Calgary police defend use of force in arrest video circulating online

Controversy Erupts Over Calgary Police Arrest Caught on Video

A recent arrest in Calgary has sparked intense debate after a video of the incident surfaced online. The footage shows Calgary Police Service (CPS) officers using force to subdue 25-year-old Christopher Barron, who was subsequently charged with assaulting a peace officer, obstructing a peace officer, and resisting arrest. Barron has since been released and is set to appear in court on May 28. Advocacy groups are calling the use of force excessive and are urging for an investigation into the matter.

The Video and Community Reaction

The three-minute video captures the arrest, during which Barron is heard saying, "I can’t breathe," while multiple officers attempt to restrain him. At one point, an officer is seen kneeing Barron in the head, neck, and shoulder area. This imagery has evoked strong reactions within the community, particularly among advocacy groups. Adam Massiah of the United Black People Allyship described the footage as traumatic, triggering painful flashbacks and underscoring ongoing frustrations with police interactions. Massiah also mentioned that Barron may need a neck brace due to the incident.

Police Defense and Context

The Calgary Police Service has defended the officers’ actions, stating that the video represents only a portion of the interaction. According to CPS, the incident began with a patrol officer noticing an equipment violation on a vehicle. When the officer attempted to engage the driver, Barron allegedly refused to cooperate and provide identification. The situation escalated, leading to Barron’s arrest. CPS claims that the officer attempted de-escalation but was met with resistance, necessitating the use of force. The service emphasized that the video does not show the full context leading up to the arrest.

Expert Opinions and Advocacy Response

Criminal defence lawyer Tom Engel expressed concerns over the level of force used, particularly noting Barron’s pleas of inability to breathe and the visible knee pressure on his neck and head. However, criminal justice professor Doug King acknowledged that while the force was significant, it appeared justifiable based on the information provided by CPS. Advocates remain unconvinced, arguing that the arrest reflects racial profiling and a lack of empathy from the police.

Calls for Investigation and Bridge-Building

Advocacy groups are planning to file a complaint with the Professional Standards Section of CPS, criticising the service’s response for lacking empathy. Massiah expressed disappointment, stating that the incident undermines efforts to improve relationships between CPS and the Black community. CPS has indicated that the entire interaction was captured on body cameras, which could be reviewed as part of an investigation. Barron, on the advice of his lawyer, declined to be interviewed but chose not to have his face blurred in the video, amplifying the visibility of the case.

Conclusion

The arrest of Christopher Barron has become a flashpoint in ongoing discussions about police conduct and community trust. While CPS maintains that the use of force was necessary and appropriate, advocates argue that the incident highlights systemic issues that need addressing. The case serves as a reminder of the challenges in balancing public safety with the need for transparency and accountability in policing.