Police beating victim wins national Emmy award

DENVER -- For the moment, Alexander Landau is living a low-key life.  But it hasn't always been that way.

In 2009, Landau was severely injured after a beating at the hands of Denver police.  He was awarded close to $800,000 by the city.  It’s one of the largest settlements on record.

"I have memories of it that are vivid as if it happened yesterday," said Landau.

Ever since the incident, he has worked to improve relations between police and the people they serve. The effort has suddenly become even more high-profile.

Landau's story is told in his own voice in the animated short "Traffic Stop." Part of the StoryCorps series, the film recently won a national Emmy award in New York.           

"The first thing I remember thinking was: This is so surreal, like what do we need to do now?” said Landau.

Landau hopes his Emmy will fuel the future, giving him a louder voice  to prompt change.

"It adds more acclaim to the movement and organizations I'm a part of who are leading efforts around revising the criminal justice system. In addition, as long as we continue our ground game, we will find ways elevate other personal narratives to higher platforms such as Emmys, speaking engagements, etc.," he said.

Landau still wants the officers involved to be prosecuted, yet the Emmy symbolizes his own personal strength.

“I’ve won an Emmy now.  And I still live and love this city.  And I organize front line against the injustices that I've personally had to endure and I will continue to do so,” said Landau.

You can watch the movie for yourself by clicking here.