Only in San Francisco?

[IrishJoe3]

Egypt? You're comparing the UNITED STATES of AMERICA to Egypt in regards to citizen rights and LEO selection/training?

Nope, just giving an example of what police brutality really is.

[demnogis]

Interesting proverb... I haven't heard it in a long time. I usually hear that one before or after "Respect is earned, not given."

That seems to be the problem these days: there are people who don't know what respecting authority means.

[bigmike82]

The skater deserved his arrest, plain and simple.

The Officer may not have been 'wrong', per se, as far as policy or tactics go, but he was 'wrong' in the PR sense. Threatening to break someone's arm like a twig doesn't fly anymore, and only makes you look bad.

In any case, after hearing the **** comment by the skater, I cheered when the Officer arrested him.

[halifax]

Several posters have commented on how they have had to jump out of the way of skateboards while walking on sidewalks. What if one of the pedestrians just stood his ground and shoved the skateboarder off his board and onto his butt? Is there a legal defense for such action?

As for the original post, the skateboarder was out of line. The officer acted reasonably when confronted by "resisting". For some people to get the message, the language needs to be elevated.

[artherd]

Sgt. Wilfred Williams, a Police Department spokesman, confirmed the arrest. He said Stow was going to be cited for violating the city's skateboarding code, but that the violation turned into an arrest after Stow could not provide identification, which the sergeant said is standard procedure.

Really?

[tigerhui]

The skater deserved his arrest, plain and simple.

The Officer may not have been 'wrong', per se, as far as policy or tactics go, but he was 'wrong' in the PR sense. Threatening to break someone's arm like a twig doesn't fly anymore, and only makes you look bad.

In any case, after hearing the **** comment by the skater, I cheered when the Officer arrested him.

True, threatening to break someone's arm like a twig sounds pretty bad, but it would look even worse if he planted the guy on the ground the next time the guy tried to pull away. I think some sort of verbal warning was necessary, however I think the Officer's choice of works could have been better.

I definitely agree with your comment about he was wrong in the PR sense. I thought his conversations with the male and female bystanders toward the end of the video could have gone much better. The problem is that those two bystanders leave with a bad impression of LEOs. I would have finished dealing with the call, and then talked to the two bystanders, but hindsight is always 20/20.

[Tragic Image]

True, threatening to break someone's arm like a twig sounds pretty bad, but it would look even worse if he planted the guy on the ground the next time the guy tried to pull away. I think some sort of verbal warning was necessary, however I think the Officer's choice of works could have been better.

I definitely agree with your comment about he was wrong in the PR sense. I thought his conversations with the male and female bystanders toward the end of the video could have gone much better. The problem is that those two bystanders leave with a bad impression of LEOs. I would have finished dealing with the call, and then talked to the two bystanders, but hindsight is always 20/20.

but would that final parting conversation of made it onto the video?

Its obvious there is some editing to it. Who is to say that the officer didn't do just that?

[om221]

I know this guy (Sgt. Wilfred Williams), He is a great and nice guy.

[tigerhui]

but would that final parting conversation of made it onto the video?

Its obvious there is some editing to it. Who is to say that the officer didn't do just that?

Absolutely. The video, as shown, is already incomplete. It doesn't show the events leading up to the contact, nor does it show the officer leaving the scene. I always wonder why someone, who is in the middle of being contacted by an LEO, would decide to turn on a video camera.

I'd like to hear the Officer's side of the story.

[Cpl. Haas]

Really?

Yup... if the officer can't verify the suspect's personal info, how can he issue him a citation? Hard to issue a bench warrant for failure to appear in court if the guy gave you false information.

[yzErnie]

Pretty funny to read this thread as some of these nay-sayer's comments are really out of touch with reality.

[EOD3]

Let me make sure I've got this right;

PO receives call, skateboarders vandalizing cars (and pulling up storm grates)
PO arrives and tells SB's it's illegal to skate in the city, move on (paraphrase)
SB Calls PO F**king D**k, blah, blah, blah
PO Asks SB for ID
SB No ID, blah, blah, blah
PO Gets tired of the SB speak and arrests SB
SB Indicates to the PO that he may resist arrest
PO Warns SB if you resist, I WILL HURT YOU! (maybe PO should have threatened a timeout)
PO Cuffs SB and walks him to the cage
SB (off camera) resists taking a seat
PO (off camera) Uses the force he deemed necessary to control SB
IDIOT sequels "they didn't do nuffin" "I'm gonna file a complaint"
PO Gives name and badge number to IDIOT
PO Now has little option but ticket ALL the SBs for BREAKING THE LAW
SBs whimper

Morale of the story "STUPID HURTS"

I see a good cop doing his job, tries to keep it friendly and cut a break, morons refuse the advice and go the "smart mouth punk" route, then try to blame the cop.

Just my POV

[artherd]

Yup... if the officer can't verify the suspect's personal info, how can he issue him a citation? Hard to issue a bench warrant for failure to appear in court if the guy gave you false information.

After seeing that video you and the Sergeant Williams are going to insult my intelligence and claim that "lack of verifiable ID" was the tipping point for the arrest?

Really?

Your credibility and his just plummeted to zero.


PS: For the record, I think the kid was mouthing off and needed a dose of reality - though perhaps the officer exceed necessary force.

[artherd]

After seeing that video you and the Sergeant Williams are going to insult my intelligence and claim that "lack of verifiable ID" was the tipping point for the arrest?

Really?

Your credibility and his just plummeted to zero.


PS: For the record, I think the kid was mouthing off and needed a dose of reality - though perhaps the officer exceed necessary force.

Why not simply be truthful: "Our Officers have discretion to issue warnings, citations, or arrest for minor offenses. It would behoove those who encounter law enforcement to keep that in mind."

[yzErnie]

After seeing that video you and the Sergeant Williams are going to insult my intelligence and claim that "lack of verifiable ID" was the tipping point for the arrest?

The bottom line, IMHO, is the fact he chose to make the arrest and the arrest was lawful. I think you are splitting hairs on this one. I do however, agree with your comment in the post above this one.