‘When officers fall short, we take that seriously’: Savannah Police Department addresses use of force video circulating online

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Savannah police released a statement Monday night addressing a video that shows an officer appearing to push a woman to the ground during a March incident in downtown Savannah.

Watch the video below:

Police Chief Lenny Gunther said Officer Jacob Spohn was suspended without pay while the Savannah Police Department conducts an internal investigation.

Part of the statement reads: “When our officers fall short of expectations, we take that seriously and we act.”

See the full statement below:

“We’re aware of the video circulating involving one of our officers and an allegation of improper use of force.

What’s important for people to know is that while this video is just now making its way around social media, the incident itself happened on March 20.

A complaint was filed, it was reviewed through our process, and an internal investigation was immediately initiated.

The investigation resulted in disciplinary action, including a suspension without pay.

When our officers fall short of expectations, we take that seriously, and we act.

Our officers are working in fast-moving, sometimes volatile situations, but that doesn’t change the standard.

We hold our people accountable.

I also want our community to understand that there is a process in place to report and review these situations, and in this case, that process worked the way it’s supposed to.

We’re going to continue holding ourselves to a high standard, because that’s what the people of Savannah expect and deserve.”

Chief Lenny Gunther, Savannah Police Department

The video recently began circulating on social media after being released by the woman’s attorney. Attorney Roland Mumford, who represents Niquaysia Chisholm, says the officer used excessive force and that his client is emotionally distressed.

The incident

In the video, a group of women including Chisholm, who is wearing a white shirt, are gathered as one of their friends is being arrested. Chisholm’s friend is seen being detained by a different officer, allegedly for public intoxication. Chisholm and another woman appear to question that claim.

“You never hear that officer tell my client that she’s committing obstruction, never tell her to step away,” Mumford said.

Chisholm is seen telling her friend to calm down before a brief exchange between her and Spohn. Moments later, Spohn appears to push Chisholm to the ground while saying, “Do not hit me,” before continuing to argue with her friends.

Mumford says the use of force was unnecessary.

“Even if some level of force was needed, why not just say, ‘Ma’am, step back’? Why did he have to shove her to the ground like that?” Mumford said.

Chisholm filed a complaint following the incident.

Official response

Savannah Mayor Van Johnson said Spohn did not appeal the disciplinary action.

“ [Officers] are working in very difficult, fast-moving, fluid situations, but they are still held to a high standard,” Johnson said.

Johnson said if a citizen feels they have been mistreated by officers, they can file a complaint with the department and it will be investigated.