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Missouri Fraternal Order Of Police Wants Rob Sanders Reinstated

The Missouri Fraternal Order of Police has issued a statement on last month’s firing of police officer Rob Sanders for excessive force.

By Nick Gass (Columbia, Mo.)

Kevin Ahlbrand, the president of the Missouri Fraternal Order of Police, says the widely circulated video of the Aug. 15 incident told only part of the story.

“You can’t just look at the small portion of the video that was released. You have to take into consideration the totality of the facts and circumstances for the entire incident," said Ahlbrand.

The video shows Kenneth Baker standing in a holding cell before officer Rob Sanders enters and pushes Baker, who immediately falls to the floor.

Ahlbrand admitted at first glance, it does look bad.

“It wasn’t intentional for the person to be injured. The intent was to take him to the ground and handcuff him to the ring, which is the past practice and policy," said Ahlbrand.

Sanders is putting together an appeal on the decision, which he needs to submit by Nov. 2. If the city denies his reinstatement, the union plans to take the case to circuit court.