TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Victims of alleged police violence gathered in Winter Haven on Sunday to share encounters they’ve had with the Lakeland Police Department.

The gathering comes after several controversial arrests, as well as videos of some of the encounters circulation on social media.

The families gathered in a local church to show what they’re calling a pattern of abuse from the Lakeland Police Department.

One person after another claimed the police department had used excessive force against them, alleging police misconduct. Disturbing cell phone videos capture some of the encounters.

Last month, two officers were captured on video punching a 16-year-old boy multiple times before tasing him.

“But he had to fight two men who decided to punch him and tase him because of a disagreement at a swimming pool,” attorney Bobby DiCello said.

In 2022, cellphone video showed Antwan Glover being beaten and tased by Lakeland police after being stopped for a seatbelt violation.

“An all too familiar story is once unfolding,” a speaker at the meeting said to the audience.

Both Glover’s and the 16-year-old’s charges were dropped.

However, attorney DiCello said that is not enough and told 8 On Your Side that he wants the department to acknowledge there’s a problem.

“We want a dialogue. We want these men to have a say into what happened to them. We demand a meeting with the Chief of Police of the City of Lakeland, and we demand he sits and confronts what his officers have done,” DiCello said.

Community members also came forward with demands for accountability and transparency from the city.

“I call on both local and state leaders to come to the table and work towards solutions to this ever-growing epidemic,” an activist on the panel said.

The Tampa Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression added a list of demands for the city of Lakeland.      

8 on your side reached out to Lakeland Police Department regarding the community’s demand.

Lakeland PD issued the following statement:

As a matter of common practice, Chief Sam Taylor and executive staff members meet frequently with community and religious leaders from across our city. This open dialogue and consistent direct communication over the years has built solid relationships within our neighborhoods and with the citizens we serve.

Activists from neighboring cities have also spoken with Chief Taylor and had meetings with executive staff members and City Management. The most recent meeting was held last week.  

A few notes related to cases covered by news agencies:

• The arrest of Antwan Glover, occurring in December of 2022, was thoroughly reviewed by two outside agencies (Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Office of the State Attorney, Tenth Judicial Circuit) in addition to our Office of Professional Standards. I’ve attached the letter from State Attorney Brian Haas from June 2023, which concluded the actions of the officers to be lawful.
• The arrest of Jahmal Hudson, occurring May of 2024, is currently under review of an internal investigation with our Office of Professional Standards. In accordance with our agency’s policies and procedures, and in accordance with Florida State Statute 112. 533, we will not be able to release any other material related to this case until the administrative review is closed. 
• All instances where protective action is applied are reviewed by the Chain of Command and the Office of Professional Standards.