Officials Investigating Twitter Video of Officer Slamming Student

The video itself doesn't show what led up to or followed this scene

North Carolina authorities are investigating after an eight-second video posted Tuesday on Twitter appears to show a male school resource officer slamming a female high school student to the floor before pulling her to her feet and leading her away.

Wake County schools spokeswoman Lisa Luten said she's working with the Rolesville Police Department to get more details. The video appears to show an officer, surrounded by shouting students at Rolesville High School, lifting and then dropping the girl to the floor.

The video itself doesn't show what led up to or followed this scene. Rolesville Police Chief Bobby Langston, who didn't immediately return a message from The Associated Press, told other media that he's reviewing the case.

Although the Twitter post doesn't say when the incident occurred, Luten said, "It's fair to assume that it happened today."

The school resource officer was placed on administrative leave, Mayor Frank Eagles said. The officer has been assigned to the school since it opened in 2013, he added. About 2,200 students in the 9th through 12th grades attend the school.

The school's principal, Dhedra Lassiter, released a statement Tuesday evening.

"Tuesday a video was circulated showing a school resource officer using force on a Rolesville High School student," the statement reads. "I, like many of you, am deeply concerned about what I saw in the video."

Lassiter commended Langston for promptly placing the officer on leave and starting an investigation. She said that the district and law enforcement are reviewing the policies and standards for school resource officers.

Lassiter said she understands the incident "brings up questions and conversations about the manner in which we keep students and staff safe in our schools. We will continue to be in conversation as we learn additional information."

Meanwhile, the American Civil Liberties Union appealed through Twitter for information from witnesses, describing the video as an example of "disturbing use of force ... that should never be used against kids in schools."

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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