and try to control them, either in a fight or a wrestling competition. A person can be extremely hard to control when they take this attitude or level of resistance. This is a lot to do about nothing.

Tuesday, Feb 10 at 10:50 PM Kathleen wrote ...

I watched the video and heard the Chief of Police offer alternate scenarios that may have explained the officers' behavior. Am I am the only person who wondered what possible relevance the previous behavior of a drunk man had to do with beating his man face AFTER he was subdued on the ground? I also wonder what possible relavance a previous incident of agressive behavior had on today's police assault on a man who was subdued on the ground. Gee. He's only a drunk. Who needs a Police Auditor?

Tuesday, Feb 10 at 10:44 PM a wrote ...

This man has been at the same spot (near the tree) everyday and has never ever caused any problems for anyone, he spends his days relaxing by the tree and has never approached anyone in any type of manner. I know people who witnessed this horrific event and it is just awful how Chief Dyer has spinned the story and placed the blame on Glen. He did nothing wrong and was attacked for no reason. Just another example of Fresno's finest at work.

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