Tuesday, July 27, 2010 3:08:33 PM
So, are there growing prosecutions when people video tape a cop, say, helping a little old lady cross the street? Of course not. But catch them pulling a Rodney King and posting it on Youtube...
Tuesday, July 27, 2010 7:58:36 AM
>>>The issue is that you don't know if the person you`re stopping knows how to resolve situations without force or what the situation actually is. <<<
So what. By your argument cops should walk around with an M-16 loaded and ready. I mean you never know when you might run into someone that you need to put down before they touch you.
Police signed up for the job. A dangerous, scary, never know what the h//l will happen or if I die today job. I have great respect for them but they knew the risks when they joined. They do not get to use the risks as excuses for bad behavior later.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010 3:17:00 AM
I agree, this is definitely an issue. Especially since lots of times in court, it's word against word when it comes to less prominent police activity like a traffic stop or upholding of a smaller crime. When it`s a police officer`s word vs a teenager`s (skate videos), a speeding motorcyclist, or even, dare I say, a minority, the police officer`s usually going to be believed.
"Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?"
Or, more commonly known.
"Who will watch the watchmen?"
If we can`t videotape, record, or surveil our policemen, what will keep them in check?
Plato believed their values and morals would. Plato, clearly, wasn`t from around here.
In a place where protection and duty is worth only as much as a paycheck, we really can`t count on that.