A Meridian police officer, now with the Boise Police Department, is under investigation following a controversial arrest. The incident gained attention after a video, originally posted by "The Civil Rights Lawyer" YouTube page, went viral. The footage, recorded by the brother of the young man arrested, captured the detailed interaction with Officer Chambers.
The young men were in Meridian to retrieve a dirt bike after their brother had crashed it and been taken to the hospital. As they loaded the bike into their truck, Officer Chambers approached them. During the encounter, Chambers grabbed one of the brothers, Samson Allen, placed his hands behind his back, and tackled him to the ground. The video also shows Chambers pulling out a Taser and ordering the two brothers to "Get back." Samson was arrested and charged with resisting and obstructing.
Meridian Police Chief Basterechea ordered a "thorough review of the incident from start to finish, including the use of force." The officer in question, Chambers, voluntarily left the department for "another opportunity" in September. That new opportunity was with the Boise Police Department.
Boise Police confirmed that Officer Chambers was hired on September 9, 2024, after a "thorough background investigation," as is standard for all candidates. When questioned about the incident and ongoing investigation, Boise Police stated that they "require all officers to have an Idaho POST certification" and to have left their previous agency in good standing. They added, "BPD background investigators speak with former agencies and review an applicant's file with that agency." Chambers is currently in the training program with Boise Police.
This case highlights the complexities surrounding police transfers amid ongoing investigations, raising questions about accountability in law enforcement hiring practices.
Link: Idaho News
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