Elkhart Mayor Tim Neese is calling for an independent investigation of the Elkhart Police Department following a Jan. 12 incident in which two Elkhart police officers are alleged to have used excessive force against a man in police custody.

In a statement sent to 95.3 MNC, the mayor’s office stated that on Thursday, Nov. 15, Mayor Neese requested the Indiana State Police conduct a complete investigation of the Department. This investigation will be in addition to the ongoing criminal case.

Neese is concerned with all individuals’ civil rights and feels this investigation is critical to upholding transparency and maintaining public trust. Neese wants to assure the community that he is taking this incident seriously and asks for patience and objectivity as the investigation moves forward

A town hall meeting that took place on Wednesday, Nov. 14, in Elkhart gave the public and public officials the chance to discuss a recent video of police officers using excessive force.

Mayor Tim Neese said he saw the video three weeks ago and said “This is on me, I take responsibility.”

Neese said he disciplined Elkhart Police Chief Ed Windbigler on Wednesday, and added that the city is working to create an excessive force committee to document any patterns of the behavior by the police.

The two officers are still on paid leave.