Philly Fires 4 Cops Involved in Taped Beating

The Philadelphia police fired four officers today, 2 weeks after they were videotaped taking part in the beating of three black suspects, the Inquirer reports. Nineteen cops were involved in apprehending the men, who were pulled from a car as a news helicopter filmed. A sergeant was demoted and three other officers may be suspended; the remaining 10 city officers and a transit cop won't be disciplined.

The unusually quick action "represents our effort to ensure that officers—and more importantly citizens—understand the engagement they should expect out on the street," Mayor Michael Nutter said. (More Philadelphia police stories.)