Chief Christine Silverberg has launched an internal investigation into allegations by a Latin American man who says he was savagely beaten by undercover police officers.

Juan Domingo Melendez, 37, alleges he was jumped by officers during a sting operation into Calgary's sex trade in a case of mistaken identity.

On Tuesday, the city's Latin American Community Association came out in support of Melendez's claim and said there have been more incidents where Calgary police officers have mistreated other Latin Americans.

"What happened to Melendez is the last straw," said a news release.

"There are other Latinos who have had similar incidents like Melendez. But they are afraid to speak publicly."

After receiving the press release, Silverberg, whose mandate over the past several years has included working toward better relations between police and Calgary's multicultural communities, launched the investigation.

"This alleged incident occurred on August the 17th and as soon as I was informed of that I ordered an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding it," Silverberg said.

"I further ordered that there be an expeditious and thorough investigation into the matter.

"I have prided myself and my leadership in the development of trust and mutual respect with communities within Calgary, I take their concerns seriously."

In a statement obatained by the Herald, Melendez, an electrical engineering student at SAIT, said he was walking home from school at the time of the beating, which occurred in the 300-block of 11th Street S.E.

He said he was beaten by several members of the Calgary Police Service and the man who originally jumped him never identified himself as a police officer.

Dago Correa, from the Latin American Community Association, said the target of the sting operation was a native man.

Correa questioned if Melendez's dark features led police to mistake the student for the target of the operation.

In the statement, Melendez alleged he was thrown to the ground, handcuffed and kicked.

He also said he was mocked by officers after he was taken to the police station.

"Some cops passing by made fun of my bleeding face, saying I had fallen hard on the ground," Melendez's statement reads.

Melendez has been charged with assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest in connection with the incident.

A formal complaint has not been launched. Don Wise, speaking on behalf of Melendez, said they were not going to launch the complaint, preferring to go public through the media to garner the attention of top police brass.

The Latin association will hold a public meeting to discuss what they call "race-related police brutality" Thursday night at the Chilean Canadian Community Association of Calgary, 166-6800 Memorial Dr. N.E.