2 Men (Separate Incidents) Cleared of Assaulting Cops - Cops Actually Assaulted THEM

[Facial_King]

Police in both cases made written statements that they were assaulted by the person they took into custody. In both cases video made it clear that they were lying like rugs. Be sure to watch the vids to see what happened.

Florida - cops attack guy in elevator (and nearly take out bystander woman in the process):

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/community/news/fort_lauderdale/sfl-bn-0304video,0,1629580.story

Maryland - cops berate, mock, assault with sticks and spray guy pulled over by the highway - the in-car banter between the cops is pretty telling, too:

http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/news/030409_fbi_monitoring_alleged_police_assault

Your thoughts??

 

[Boothbabe]

Re: 2 Men (Separate Incidents) Cleared of Assaulting Cops - Cops Actually Assaulted T

My thoughts? Unfortunately there are some (altho it seems a lot more these days) people with serious mental issues who should never be hired as a police officer. The screening process should be much tougher including an in depth pshycological evaluation ensuring men and women who should not be in a positon of power never will be. We give these men and women the responsibility and rely on them to protect us and our society so they above anyone else should be of the highest character and have the highest moral values. If we cannot count on them who can we count on to do it? The officers in those videos have breached the trust of us as a society and they have abused the power we have given them and they should be punished for it. They should even be made an example of in an effort of those in power to regain our trust in them. Like I said, if we cannot count on them, who can we count on?

 

[STDiva]

Re: 2 Men (Separate Incidents) Cleared of Assaulting Cops - Cops Actually Assaulted T

i think we can all agree 100 percent of cops are crooked pieces of shit. 100 percent.

 

[Facial_King]

Re: 2 Men (Separate Incidents) Cleared of Assaulting Cops - Cops Actually Assaulted T

i think we can all agree 100 percent of cops are crooked pieces of shit. 100 percent.

No, I don't think that's true.

 

[luchi314]

Re: 2 Men (Separate Incidents) Cleared of Assaulting Cops - Cops Actually Assaulted T

ok thanks

 

[STDiva]

Re: 2 Men (Separate Incidents) Cleared of Assaulting Cops - Cops Actually Assaulted T

No, I don't think that's true.

i was being sarcastic.

these cops are ridiculous. how stupid can you be?

 

[Shindekudasai]

Re: 2 Men (Separate Incidents) Cleared of Assaulting Cops - Cops Actually Assaulted T

Who needs street gangs, the mob etc. when you got cops like that, roaming the streets, looking for the next opportunity to beat someone up.
But seriously, if anyone in any company in the US would fail in their job or miss their job description in that way (I mean...they actually did the opposite of what they're supposed to), they would be fired in an instant without even being given the opportunity to defend themselves. Strangely for a cop, whose job is more important for a democratic society than any corporate job, it seems ok to switch from peace officer to thug in a second without having to fear any repercussions.
My fear is, that parts of the US society are already so deeply ingrained with hate, that serious psychological evaluations of every person who applies for a job in law enforcement could be necessary. And that would be a sad, sad thing. I mean, how else would you explain the growing (psychological and physical) violence?
There are probably two or three cases like this per year in my country. And our police is not known for being the friendliest in Europe (or worldwide). But I've already heard of five cases in the US for this year and it's only the end of march. Till the end of the year, the number of cases will be in the double digits. Not very comforting if you ask me.

Let's hope, if I should actually get pulled over by the police or something like that, when I visit the US later this year, it will not be by one of "these" cops.

 

[ChefChiTown]

Re: 2 Men (Separate Incidents) Cleared of Assaulting Cops - Cops Actually Assaulted T

There are probably two or three cases like this per year in my country. And our police is not known for being the friendliest in Europe (or worldwide). But I've already heard of five cases in the US for this year and it's only the end of march. Till the end of the year, the number of cases will be in the double digits. Not very comforting if you ask me.

That's probably because people in your country actually respect your police officers. Our society in the US just loooooves to rebel against authority figures, so it's common for people to disrespect police officers on a regular basis. Are there people who respect police officers in this country? Yes, absolutely. But, unforunately, there are more people who think that they are above the law and just disrespect and hate police officers for no reason.

As far as the topic in this thread is concerned...

These officers were obviously in the wrong. Every profession is going to have it's bad seeds, including law enforcement.

 

[Shindekudasai]

Re: 2 Men (Separate Incidents) Cleared of Assaulting Cops - Cops Actually Assaulted T

That's probably because people in your country actually respect your police officers. Our society in the US just loooooves to rebel against authority figures, so it's common for people to disrespect police officers on a regular basis. Are there people who respect police officers in this country? Yes, absolutely. But, unforunately, there are more people who think that they are above the law and just disrespect and hate police officers for no reason.

