Thanks, Truther2, for the link. What is profoundly disturbing to me is that this prone restraint procedure is still widely used nationally–the Oklahoma police say the fatal arrest was ‘by the book.” My column criticizes the fact that our law enforcement apparently does not have the organizational intelligence to correct mortally flawed procedures.
This happened only 7 days ago. The medical examiner’s report is not in. It may in fact be he had a heart attack. But it is more likely that Truther2’s point is correct–that having your face mashed into asphalt while five large men are crushing your chest and head down makes sand unnecessary as a causal agent. I wonder how many of this man’s ribs will turn out to have been broken.
I have been victimized by law enforcement authorities on several occasions from showing off to a trainee to creating bogus charges to counter professional misconduct and embarrassment. I have friends who have had similar “super-cop” experiences as well. I have first-hand knowledge of how “the system” works and it’s clear by the much publicized KWPD saying, “You might beat the rap but you can’t beat the ride,” that the focus is not justice but intimidation. Notwithstanding, that attitude within the law enforcement community is more universal than local as evidenced by the plethora of videos and stories that abound on the Internet and national media.
That being said, my brother was a police officer so I have a unique insight into the childish “nanny-nanny-boo-boo” that officers delight in over their victims, both innocent and guilty. It’s clear that whistleblowers within law enforcement are ostracized for doing the right thing just as Frank Serpico was in NY. Those who stand on the righteous side of the “blue wall of silence” are victimized by their own, risk their careers (perhaps their lives!) and are even scorned by the public at times. Although the sad truth about law enforcement’s mission to “protect and serve,” some officers don’t. It’s impossible to tell which ones will adhere to professional standards at any given encounter and those who will press a nasty agenda to satisfy ego or something more sinister.
I am a common, law abiding citizen and seldom have dealings with law enforcement. However, if I extrapolate a ratio from being victimized or not during the few experiences that I have had, I figure I have a 50/50 chance of being treated with respect as opposed to being an enemy of the state. Though unofficial, this is an alarming statistic. Regardless, it is my life’s experiences that determines my opinions and behavior. Consequently, I have learned the hard way that the police are not necessarily your friends. For my own protection, I now have become apprehensive of ALL law enforcement officers. For the sake of the bad apples that are PROTECTED instead of IDENTIFIED by law enforcement, I now treat all encounters with doubtful reserve and a degree of mistrust. This is sad since it is law enforcement itself that has taught me to be wary, a 180 degree turn from my old-school values in this now all-about-me-screw-everyone world..
When you’re trained to deal with criminals, you treat everyone like criminals. When you have a big hammer, everything looks like a nail. Though I respect the tough job law enforcement does and have had laudable experiences with wonderful officers, law enforcement is a two edged sword to the common citizen. There needs to be a balance between how the guilty and innocent are treated by officers and judgment thereof is reserved for the courts, not by their “instincts.” I believe that some officers think that, since they are in the business of enforcing the law, they own it and take “liberties” that will ultimately be protected behind the “blue wall of silence.” This tends to embolden some to inappropriate conduct.
This hush-hush policy is not limited only to law enforcement. It’s everywhere in all facets of business, government and society. It’s the NORM! Nevertheless, we all go on looking at our world through rose-colored glasses. We are so bombarded by the ills and evils of our world that we become beat-up and apathetic enough to simply turn a blind eye. We circle the wagons around our own little world not caring about what goes on outside of it. However, not making a stand for what is right will eventually come back to consume us. Take heed to that bumper sticker that says, “If you’re not enraged, you’re not paying attention!” Be active, be vocal, and be assertive for what is right. On the other hand, be balanced, be respectful and be open-minded. We don’t live in individual bubbles. It’s OUR world. Let’s collectively make it a great place for everyone!
