Baltimore's finest at work:Cop abuses children. [Archive]

Abstract

Feb 12, 2008, 07:16 PM

You wouldn't understand the warzones, and ghetto trash gang-bangers living a shoot em up lifestyle that they also deal with.

Are they all 14 year old kids with water guns, who also say outrageously insulting things like "Dude"?

Besides, it's irrelevant. It's their job. Do it, or find another type of job. This is an example of doing it poorly, and I don't care what they deal with every day because this is their chosen line of work. It's like feeling sorry for a hospital doctor because patients die in their ward. Watching the family's reaction is difficult, but they know it's a part of the job and what happens at a hospital.

I can't feel sorry for him at all. I'm just glad that someone got this on tape, because if they didn't record it, that cop probably would have handed in some false charge against that kid and gotten those kids in a lot more trouble than they deserve to be in.

Spizzo

Feb 12, 2008, 07:17 PM

He shouldn't have lost his temper like that. No way, but on the other hand I know a few Bmore city cops from my gym. You wouldn't understand the warzones, and ghetto trash gang-bangers living a shoot em up lifestyle that they also deal with. Looks like this guy is letting his job get the best of him. Needs a long vacation.

Saw this on the news last night. I don't care what you deal with on a daily basis, there is no reason not to act professional. This is no way to treat anyone. Skating in the inner harbor doesn't warrant being choked and thrown on the ground, attitude or not.

According to the news last night, this kids mom filed a complaint with the PD, and the supervisor failed to return the call. Also not acceptable. :mad:

Rodimus Prime

Feb 12, 2008, 08:32 PM

he is a freak parking cop. He one of those people. He is some one who gets a lot of crap from people but then took it out on the kid because he could.

Hankster

Feb 12, 2008, 08:46 PM

It goes both ways. Yes, the cop seem to have overreacted but many kids these days are just plain immature and disrespectful.

Abstract

Feb 12, 2008, 08:51 PM

So is that when it's OK for a cop to act like this?

Besides, the 1st part of that statement isn't related to the 2nd. You said this cop overreacted, but there are, generally, many kids who are disrespectful. A cop can't treat those children like this just because there are many disrespectful kids in society. In this instance, these particular kids didn't do anything particularly wrong.

Rodimus Prime

Feb 12, 2008, 09:05 PM

OLD ELPASO

Feb 12, 2008, 09:21 PM

How many of you have never let the stress from work effect you life. It is not possible to keep it from effect one emotionally at some point it will get to them. Cops are in a very high stress job and the human mind and body can only take so much.

So if and when the human mind and body of a police officer decides it has had enough, and hell breaks loose, I'm really glad that this now newly-psychotic person has a sidearm and is up to their armpits in authority.

faintember

Feb 12, 2008, 10:36 PM

Add another abusive cop to the discussion: Florida deputy dumps a paraplegic man to the floor (http://digg.com/world_news/Disabled_man_dumped_from_wheelchair_by_sheriff_s_deputy). (linked to Digg b/c the direct link to CNN was a bit touchy for me)

Cops do put up with a lot, and they can loose their temper, but when loosing their temper puts them on the other side of the law it becomes another thing.

Personally speaking I have had one decent experience with a officer. All of the other incidents I have witnessed left me with a less than stellar impression of the police in general.

Counterfit

Feb 12, 2008, 10:54 PM

Kid's got authority issues, cop's got anger issues.

juanm

Feb 12, 2008, 11:10 PM

Kid's got authority issues, cop's got anger issues.

One as a skateboard (well, not anymore) and the other has a gun! :p

Everythingisnt

Feb 12, 2008, 11:20 PM

No matter what happened, it's the cops *responsibility* to act mature and professional. I think that what he did was neither. In fact, it was kind of shocking. He is one of the people we *trust* to help protect society and maintain general order. While others have excused his behavior, saying "well everyone is under too much stress once in a while", I think that in this case it is irrelevant--if you are unfit to continue operating at a professional standard, you should take a break--not take it out on a group of immature 14 year olds.

If the kids are seriously misbehaving or violating a law, arrest them or give them a warning.. This kind of "unofficial" punishment isn't good for anyone. In fact, it did look like quite an abuse of authority.

EricNau

Feb 12, 2008, 11:33 PM

I've seen police officers act more professional with their lives in immediate danger.

