According to witnesses, everything began with police intervention in one of the nearby shops. At some point, a man who was probably under the influence of alcohol walked past the shop. The man was reportedly shouting at the police, telling them to handcuff him. According to witnesses, an argument broke out between the police officers and the man.
At some point, the man began running toward the market square. The officers started running after him. They caught up with him, knocked him to the ground and struck him with a baton. According to witnesses, they hit him so hard that the baton broke apart—however, this information has not been confirmed. The man was taken to the police car.
The entire incident was recorded by our camera and by a woman who happened to be walking in the area.
When may the police use force?
In Poland, the police have the right to use direct coercive measures, including a service baton, but only in specific situations and according to principles laid down by law.
The legal basis is the Act on Direct Coercive Measures and Firearms and the Act on the Police.
Coercive measures (e.g., physical force, handcuffs, a baton or gas) may be used, among other circumstances, when:
- someone fails to comply with lawful orders,
- actively resists,
- attempts to escape,
- poses a threat to life, health or property,
- there is a breach of public order (e.g., aggressive behavior during an intervention).