On May 27, 2024, a 16-year-old was brutally assaulted and tased by the Lakeland Police Department.
June 7, 2024 Charges dropped against Lakeland teen whose viral video confrontation with police raised police brutality allegations
The video shows two Lakeland police officers punching Jahmal, pulling his hair, and then tasing him before knocking him to the ground – even as his friends are shouting to police that he’s a juvenile.
The incident led to a weekend protest in front of the Lakeland Police Department. The local NAACP branch has appealed to the city council to order the release of any police body cam video that may exist.
When the Lakeland Gazette asked for the body cam video, this is what we received below.
Chief of Police, Sam Taylor has already requested an administrative review by our Office of Professional Standards. Attached is the arrest affidavit from this incident. In accordance with our agency’s policies and procedures, and in accordance with Florida State Statute 112. 533, we will not be able to release any other material related to this case until the administrative review is closed, said Ofc. Stephanie Kerr Public Information Officer Lakeland Police Department.
This is what the Lakeland Gazette received on June 21, 2024, from Ofc. Stephanie Kerr Public Information Officer.
” I do not have a time frame for the completion of the administrative investigation.”
It’s time to release the police body cam videos……….