...And that's seriously their uniform? ...and car?

faintember

Feb 12, 2008, 11:40 PM

I...And that's seriously their uniform? ...and car?I think the cop in the OP video is a parking cop, hence the uniform and vehicle.

Plymouthbreezer

Feb 13, 2008, 12:02 PM

Aside from the little fight when the Officer was trying to get the skateboard, it wasn't something that is out of the ordinary... Happens a lot, regardless of the ethics of it.

Stampyhead

Feb 13, 2008, 02:33 PM

I honestly hate these treads because all it bring up is how people think cops suck are crap and abuse their power.

Maybe if these things weren't true people would stop thinking it.

mduser63

Feb 13, 2008, 02:52 PM

I honestly hate these treads because all it bring up is how people think cops suck are crap and abuse their power. Even though it is only a very small part % that are like that. Most cops are good cops. No one ever bring up the parts where the cops put up with an insane amount of crap and does not react like any normal person would.

What also annoys me is everyone expect cops to always keep their cool. They are human as well. At some point we all snap at work. And the excuse you took that job and that is part the stuff that comes with it can be thrown back at you. Yes cops put up with a lot more crap than the rest of us.

How many of you have never let the stress from work effect you life. It is not possible to keep it from effect one emotionally at some point it will get to them. Cops are in a very high stress job and the human mind and body can only take so much.

I've never met a good cop in my life and I've met plenty. I've never even had a speeding ticket myself, but I've seen cops treat others incredibly poorly. I can also honestly say that despite stress from work, school, and family (usually simultaneously) I've never blown up like that.

In any case, "But, but! Most cops are good" is hardly a defense for this guy's behavior. He should be fired and charged with assault. That's what would happen to anyone else if they did the same thing he did.

Rodimus Prime

Feb 13, 2008, 07:23 PM

I've never met a good cop in my life and I've met plenty. I've never even had a speeding ticket myself, but I've seen cops treat others incredibly poorly. I can also honestly say that despite stress from work, school, and family (usually simultaneously) I've never blown up like that.

In any case, "But, but! Most cops are good" is hardly a defense for this guy's behavior. He should be fired and charged with assault. That's what would happen to anyone else if they did the same thing he did.

I never said he should be let off the hook. The fact stands that people seem to think all cops suck abuse power ect. Lets face it only a small number of them that way but those are the only ones we hear about.

The other reason why people do not like cops is most of the time when they are talking to you they are going to give you a ticket of some sort. Normally speeding. That makes people not like them. Hell most of the time when a cop comes up to talk to you chance are really good you where doing something wrong.

The guy posted here (which btw is an old video) just went way to far. I will let a cop off the hook if they blow up verblily at some one if it is very rare.

t0mat0

Feb 13, 2008, 07:42 PM

Having just burnt through 5 series of The Wire very recently, i'd recommend everyone to watch it. A very very very good analysis of both sides of the badge and city. Fictional in parts, but with a lot of truth and heart in it.
Having watched The Wire, I ain't suprised. Seen and heard worse, but it's not nice to see.

EricNau

Feb 13, 2008, 09:10 PM

I never said he should be let off the hook. The fact stands that people seem to think all cops suck abuse power ect. Lets face it only a small number of them that way but those are the only ones we hear about.

The other reason why people do not like cops is most of the time when they are talking to you they are going to give you a ticket of some sort. Normally speeding. That makes people not like them. Hell most of the time when a cop comes up to talk to you chance are really good you where doing something wrong.
You're right. Plus the prevalent "rules are meant to be broken" sentiment shared by too many americans doesn't help. It baffles me how people try to justify breaking the law; my favorite goes something like this "don't officers have anything better to do than cite me for speeding?!"

I have yet to have a bad experience with a police officer; in fact, I have friends who are police officers. In almost every case, police officers deserve far more respect and appreciation than they receive.

It's just unfortunate that the very few bad officers give the rest a bad name.

mduser63

Feb 14, 2008, 01:09 AM

The other reason why people do not like cops is most of the time when they are talking to you they are going to give you a ticket of some sort. Normally speeding. That makes people not like them. Hell most of the time when a cop comes up to talk to you chance are really good you where doing something wrong.

You're right. Plus the prevalent "rules are meant to be broken" sentiment shared by too many americans doesn't help. It baffles me how people try to justify breaking the law; my favorite goes something like this "don't officers have anything better to do than cite me for speeding?!"

