CMHA police made an arrest on Cleveland's east side, part of the incident captured by a resident and posted on her Facebook page.
Police confirm they were forced to use a taser during the arrest.
But CMHA police believe these social media posts don't always tell the entire story, and can give a one sided view of an arrest.
The video was recorded by De'bora Brown-Brooks, and shows police handcuffing a suspect after he allegedly caused a disturbance in front of the Renaissance Village neighborhood.
Brown-Brooks told newsnet5.com she made the recording because she was concerned police used the taser too vigorously during the arrest.
"People were screaming and police officers were hollering, and it just looked like something that needed to be seen," said Brooks-Brown. "I believe people should record police activity if they feel something isn't right."
"It's proof, it's valid proof. My word may not stand-up in court, but my video will."
But CMHA Police Chief Andy Gonzalez believes social media videos and posts, in a number of cases, don't tell the whole story.
In this case Gonzalez confirmed he believes his officers acted properly because the suspect was trying to choke one of the officers making the arrest.
The suspect was subdued without injury, and is now facing a host of charges, including assaulting a police officer.
Still, despite potential inaccuracies, Gonzalez said there is an upside to social media posts on police arrests.
He said the video can be used in training and creates officer accountability.
"It provides me at least an opportunity to learn what's really going on, as opposed to what I'm reading and what I'm hearing from the officers," said Gonzalez.
Gonzalez said one way to help with the increased social media scrutiny is through community outreach programs.
15 graduates were honored at the CMHA six week Resident Police Academy program on July 28.
CMHA Director of Resident Services Kristie Groves told newsnet5.com the program educates residents on the inner workings of the police department.
CMHA is also making great progress with its relatively new "Conversation Over Pizza" program.
The program is made up of a series of monthly meetings where residents gather with police leaders to discuss how officers can better serve the community.
"We are doing something, we're bringing everybody together, we're hearing you," said Groves. "We're also addressing concerns that you're bringing to the table."
