Student Protesters Beat Cop With His Baton at USF

[Tack]

I'm not an LEO. I read of a policeman being taunted and beaten by students and I was furious. I'm ashamed that someone would assault a police officer and ashamed that other citizens did not step in to protect the officer.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/calif-protesters-beat-cop-with-his-baton-while-rallying-against-tuition-hikes/

So, here is my question. If I saw that happen, how could I help? It must be nearly impossible for a LEO to tell friend from foe once the fight is on. My emotions tell me to take a bunch of the protesters to the ground and take my chances. My brain asks you, what should a responsible citizen do if the officer is being hurt?

(And before someone suggests it, the first thing I did is teach my children not to behave that way!)

Thank you to those who serve us.
Rob, not an LEO, just a regular guy.

[fullrearview]

Well, if you see the cop draw his weapon, get cover, call it in and observe as much as you can.

If he is completely defenseless, do what you can to help if you feel like you can make a difference...After you call it in of course.

[zeprider25]

call the cops? Once they arrive if you decide to help itll be pretty hard to distinguish you from the protestors. I would only get involved if there was some way I could make myself not seem like the cowards doing the assaulting.

Juan, Not an LEO, Just a wanabee LEO

[fullrearview]

call the cops? Once they arrive if you decide to help itll be pretty hard to distinguish you from the protestors. I would only get involved if there was some way I could make myself not seem like the cowards doing the assaulting.

Juan, Not an LEO, Just a wanabee LEO

Simple...Call 911, tell them whats going on, your name, brief discription of you and your clothing.....But if it looks like that gun is coming out.....get cover.

You may be detained, but you can explain yourself if you called and gave that info.

[1911su16b870]

That situation could have ended very badly for some of the protestors and the officer.

[BigDogatPlay]

A solo officer covering the entrance to a parking garage was rushed by a crowd, knocked to the ground and relieved of his baton. He responded by calling an 11-99 and drawing his sidearm, keeping it a low ready, finger off trigger. An appropriate display of force, IMO, since his baton was already gone and people in the crowd were reported (there were at least a couple of reporters / photogs present) to be saying that they were going to take the officer's gun next.



In that type of a situation, as much as it pains me to say it, it is probably best to hang back, stay safe and be a good witness. When the cavalry shows up and starts dispensing wooden shampoos, you are more likely to get one if you are in the middle of it... helping the officer or not.

[tyrist]

It's really hard to give you any advice because each circumstance can be very different. I wouldn't want you to become victim #2. One thing you could do is be a good witness to the probable OIS that would likely occur.

[Ranger]

I agree that is a tough call.

I have had a bystander join the fray and save my butt over a gun grab situation. Several of my patrolmen were in a bar fight and I arrived as backup so I was on the fringe working to the middle of the mess when some chicken opportunist POS jumped me from behind. A gentleman cold cocked the sucker to get him off my back as he had his hand on my gun and was choking me. Fortunately, my fellow officers were in the midst of battle and did not see the bystander help me as they may have thought he was an aggressor. He would have been seriously injured at the least, as the other guys was , if they had taken him out also.

The same issue occurs over an off duty assisting an on duty officer! Adrenaline is running high and the officers are focused on saving their fellow officer. It is not always easy to identify the good guys. If the officers arrive, flop down and yell something to indicate you were helping the officer. Keep your hands away from your body and be VERY submissive to them until things calm down.

I think if it is immediate and the officer is alone, to assist him as best you can. It is great advice to call it in as previously suggested if you can, but sometimes there just isn't time. Your intervention may make the difference between an officer getting bruised up vs. a POS having a gun and killing the officer and bystanders.

Again, it is a judgement thing and a tough call. An officer will never forget your helping them in a situation like that- first hand knowledge on that one! There is a gentleman in this world that has the consideration of the LEO community. . .

[homerm14]

That's a tough call. Two times in my career I've had people try to assist me while on duty. Both times I was fighting with someone and on the ground restraining them. Both times I told the people that I was ok and had help on the way but asked them if they would stand by. I find indapendent witnesses are great especially when someone is claiming police brutality. I have never needed extra assistance yet. Not to say it will not happen. It's a judgment call I would say ask the officer if he/she needs assistance. If you truly feel the officer is about to die and you are willing to risk your life the that's on you. I appreciate the fact that people are willing to help me. Far to often they would rather hurt me.

[missiondude]

Ok, lets throw this into the mix... You are a newly minted CCW holder. Do you draw your weapon to prevent serious bodily harm to an individual??? Not sure what I would do, but I would have figured the answer out before I apply for the licence...

[patriot_man]

Ok, lets throw this into the mix... You are a newly minted CCW holder. Do you draw your weapon to prevent serious bodily harm to an individual??? Not sure what I would do, but I would have figured the answer out before I apply for the licence...

People say to keep out of other people's business and not draw but I think I would help if the odds were in my favor.

[homerm14]

I would think long and hard before drawing my weapon. Even as a cop it is a crap shoot. If I am off duty the next arriving officer may not know me (depanding on where I am) even if I have my ID out. If I show up as back up I promiss you I will be pointing a gun at you until we get things figured out. That is a dangerous situation for all.

[fullrearview]

People say to keep out of other people's business and not draw but I think I would help if the odds were in my favor.

ehhhh.... That goes back to the Sheepdog mentality.....I would do what ever I could to help him/her. If I had my family with me, I would get them safe 1st.

[1911su16b870]

...


In that type of a situation, as much as it pains me to say it, it is probably best to hang back, stay safe and be a good witness. When the cavalry shows up and starts dispensing wooden shampoos, you are more likely to get one if you are in the middle of it... helping the officer or not.

If I was there, my first reaction was, ID myself as a PO, show credentials, give verbal commands for the assembly to disperse, and back up to officer, dress-right-dress, with off-duty firearm out at low ready twords the threat.

But I also understand how it could have also gone very bad doing the above.

[We Are Apocalypse]

For those that are LE, you can always carry one of these

http://www.dsmsafety.com/law-enforcement.htm

I can't say how much it'd really be worth though.