A still from a circulating video on social media involving a detained woman and members of the SFPS.
Two Smiths Falls police officers have been reinstated to active duty amid an ongoing external investigation into a controversial arrest captured on video and widely circulated on social media.
Police Chief Jodi Empey issued a statement to Laurie Weir of Hometown News confirming the officers are back on the streets following an internal review, while Cornwall Police Service continue to investigate externally.
The arrest in question occurred on June 7 and involved a 29-year-old woman taken into custody on Main Street East.
A bystander’s video shows the handcuffed woman being pulled from a police cruiser, shouting and accusing officers of hitting her with a flashlight.
One officer is seen restraining her on the pavement as another stands nearby.
Police say the woman was involved in multiple incidents earlier that night, including one at a Lombard Street residence, where she allegedly uttered threats and assaulted another person.
Later, she was reportedly involved in damaging property at a local business.
She was arrested for causing a disturbance and mischief.
Officers allege she spit and kicked inside the police cruiser and refused medical treatment after being assessed by EMS.
They were placed on administrative duties by SFPS the day after the video was posted.