Royse City, TX — The Texas Municipal Police Association is publicly backing its Royse City Police Department members as an internal investigation continues into a use-of-force incident captured on video outside a neighborhood pool.
The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. Aug. 3 after Royse City officers were dispatched to a disturbance at the community pool in the Creekside neighborhood.
Video of the encounter later circulated on social media and drew scrutiny over officers’ treatment of a mother, her daughter and others at the scene.
Royse City Police Chief Kirk Aldridge announced Aug. 6 that the department had opened an internal investigation after police administration became aware of the incident. The officer who is the subject of the investigation was placed on administrative leave.
Police also dropped charges against the two people arrested during the encounter on Aug. 4, pending a thorough examination of the charges that had been filed.
The Texas Municipal Police Association has now responded publicly as media coverage of the encounter continues.
“Our Royse City Police Department members make decisions in real time. Social media gets hours to replay a few seconds,” TMPA stated.
The association urged the public to consider body-camera footage, police reports and the entirety of the encounter before reaching conclusions.
“Review the body camera. Review the reports. Review the entire encounter,” TMPA stated, adding that its members “deserve more than split-second judgment from people who weren’t there.”
TMPA said it would make sure its members’ voices are heard.
The family involved has filed a formal complaint and is seeking accountability over the officers’ actions. According to NBC 5, Janiaca Wheeler said an officer pulled her by her hair during the encounter, while video also showed her daughter, Amiayah, being handcuffed and restrained on the ground.
Next Generation Action Network has joined the family and called for the officer’s termination.
Royse City Police said the department will not publicly discuss the internal investigation while it is underway. Once completed, the department said it plans to release its findings and disclose any actions taken.