Grosse Pointe Park To Release Findings Of Police Video Probe
GROSSE POINTE PARK (WWJ/AP) - Grosse Pointe Park plans to release the findings of an internal investigation into videos that show a police officer asking a mentally challenged African American man to dance and make "monkey sounds."
City officials and department investigators will discuss the case at a news conference Wednesday afternoon.
Grosse Pointe Park spokesman Greg Bowens told the Detroit Free Press an investigation determined more than one officer was involved in the incident.
"The city's going to release findings and disciplinary actions taken as a result, and reforms being pursued as a result," Bowens said.
An unnamed officer who recorded the footage was removed from patrol duty last week after admitting his involvement.
The investigation was ordered after the videos were posted online and widely shared through social media. Detroiter Michael Scipio, 55, has come forward as the victim in the videos. He told reporters more than one officer ordered him to sing and make noises.
Scipio's supporters say he was target by police not only because of his mental state, but because he is black. All of the department's police officers are white, according to the Free Press.
Bowens has said police will undergo sensitivity training that will and focus on how officers interact with members of the public who are mentally ill. He said the department trying to "get to the root of the problem."
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