Tell DC Metro Police That Excessive Force Is Unacceptable

The Issue

Cop Block posted a triggering video a few days ago with an article questioning the extent of the force the officer used to subdue a young woman in the Gallery Place Metrorail station in Washington, DC. The writer even opines that the interaction might have been sexual assault. After viewing the footage myself, I can't say I entirely see what Cop Block does, but I certainly think the transit officer overstepped physical boundaries and abused his authority. He positioned his body on top of the detained woman in an inappropriate and unnecessary manner without regard for her cries of pain or requests to shield her exposed body from public view.

According to Unsuck DC Metro, the Metro Transit Police launched an investigation after the video footage was turned over to them on September 20, 2010 - just a few days after the incident occurred - and determined that there was no wrongdoing on the officer's part. But many riders disagree and are calling for a more extensive investigation, and even a dismissal of the transit policeman shown in the footage. The woman was charged with disorderly conduct and unlawful entry - but apparently not resisting arrest.

Take a moment to let the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority know that you don't support officers using excessive force.

avatar of the starter
Mandy Van DevenPetition StarterMandy Van Deven is a writer, speaker, and changemaker. She is the co-author of Hey, Shorty!: A Guide to Combating Sexual Harassment and Violence in Schools and on the Streets.
This petition had 641 supporters

The Issue

Cop Block posted a triggering video a few days ago with an article questioning the extent of the force the officer used to subdue a young woman in the Gallery Place Metrorail station in Washington, DC. The writer even opines that the interaction might have been sexual assault. After viewing the footage myself, I can't say I entirely see what Cop Block does, but I certainly think the transit officer overstepped physical boundaries and abused his authority. He positioned his body on top of the detained woman in an inappropriate and unnecessary manner without regard for her cries of pain or requests to shield her exposed body from public view.

According to Unsuck DC Metro, the Metro Transit Police launched an investigation after the video footage was turned over to them on September 20, 2010 - just a few days after the incident occurred - and determined that there was no wrongdoing on the officer's part. But many riders disagree and are calling for a more extensive investigation, and even a dismissal of the transit policeman shown in the footage. The woman was charged with disorderly conduct and unlawful entry - but apparently not resisting arrest.

Take a moment to let the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority know that you don't support officers using excessive force.

avatar of the starter
Mandy Van DevenPetition StarterMandy Van Deven is a writer, speaker, and changemaker. She is the co-author of Hey, Shorty!: A Guide to Combating Sexual Harassment and Violence in Schools and on the Streets.

The Decision Makers

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
Officer Martin Murray

Petition Updates