Flashlight policy under review after beating

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Police Chief William Bratton says he will review the department's policy on using flashlights as weapons after a Los Angeles police officer repeatedly struck a black man in a beating that has inflamed tensions in the city.
Last week's beating of a suspected car thief -- which was caught on videotape -- has drawn comparisons to the 1991 beating of motorist Rodney King.
On Saturday, Bratton met with black clergy and community leaders to assure them that the investigation would be complete and open.
"We must get at the truth," said John Mack, president of the Urban League of Los Angeles.
Three officers involved in Stanley Miller's beating will be investigated to determine whether they used excessive force. A total of eight officers have been placed on desk duty as authorities investigate.
Los Angeles police are allowed to use flashlights to deliver "distraction strikes" if someone is resisting arrest.
"I'm going to review that practice, that authorization," said Bratton
Bratton said he will review videotaped witness statements and look into the backgrounds of the officers involved.
The police chief declined comment, however, on a report in the Los Angeles Times that Officer John J. Hatfield told investigators he struck Miller with a flashlight because another officer warned the suspect had a gun.
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