I know, what you mean, but I think there's still a difference between wanting to respect the police because they do a thorough and good job and having to respect them because else they treat you like a dog. These are two different kinds of respect. Which one are you rooting for?
Laws are made to protect people, not to subdue them. That's a lesson a lot of police officers seem to forget very easily, and not just in the US.
And one more thing: Most Americans insist on the right to treat others like crap and actually do it whenever opportunity knocks. In my opinion, this "mindset" rubs off on the relationship between policemen and civilians as well.

 

[ChefChiTown]

Re: 2 Men (Separate Incidents) Cleared of Assaulting Cops - Cops Actually Assaulted T

I know, what you mean, but I think there's still a difference between wanting to respect the police because they do a thorough and good job and having to respect them because else they treat you like a dog. These are two different kinds of respect. Which one are you rooting for?
Laws are made to protect people, not to subdue them. That's a lesson a lot of police officers seem to forget very easily, and not just in the US.
And one more thing: Most Americans insist on the right to treat others like crap and actually do it whenever opportunity knocks. In my opinion, this "mindset" rubs off on the relationship between policemen and civilians as well.

You're right...laws are made to protect us. But, how many people in the US get pulled over for a speeding ticket and realize that? Not many. They get pulled over and bitch to the police officer, saying things like "Don't you have anything better to do?"

People in the US just don't get it. They just want to hate police officers because they don't want to follow the rules. People here think that we should be able to what we want, when we want to and however we want to do it.

Are there police officers who shouldn't have a badge? Yes. Do they represent the majority of US police officers? No, not even close. Yet, people want to believe that most of, if not all, police officers are corrupt, egotistical maniacs. It's just tiring to hear so much anti-police BS from all over the place, especially from people who act as if we don't need the police. Those people, in my opinion, are just completely clueless to reality.

 

[calpoon]

Re: 2 Men (Separate Incidents) Cleared of Assaulting Cops - Cops Actually Assaulted T

People here think that we should be able to what we want, when we want to and however we want to do it.

isn't that what we've been going to war over for the last 500 years? that's the American way!

I should be able to do what I damn well please and nobody better get in my way or else I will file a lawsuit and claim that my civil rights were violated and that I was unjustly abused, but everyone else that I don't agree with, they need to be beaten down and restrained and put in their place, possibly executed and I am offended and pissed off that it is not happening: The average American citizen.

 

[Facial_King]

Re: 2 Men (Separate Incidents) Cleared of Assaulting Cops - Cops Actually Assaulted T

Here's how that Florida case turned out:

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/localnews/content/state/epaper/2009/06/05/0605elevatorassault.html

Excerpt:

After a beat down in an elevator, Joshua Daniel Ortiz ended up with a broken nose and facing a charge of battering a Fort Lauderdale police officer.

The 22-year-old Sunrise man was surprised and delighted to learn Wednesday that Broward prosecutors were dropping the case against him after reviewing an elevator surveillance video showing three officers aggressively rush and beat Ortiz to the ground.

Once the Dec. 5 video surfaced, it altered the course of the case. It contradicted police reports that Ortiz provoked and attacked Officers Derek Lade, Stefan Silver and Steve Smith.

"They were just sitting there watching my life go down the drain with those charges," Ortiz said Wednesday. "I've been going crazy thinking my life is over. It's barely started and it's over."

The looming legal charges delayed Ortiz's enrollment in college classes, he said.

Police first charged Ortiz with felony battery on a law enforcement officer.

But after seeing the video obtained by Ortiz's defense attorney, Stephen Melnick, prosecutors downgraded the charge to a misdemeanor resisting charge. Upon further review, prosecutors dropped the case entirely.

"We thought based on the facts and the evidence, including the videotape, that there was no reasonable likelihood of conviction at trial," said Lee Cohen, assistant state attorney in charge of misdemeanor cases.

Fort Lauderdale police internal affairs investigators reviewed the incident more than a month ago and found no violations of policy or procedures, said Sgt. Frank Sousa, the department's spokesman.

"It was not a beating," Sousa said. "The video clearly shows that (Ortiz) made a movement toward the officer."

===

The link has a little poll where you can vote on what should happen to the officers. Nearly 80% thus far want the officers fired.

 

[mongo18]

Re: 2 Men (Separate Incidents) Cleared of Assaulting Cops - Cops Actually Assaulted T

In a lot of small time charges, police will lie their asses off and rely on the fact that 90% of people will just cop it and move on. I was given this advice by a lawyer friend after the cops drove their car into me from behind in a pedestrian mall and then arrested me for drunk and disorderly. Sure enough, I went to court and the police prosecutor told the judge that the police were trying to get past to get to an emergency call (just to make me look extra bad) and I obstructed their path until they were forced to get out and arrest me. Wasn't worth arguing, I was one college student versus 3 cops, ended up with $100 fine and no recorded conviction. Assholes.