I thought I addressed this in my post. I realize it's just my personal experience but I have seen many instances of cops abusing their power, and in none of those cases have I been the one in trouble. I have never even had a cop pull me over for speeding let alone write a ticket (because I don't speed), nor have I been in any other sort of trouble with the law. However, I have witnessed cops abusing others , and I've also found those cops that were off-duty (ie I met them in social settings) to be less than likable people. From my point of view it's the good cops who are very much in the minority. I too have family and acquaintances who are police officers and they've done nothing to dispel this opinion, quite the contrary, they've reinforced it.

danidoll521

Feb 14, 2008, 02:27 AM

I actually live in Baltimore and this is the first I have seen of this particular situation...it makes me sick. I truly understand what police officers in Baltimore City deal with on a daily basis, but there is no excuse for any officer to act like this. There was another case a while back where a couple from Virginia was arrested for asking a police officer for directions after getting lost leaving an Orioles game. Baltimore has significant crime issues, which is all the more reason for its officers to conduct themselves with respect and dignity..they need to work toward correcting the problems Baltimore faces, not enhancing those problems. And as bad as this was, it is nothing for Baltimore City cops. Worse happens on a daily basis.

And by the way, this guy is nothing more than a traffic cop writing tickets and doing security/crowd control around the Inner Harbor.

EricNau

Feb 14, 2008, 02:50 AM

Rodimus Prime

Feb 14, 2008, 08:43 AM

I thought I addressed this in my post. I realize it's just my personal experience but I have seen many instances of cops abusing their power, and in none of those cases have I been the one in trouble. I have never even had a cop pull me over for speeding let alone write a ticket (because I don't speed), nor have I been in any other sort of trouble with the law. However, I have witnessed cops abusing others , and I've also found those cops that were off-duty (ie I met them in social settings) to be less than likable people. From my point of view it's the good cops who are very much in the minority. I too have family and acquaintances who are police officers and they've done nothing to dispel this opinion, quite the contrary, they've reinforced it.

No you did not address it. You clearly do not like cops automatically taints your views. 2nd the one I have family members one. My guess is your personality type is not the type that goes very well with the ones of cops so of course you are not going to get along with them the very well. So I really do not find the likable people part.

How would you like it if you went with a thankless job. All people do is complain and most dread seeing you.

i have also noticed cops tend to be more conservatives in nature. Compare that with most people on this board that are on the very liberal side that be another issues of personalities not lining up.

I might like to point out that part of the reason we have a more bad cops than we should is a lot of them are under paid. I know a of a fair number of cities where police officers some are on wellfare others can not afford to live in the cities they protect.
The term "you get what you pay for" is exactly what comes to play. You pay them crappy wages you are going to get crappy cops. Cities that pay more get better officers plan and simple.

mduser63

Feb 14, 2008, 08:03 PM

I might like to point out that part of the reason we have a more bad cops than we should is a lot of them are under paid. I know a of a fair number of cities where police officers some are on wellfare others can not afford to live in the cities they protect.
The term "you get what you pay for" is exactly what comes to play. You pay them crappy wages you are going to get crappy cops. Cities that pay more get better officers plan and simple.

This is the only part of your post I agree with. Cops don't take the job for money, they take it for the sense of power and authority it gives them. I'm not sure paying any more would necessarily fix this, but the fact that they are underpaid certainly makes it easy to understand why the job doesn't attract better people.

The decision about whether cops are good or bad has nothing to do with personality. What kind of personality likes arrogant, hot-tempered, little Ceasars with a badge a gun, and a license to essentially do whatever they'd like to people both innocent and guilty?

I might also point out that defending cops in situations like this does no one any good. Without people criticizing their behavior and publicizing their abuses, the bad cops will continue being bad cops with no consequences for their actions. This is not only a problem for the citizens whom they abuse (and who are forced to pay their salaries), it's also a problem for the good cops whose reputation they are ruining.

I would be much more sympathetic to the argument that there are many more good police than bad, and the police in general would have a much better reputation in the eyes of the public if they would respond to incidents such as the subject of this thread with real disciplinary action instead of the nepotism and covering that goes on. I realize this guy was suspended without pay. To any outsider that seems rather ridiculous and an obviously insufficient token gesture. He should have been fired and possibly charged with assault just like a "civilian" would have been had they acted the same way.

