Six Officers Face Discipline in Miller Case

By Gene Johnson Jr.Special to the NNPA from WAVE Newspapers LOS ANGELES (NNPA) – Six police officers face administrative charges levied by LAPD Chief William Bratton for their roles in the June 23 arrest of Stanley Miller who was struck 11 times by a department-issued, large metal flashlight. Specifically, police documents alleged that Officer John Hatfield used “unnecessary force” in subduing the 37-year-old Compton resident who was evading police in a stolen car. Like Hatfield, a second officer, David Hale, who is also accused of using unnecessary force could eventually lose his job. Hale was also accused of making false statements. If a police review panel agrees, the officers could be fired. Hatfield and Hale have been relieved from duty pending hearings before the police Board of Rights. During the 5:30 a.m. arrest last June, news helicopters at the end of the 21-mile car chase and foot pursuit show Hatfield kicking at Miller, who had been tackled to the ground, striking him 11 times with a flashlight after he stopped the stolen Toyota Camry and sprinted away along Compton Creek. Miller’s arrest attracted global attention with many comparing it with the 1991 beating of motorist Rodney G. King. Bratton’s action drew praise and support from several prominent African-American officials including John Mack, president of the Los Angeles Urban League and head of a mayor-appointed panel monitoring the investigation. “Chief Bratton has acted responsibly and has keep the faith and has done something that a number of us have consistently called for, and that is to hold a number of the officers involved accountable,” Mack said. In other disciplinary moves, Bratton is also seeking suspensions of four to 15 days for the other four officers who played roles in Miller’s arrest. Bratton has the authority to decide on discipline, subject to review of an LAPD board of rights, which usually consist of two commanding officers and a civilian. They convene for each case and can negate Bratton’s decisions. Bratton can lessen any discipline ordered by a board of rights, but not increase it. In early February, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office declined to file charges against Hatfield, asserting there was insufficient evidence for a criminal prosecution. Despite the decision to not file charges, prosecutors raised concerns about the officers’ actions, stating that the police report on the arrest contained errors about key facts and statements that contradicted what the videotape showed. Miller, 37, filed a $25 million claim against the city in July, alleging that he suffered brain damage and other injuries during his arrest. He was sentenced last Dec. 8 to three years in state prison after pleading guilty to unlawful driving or taking a vehicle and evading an officer in connection with his June arrest. The LAPD has since announced a plan to equip its officers with lighter flashlights that could not be used as weapons. Also, new procedures for use-of-force investigations have been in put in place to ensure independent accounts from officers.