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CMPD gives inside look at officers' use-of-force training

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg police gave an inside look Wednesday at the difficulties officers face in the field and their use-of-force training.

The event came days after videos were released showing the moments that led to the deadly shooting of Rueben Galindo.

Galindo was shot and killed in September by Charlotte-Mecklenburg officers in northeast Charlotte.

Police said Galindo called 911 and told the operator in Spanish that he had a gun. Officers have said they told Galindo to drop the gun, but he didn't.

Police Chief Kerr Putney wanted to give the public a look at what it's like for officers when they have to use force in the field.

Officers demonstrated what it's like to try and arrest a person who won't comply with officers' orders. They said in those cases, they often have to use force to get the person to comply.

Putney said that fortunately, situations where they have to use force don't occur often.

"Less than two percent of our encounters with the public result in force. The vast majority, we're able to gain compliance without having to use force," Putney said.

"We always need to reach out to our community, we always need to build relationships," Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts told Channel 9. "We want our citizens to know what's in the training, why it's there and to understand when they encounter an officer, you know, how that would play out."

Community activists are calling for criminal charges against the officers involved in the shooting, saying the footage clearly shows Galindo put his hands in the air when officers directed him to follow their commands.

Action NC has started a petition.

“They're all saying police didn't give him enough time to react,” said Hector Vaca, of Action N.C. They've said the actual shooting and way it went down was unlawful."

The district attorney is still investigating the case.

Police Chief Kerr Putney will address the shooting and speak with members of the Latino community Thursday about the shooting.

It will be an open event at the Camino Community Center, and all community members are invited to attend.

The discussion will take place between 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. at 201 Stetson Dr.

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