P.S. "You clearly do not like cops automatically taints your views" is neither grammatically correct nor a valid argument. It's what we call an Ad Hominem attack. Essentially you say, "You don't like cops, therefore if you say cops are bad, that must not be true." My like or dislike for cops has nothing to do with whether or not my argument is valid. After all, my dislike of cops is a direct consequence of the very ideas and experiences that are the substance of my argument. That is it follows my argument, it does not precede it.

EricNau

Feb 14, 2008, 08:19 PM

This is the only part of your post I agree with. Cops don't take the job for money, they take it for the sense of power and authority it gives them. I'm not sure paying any more would necessarily fix this, but the fact that they are underpaid certainly makes it easy to understand why the job doesn't attract better people.

The decision about whether cops are good or bad has nothing to do with personality. What kind of personality likes arrogant, hot-tempered, little Ceasars with a badge a gun, and a license to essentially do whatever they'd like to people both innocent and guilty?
You're making a very big assumption as to what the police officer's motives were for joining the force, and incorrectly claiming it as fact. I'm sure you're right in that some like the sense of power, but you should also realize that others take the job to ensure the safety of the public; more often than not, it's probably a combination of both, plus other reasons.

P.S. "You clearly do not like cops automatically taints your views" is neither grammatically correct nor a valid argument. It's what we call an Ad Hominem attack. Essentially you say, "You don't like cops, therefore if you say cops are bad, that must not be true." My like or dislike for cops has nothing to do with whether or not my argument is valid. After all, my dislike of cops is a direct consequence of the very ideas and experiences that are the substance of my argument. That is it follows my argument, it does not precede it.
That's not entirely correct. When one's argument is based entirely upon personal experience and anecdotal evidence, questioning traits of the opposing party is acceptable. A completely unrelated example would be, "You're account of a UFO encounter is highly contentious because you were intoxicated."
...Basically, this is not a formal argument because the only evidence being presented is informal evidence.

MrSmith

Feb 14, 2008, 09:10 PM

I think there's a lot of knee-jerk reaction here, but in fact, unless it's because I'm relying on my iBook speakers, I can't actually hear what the kid's saying. Plod's obviously having his Cantona moment as a reaction to things the kid's saying; even his friend tells him to shut up. Therefore I think I'll reserve judgement.

No, I don't like police in general. Anyone who deliberately makes a career out of arresting or otherwise apprehending people as soon as they step over a line does not have a socially-benign outlook, as far as I'm concerned. Their job is not to help people, but to get them after the deed. However, the kids of today aren't taught respect, and authority has to be respected. Not because it's authority, but because it's authority granted with the intention of protecting citizens, their property, and their peace of mind. In other words, because it's in everyone's interest. Calling a police office "Dude" (one of the few things I can hear) is not showing respect. Do people call their teachers that? Not down my way they don't. If you're brought up to show respect, you expect it in others. It's the downward spiral, as my mother likes to say.

mduser63

Feb 15, 2008, 10:15 PM

You're making a very big assumption as to what the police officer's motives were for joining the force, and incorrectly claiming it as fact. I'm sure you're right in that some like the sense of power, but you should also realize that others take the job to ensure the safety of the public; more often than not, it's probably a combination of both, plus other reasons.

I didn't say that was this particular officer's motivation, nor even that it's the motivation for any police officers, only that it make sense or one could expect it to be based on the fact that police officers are generally paid relatively little compared to some other jobs. Beyond that though, my experience with people whom I know very well (both friends and family) who also happen to be police officers is that this was the motivation for several of them. I don't deny the existence of police who are good, respectable and do the job for noble reasons, I'm merely arguing that they seem to be in the minority and that they need to do a lot more to deal with and remove the bad cops than they are doing before they complain about their reputation.

That's not entirely correct. When one's argument is based entirely upon personal experience and anecdotal evidence, questioning traits of the opposing party is acceptable. A completely unrelated example would be, "You're account of a UFO encounter is highly contentious because you were intoxicated."
...Basically, this is not a formal argument because the only evidence being presented is informal evidence.

Well of course, this is not a formal argument, and I understand that, but his saying that still does nothing to advance his argument. I could just as easily say, "You obviously love cops so your argument is automatically tainted" and that would be just as valid. I don't say that because it is essentially nonsensical. I might point out that your example is not perfect either because intoxication by its very nature means that one's perception and judgement are not fully functioning. My dislike of cops does not necessarily and automatically mean that I am incapable of thinking about them clearly or that I am likely lying about or exaggerating my experiences.

