An Atlanta police officer fired after a controversial traffic stop appealed to get his job back on Friday.
A cellphone video captured the end of a traffic stop that landed three Atlanta police officers in serious trouble. The tape shows the officers punching and kicking a motorist lying on the ground.
According to city attorney Amber Robinson, former Officer Nicholas DiMauro punched the suspect several times in the kidney area.
Robinson asked the personnel board to uphold DiMauro's firing.
DiMauro said his use of force complied with guidelines. He said that he didn't if the motorist was hiding his hands to conceal a weapon. He said that he struck the suspect after the suspect refused to stop resisting arrest.
Lt. Sharonne Steed, an Office of Professional Standards supervisor, said the officers used too much force for the situation. Steed said that the suspect was laying prone on the ground, covering up his hands so he wouldn't be cuffed.
The internal affairs officer who reviewed the case questioned why the officers did not use a police baton to pry the suspect's hands loose.
Police instructor Michael Banja testified that the police baton technique is not always effective.
"It doesn't really work unless it's done right and all the suspect has to do to defeat it is just hold on the prod," said Banja.
Atlanta Police Chief George Turner testified that he felt the three officers could have used "more sensible means" to subdue the suspect.
One of the officers quit the force before being disciplined. Another was suspended.
DiMauro, a former "Officer of the Year," was fired.
The city personnel board will decide whether or not to overturn the termination.
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Former Atlanta Police Officer Nicholas DiMauro appealed to get his job back on Friday, August 10, 2012.