Please watch this video…and then decide if the problem was the sand.
http://kfor.com/2014/02/25/graphic-raw-video-of-arrest-released-after-man-dies-in-moore-police-custody/
Thanks, Truther2, for the link. What is profoundly disturbing to me is that this prone restraint procedure is still widely used nationally–the Oklahoma police say the fatal arrest was ‘by the book.” My column criticizes the fact that our law enforcement apparently does not have the organizational intelligence to correct mortally flawed procedures.
This happened only 7 days ago. The medical examiner’s report is not in. It may in fact be he had a heart attack. But it is more likely that Truther2’s point is correct–that having your face mashed into asphalt while five large men are crushing your chest and head down makes sand unnecessary as a causal agent. I wonder how many of this man’s ribs will turn out to have been broken.
Your articles are the main reason why I open up KONK Life news, thank you for your thoughtful and intelligent reporting.
Thank you, Shannon. Feedback like yours keeps me writing.
I have been victimized by law enforcement authorities on several occasions from showing off to a trainee to creating bogus charges to counter professional misconduct and embarrassment. I have friends who have had similar “super-cop” experiences as well. I have first-hand knowledge of how “the system” works and it’s clear by the much publicized KWPD saying, “You might beat the rap but you can’t beat the ride,” that the focus is not justice but intimidation. Notwithstanding, that attitude within the law enforcement community is more universal than local as evidenced by the plethora of videos and stories that abound on the Internet and national media.
That being said, my brother was a police officer so I have a unique insight into the childish “nanny-nanny-boo-boo” that officers delight in over their victims, both innocent and guilty. It’s clear that whistleblowers within law enforcement are ostracized for doing the right thing just as Frank Serpico was in NY. Those who stand on the righteous side of the “blue wall of silence” are victimized by their own, risk their careers (perhaps their lives!) and are even scorned by the public at times. Although the sad truth about law enforcement’s mission to “protect and serve,” some officers don’t. It’s impossible to tell which ones will adhere to professional standards at any given encounter and those who will press a nasty agenda to satisfy ego or something more sinister.
I am a common, law abiding citizen and seldom have dealings with law enforcement. However, if I extrapolate a ratio from being victimized or not during the few experiences that I have had, I figure I have a 50/50 chance of being treated with respect as opposed to being an enemy of the state. Though unofficial, this is an alarming statistic. Regardless, it is my life’s experiences that determines my opinions and behavior. Consequently, I have learned the hard way that the police are not necessarily your friends. For my own protection, I now have become apprehensive of ALL law enforcement officers. For the sake of the bad apples that are PROTECTED instead of IDENTIFIED by law enforcement, I now treat all encounters with doubtful reserve and a degree of mistrust. This is sad since it is law enforcement itself that has taught me to be wary, a 180 degree turn from my old-school values in this now all-about-me-screw-everyone world..
When you’re trained to deal with criminals, you treat everyone like criminals. When you have a big hammer, everything looks like a nail. Though I respect the tough job law enforcement does and have had laudable experiences with wonderful officers, law enforcement is a two edged sword to the common citizen. There needs to be a balance between how the guilty and innocent are treated by officers and judgment thereof is reserved for the courts, not by their “instincts.” I believe that some officers think that, since they are in the business of enforcing the law, they own it and take “liberties” that will ultimately be protected behind the “blue wall of silence.” This tends to embolden some to inappropriate conduct.
This hush-hush policy is not limited only to law enforcement. It’s everywhere in all facets of business, government and society. It’s the NORM! Nevertheless, we all go on looking at our world through rose-colored glasses. We are so bombarded by the ills and evils of our world that we become beat-up and apathetic enough to simply turn a blind eye. We circle the wagons around our own little world not caring about what goes on outside of it. However, not making a stand for what is right will eventually come back to consume us. Take heed to that bumper sticker that says, “If you’re not enraged, you’re not paying attention!” Be active, be vocal, and be assertive for what is right. On the other hand, be balanced, be respectful and be open-minded. We don’t live in individual bubbles. It’s OUR world. Let’s collectively make it a great place for everyone!
Jim, can I buy your book or check out your blog? I recognize a fellow writer.