In summary, my argument boils down to this:

The police officer in this video acted inappropriately and his actions seem to me to be a fairly clear cut case of assault as they would be if anyone else had done the same thing to this child. Calling someone dude, while debatably disrespectful, is hardly grounds for physical assault, especially when the assault victim in question is a child. Whether or not bad cops such as this one are in the majority, and I realize this is very much debatable and most likely impossible to prove one way or the other, one bad cop is too many. While I realize that it is impossible for police departments to ensure that their officers behave properly 100% of the time, there should be real, lasting and effectual consequences for improper actions on the part of police officers. In this case specifically, and in many others I have seen personally as well as heard and read about, the punishment meted out upon the officer in question falls well short of the punishment to be expected for a civilian committing a very similar act. This does nothing to help the reputation of police in the public's eyes.

Rodimus Prime

Feb 16, 2008, 01:01 AM

It is not hard to show that most cops are good cops. When you factor in how many cops there are in the US (1/1000 average) that translates into a lot of cops.

Now look how far between we have stories like this pop up. The one in this thread happens to be years old. Yet people are still making a big deal saying how cops are bad.

Do you know why we do not see very many of good cops. Answers is simple no one gives a hoot. It not going to get people up in arms. Our news only cares about making money which means stories that get people angry are they way to go and then they make a big deal out of little things.

Like I pointed out cops are not liked because 9 times out of 10 when they are coming to talk to you. It is because they are handing you a ticket for doing something wrong. Normally speeding. Most of a cops job is to deal with law breakers.

Mord

Feb 16, 2008, 03:57 AM

Anyone who demands respect like that is deserving of none.

biturbomunkie

Feb 16, 2008, 06:13 AM

i don't like cops in general, but i'd like to see what happened before the camera started rolling. is the officer overreacting? maybe, but there has gotta be something that triggered his reactions. the way that the cop asks the kid to call his mom shows that the officer can be calm and professional. also, the fact that the officer reveals his name while knowingly being taped suggests that he doesn't think there's anything to hide.

OllyW

Feb 16, 2008, 06:34 AM

It's just that officers usual style of policing.

http://www.abc2news.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoId=8229@wmar.dayport.com

faintember

Feb 17, 2008, 12:16 AM

Like I pointed out cops are not liked because 9 times out of 10 when they are coming to talk to you. It is because they are handing you a ticket for doing something wrong.So that gives them the right to be an ass? Wait, not just an ass, but in cases of the OP's video an law-breaking ass. If people acted in a similar fashion in, lets say an office job, they would be fired and probably removed by security.
Anyone who demands respect like that is deserving of none.Exactly. Respect begets respect, and from what I see in the video, none was given by the cop. While calling anyone "dude" may not be the most socially apt thing to do it in no way deserves such a violent outbreak, especially by a cop. Also I love the reference to the kids as "son", which I find to be a equally offensive remark as "dude", not to mention the cop making the "son" remark first, and the kid calling the officer "dude" after he had already me tackled to the ground and then shoved back onto the ground.
It's just that officers usual style of policing.

http://www.abc2news.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoId=8229@wmar.dayport.comI love when supporting evidence rolls in! Oh noes! A box with a RC car under it! Time to get belligerent!
is the officer overreacting? maybe, but there has gotta be something that triggered his reactions.Could the trigger be just a fairly minor law violation? Seems like it in regards to both videos of the officer in question.
the way that the cop asks the kid to call his mom shows that the officer can be calm and professional.What part of the finger-in-face tangent that the cop goes off can be seen as "calm and professional"? Only after the cops rants for almost a minute does he ask, in a quasi-calm (what would be construed as being a smart-ass way if it was directed towards the cop) manner that the kid call his mother.
also, the fact that the officer reveals his name while knowingly being taped suggests that he doesn't think there's anything to hide.Did you watch the end of the video? The camera turns away at 3:31, at 3:35 the cop says "You got that camera on? 'cus if I find myself on"</video recording> Seems like the cop really didn't want to be on camera after all.

MrSmith

Feb 17, 2008, 12:34 AM

Anyone who demands respect like that is deserving of none.I think this is misleading. In general terms, a policeman shouldn't have to demand respect. He should get it. If he doesn't, should he just walk away from mouthy kids? That would hardly be playing his part in society. Those kids aren't just going to wake up one day and be respectful. Does a teacher have to demand or even earn respect? Of course not. The policeman in this video probably overreacted, but why is not clear in this case. But if my son when he's 14 called policeman "Dude" I'd be angry, too. The youth these days think they can get away with anything because there's always liberal-whatevers who will do anything to not make kids go with the status quo. (Not the band.)

