Indiana State Police have responded to Elkhart Mayor Tim Neese's request for an independent investigation of excessive police force. ISP says that "any other investigation beyond the allegation of the battery, such as an allegation of a Civil Rights violation would fall under the investigative jurisdiction of the United States Department of Justice."

On Nov. 2, charges were filed against two Elkhart police officers for allegedly

against a man in their custody.

After releasing a statement saying that kind of conduct would not be accepted, Neese was

on Wednesday, Nov. 14.

On Thursday, Nov. 15, Neese requested that the Indiana State Police get involved and look at all facets of the department. At that time, he said he was expecting the investigation to begin within a couple of weeks.

Indiana State Police said the following in a statement:

The Indiana State Police is aware of Mayor Neese’s request for the state police to conduct an investigation of the allegation of battery of an in-custody suspect by members of the Elkhart Police Department. However, since an investigation into the battery allegation was completed by the Elkhart Police Department, and that investigation has resulted in the Elkhart County Prosecutor’s office filing of charges against the officers alleged to have committed the battery, there is no purpose for the state police to investigate an allegation that has already resulted in the filing of criminal charges. Separate from the criminal allegation already investigated, it is not a matter of routine for the state police to investigate the internal operations of other agencies. Any other investigation beyond the allegation of the battery, such as an allegation of a Civil Rights violation would fall under the investigative jurisdiction of the United States Department of Justice.

On Tuesday, a mayor's spokesperson wrote in e-mail: "Mayor Neese is still assessing next steps and will follow-up directly with the state police to better understand their decision."