The Jonesboro Police Department in Arkansas has taken swift action by terminating an officer, Joseph Harris, after a video surfaced showing him physically assaulting a detainee in the back of a patrol vehicle. The incident came to light when a complaint was received by the department, prompting an internal review that led to Harris's immediate termination.
In the video shared by the department on its YouTube channel, the detainee is seen with a seatbelt around his neck, apparently attempting self-harm. Harris is then shown punching and elbowing the man in the head before removing the seatbelt. The detainee appears unresponsive initially, raising concerns about the officer's use of force.
Chief Rick Elliott of the Jonesboro Police Department has taken further steps by involving the FBI and the Greene County prosecutor in the case. This incident is not the first time Harris has faced disciplinary action, as he was previously suspended for excessive force. Additionally, he is currently a defendant in a wrongful death lawsuit related to an inmate's death in the Craighead County jail.
This termination follows a national spotlight on police misconduct, exemplified by the recent shooting of Sonya Massey in Illinois. The firing of Officer Harris aims to address community concerns and rebuild trust in the police department. Chief Elliott emphasized that Harris's decertification in Arkansas would extend nationwide, ensuring he cannot work as a police officer anywhere in the United States.
At a community forum organized by the local NAACP chapter, Chief Elliott reassured residents that steps are being taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. The department acknowledges the breach of trust with the community and is committed to rebuilding a positive relationship with the residents of Jonesboro.