By the way, these comments are aimed at the topic of respect, not to defend the wrestling that goes on in the video.

Rodimus Prime

Feb 17, 2008, 01:06 AM

So that gives them the right to be an ass? Wait, not just an ass, but in cases of the OP's video an law-breaking ass. If people acted in a similar fashion in, lets say an office job, they would be fired and probably removed by security.
ll.

I just love how you put words in my mouth. No where did I say anything about this cop.

I said in general. I hate post like these because it bring up people saying all cops suck for blah blah reason. They act like most cops are a bad cop like the one posted. When in fact it is very few.
People say cops are asses when all they are doing is coming up asking for their DL and proof of insurance. Normally in a very straight forward way. No real small talk. They are just down to business. Yet the cop is an ass because he is doing his job.

The cop in post here needs to be at the very least suspended with out pay and forced to see counselling

biturbomunkie

Feb 17, 2008, 01:08 AM

Could the trigger be just a fairly minor law violation?

when an officer approaches you, you can certainly play games to see if you can get away. i do that all the time when i get pulled over (though my buds and i would just split, since that 200lb+ parking officer wouldn't be able to chase us with his funny looking cruiser anyways). BUT, play your game smart and show your respect. ignoring an already pissed officer and then saying things like, "i don't have a father," will not get you anywhere.

What part of the finger-in-face tangent that the cop goes off can be seen as "calm and professional"? Only after the cops rants for almost a minute does he ask, in a quasi-calm (what would be construed as being a smart-ass way if it was directed towards the cop) manner that the kid call his mother.

in contrast to his yelling and screaming, the way officer dude asks the kid to call mom does seem to be calm and professional.

Did you watch the end of the video? The camera turns away at 3:31, at 3:35 the cop says "You got that camera on? 'cus if I find myself on"</video recording> Seems like the cop really didn't want to be on camera after all.

pardon my weak speakers, what i thought officer dude said was that, "you still got dat camera on" and i couldn't hear what he said afterwards.

as mentioned, i don't like cops in general and i'm not siding with officer dude. in fact, i think it's BS that he's is getting paid while he is suspended (in addition to counseling, he should be getting PT everyday until he's in shape if he's gonna serve and protect). in any case, i think the vid shows what happens when an officer with anger issues meets a brat with a sharp tongue. if the kid didn't insist on being a smart-ass, the officer would be in deeper trouble right now (and things would be very clear if it went to court). but i guess you have a lot to learn when you are fourteen. i just hope the kid will play games smarter after this incident.

faintember

Feb 17, 2008, 01:34 AM

I just love how you put words in my mouth. No where did I say anything about this cop.My first sentence was a general statement, while my second sentence is a bit more specific in regards to the cop in question. I don't feel that I put words in your mouth, as you view my comment differently than I do (which is taking the second sentence of my quote as the main point of the whole paragraph), though I do apologize for the impression as it was not my intent.
People say cops are asses when all they are doing is coming up asking for their DL and proof of insurance. Normally in a very straight forward way. No real small talk. They are just down to business. Yet the cop is an ass because he is doing his job.Some people see may see it that way. I can assure you that I am not one of those people. Cops that yell, demand respect, use excessive force, etc. are being asses IMO. I am not trying to purport that all cops are bad though I have personally viewed more than a few cops that were bad in my opinion.
The cop in post here needs to be at the very least suspended with out pay and forced to see counsellingAt least we can agree on this.
in contrast to his yelling and screaming, the way officer dude asks the kid to call mom does seem to be calm and professional.I noticed a bit of latent anger in the cops' voice as he said this, as indicated in parentheses in my original statement.
pardon my weak speakers, what i thought officer dude said was that, "you still got dat camera on" and i couldn't hear what he said afterwards.It is quite clear on the built-in speakers of my Macbook, which are less than stellar at best.
as mentioned, i don't like cops in general and i'm not siding with officer dude. in fact, i think it's BS that he's is getting paid while he is suspended (in addition to counseling, he should be getting PT everyday until he's in shape if he's gonna serve and protect).Agreed.
in any case, i think the vid shows what happens when an officer with anger issues meets a brat with a sharp tongue. if the kid didn't insist on being a smart-ass, the officer would be in deeper trouble right now (and things would be very clear if it went to court). but i guess you have a lot to learn when you are fourteen. i just hope the kid will play games smarter after this incident.I just don't see the kind as being that much of a smart-ass. Was he a little angel? Absolutely not, however from what I see in the video the cop was disrespectful to the kid before the kid was disrespectful to the cop.

