A Camden, Arkansas school resource officer has been relieved of duty while police investigate a video posted online that appears to show him holding a student in a chokehold.
The video shows Officer Jake Perry holding a student around the neck at Camden High School, and the student appears to be lifted off the ground. Other students can be seen watching. Perry eventually loosens his hold and releases the student, who does not appear to be resisting in the footage.
Camden Police Chief Boyd Woody said in a statement that his staff notified him of an incident that morning involving a Camden police officer. He told CNN that Perry was assigned to the school as a resource officer and that a fight between students broke out. According to Woody, Perry stepped in and a student recorded part of what followed. Woody said he ordered a professional standards investigation and that Perry was relieved of duty until it is complete.
“I take this very seriously and am working as quickly as possible,” Woody said. He added that he will not tolerate misconduct from his officers and that he will be transparent about the outcome. The department’s statement did not include a response from Perry.
Camden Fairview School District Superintendent Fred Lilly said the district will assist police with the investigation and will also review its school resource officer policies and procedures. He said the district’s first priority is to provide an excellent education in a safe environment.
The student has not been publicly identified. The investigation was ongoing at the time of this report.
