Springfield City Council meeting 3.31.26
WAND file photo

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - Many Springfield residents stepped to the podium Tuesday evening, calling for action after body cam footage was released showing the arrest of 19-year-old Promyss Davis.

After a bystander video spread across social media, some people were frustrated at the use of force by Officer Jacob Walter.

"Chief Behl, as you were off duty and your daughter was in another county where they did not know your prestige or your importance to the community, and she was handled in that manner, would you still say that was professional?" said resident Roy Walton during public comment. 
 
Springfield Chief of Police Joe Behl said the amount of force used followed protocol. He even went on to say that more force would have been reasonable.
 
"We could have [tasered] from the get-go or [used] spray or a baton," Behl said. 
 
Behl explained that Walter used what the department calls soft empty hand control.
 
"Wrist locks, joint manipulations, pressure points, things of that nature. One level up from that is heart of the hand control, and that is defined as strikes, whether it's with a fist, whether it's a knee strike, a kick, something like that," Behl said.
 
Davis has a rap sheet of charges that includes aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and aggravated battery to a peace officer. President of the Purple Coalition, Tiara Standage, felt that despite her record, she should have been treated with respect.
 
"I've seen school shooters escorted away with more grace than that," Standage said. 
 
Now the community is asking for accountability from the police. Some even demanded that Walter be suspended without pay. Community members felt the public trust has been hurt again.
 
"Help me understand how Officer Walter conducted a proper arrest. Help me understand how saying put your f------ hands behind your back is part of de-escalation," said Michelle Crus Hine during public comment. 
 
"Unchecked power leads to unchecked consequences, and we have a huge issue in our community right now where police typically and habitually overstep their bounds, especially on the east side. And I'm here to let them know that it's not okay," added Reggie Guyton, Purple Coalition member. 
 
Several council members said the amount of force during the traffic stop was excessive. They plan to work with the Springfield Police Department on their de-escalation tactics and policies. 

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