A Florida school resource officer is under scrutiny following the arrest of two young students, including a six-year-old girl. Officer Ryan Mitchell, who serves at the Lucious and Emma Nixon Academy in Orlando, is being investigated for his actions during these incidents. Initially, he arrested an eight-year-old, although the specific charges remain unclear; the child was processed at the local Juvenile Assessment Center.
Most controversially, Officer Mitchell arrested six-year-old Emma Johnson for acting out in school, which included kicking a fellow student. This incident occurred on September 19, 2019, when Emma was charged with “battery,” handcuffed, and placed in a police vehicle, leading to her fingerprinting at a juvenile detention center before being returned to school.
Outrage from Family
Emma’s grandmother, Sarah Thompson, expressed her outrage upon discovering that her granddaughter had been treated this way. “No child of six should have to say they were handcuffed and taken to a police station for a mug shot,” Sarah stated in an interview with a local news outlet. When she explained to Officer Mitchell that Emma’s behavior might be linked to her struggles with sleep issues, he responded dismissively, saying, “I have sleep problems too, and I don’t act like that.”
Public Outcry and Investigation
The public outcry over these arrests has been significant, prompting an investigation into Officer Mitchell for allegedly failing to obtain the necessary approval from a watch commander before arresting a child under the age of twelve. This incident is part of a troubling trend where young children, particularly those from minority backgrounds, are being subjected to police intervention for minor behavioral issues.
In another notable case from February 2019 in Florida, a mother voiced her concerns after her 11-year-old son was arrested for refusing to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, emphasizing that such matters should be resolved within the school rather than through police involvement.
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Conclusion
In summary, the investigation into Officer Ryan Mitchell highlights serious concerns regarding the treatment of young children in disciplinary situations within schools, as well as the broader societal implications of police involvement in minor incidents.