King beating 'was brutal'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.LOS ANGELES (Reuter) - A police expert testifying on the second anniversary of the videotaped beating of Rodney King said white police officers who hit the black motorist used brutal force that violated department policy. 'I would never teach nor would I have an instructor teach officers to use a baton in this manner,' said Sergeant Mark Conta, head of the Los Angeles police department's self-defence training unit, during the federal trial of the four policemen. Sgt Conta said the scene became 'burned in my brain'. He said the baton blows and kicks used on Mr King were of 'intermediate force' that could only be used on suspects who were 'combative and aggressive'.
Three policemen - Laurence Powell, Theodore Briseno and former officer Timothy Wind - are accused of violating Mr King's civil rights. Sgt Stacey Koon, the senior officer at the scene, faces the same charge for failing to stop the beating.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments