PBA President defends officer's use of force in videotaped arrest

PBA president Patrick J. Lynch said:

“When an arrest is being made, an officer must use whatever amount of force is necessary to take a criminal into custody.  This video clearly shows that the perp refused to comply with the officer’s directions so they could cuff him and even tried to gain control of the asp (thin metal baton) being used by the officer.  As soon as he was cuffed, the officers ceased all action, called for a supervisor and an ambulance.  The use of force was necessary and appropriate and the officer involved should never have been placed on modified assignment.  Had the perp complied when first arrested, necessary force would not have been employed.”