In an act of true bravery,Melbourne Florida cops turned in one of their own after observing dash cam video of an officer repeatedly striking a handcuffed, homeless man. Christopher Eisen is on unpaid leave pending the outcome of a Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigation. He was subsequently arrested and charged with felony battery for his actions against David Martin, the subject involved in the incident.
Melbourne Police Chief Steve Mimbs advised that the incident was discovered during the usual process of reviewing incidents of force at his department. In this case, the dash cam video was brought to light by two police supervisors involved in the force documentation review process. It is a relief to see police supervision taking steps to protect the public as opposed to protecting their officers.
On the dash cam video, you can hear the handcuffed subject taunting the officer, however he did not deserve what came next. Eisen can be heard yelling at Martin, “You threaten my fucking family. I’ll fucking kill you.” Martin continues to taunt the officer, who should be trained not to give into the emotional whims brought about by non-compliant subjects. “Your family is dead! Come on hit me again!” Martin yells at the officer who can be heard, but not seen, striking him. The marks left on Martin’s face show what the cameras could not. He sustained multiple lacerations and abrasions to the face.
Melbourne Police Department seems to be a prime example of how corrupt a department can get. Not only does the community have to contend with officers like Christopher Eisen, another officer at the department is currently under investigation for picking up a prostitute while on patrol.
Ofc. Shawn Archibold, also of the Melbourne PD, was taken into custody after an investigation determined that he had tried to offer a prostitute $40 for sex, while on the clock. Chief Mimbs addressed the matter with the press, stating, “This kind of thing cannot be tolerated in the Melbourne Police Department or law enforcement in general.”
Also this year, two Melbourne Detectives were suspended for drinking on the job during a prostitution sting and then submitting their receipts for reimbursement. When a single agency demonstrates that the officers who are supposed to be protecting and serving, are beating homeless and soliciting prostitutes on duty, it is time for an overhaul. Chief Mimbs obviously cannot control the behavior of his officers, who seemingly do not hold the law in high regard.
It is unfortunate that the behavior demonstrated at just this one department is indicative of police agencies across the United States. Every day, new reports of police misconduct are flooding the Internet. This incident in Melbourne only goes to show that the problem nationwide, is ongoing, with no end in sight.
Sources: WFTW, NY Daily News.
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