Merit board to decide cop’s fate

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Merit Board met Wednesday morning to decide the fate of Officer Jerry Piland, who is accused of using excessive force to arrest 15-year-old Brandon Johnson. The May 16 incident sparked outrage in the community and resulted in a public apology from the city’s public safety director, mayor and chief of police. Chief Paul Ciesielski wants the officer to be fired, but the Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police says Piland did not violate policy. The merit board will decide whether to approve the chief's recommendation, possibly by the end of the week.