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Comment by truth on October 18, 2009 at 3:44am

Chicago police conduct at G-20 summit in Pittsburgh under investigation
Video shows officers forcing suspect to pose with them

By Annie Sweeney Tribune Reporter

October 16, 2009

Chicago police are investigating a video of officers who allegedly forced a college student to pose with them after his arrest during last month's G-20 summit in Pittsburgh.

The Chicago police officers were paid by Pittsburgh to assist with security, Chicago officials said.

During the incident, several uniformed officers can be seen standing behind the student, identified by his attorney as University of Pittsburgh student Kyle Kramer, while he is made to kneel as a photo is taken.

A video capturing the scene has circulated on the Internet. Chicago police began an investigation after finding out about the video about two weeks ago, department officials said.

"The officers involved in this incident went on their personal time to serve as part of the G-20 Summit security detail," Supt. Jody Weis said in a statement. "The Chicago Police Department does not tolerate misconduct by any of its members regardless of where it might occur."

Pittsburgh attorney Cris Hoel, who represents Kramer, said the student was arrested Sept. 25 and charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct and failure to disperse.

Hoel said Chicago police officers motioned for his client to get into the photo.

"He strenuously objected to being in the photograph," Hoel said. Kramer found being forced to kneel "demeaning," he said.

Hoel said Kramer was with other students, but he thinks it was "happenstance" that Kramer was picked for the photo.

asweeney@tribune.com