Engel and Martin Representing Sheriff’s Deputy In Federal Trial

Attorney Joshua Adam Engel is representing one of three Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office Deputies in a federal criminal civil rights trial.  The deputies are accused of using unreasonable force on an individual in the booking area of the jail.

On Friday, September 25, 2015, Engel presented an expert witness in police practices, training and standards to defend the actions of the deputies.  The government has not present any competing expert testimony.

From the Ironton Tribune:

[Engel presented testimony from] a police officer for the city of Akron. [Kevin] Davis formerly worked in the Summit County Jail and has taught police officer training classes on procedures such as the use of force. . . .

Davis told the jury that booking areas are not controlled environments in most cases due to the sharp angles in the rooms and various objects that could be used as weapons. He said reacting to a suspect’s body language is important for officers. “We assess their body language and often can react to the threat of violence rather than physical assault,” Davis said. . . .

The trial is expected to conclude next week.