Fleeing the police and almost running someone over while eluding the police is definitely a felony.
The driver escalated a non-felony situation into one. Should she have been shot? Can't say for sure since I wasn't there but, the driver most definitely did plenty to put herself in that situation unnecessarily. There's plenty of examples of out of control law enforcement but sorry, zero fucks given in this case. As the saying goes, "Play stupid games, win stupid prizes."
October 3rd, 2013, 15:26
American Patriot
Re: Police, TSA and other "Authorities"
I'm sure there's a lot more to this.... but seriously... shooting an old lady? The "person" on the road was who?
Now, this is the problem: "It was not immediately clear what exactly prompted the trooper to fire his gun. Officials are investigating the circumstances surrounding Lawrence's death."
If someone comes over and punches me in the face then runs away, I can't legally pull out my gun, follow him to a parking lot and shoot him dead. No matter how big he is.
If he punches my wife in the face and runs off... I still can't shoot him.
If it appears he's going to kill someone, I can. I just can't chase him down and do it.
A cop has to be held to the same standard.
So - when it comes out what she did to prompt a discharge of a fire arm - fine, until then, it needs to be questioned.
Because police officers are in uniform and are sworn to uphold the law, and because lately so many have broken the law themselves all this crap should come out quickly and accurately.
There should be NO QUESTION that if a cop pulls his weapon out and has to shoot there was a legitimate reason for doing so. Lately that isn't always the case.
October 3rd, 2013, 15:29
Ryan Ruck
Re: Police, TSA and other "Authorities"
Quote:
Originally Posted by American Patriot
I'm sure there's a lot more to this.... but seriously... shooting an old lady?
At 45 she was younger than you! :D
October 3rd, 2013, 15:34
American Patriot
Re: Police, TSA and other "Authorities"
she was a GRANDMA! lol
(Of course you can be one at a very young age these days.)
I'm sure she was a bitch, had a record, was breaking some other law, probably did drugs - who knows. A lot of people aren't the cream of the crop these days, but I still think that pulling out a gun and shooting someone who isn't shooting back is wrong.
On the other hand.... it comes down to this. Did a cop put himself IN FRONT of that vehicle and then decide "She has a 2000 pound car, I fear for my life"? Why put yourself in front?
Just like the biker the other day. Why the FUCK do you place yourself in front of someone, brake check them and then decide "He was in the wrong"?
Sorry.... I'm betting money the cop PUT himself in front of her car and then used it as an excuse to shoot. They were tired of chasing her, or fucking around.
Cops really HATE when you don't bow to their authority.
October 3rd, 2013, 15:39
Malsua
Re: Police, TSA and other "Authorities"
Since when can cops pull you over for a traffic stop, order you out of the car, tase, whatever, often for a tail light or some other made up bullshit. Street cops have too much power and too much immunity. They always fall back on "Resisting Arrest" or Disorderly Conduct. It's all control these days.
Traffic offenses have turned from safety, to revenue and now they're about implementing the police state.
October 3rd, 2013, 15:45
American Patriot
Re: Police, TSA and other "Authorities"
Quote:
Originally Posted by Malsua
Since when can cops pull you over for a traffic stop, order you out of the car, tase, whatever, often for a tail light or some other made up bullshit. Street cops have too much power and too much immunity. They always fall back on "Resisting Arrest" or Disorderly Conduct. It's all control these days.
Traffic offenses have turned from safety, to revenue and now they're about implementing the police state.
Wow. Mal? You ok? You usually are standing up for the cops! :)
You're right and this is my point. A TRAFFIC violation, whether they are unlicensed or run a traffic light isn't a felony. If someone (a cop) is a stupid enough fuck to step in front of a car that's "fleeing"... well, sorry, he is probably going to get run over. Complying with a screaming cop isn't something I intend to do either. If he isn't polite to me, fuck him, I'm driving to a police station and I'll have the camera running.
Come on this isn't about her being a "habitual criminal" because I happen to know a few of those types and 90% of the time it's a bullshit thing. A "habitual criminal" who continually robs houses, or people walking down the street is a criminal. Someone who happens to have run a traffic light, gotten some parking tickets then loses their drivers license isn't a "habitual criminal".
Traffic violations shouldn't be (and most arent) criminal anyway.
October 3rd, 2013, 16:11
Ryan Ruck
Re: Police, TSA and other "Authorities"
Quote:
Originally Posted by American Patriot
Just like the biker the other day. Why the FUCK do you place yourself in front of someone, brake check them and then decide "He was in the wrong"?
I think that's an apples and oranges comparison.
One was acting in an unlawful manner as part of a mob and the other would be acting within the scope of their job trying to effect a lawful arrest.
I'm usually very quick to jump on JBTs acting like JBTs (like the oddly chronic shooting of dogs) but like I said, I think this is a case where the escalation was solely in hands of the perp (not going to call her a victim because she was a victim of her own design). Taking the article at face value, the officer did nothing but take her ID back to his car to run it and see if there were any outstanding warrants. Up to this point, she was likely going to just be getting a ticket and the car was probably going to impound, though the cop might have been nice enough to let her have someone come pick it up.