iJesus

Feb 17, 2008, 01:35 AM

... seriously, most cops are pretty nice but this dude is just disrespectful.
First of all, I question the officers use of threats against the kid.
Second, I doubt the kid did anything to provoke a (sound-minded) officer to put him in a headlock.
Third, if he is an officer the kids can simply refuse to talk to him if they so wish. Having the officer yell at them like that is completely against moral conduct, especially if you are in law enforcement.

Fourth, WTF?! is up with the people walking by like nothing is happening?
If that was me I would've called police (not him, someone else and say "Hey, this kid just got assaulted...) I would've also made sure these kids were safe.

If you can't handle the stress of being a cop, take a vacation or get OUT.
From those two videos it clearly shows that this guy has a serious problem.

The kids are 14 and they shouldn't be judged by their use of "dude" or "man. Those words are part of teenagers vocabulary. It's like getting mad at someone for calling you "sen(˜+n)or" if they're spanish, "mate" if they're Australian, or something like that. Get over it and do your job, don't let that get the best of your temper.

I'm 16 and this seriously makes me sick.

GirthP

Feb 17, 2008, 02:01 AM

For me and most of the people I know, this behavior reinforces the attitudes that seem to cause the stress these "poor overworked cops" suffer from.

Poor babies, suck it up and deal, or get another job. What a cop out ;). Did you take the job to hear people to say all day long, "...hi, you are awesome!!... wow, it's so great to see you!!... man, am I glad to see you!!..."

Who do you know that has that job. You are a cop. Nobody likes you. That's how it will always be. If you can't handle that.... stop being a cop.

Cops... well I don't trust them for a reason. I find that it's best to never interact with them and if I do, to be very direct and respectful.

The other side of it is that if you are taunting a cop, you are an idiot... unless you can back it up ;).

Cops are stressed out, underpaid and generally unstable as I have experienced them. Why mess with that?

biturbomunkie

Feb 17, 2008, 02:10 AM

I noticed a bit of latent anger in the cops' voice as he said this, as indicated in parentheses in my original statement.

i think that's how some cops talk. but what you noticed could be correct as officer dude does seem to have anger issues.

It is quite clear on the built-in speakers of my Macbook, which are less than stellar at best.

perhaps you can tell me what the kid is saying before officer dude asks, "can you hear me now," and before one of the other kids says, "eric, shut up!"

I just don't see the kind as being that much of a smart-ass. Was he a little angel? Absolutely not, however from what I see in the video the cop was disrespectful to the kid before the kid was disrespectful to the cop.

that's the whole point - if the kid showed respect to the officer and yet the officer disrespected the kid, then there would be less ambiguity if it went to court. i hate to say this, but being young is never an advantage in cases like this (trust me, i know :D). young+skateboard+bad attitude = cop wins. also, almost always the judges will side with the cops from what i've seen.

the good thing is that someone came forward with another vid showing officer dude kicking a RC car. hopefully the internal investigation unit will try to be fair on this.

faintember

Feb 17, 2008, 03:03 PM

perhaps you can tell me what the kid is saying before officer dude asks, "can you hear me now," and before one of the other kids says, "eric, shut up!"This is what I hear from the Youtube audio unedited based on three listenings. Time markings are rough.

.10 Cop: "Hey, I'm talking to you.
Kid: "Wha?"
.12 Cop: "Can you hear me?"
.13 Kid:"Yeah"
.15 Cop: "Don't get defensive with me son. 'Cus you'll spend, you'll spend some time in juvenile. You're not allowed to ride your skateboards down here; no where."
.22 Kid:"Yeah I didn't hear you."
.25 Cop: "That's why I asked if you had the thing on. Don't get defensive with me. You backtalk me I'm not your father. You hear me?! I'm not your father. You give that attitude to your father. You give it to me I'll smack you upside the head."
.33 Kid: "Ok I, I don't have a father."
.35 Cop: " Shut your mouth I'm talkin'!"
.36 Kid in Black Shirt: "Eric, shut-up dude."