Tactics And Training
Tampa police officer suspended after kicking suspect in head during arrest
Internal review finds excessive force; union contests 30-day suspension as gun, ammo recovered during arrest
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Tampa, Florida
A Tampa police officer has been suspended after an internal review concluded he used unreasonable force during an April arrest, captured on both helicopter and body-worn camera video. Investigators determined that Officer Bryan Velazquez kicked a fleeing suspect, Charles Wilson, in the head as he was going to the ground during the arrest. The incident began after a vehicle failed to stop at an intersection and later fled from a traffic stop. The suspect's vehicle was tracked by air support to a residence, where Wilson exited the car and attempted to enter the home. Officers on the ground were then able to surround the residence and confront the suspect. Body-camera footage recorded Velazquez shouting commands for Wilson to stop and get on the ground. When Wilson attempted to flee again, Velazquez delivered a kick to his head as he was falling, knocking him onto his side, at which point other officers rushed in to restrain him. According to the departments internal investigation, both the language used by Velazquez and the level of force applied violated agency policy, which requires officers to use only the amount of force necessary to achieve compliance under the circumstances. The Tampa Police Department policy also stresses the importance of using less-lethal methods to ensure officer safety and minimize the risk of injury to suspects, especially when there is no immediate threat to officers' lives. Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw acknowledged that, in this case, Velazquezs actions were not in line with departmental standards, and emphasized the importance of maintaining professionalism, both in training and real-world situations. While the internal review process determined that the officer had used excessive force, the union representing Velazquez has contested the decision, particularly the 30-day suspension, arguing that the officer acted in good faith to subdue a suspect who was attempting to flee and resist arrest. The union claims that the officer's actions were necessary in a high-stress, dynamic situation. Additionally, Wilson was later found in possession of a loaded handgun with a chambered round, as well as additional ammunition and marijuana. Wilson, a repeat felon, faces charges, including being a felon in possession of a firearm and resisting arrest, among other charges. The use of force and subsequent suspension have sparked a broader discussion about police training, accountability, and the proper use of force, especially when dealing with suspects who may pose a threat but are not necessarily engaged in an immediate violent confrontation. From a law enforcement training perspective, the case raises several key issues: first, the importance of maintaining command presence and the ability to issue clear commands to a suspect; second, the need for officers to focus on controlling the suspects movement without resorting to unnecessary physical force; and third, the critical need for agencies to reinforce use-of-force policies that limit head strikes unless absolutely necessary for officer safety. For law enforcement agencies, it's crucial that officers are trained in grounding tactics that reduce the need for force during arrests. Clear communication, tactical positioning, and de-escalation techniques must be incorporated into scenario-based training, which would allow officers to assess the situation before making a physical intervention. In this case, the internal review pointed out that the officers actions were not aligned with departmental policies, but it also acknowledged that the officers were dealing with a fast-moving and tense situation. The combination of comprehensive training and strict adherence to policy is essential to prevent unnecessary escalation.