Once he was back to his vehicle, that's when she ran and voluntarily chose to make this a felony situation.
Very, very rarely is the roadside the place for the legal battle to be settled. In a roadside encounter you are likely much better off saying as little as possible while being polite, taking the summons (or arrest even), and then seeking the assistance of a lawyer and setting them loose on the state.
I'll even say that I agree completely with Mal that there are a lot of situations where the cop will unnecessarily escalate a roadside encounter. This just wasn't one of those situations though. Even in those cases where the cops are out of control, the courtroom is still the best place to deal with it.
October 3rd, 2013, 16:53
American Patriot
Re: Police, TSA and other "Authorities"
Agreed. Side of the road ain't the place. If I drive off, I'm in fear of my life and I'll be on the phone with 911 saying so.
I was stopped some months ago for a "tail light" issue. Turns out nothing was wrong with my taillight. Nothing was wrong with my brakes. Nothing was wrong with my lights at all.
I asked the officer why he really stopped me and he got pretty defensive about his job. I asked again, "Why was I really stopped?"
he finally told me to go and have a nice day.... it was disconcerting because there was NOTHING wrong with my lights, my blinkers, my flashers or my headlights. And yet he asked "Do you know why I stopped you?"
I said, "Nope, but I'm sure you will tell me...."
In fact, I KNEW it wasn't speeding because the limit is 65. I was doing 63 and had the cruise control set.
I didn't get angry, or yell at him or anything. I was polite (had on my USAF Retired hat, my badges from work and I got out of the vehicle when he said my tail light was out after I turned the lights on and then asked him to show me which one.... he backed off).
It comes down to "Why stop someone for nothing?"
It's a power trip. because he CAN.
October 4th, 2013, 15:24
American Patriot
Re: Police, TSA and other "Authorities"
DHS.... again.
Former DHS Chief Privacy Officer Recounts How She Was Regularly Called A 'Terrorist' By The Intelligence Community
from the sickening dept
Mary Ellen Callahan was the Chief Privacy Officer (and the Chief Freedom of Information Act Officer) at the Department of Homeland Security from 2009 until 2012 (though, don't tell DHS, since they still have a page on their website about her claiming she still has that role -- even though she left over a year ago). You have to imagine that being the Chief Privacy Officer within DHS (or any part of the federal government, really) is a pretty thankless job, and it appears that was absolutely the case when Callahan was there. Last night, she was given an award by the IAPP, the International Association of Privacy Professionals -- and used it as an opportunity to reveal the work environment in her old job. From the sound of those in attendance, she gave quite a speech, unloading on the lack of respect for privacy in both the Department of Homeland Security and the wider intelligence community.
She apparently claimed that the number of privacy officers at the NSA was zero -- including the Chief Privacy Officer of the NSA. In other words, the position within the NSA is a joke, and that person has no interest, at all, in protecting Americans' privacy. But, apparently, she was just warming up, because (according to other attendees), she claimed that her office was accused of being "terrorists" once a month both by others at DHS as well as in the wider intelligence community. Furthermore, she was told that they would make her testify after the next terrorist attack, claiming it would be her fault, for daring to protect Americans' privacy. To her credit, Callahan apparently told those pressuring her that she would "happily" testify in support of her efforts to protect the privacy of Americans.
While this won't surprise the more cynical among you, it's an incredibly damning statement about how our intelligence community and the Department of Homeland Security view privacy, and piddly little things like the 4th Amendment. It also shows how merely hiring a "chief privacy officer" doesn't mean that an agency actually is concerned about privacy or that it makes sure to protect the privacy of the American public. It's quite common that defenders of DHS, DOJ and NSA overreach will point to things like "privacy officers" as if that means they take privacy seriously. However, it's often somewhat like a privacy policy -- something you can point to, but which no one pays attention to. And, there had always been assumptions that anyone who took that role seriously would get pressure, but it sounds like the pressure was even greater and more ridiculous than most people expected. Hopefully Callahan will speak out further on the kind of pressure she was put under while in that job.
Hat tip to Ryan Calo and Joseph Lorenzo Hall, for tweeting from the event.
October 5th, 2013, 06:21
Ryan Ruck
Re: Police, TSA and other "Authorities"
Quote:
Originally Posted by American Patriot
I'm sure there's a lot more to this.... but seriously... shooting an old lady? The "person" on the road was who?
Now, this is the problem: "It was not immediately clear what exactly prompted the trooper to fire his gun. Officials are investigating the circumstances surrounding Lawrence's death."
If someone comes over and punches me in the face then runs away, I can't legally pull out my gun, follow him to a parking lot and shoot him dead. No matter how big he is.
If he punches my wife in the face and runs off... I still can't shoot him.
If it appears he's going to kill someone, I can. I just can't chase him down and do it.
A cop has to be held to the same standard.
So - when it comes out what she did to prompt a discharge of a fire arm - fine, until then, it needs to be questioned.
Because police officers are in uniform and are sworn to uphold the law, and because lately so many have broken the law themselves all this crap should come out quickly and accurately.
There should be NO QUESTION that if a cop pulls his weapon out and has to shoot there was a legitimate reason for doing so. Lately that isn't always the case.
