Mayor Barrett reacts to national media attention after release of Sterling Brown arrest video

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MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The release of bodycam footage in the arrest and tasing of Bucks player Sterling Brown is making national headlines. The story’s impact is making some wonder how it impacts Milwaukee’s reputation.

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said he did not watch Brown’s Friday morning’s Good Morning America interview but did give CBS 58 insight into what changes he wants the police department to make as a result of the Brown incident.

Barrett says officers need better training on de-escalating situations. He says a main part of defusing situations is through better communication between police and the community during police stops. When the mayor was asked whether he thinks the City will have to give a big payout to Brown who is saying he plans to file a lawsuit, Barrett would not comment.

The mayor did say having all of the national attention on Milwaukee because of this case isn't good for the city, “Of course you never want to have your city in a negative light anywhere and I don't want to have our city in a negative light anywhere. I also think it's a time of opportunity for us to do better. We have to do better. We know we have to do better. The aldermen know we have to do better. I know we have to do better. The police chief knows we have to do better."

The responding officer in the Brown arrest was suspended for two days and two sergeants were suspended as well one for ten days and the other for 15 days.

When asked what he thought about the length of the discipline, Barrett said he couldn't comment because he was never officially told the numbers by the chief.

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