tazering, deserved or not?

[Papa_Complex]

Originally Posted by Kaneman

When did Police Officers begin using deadly force against unarmed drunks? I don't recall this being the norm...in fact, I believe that is exactly what non-lethal force is for. Fists, Billy clubs, pepper spray and yes even tasers. A firearm is not a police officer's first line of defense, it is their last.

When were police given the hardware to read minds and X-Ray bodies from 30 feet away?

[Rider]

Originally Posted by Kaneman

When did Police Officers begin using deadly force against unarmed drunks? I don't recall this being the norm...in fact, I believe that is exactly what non-lethal force is for. Fists, Billy clubs, pepper spray and yes even tasers. A firearm is not a police officer's first line of defense, it is their last.

How do you KNOW he is unarmed? You don't. As a cop you HAVE to assume EVERYONE is packing heat until otherwise known.

[Kaneman]

Originally Posted by Rider

How do you KNOW he is unarmed? You don't. As a cop you HAVE to assume EVERYONE is packing heat until otherwise known.

Of course you don't, and you assume he is packing, I agree. But you don't kill him until your own life is actually in danger...not when you assume its in danger, which is more in reference to PC's comment than the actual case at hand.

Its a fine line that requires good judgment in the heat of the moment. Not all people are capable of it, and those people should not be cops.

[Papa_Complex]

Originally Posted by Kaneman

Of course you don't, and you assume he is packing, I agree. But you don't kill him until your own life is actually in danger...not when you assume its in danger, which is more in reference to PC's comment than the actual case at hand.

Its a fine line that requires good judgment in the heat of the moment. Not all people are capable of it, and those people should not be cops.

People who are dumb enough to approach someone who has a gun pointed at their centre of mass probably shouldn't DEAL with police.

[karl_1052]

Originally Posted by Kaneman

When did Police Officers begin using deadly force against unarmed drunks? I don't recall this being the norm...in fact, I believe that is exactly what non-lethal force is for. Fists, Billy clubs, pepper spray and yes even tasers. A firearm is not a police officer's first line of defense, it is their last.

Cops were also given partners to rely on in situations where physcial conflict is unavoidable.

[Kaneman]

Originally Posted by karl_1052

Cops were also given partners to rely on in situations where physcial conflict is unavoidable.

And when physical conflict is unavoidable Officers should Tase the shit out of someone or kill them if deadly force is truly warranted.

HOWEVER, before they get to that point there needs to be respect, courtesy and common sense. That does not mean to exit your patrol car screaming the same order over and over. Access the situation, respond appropriately.

[HokieDNA01]

If the guy had gotten out of the car and into that cops face Kaneman...thinks might have been different. The key is STAY IN YOUR CAR. You can bitch all you want in your car. You get out and start moving towards the officer..different story. And no he isn't going to taze a guy he just asked to pick something up as he is picking it up...cause he was COMPLYING.

Here is a video I found that show how careful officers are during traffic stops

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nH6z2zoZU2E&feature=fvw

[Kaneman]

Originally Posted by HokieDNA01

If the guy had gotten out of the car and into that cops face Kaneman...thinks might have been different. The key is STAY IN YOUR CAR. You can bitch all you want in your car. You get out and start moving towards the officer..different story. And no he isn't going to taze a guy he just asked to pick something up as he is picking it up...cause he was COMPLYING.

He did get out of his car and within striking distance of the cop. He got out to pick up the ticket he tore up and threw out the window. The Trooper could've reacted physically at that point, but he didn't. He was confident in his ability to protect himself and not fearful.

Asking nicely is the difference maker. Maybe this cop would've asked nicely and the subject would've complied....or maybe not, but you extend respect and courtesy first and go from there.