A South Carolina volunteer officer has raised concerns about his duty after shooting at a Black motorist during a traffic stop.
According to Post And Courier, volunteer officer Lt. Mike Brandt fired his gun on Saturday night March 24 during a ride along with an officer of the Florence police department.
In firing his gun he injured the motorist for which investigators have no explanation why.
However, volunteer officers have raised a question of concern in the community.
Volunteer officers or constables do not receive the same law enforcement training at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. Even so, some of them are allowed to carry guns and make arrests. Even though the state certifies them, the courses they take are offered by technical colleges.
Learning about the incident in his district, caused state representative Terry Alexander to question the role of constables.
“I’m still trying to get an understanding of their authority, their training…and who has oversight over what they’re doing,” explained Alexander. “The city officer wasn’t in harm’s way, so why did the constable shoot?”
That’s the answer that everyone wants to know now. It’s the answer that the State Law Enforcement Division is investigating as well as the Florence Police Department.
The victim was taken to a local hospital where his condition is unknown. Although Thom Berry, a spokesperson from the State Law Enforcement Division, has said the man is expected to live.
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(Source: Post And Courier)
(Photo Credit: ThinkStock Images)
White South Carolina Volunteer Officer Shoots Black Motorist was originally published on blackamericaweb.com
