Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo took the stand in the Derek Chauvin trial on Monday and testified that the former cop, who is facing charges of murdering George Floyd, did not follow the department’s de-escalation policy.

Showing a still image of Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck, Arradondo was asked if based upon his review of the incident did the ex-cop followed the Minneapolis Police Department’s policy on de-escalation. “I absolutely don’t agree with that,” Arradondo replied.

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“That action is not de-escalation. And when we talk about the framework of our sanctity of life and when we talk about the principles and values we have, that action goes contrary to what we’re taught,” he said, CNN reported.

However, Arradondo testified that he had first watched surveillance footage that was different from the infamous bystander video. 

The surveillance video, he said, had no audio, it was from a distance and only showed the backside of the officers.

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But that same night a community member asked him if he had seen the video of his officer choking and killing a man.

Soon, Arradondo realised the footage being talked about was different from the one he had seen.

“And eventually within minutes after that, I saw for the first time what is now known as the bystander video,” Arradondo said.

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“I was actually able to see Mr Floyd. I was actually able to hear what was occurring. And I was also able to get a better understanding of the length of time, the duration of the call, the incident,” he remarked.

Following Arradondo’s testimony, Defense attorney Eric Nelson cross-questioned the Minneapolis Police Chief about the department’s use of force policy.