ACLU letter to Springs Police prompts internal investigation

The Colorado Springs Police Department is launching an internal investigation after receiving a letter from the American Civil Liberties Union about its response to a call in May.

Police were called to investigate a suspicious person outside the Alamo Corporate Center in the 100 block of S. Tejon Street on May 6.

The ACLU said Matthew Talley was trying to jimmy the ignition of his car after he lost his keys. It said officers approached Talley with guns drawn, forced him to the ground and held him in handcuffs for more than 20 minutes.

A 911 call from a security guard led to the encounter between Talley and police.

In a recording of the call obtained by KRDO NewsChannel 13, the operator asks the guard if it looks like Talley is trying to steal the vehicle. The guard says, “That’s what it seems like. The vehicle possibly could be his, but from everybody’s perspective so far and the reports that I’ve had, it does look like he’s outside trying to hotwire it at this moment.”

Dispatch asked the caller if she believed Talley was armed.

“Um, not that I know of,” said the caller.

Talley pointed to the call during an interview with KRDO NewsChannel 13 and said it reinforces his complaint that police’s aggressive approach was unwarranted.

Talley said he believes officers pulled their guns on him because of the color of his skin.

“They acted aggressively because of it. I don’t think that if I was a white person that would have happened,” said Talley.

During the incident, Talley said he stayed calm and complied with officers’ orders as they pulled him to the ground and then handcuffed him.

“Definitely scared and complete shock. And kind of a surreal moment feeling. I felt like I was in a movie,” said Talley.

After police determined it was Talley’s vehicle, he said police never apologized for the incident.

“At no point did they say sorry to me which is one of the odd things as well. They kind of just let me go,” said Talley.

ACLU Legal Director Mark Silverstein said the organization hoped the complaint would make CSPD reflect on its policies and training.

In a letter it cited a similar situation a few months ago involving two other young black men in Colorado Springs.

“It is precisely this type of heavy-handed police tactics that were at play in CSPD’s handling of the recent traffic stop involving African-American ACLU clients Ryan and Benjamin Brown. When community members of color, like Mr. Talley and the Brown brothers, are approached with unearned distrust by CSPD officers, the CSPD can only expect such distrust in return. Of course, without the trust of the community, the CSPD is radically hindered in its ability to fight and solve crimes.”

In a video of the incident, Ryan Brown asks why officers pulled them over and makes it clear he is recording. An officer is seen pointing a gun at Ryan Brown from outside the vehicle while Benjamin Brown is cuffed outside the car. Eventually the officer comes to Ryan Brown’s side of the car and asks him to step out to be checked for weapons. When he doesn’t comply, the officer pulls Ryan Brown out of the car and pins him to the ground.

“Colorado Springs police officers have to stop resorting to weapons and force as a first resort when dealing with young men of color,” said Silverstein.

Talley is glad he spoke up.

“Accountability is what we need to have. We ultimately want justice and accountability,” said Talley.

A spokesperson with CSPD said the department can’t comment because it’s an ongoing investigation.