I know we beat this one to death but I wanted to pass on some information I just learned about as I was doing some reading on a recent trooper shooting in Oregon.
There exists case law which allows a police officer to use deadly force to "prevent escape if the officer has probable cause to believe that the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious physical injury to the officer or others."
The MRAPs, checking in at more than 10-feet tall and in excess of 14 tons, were specially designed to handle ambushes by insurgents and withstand landmine explosions. Several federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, use MRAPs in certain operations, including disaster response and bomb situations.
But, the acquisition might lead one to wonder: Why in the world does the Preston Police Department and the other Idaho agencies need such a heavily fortified piece of equipment?
Answer: Gun violence.
I'm more inclined to believe Idaho police departments are gearing up against the federal government. :D
October 6th, 2013, 17:03
American Patriot
Re: Police, TSA and other "Authorities"
Maybe, Ryan... maybe not.
I just thought I'd post that for you though, lol
October 18th, 2013, 14:10
American Patriot
Re: Police, TSA and other "Authorities"
Now I've heard it all...
Federal air marshal accused of taking photos under women's skirts
Associated Press
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A federal air marshal has been arrested and accused of taking cell phone photographs underneath women's skirts as they boarded a plane at Nashville International Airport.
Nashville police say Adam Bartsch was on duty on Southwest Airline Flight 3132 on Thursday when a witness noticed he was taking the photos and grabbed his cell phone. Police say the witness notified a flight attendant and Bartsch was taken off the flight and charged with disorderly conduct.
Nashville station WKRN-TV reports the Transportation Security Administration said Thursday afternoon that Bartsch was removed from duty and the TSA is assisting with the investigation. The agency said it's in the process of suspending or terminating Bartsch's employment.
This image provided by the Nashville Police Department shows Adam Bartsch after he was arrested Oct. 17, 2013. The federal air marshal has been arrested and accused of taking cell phone photographs underneath women's skirts as they boarded a plane at Nashville International Airport.
Graham Colson, an area resident for 15+ years who has been to Keene Pumpkin Fest for just as long, said the presence of snipers was unprecedented. He was able to take the above image of a two person sniper team on the rooftop of the Keene Apartments building overlooking Roxbury & Central Square earlier today.
KPD Confirms: "The pictures you put on your website were police officers."
As can be seen in the video below, Lt. Steven Tenney of the Keene Police Department told Garret Ean of Keene Peaceful Streets that the men identified in this post are members of unspecified law enforcement agencies. As we learn more we will share updates here.
The photo appears to show two unidentified males standing in front of a sniper rifle and a map of downtown Keene as they overlook thousands of Pumpkin Fest celebrants. An open door reportedly led to the stairs and a ladder behind these two mysterious individuals in civilian clothing. They were likely too focused on the people filled streets to notice the photojournalists behind them.
@LightSpeedLiberty was first to post video of these two men with a nearby sniper rifle overlooking the PumpkinFest attendees (above) while Keene Peaceful Streets has an image featuring the front of the would-be sniper and his spotter (below). The only insignia visible is that of the Boston Red Sox worn on the hat of the man to the left.
Can you help identify these people? Use the comments or contact me directly at 678.TALLEYTV / talleytv@gmail.com.
- One reader contacted the NH National Guard who referred Pumpkin Fest issues to the Keene Police Department so s/he guesses that they were not involved. Plus they tend to wear uniforms.
Police_Sniper_Team_Pumpkin_Fest_2013_Keene_NH_X002 lightspeedliberty
· 2 days ago
"The Pumpkin Festival is a community-hosted, family-friendly celebration of fall and of what is unique about Keene and the Monadnock region. It is also a celebration of artistry and creativity and a demonstration of our area’s commitment to non-profit efforts to serve those in need."
October 22nd, 2013, 00:17
Malsua
Re: Police, TSA and other "Authorities"
Not a very good sniper team if they were a: Made b: snuck up upon.
I'm unsure who thinks snipers like this will ever do any good. This is simply more militarization of our police force. I'm just surprised these dinks weren't in bloused out pants wearing black boots, black vests and covering their faces with balaclavas.
October 22nd, 2013, 12:28
American Patriot
Re: Police, TSA and other "Authorities"
It is a VERY bad idea to put snipers up like that. You don't place people in that kind of position.
October 24th, 2013, 12:30
American Patriot
Re: Police, TSA and other "Authorities"
Remember Pepper Spray Cop?
Infamous Pepper Spray Officer Wins Thousands in Compensation Case
Policeman suffered stress and depression after notorious action
By David Stout Oct. 24, 2013
After a video showing police officer John Pike pepper spraying Occupy protestors at the University of California-Davis campus in November 2011 went viral, Pike allegedly received death threats and suffered depression.
The stress was so great that Pike was able to reach a settlement with his former employer for $38,000 in a workers compensation suit this week for the psychological damage he suffered, reports the Guardian.
After the incident occurred, Pike was put on administrative leave and was fired the following year. In the episode’s wake, the university also reportedly shelled out $1m in settlements with protestors that were peppered sprayed during the demonstration.