A Rochester police investigator has been assigned to desk duty after footage of him forcefully handcuffing an emergency medical technician (EMT) emerged.
As reported by News 10 NBC - who obtained the footage - the Rochester Police investigator can be seen confronting the EMT after she reportedly dinged his squad car with the ambulance door outside of the Strong Memorial Hospital on July 11.
The Monroe Ambulance EMT was reportedly attempting to unload a patient in the ambulance bay area at and take him inside when she bumped the investigator's car. The officer then demanded that the EMT hand over her ID.
However, sources tell News 10 NBC that the EMT was more concerned with helping the patient, and continued to make her way into the hospital.
The video shows the EMT standing next to a colleague as they're checking in the patient, who is on a stretcher. The officer - wearing a red shirt - then storms into the show and appears to shove the EMT against a wall. He then handcuffs her and escorts her out of the hospital.
The footage can be seen below:She was taken into custody but was eventually released without any charges being filed or a ticket issued.
It was later revealed that a Gates Ambulance EMT stepped in to help with the patient while the woman was detained.
In response to the incident, the Monroe Ambulance issued a statement of support for the EMT on Friday (July 15), saying: "We steadfastly stand by her prioritization of the care for her patient and are blessed by your willingness to publicly support her patient advocacy."
The statement then asks for people not to make "derogatory comments" against the RPD, as the incident was "perpetrated by a single individual and subject to investigation by his employer".
"Everyone is entitled to due process regardless of opinion. We trust that the matter will be disposed of appropriately and responsibly," the statement adds.
Rochester Police Chief David Smith has also issued a statement on the incident, saying: "Pending the internal investigation, the member involved has been placed on administrative assignment. We ask for patience as we ensure that a thorough and complete investigation is completed."
“I have high expectations for all members of the Rochester Police Department," Smith adds. "As Chief, I demand the members of the Rochester Police Department perform their duties in a professional manner. And as such, we must hold ourselves to a high standard of accountability."
Over on Twitter, people have also been reacting to the footage.
One social media user wrote: "Unfortunately, this appears to be the feature in policing, no concern about the people/community they swore to protect, it’s about their safety, their egos, what’s even sadder the truly great police, who put their lives on the line when necessary and care have become invisible."
A second added: "The angry cop only had to report the accidental door ding to his department & the insurance co. of the policy holders. Roughing up an EMT on duty should be considered a assault."
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