Who once turned the hose on stanley? Why?

The police turned the hose on Stanley when he stood outside screamed for his wife.

You can't beat on a woman an' then call 'er back! She won't come! And her goin' t' have a baby!... You stinker! You whelp of a Polack, you! I hope they do haul you in and turn the fire hose on you, same as the last time!