Officer in Seine-Saint-Denis caught physically assaulting a young man: 'Such behavior is unbe becoming of a law enforcement official'
In the heart of Seine-Saint-Denis, a video showing a police officer slapping a young man has caused outrage and concern. Mathieu Hanotin, the Mayor of Saint-Denis and a member of the French Socialist Party, has expressed his disapproval of the incident and called for preventive measures to address such instances of police misconduct.
The administrative investigation into the incident has been opened by the Prefecture of Police of Paris. However, the identity of the officer involved remains undisclosed at this time. The Prefect of Police of Paris is reported to be "very angry" about the incident, indicating a shared sense of disapproval.
Mayor Hanotin emphasizes the importance of understanding the context of the incident. He believes that knowing the circumstances surrounding the actions of the police officer is crucial in addressing the issue effectively. He also underlines the need for accountability and improvement within the French police force, with a focus on exemplary behaviour for both municipal and national officers.
The Mayor's call for preventive measures suggests a proactive approach to addressing police misconduct. He does not want to generalize the actions of all police officers, but finds specific instances of misconduct unacceptable. He is advocating for a system that reacts to each case of misconduct and implements preventive measures to ensure such incidents do not recur.
Mayor Hanotin's statements indicate a concern for maintaining public trust and ensuring the safety of citizens. He acknowledges problems of police violence in France but does not label them as systemic. Instead, he is focusing on finding solutions to address these issues head-on.
The prosecutor's office in Bobigny has announced an investigation into the incident, entrusted to the IGPN. This investigation is expected to provide more clarity on the incident and the actions of the police officer involved.
As the investigation continues, Mayor Hanotin has not expressed approval or disapproval of the ongoing investigations. He simply reiterates his call for accountability and preventive measures within the French police force. His stance reflects a desire for a police force that upholds the values of fairness, respect, and accountability, ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens.