Michael Hackett

As I mentioned previously, this was only part of a segment from "Cops". The full segment showed him involved in a scuffle just immediately before the sergeant arrived although I don't remember the details too well. The suspect was drunk and refused to take his hands from his pockets. I thought at the time the force used was legal and justified by California standards. I can't speak to Nevada standards, but the force used was consistent with established federal case law standards in my opinion. I base my opinion on over thirty years of law enforcement experience and several events where I disciplined officers for excessive force. With only the short clip to rely on, I can certainly see why a viewer would be concerned. YMMV.