by Micki » Thu 14 May 2009, 19:49:47
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Have you ever been present when someone suddenly reaches for a hidden weapon? It occurs in a split second and it sucks. Someone often dies. This was exactly the scenario under which such a sudden move was likely to occur. This cop knew it too, and didn't want to have to shoot the suspect clearly instead choosing to stun him while alone with him those few seconds. It was only reasonable and proper under the circumstances. Plus, the suspect was uninjured. So all you Monday morning quarterbacks need to please give this heroic cop a break. It's LA County so the officer may be charged and the felon may receive a cash settlement which will be the only injustices stemming from this arrest.
Aha! So the boot in the face was to prevent him from reaching for a hidden weapon.
Just like all those people who we covered here on PO who got Tazed.
Shouldn't he kick him unconcious then to be on the safe side? Just a leather to the face and maybe knock out a tooth might just aggravave the man.
Personally I would have thought that if the cop was worried about hidden weapons he would have his weapon ready and he would shout to the other person to show his hands. After all noone is that quick on pulling a weapon, aiming and firing that a ready police officer hadn't already taken him out. And in such case it would have been defence. No sorry, I just don't see the boot in the face being either proper punishment (as an earlier poster suggested as he didn't want to pay for three meals a day) and I don't see how it can be some preventive measure in suspicion of hidden weapon. What you are advocating is carte blanche rights for cops to beat up based on some very loose justifications.
And thos who thin the penal system isn't punishment enough, then it is the penal system that needs to be changed. It is not the duty of the police to also deliver the punishments.
Overall, I am very disappointed to see what I thought were supporters of liberties and justice become supporters of a police state without proper legal process as soon as there was a case where they suspect the arrested person is a criminal. EXACTLY the same kind of sentiment that justified and supported torture of goat herders. Hang your heads in shame.