[Chaossaber314]

Quote by: ruksak There is no way he radared him. It's all on video. Did you see a radar gun used? I sure didn't. What I saw was a cop park in front of the 40MPH sign setting a speed trap and quickly pulling over the first guy that came by. Technically, the speed limit was still 60. The man wanted to know how fast he was clocked at and got NO ANSWER. Despite asking many many times "How fast was I going". Before and after he was tortured for his insolence. This is vital information if he wishes to take this matter to court. Imagine a cop pulling you over for running a stop sign and refusing to tell which stop sign he thinks you ran.

Two things.

First of all, they don't have to have a radar "gun" to run radar. Even my college town cops use mounted cylindric devices attached by Velcro that they can remove and adjust with ease.

Second, at least in Missouri, they don't have to tell the individual how fast they were going, but just have a reasonable conclusion that they were going too fast. Though in this area, we additionally have the "Too fast for conditions" citation, but that is a separate matter. Granted, I don't think this applies in this case since the officer was in the wrong. However, speaking generally, these two points apply.

The suspect can say anything he wants after being arrested and not Mirandized, and it cannot be used in court against him.

That's right.

You would think so, but then again you never know how you would act in a situation like that.

I actually kind of do. I participated in a live fire training thing with our SWAT team. They had us playing bad guys and random civilians. The first thing I did when all of the sudden there's a guy pointing a Glock19 at me was to stop and put my hands up. Of course that was when I was playing the civilian. When I was a "bad guy" I tried to take a shot. The differentiation is pretty important and somewhat typical.

This guy is just pleading his case, and a damn good one at that, and suddenly he's being threatened with what he thought was lethal force. Taking a defensive posture is natural in this circumstance if you ask me. Putting his hand in his pocket was stupid however. But I think he was just freaked out a little by this sudden jump in tempo.

Perhaps, though if he had any thought for the safety of his family he wouldn't be trying to antagonize things further. Was he in the right to do so? Yes. Was it smart? Hell no. If you think a cop isn't all together and willing to draw his weapon on you, it doesn't matter how right you are if you end up shot or tasered. Which, to an individual is just stupid, but when it comes to endangering your family, is damn low.

I would normally be the first guy to concur. If not for the egregious procedural violations committed by the officer. I have expended great effort in defending police in situations like this on this very discussion board. But I will not defend this cop for creating a volatile and potentially deadly situation.

I agree with you however, I'm taking this beyond blatant procedural and moral error on the cops part to say that if an individual is in a situation with a stressed or pissed off individual who has a weapon drawn at you, and you have family present, you resolve the matter as calmly as you can. You don't piss them off more. It doesn't matter if it's a cop or some random thug demanding your wallet. Sure he doesn't deserve or have a right to your wallet, but how terrible of a person do you have to be to endanger your wife and child nearby, just because you had to have a big ego and piss them off further.

I use this example (and another I used earlier) because I feel that the moment this cop got out of line, he was the equivalent of an armed thug.

I'd also like to point out the fact that this guy was laying on the road twitching. A busy road, as is apparent when you watch the full video I posted. He could have been run over and killed after being electrocuted over a simple traffic infraction that may not have even occurred.

Yes, I noticed that as well. There was nothing about the cops actions that were right.

He pulled his taser out of anger. This is obvious. He didn't reach for his cuffs. He reached for a tool meant to be implemented, as you just said, for use against a threatening or fleeing suspect. The guy walked calmly with the officer and didn't make any sudden moves. He spoke calmly and started gesturing to indicate his point about the traffic sign placement and this pig just hauls off IN ANGER and draws a weapon, screaming in a hostile manner. This was done out of anger, not necessity. Police ARE NOT supposed to react with anger. He sure acted like a rookie with no idea how to deal with people.

When I watch my brother handle people and situations like this on his beat, he is calm, respectful and courteous. Even when being shouted at and told to "F*ck off". This is why he has never had a video of himself posted on youtube. Because he does what police are supposed to do. Diffuse the situation and/or bring an argumentative person to reason. In my opinion the pig/officer in this case could have handled this the way I know my brother would have. When Massey said "I'm not signing this", the proper thing to do would be to assume this man doesn't know this could lead to arrest. He should have said "Sir, if you do not comply and sign this agreement to appear in court, I will issue you a citation for refusal to sign a traffic citation. If you still refuse to sign I will ask you to exit your vehicle and I WILL place you under arrest". It's that simple. Calm, respectful and making sure that Massey understands the importance of compliance. He did none of this. The pig was angry at the defiance toward the citation.

100% Agree.