At least six Ferguson, Mo. police officers have been named in lawsuits accusing them of excessive use of force in the past few years, according to a Washington Post report.
In the four lawsuits involving Ferguson officers, all but one victim was black and just one officer was African-American, the Post reported.
According to the Post, one Ferguson officer faced three internal investigations and two lawsuits during his time with another police force about 10 years ago. He was accused of violating civil rights laws and of using excessive force. He was demoted after one of the complaints was verified, and then later hired by the Ferguson police.
A former St. Louis, Mo. mayor and police chief told the Post that the lawsuits against Ferguson officers signal a widespread problem in the city’s police force.
“The cases themselves are fairly extraordinary — so is the volume,” Clarence Harmon told the Post. “It’s prima facie evidence of discriminatory practices. I would be surprised if Justice didn’t make a recommendation that they be placed under scrutiny.”
In a 2012 lawsuit, a Ferguson officer allegedly hog-tied and choked a 12-year-old boy in the driveway of his home as he was checking the mail. The lawsuit accuses two officers of using “unreasonable and excessive” force.
Read the full Washington Post report on the lawsuits against Ferguson officers here.
