Protesters: Police force is 'worst gang in Seattle'

Protesters staged a small rally at Victor Steinbrueck Park as they try to turn the tide on what they say is a pattern of police misconduct.

The small but spirited group of activists wore their passions on their sleeves, calling for an end to police brutality.

"I think they are the worst gang in Seattle," said protester Don Ross.

Meanwhile, in the background, other demonstrators chanted, "Hey, hey, SPD - why do killer cops go free?"

Fueling the protesters' anger is a video showing an undercover officer kicking a suspect whose hands are up. And that is only the latest problem involving the Seattle Police Department.

In august, Seattle police officer Ian Birk shot and killed John T. Williams, who he said was armed with a knife. But evidence photos show the knife was closed - and a prelimary investigation has determined the shooting was not justified.

"Cops are supposed to be our friends - they are supposed to help us, be heroes," said protester Mariah McKinney. "I mean, why are they beating him? What did he ever do?"

She called the incidents a "pattern."

The Seattle Police Department has already been scrutinized after a gang unit detective was caught on tape stomping on a man's head.

More attention followed when cell phone videos recorded an officer punching a teen following a jaywalking stop in Rainier Valley.

Now the kicking incident, captured by a store's security camera, has prompted yet another active internal affairs investigation.

"They need to be held accountable," says Ross.

Five legal organizations have joined the American Civil Liberties Union to formally ask the Justice Department to investigate what they call a pattern of police misconduct in Seattle.