 

[Philbert]

Re: 2 Men (Separate Incidents) Cleared of Assaulting Cops - Cops Actually Assaulted T

My thoughts? Unfortunately there are some (altho it seems a lot more these days) people with serious mental issues who should never be hired as a police officer. The screening process should be much tougher including an in depth pshycological evaluation ensuring men and women who should not be in a positon of power never will be. We give these men and women the responsibility and rely on them to protect us and our society so they above anyone else should be of the highest character and have the highest moral values. If we cannot count on them who can we count on to do it? The officers in those videos have breached the trust of us as a society and they have abused the power we have given them and they should be punished for it. They should even be made an example of in an effort of those in power to regain our trust in them. Like I said, if we cannot count on them, who can we count on?

Ourselves?

Police are not Holy Men, they are people who get paid to do a job.
The job is bitching hard sometimes, but sometimes it's great.
No one's perfect, but more LE people have a good take on personal responsibility and the Human Condition than the usually "what's in it for me?" self-serving civilian...or perp.
I know who will be there when the nasty shit hits the fan...not F-K, not any of you 'cept maybe Johnnystyro...if I'm not there and something vile happens to my baby the LE will step up and deal with it.
I can deal with the occasionally off-base LE rouge...and they know that if they don't watch their own backs damn few "grateful" citizens will come through for them.

 

[D-rock]

Re: 2 Men (Separate Incidents) Cleared of Assaulting Cops - Cops Actually Assaulted T

Ourselves?

Police are not Holy Men, they are people who get paid to do a job.
The job is bitching hard sometimes, but sometimes it's great.
No one's perfect, but more LE people have a good take on personal responsibility and the Human Condition than the usually "what's in it for me?" self-serving civilian...or perp.
I know who will be there when the nasty shit hits the fan...not F-K, not any of you 'cept maybe Johnnystyro...if I'm not there and something vile happens to my baby the LE will step up and deal with it.
I can deal with the occasionally off-base LE rouge...and they know that if they don't watch their own backs damn few "grateful" citizens will come through for them.

You must have some great LEs by you. If somebody broke into my house and wanted to kill me they might arrive an hour later when I'm already dead and there was no risk to themselves where I'm at. If your speeding a little bit or something like that they are sure there for it though.


I can see why so many people aren't "grateful" considering the amount of unethical things I have heard throughout my life. Too many cops forget they are supposed to serve us, not rule over the people they are sworn to protect. Too many police deserve the reputation they have, so if they don't like the way people view them, they have nobody to blame but themselves.

Respect isn't given, it's earned, even for law enforcement officers.

 

[Philbert]

Re: 2 Men (Separate Incidents) Cleared of Assaulting Cops - Cops Actually Assaulted T

They earn it every single shift they pull...while I could say you earn the disrespect of LEs every day, yet the vast majority of them still treat nonLEs with required respect and fairness.

 

[mongo18]

Re: 2 Men (Separate Incidents) Cleared of Assaulting Cops - Cops Actually Assaulted T

I think people who got picked on or pushed around as kids make up a decent proportion of people joining the force, looking for empowerment. As a result we have a lot of cops who have chips on their shoulders and like to push people around but have no real balls when dealing with serious criminals.

 

[Mrs Jolly]

Re: 2 Men (Separate Incidents) Cleared of Assaulting Cops - Cops Actually Assaulted T

We are all aware of the difficulties of the job and the ratio of asshole cops to cops in general. The public at large would be quite forgiving of these shortcomings if the police could be bothered to treat wrong doing within their own ranks with half the effort they pursue regular criminals.

 

[Philbert]

Re: 2 Men (Separate Incidents) Cleared of Assaulting Cops - Cops Actually Assaulted T

We are all aware of the difficulties of the job and the ratio of asshole cops to cops in general. The public at large would be quite forgiving of these shortcomings if the police could be bothered to treat wrong doing within their own ranks with half the effort they pursue regular criminals.

I think people who got picked on or pushed around as kids make up a decent proportion of people joining the force, looking for empowerment. As a result we have a lot of cops who have chips on their shoulders and like to push people around but have no real balls when dealing with serious criminals.

The first statement comes from someone with no insight into the ranks of LEs, from street patrol to State Troops.
The second post is, sadly, merely ignorant on many levels.
A pussy cop who doesn't have the balls to go straight up with a bad perp gets jail duty toot-suite...no cop wants a timid backup when they are "out there".
Once a time has been spent seeing beaten women, little kids barely alive from Daddy and Mommy beating them for being annoying, people with big holes from gunshots, usually for drinking someone's last beer or sitting in their favorite chair; once a little time is spent absorbing the same lame lies people use over and over...Cops are either able to still do their job, or they leave/are moved out.
We are lucky to have all the dedicated LEs we have watching out for all of us in spite of the crap they have to take to do their job.
I have no patience with whiners who can't handle simple traffic laws, and bitch when they get nailed knowingly breaking them.
We all know we do wrong, but still get grumpy when called down for it.

 

[Facial_King]

Re: 2 Men (Separate Incidents) Cleared of Assaulting Cops - Cops Actually Assaulted T

For God's sake philbert, can you PLEASE just stay off of my threads??? Please??