Jim Palmer, executive director of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association and legal counsel for the two officers involved, said the officers wrestled with the decision because they didn’t want to do anything that might compromise the safety of fellow officers. But he said they were persuaded by Ozanne’s stated commitment to continue prosecuting those who assault officers or resist arrest.

While Koval and Palmer defended the officers’ use of force in getting Laird to comply with their demands to put her hands behind and back and stop resisting arrest, Palmer said they appreciate that others, whose views are “shaped through personal experiences that are very real,” see the video differently.

On Tuesday, Ozanne said, a caller to 911 reported that Laird was “out of control” and threatening East Towne employees with a knife after she said her cellphone had been stolen. When police arrived, Laird was already outside, the video showed. As an officer spoke with mall security, Laird approached and said she just wanted to leave her name and leave. She was told she needed to stay, Ozanne said, but she insisted on going. That’s when the officer moved to take her into custody.

“Wisconsin law and the state and federal constitutions allow an officer to temporarily detain a person while investigating a crime,” Ozanne said.