use-of-force
Coverage of use-of-force in the Nexus archive.
- Payouts soar as use of force by Burlington police on Black residents hits record high
Burlington has settled five separate lawsuits related to excessive use-of-force since 2019, amounting to nearly $1.5 million in payouts. The department's data shows that Black residents are overrepresented among these use-of-force incidents, at six times the rate of their population share, reaching an all-time high of 99 in 2025. Advocates warn that this record disparity requires immediate attention and a meaningful response from city leadership.
- Officer’s Taser sparks fire at gas station, leaving man with burns
A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officer deployed a Taser at an Arizona gas station, causing a fire that resulted in a man's first- and second-degree burns and nerve damage. The incident, captured on video, involved a confrontation between the officer and Chuck Coyl, who claimed he was not charged and criticized the use of force. A law enforcement expert questioned the officer's de-escalation and safety protocols near flammable environments.
- Man dies in custody days after being bitten by police K-9 in Montgomery County. Here’s what officials are saying
Darius Chappell, 34, died in custody at the Montgomery County Jail after being bitten by a Clarksville police K-9 during his arrest. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is now overseeing the case following a preliminary inquiry by the sheriff’s office, which also placed a CPD officer on administrative leave.
- Video of arrest involving K9 prompts ‘use-of-force’ investigation in Clarksville
A Clarksville Police Department officer was placed on administrative leave following a use-of-force incident involving a police dog that bit a man during an arrest. Bystander footage shows the man being pulled to the ground by his hair and bitten by the K9 while an officer stood on him, prompting calls for improved training and accountability.
- Inspection shows sanitation, use-of-force transparency lacking at La. ICE detention center
A Louisiana ICE detention center failed to maintain sanitary conditions, properly store food, report use-of-force incidents, and maintain medical records, according to a DHS Office of Inspector General report. The report cited incidents including a chokehold and a pen puncturing a detainee's skin, with incomplete video documentation and inadequate disciplinary processes.
- Inspection shows sanitation, use-of-force transparency lacking at La. ICE detention center
A Louisiana ICE detention center failed to maintain sanitary conditions, properly store food, report use-of-force incidents, and keep medical records, according to a 2025 DHS Office of Inspector General report. Specific incidents included an officer applying a chokehold and puncturing a detainee's skin with a pen, with incomplete video documentation. The DHS spokesperson downplayed the issues as 'minor infractions' but did not address use-of-force concerns.