I can't believe you pulled your gun..

[truckdiagnostics]

I look at the police like taxes. It is just a necessary evil. I listen and do what I am told.

 

[k0ua]

Exactly.

We know the cop didn't think he was in danger because:

1) He took the time to check plates and call dispatch about the truck hooking up to a boat in a driveway, discuss the video guy, then inform dispatch he was dismounting.

2) He fiddled around taking his own picture of the guy videoing the patrol unit with what appears to be a personal phone. Remember the police office is still somewhat concealed in the patrol unit. Having confirmed the truck belonged to the address with dispatch, rather than dismounting, at this point the police officer should have smiled and waved and moved on.

3) After drawing his gun, the police officer shares his speculation of the video guy being "some kind of constitutionalist," which even if true, is not grounds to dismount and escalate.

4) When the video guy did pull his left hand out of his pocket and point at the officer, the officer, grasped his weapon with both hands in response ready to lay down multiple aimed rounds if necessary (I was happy to note the police officer didn't appear to curl his finger on the trigger, a thing that many people do without even knowing it when under stress).

5) The cop was clearly not interested in a meander stop when he informed the video guy that the video guy couldn't remain on his own driveway or lawn and could go in, but not stay where he was. Huh? The guy is hooking his truck up to his own boat on his own driveway. We believe the cop already identified the residence of the video guy when speaking to dispatch, so what was the point of dismounting then? At that point we learn that the police officer is only concerned about being on video, which isn't probable cause and a real chicken s it move on his part.

The fact that some aren't thinking through what took place in the context that it took place and in the context of our laws and procedures is disheartening.

You make some very good points.

 

[jlawso21]

Police are used to be able to intimidate people into doing anything they want. And usually they know enough law to be able to BS their way around what they know is illegal. Just a couple of years ago people were being arrested for taking a video of a policeman.

That has changed recently with all the publicity around videos being legal and then all the evidence being put up on youtube. But they sure don't like it when someone gets out the camera, and people are beginning to push back.

I don't think the guy taking this video used the best judgement, but I don't think he did anything wrong either. You can tell the officer realized he was in over his head and decided to back down. If not for the video this guy may have been shot.

 

[Deere Dude]

Cops like this should change career paths.
What an idiot....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cDy3tUy4Io

I would have shot the camera out of his hand. :laughing: It doesn't make sense to me to stalk a cop in this untrusting environment.

 

[Tomtint]

Weather or not this particular cop was over reacting, is not completely clear. We only see the view point of the video. We also do not know what previous situations have occurred with that person or address. In today's world, everyone seems to think that police are some sort of shoot first cowboy mentality mob. It is simply not true. They deal with the scum of the earth everyday, day after day after day. When someone blaitenly objects to the simplest of requests (like take your hand out of your pocket ) many situations will escalate. LE will naturally think the suspect could have a weapon or other illegal substance. While there are certainly cops that should not be cops, I think 99.9% are hard working, honest people that have a extremely difficult job.

 

[RobertBrown]

I would have shot the camera out of his hand. :laughing: It doesn't make sense to me to stalk a cop in this untrusting environment.

Stalking is exactly what happened here. The resident set a flimsy trap and the policeman wasn't smart enough to see it.
As far as shooting the cell phone.....
I get that. I would have pistol whipped some respect into boat guy...twice. Then stomped his smart phone into pieces small enough to fit somewhere dark and warm.
That's why we should not be law enforcement officers. I decided many years ago that I did not have patience for this. I'm not chasing a perp...I have a gun. If he's stupid enough to run....I'm going to shoot him. Not the correct demeanor.
It takes a high level of courage, patience, and concentration to perform the tasks necessary. Not to mention the physical demands. I expect more from a police officer than I expect from the average person.
It's clear to me that this officer has to learn things the hard way, quite often, unfortunately, policemen don't get that luxury. He could have, and should have just stayed in his car and spoke to the resident through the window, asked him some questions and been on his way. Nothing to see here folks He knew he was being recorded and he did just what the resident wanted him to do.
Surely he knows what kind of scrutiny police officers have to endure as of late. It must have been clear that what he was doing would end up on the internet, and he went and showed his ***** anyway, embarrassing the entire department. He exercised poor situational awareness and VERY POOR JUDGEMENT.
The resident certainly had an agenda, based on what he said, something had transpired previously that led to this incident. The resident played to the camera and the policeman did not have the mental capacity to do the same.
Boat guy was wrong, no question....but the cop should have seen what was going on and saved his antics for another day.
The best thing you can say about this incident is....both the cop and the d-bag were both white. Imagine what would be said if boat guy was a black man. Imagine the same dialogue, same neighborhood, and the resident was black.

 

[txdon]

Follow the money.
Rohnert Park officer being sued for drawing gun on innocent man | abc7news.com

 

[Egon]

About time to discard the mouldy sandwiches in the compost bin.

 

[T_e_r_r_y]

Looks like the cop purposely stayed on public property (IE: sidewalk). He walked behind van to keep camera mans hands in sight. How come he didn't go on a more aggressive tack? Because the cop knew he is in the wrong. He was also being filmed, trying to intimidate John Q. Public. When people have gotten enough of the police state, there will be small revolts all over this once great nation!

T. J.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Looks like the cop purposely stayed on public property (IE: sidewalk). He walked behind van to keep camera mans hands in sight. How come he didn't go on a more aggressive tack? Because the cop knew he is in the wrong. He was also being filmed, trying to intimidate John Q. Public. When people have gotten enough of the police state, there will be small revolts all over this once great nation!

T. J.

I think not. Among those who havnt done anything wrong are too many who feel its ok to be called upon to prove it. A bad combination in the face of authority that tends to push in that direction and run scared of anyone overtly adamant as to their rights. ... The downward spiral of rights is hard to prevent.