Last week, Grand Rapids Police Department pointed a gun and handcuffed three African-American youths, none of the minors were armed. Chief David Rahinsky said the officers acted according to the department's Youth Interaction Policy.
“Keep your hands up on top of your head, man. Dude, you got to listen, and keep your hands on top of your head, all right?”
It was during those first five seconds, that three African-American youth were held at gunpoint by a Grand Rapids Police officer. Later the two 11 years old youths, and the 17 year old were handcuffed and placed in police cars. A search didn't produce a gun.
According to Chief of police, David Rahinsky, a 911 call came in.
“Who said: I see three young African Americans walking down the street, they appear to be about 13 years of age. She gave clothing description including the colors of shirts that matched these individuals.”
Chief Rahinsky said the officers’ behavior acted according to the department’s Youth Interactions Policy.
“Looking at, again, the totality of the information the officers had as opposed to what they didn’t have, I think they used good discretion.”
Lyonel LaGrone, policy Liaison at Linc Up, believes the policy is too vague.
“A solid policy that protects Black and Brown babies, and all kids of all races, from being handcuffed, being criminalized, before they even have a chance to explain what happened, from having guns pointed at them. You can have a policy that has all that in it and also promotes proper safe policing.”
Within the last 18 months there has been a total of three incidents where unarmed young black children are handcuffed and held at gunpoint by GRPD.
