cop abuse or just cop stupid?

[Dave]

Here in MI cops stop a vehicle for expired plates, a misdomeanor, 3 or 4 in vehical. One, a 16 yr. old gets out and runs (NOT the driver) and the others stay put. A cop takes after him, finaly catchs up but for some reason has to use his taser. The kid dies before he gets to hospital. Seems he had slight mental problems and some pysical also, of course the cop couldn't know this. But why chase him anyway, the others could be interagated to give him up IF it turns out the kid was wanted or whatever. Seems really dumb on the cops part, they have both been laid off for the investigation.

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[stonewall56]

He could have been a fleeing armed felon that had just committed a murder. Can you imagine the headlines if that was the case and he got away?

[Bill F]

Most cops are part of the problem.

[edlmann]

Here in MI cops stop a vehicle for expired plates, a misdomeanor, 3 or 4 in vehical. One, a 16 yr. old gets out and runs (NOT the driver) and the others stay put. A cop takes after him, finaly catchs up but for some reason has to use his taser. The kid dies before he gets to hospital. Seems he had slight mental problems and some pysical also, of course the cop couldn't know this. But why chase him anyway, the others could be interagated to give him up IF it turns out the kid was wanted or whatever. Seems really dumb on the cops part, they have both been laid off for the investigation.

Basic psychology.

If you want to make someone chase you, run.

[noslack 327]

There is no law that says you have to talk to the police, It is not a crime to run on foot from them if you do not wish to speak to them.

[Art]

No there are situations where you are required to identify yourself to the police, traffic stops are in that category. Running from the police is often viewed as evidence of "guilty knowledge" or "suspicious activity." Fighting with the police is always a bad idea.

As to Tasers and stun guns, they were originally marketed as no lethal. I'm sorry but anything that whacks somebody with 50,000 volts might kill them. Now they are referred to as less lethal. Unfortunately a lot of cops still look on them as "non lethal" and are too quick to use them. Night sticks and saps fall in the same category IMHO.

For the record I think the police showed bad judgement in this instance. Did I ever show bad judgement when I was "on the job?" Yes but fortunately nobody died.

[Tom in N.J.]

Tasers are prohibited weapons in New Jersey, that includes police officers. With people chocking to death, in handcuffs, due to pepper spray, they figured an electrical torture device was just asking for trouble.

[oney]

Seems really dumb on the cops part, they have both been laid off for the investigation.

No flame intended, but more than likely the law enforcement agents you referenced have been placed on paid leave pending an investigation. Pretty much standard practice whenever something outside the ordinary occurs. I am quite sure that if the officers you referenced did something outside of their departments policies or applicable laws of the area they operate, they will be held accountable, in criminal as well as civil court. It is unfortunate, that even if they are found to have complied with all proceedures and laws, they can still be found libel in civil court.

While there are a few bad apples in the barrel (as in all barrels) it would be nice to give the officer(s) involved the benefit of the doubt. The same benefit that is being given to the individuals in a motor vehicle with expired tags, the same benefit that is being given an individual who flees from a law enforcement agent. Let time sort this out. If the officers acted outside the scope of their authority, then they should be held accountable, but if they were only trying to protect the public, then we should give them a break.

It takes a strong individual to walk up alongside a vehicle at o-dark thirty in the morning, with nothing standing between eternity and themselves, but a protective vest and a sidearm.

"THIS WE'LL DEFEND!"

"Life has many choices... Eternity only has two!"

[Dave]

No indication it was dark out.
Yes, he may have been wanted but the others never fled so they could be held for questioning. And yes the cops have been suspended for investigation. But cops tend to protect their own.
I am sure it was obvious he was very young. He was NOT the driver so committed no crime, they could pick him up later, if need be. Stopped for expired plate, passenger is not responsible for that. The kid was just "struggling", so a grown man, a trained cop can't handle that without a taser?

What ever happened to 'probable cause'???

[Rick Gushman]

Dave, Probably cause existed the second the the kid ran from the police. I'm not suggesting how he should have been restrained but his actions generated probably cause. Rick