In San Jose, "Resisting Arrest" A Cover for Unwarranted Police Force?

A San Jose Mercury review of cases involving resisting-arrest turned up more than 300 instances of officers using force in a one-year period ending in October 2008. The paper's series of reports showed that this was way out of line with what is seen in cities elsewhere of similar size and demographics.

San Jose Police Department officials said they never kept systematic track of which officers are involved in repeated uses of force, although tracking is commonplace in other cities as a way to identify officers who need watching or discipline. The department has also attempted to withhold identities of officers who are repeat offenders in using force.

Information on use of force becomes public when cases go to court and the Mercury News developed its list of officers who used force by reviewing court files in resisting arrest cases. Last month it reported that 70 percent of resisting-arrest cases involved force. San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed said further investigation is warranted.

Mercury article http://www.mercurynews.com/top-stories/ci_14067499