A serving copper's view of this is rather different to yours - he's critical of the officers and service involved. See: http://policelockerroom.blogspot.com/2007/03/what-on-earth.html It's not about race, it's about the proportionate and proper use of force. Race may be a factor, and South York's record does them no favours here, but the overriding issue is, is this an arrest or a deliberate beating.