Sheriff T.K. Waters stated he will neither defend nor criticize the actions of the officers involved in the now-viral traffic stop until a comprehensive administrative review is completed.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters conducted a media briefing on Monday evening, where he unveiled bodycam footage from the officers linked to a February traffic stop that has gained significant online attention and criticism.
Footage captured on a cellphone during the stop, involving 22-year-old William McNeil Jr., started trending on social media on Sunday. In the video, officers are heard stating that McNeil was pulled over due to a suspected headlight issue.
READ MORE: Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters releases body camera video of violent February traffic stop
The cellphone video showed an officer with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office shattering McNeil’s driver’s-side window. An officer then punches McNeil in the head before unlocking the vehicle door, unbuckling his seatbelt and forcibly removing him from the driver’s seat. Multiple officers are then seen surrounding McNeil before he is forced to the ground.
Watch the sheriff’s full press conference below:
Sheriff says cellphone video doesn’t show the whole story
During the media briefing, Waters said the video circulating online did not provide context for what led up to McNeil being removed from his vehicle.
“When incomplete cellphone camera footage becomes the basis on which public opinion turns, the results can be equally faulty,” Waters noted.
The sheriff noted that responding officers did use violence during McNeil’s arrest, but said that none of the officers violated criminal law.
Watch the full bodycam footage released by the sheriff below:
“Yes, there absolutely was force used by the arresting officers, and yes, that force is ugly,” Waters said. “But as I’ve said many times before, the reality is that all force, all violence is ugly and just because force is ugly does not mean it’s unlawful or contrary to policy.”
Waters said after JSO learned about the video, the agency began both a criminal and administrative review of the officers’ actions. He noted that the administrative review is ongoing, but the State Attorney’s Office determined that none of the officers violated criminal law. Beyond the bodycam footage, Waters said he would not be releasing any additional information on the incident because it is confidential under Florida statute.
“As JSO’s leader, I have vowed to be open and transparent with the public that we serve,” Waters said. “Where the information shared reflects well on this agency or not, I have always done my very best to tell the public exactly what’s going on within the agency.”
Waters also addressed the initial punch McNeil sustained to the head moments after the officer broke through the vehicle’s driver’s side window.
“I’m not excusing that administratively,” Waters said. “There are things that we definitely need to look at, but the context of this video should tell you everything you need to know.”
He noted that Officer Bowers has been stripped of his law enforcement authority, effective immediately, pending the outcome of the administrative review.
“Once we’ve determined whether Officer Bowers is active within policy or not, I will immediately share that determination with the public,” Waters said.
The sheriff highlighted one point: “It’s important for the people to know that you’re not allowed to resist a police officer when he’s doing his lawful duties.”
Sheriff engages in fiery exchange with reporter
Watch the sheriff’s exchange with a reporter below:
During the briefing, in which reporters are allowed to ask questions, Waters engaged in an exchange when he was questioned further about Bowers’ initial punch of McNeil.
A reporter can be heard asking, “Was it appropriate for the officer to punch this guy in the jaw after he had already broken the window?”
The sheriff responded: “It depends on the circumstances, but it’s already determined it’s [the punch] not criminal. Now, we’re going to look for JSO policy violations.”
The reporter responds: “Well, if a civilian did that to another civilian, they would be in handcuffs.”
Waters said, “No, not necessarily. It depends on the circumstances of the situation. I know that’s how you want it to be. I know you want, I know there’s a tendency to want to be some massive cover-up that it’s not. That’s why I’m here.”
A follow-up comment made by the reporter regarding whether the Black community will accept JSO’s response to the incident elicited a fiery response from Waters.
“I’m a Black man,” Waters said. “The whole statement about the Black issue, I wouldn’t work here if we’re after Black men, or Black people, period.”
The sheriff continued: “I can tell you any other African American or Black male or female that works here wouldn’t work here if our Black citizens are under siege. Not the case, not at all.”
Waters said that he has not had any issues because when he was pulled over by the police, he always complied with an officer’s commands.
“If I was ever stopped by the police, which I was when I was a young man, and they asked me to do something and I did it,” he said. “Simple, simple compliance.”
