Video of the Reading Police Officer striking man arranges internal investigations

A video that circulated on social media has led to an internal examination of the Reading Police Department after showing an official who uses a series of steps during an interaction with a man.

In the video (take a look here) A reading policeman is hit with his fist several times, while she repeatedly demands identification. The man who leans back in the levels does not seem to be physically strike or confronted the officer during the part of the encounter recorded on video. At some point the officer seems to try to pull the man up and at the same time turn one of his arms behind his back. The man's hand rests on a nearby railing during the exchange. Towards the end of the video, the man seems to dig into his pocket – possibly to find identification – and begin to stand, with the officer positioned closely behind him.

The video has drawn the concern about the community and Mayor Eddie Morán created to give an explanation on Saturday, in which he recognizes the seriousness of the matter.

“A video that circulates on social media shows a reading policeman who works with behaviors that goes deeply for our community,” said Morán. “The Reading Police Department has initiated a complete examination via its office for professional standards. This includes checking all available video material-in one of the cameras carried out with body, all other relevant evidence.”

Morán added that his management team would check the results as soon as the examination has been completed and emphasizes that the entire public service in the city must be “in accountability, respect and trust.

“There is no place in our city that undermines these values,” he said. “Every resident deserves to be treated with dignity – and every officer has to be recorded by the highest professional standards.”

The Reading Police Department has not published a formal report on the incident by Saturday afternoon, including when and where it took place. Berks Weekly has contacted the city to obtain further information, including details about the original call that led to the response from the police but has not yet received an answer. The mayor said he would only comment on after the examination.

This is a developing story. Berks Weekly will provide updates because further details are available.