Five months after a controversial arrest in Smiths Falls, an officer seen pulling a handcuffed woman from the back of a police cruiser and forcing her to the ground has been cleared of wrongdoing.
According to Smiths Falls Police Chief M.P., Cornwall Police Service conducted an external investigation into the officer’s use of force. Investigators had access to all available video, including in-car camera footage from the business where part of the incident occurred, as well as body-worn camera footage from an OPP officer on scene.
Cornwall Police concluded that the officer’s actions were justified based on the woman’s alleged behaviour, which included spitting repeatedly and kicking while in the back of the cruiser.
“Everything that led to him pulling her out of that car was to ensure she stopped assaulting them,” Chief M.P. said. “It’s never pretty, but it is the reality of policing. Some people won’t like it, but unfortunately, that’s the world we live in.”
The incident occurred in June at the intersection of Main and Beckwith Street and has generated concern among residents. One witness told reporters, “I was taken aback when I saw it. I thought, wow, that’s harsh.” Another questioned the officer’s technique, saying, “I thought there was a better way of grabbing somebody than by the ankles.”
As part of its report, Cornwall Police recommended that Smiths Falls officers consider purchasing spit hoods—mesh coverings that allow a person to breathe while preventing them from spitting on others.
The woman involved continues to face multiple charges, including two counts of assaulting police, two counts of mischief under $5,000, two counts of failing to comply with probation, as well as causing a disturbance and uttering threats. Her case remains before the court.
The Smiths Falls Police Service did not respond to requests for comment.
