FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PHILADELPHIA, PA -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania is profoundly disturbed that Thomas Jones sustained significant injuries as the result of what appears to be an excessive use of force by Philadelphia police officers. The videotape reveals an arrest situation that was completely out of control.

We commend Police Commissioner John Timoney and Mayor John Street for immediately calling for a fair and thorough investigation. We believe that the Police Commissioner and Mayor will not tolerate anything but a complete examination of all of the facts and circumstances and that appropriate actions will be taken upon the conclusion of that investigation.

Given the concerns related to protests during the upcoming Republican Convention, we hope that this unfortunate incident will remind law enforcement officers to exercise restraint and not use excessive force in the event they make any arrests during those protests.