A vicious street gang has been terrorizing the residents of Los Angeles, Calif., and shocking new video has surfaced of gang members brutally assaulting a Hollywood resident.
William Cardenas, 24, was brutally beaten August 11 by two members of the street gang known as LAPD, sparking outrage in the community.
In addition to being choked by a knee to the neck and viciously punched until his face was bloody, the street gang kidnapped him for, they allege, getting in their way as they were going after someone else. Cardenas is now being held by the LAPD’s parent gang, known as the DA. While the gang is believed to be holding Cardenas alive, they have not yet made any demands.
The DA’s leader is a man named Steve Cooley, formerly a reserve LAPD thug who quickly rose through the ranks of the organized crime syndicate to take the gangs’ top spot. Cooley should be considered armed and dangerous and citizens are urged not to approach him.
Unbeknownst to the LAPD thugs, a bystander took video of Patrick Farrell and Alexander Schlege brutally beating Cardenas and posted it on the Internet. William Bratton, the chief of the LAPD gang, called the videos “disturbing” and said there would be an investigation, as his primary job is to ensure that LAPD gang members are perceived as serving and protecting the people, rather than destroying them. “But as to whether the actions of the officers were appropriate in light of what they were experiencing and the totality of the circumstances is what the investigation will determine,” Bratton said.
The videos clearly show Cardenas being choked and pleading for his life, and getting punched in the face in response.
(Watch the videos: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3)
Cop Watch Los Angeles has been chronicling the activities of these vicious gangs in order to help bring public attention to the plight of the community.
“We feel that these are experiences that dehumanize people,” said Joaquin Cienfuegos, an organizer with Cop Watch Los Angeles. “They are taking away the human rights of William Cardenas, and therefore we do not see the police as ‘officers of the law’ or give them any respect, since this video supports the view that they are vicious animals who treat us as their prey.”
Residents of Los Angeles say they do not feel safe, since LAPD gang members can be seen patrolling the streets 24 hours a day.
A resident who wished to remain anonymous due to fear of gang retaliation likened the LAPD gang to an “occupying army” and said: “We need to defend our communities and ourselves from . . . the LAPD who terrorize us and our communities on a daily basis. The police who patrol us do not even live in our communities, so they do not know how to relate to us, and don’t know how to deal with our specific problems that can be handled without the use of brutality and murder. The policing that occurs in no way serves or protects us.”
While members of the DA gang dress similar to businesspeople and carry concealed weapons, LAPD gang members are known to wear dark blue clothing and carry guns and other weapons openly. Both DA and LAPD gang members should be considered extremely dangerous. If you see an LAPD gang member, you are strongly advised to leave the area. Never confront or speak to a DA or LAPD gang member. These tips may help you stay alive and safe in an increasingly violent southern California.
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Tropical WeatherLast week, in the wake of another uptick in the official unemployment rate, the administration continued to claim that their economic policies were working, just not fast enough. Not only does the administration have a funny way of ending a war, but now they claim their economic policies are successful. For whom, I wonder?
Gardner Goldsmith teams up with Brett Veinotte, of the excellent School Sucks Project and the School Sucks podcast. Gard and Brett discuss the impetus of the series and project, and why public education must be stopped.
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Bob Morris
Nov 12, 2006
Here’s another video of LAPD clubbing people lying motionless on the sidewalk. From an anti-Minutemen demo on July 8. Yes, there will be lawsuits.
Milton Smedley
Nov 18, 2006
What’s Cooley trying to say? That those two animals had a right to
beat Cardenas because we could not see what took place before the
recording. Since when did the police become judge and jury and
executioners? You know what shocks me more than the video? This fucking
moron, Cooley, leading the LAPD. “Totality of the circumstances”? Who
gives a shit if Cardenas was #1 in the FBI list, you don’t beat a man
who’s already down and pleading for air, furthermore, a judge and jury
will decide what his punishment will be, not the LAPD gang. What ever
happened to “Innocent until proven guilty in a court of law”. For
example, if im caught on video mugging an individual, would I get a free
ticket out of jail for trying to justify it by saying that I know the
“muggee” . The “totality of the circumstances” could not be seen on
video. It is not seen that the person that i mugged was a friend from
long ago that owed me money! Yeah right!…
This is a fact and not an opinion: What these two animals should have
done was call for back up while they held Cardenas by the wrists. If he
was resisting and it was absolutely difficult to cuff him, two more
officers could have made it easier. And no beating would have ever
taken place. Another thing, could they try talking a little more…some-
thing like…”hey buddy, just let us handcuff you, once we do that,
we’ll get off you and then you’ll breath a little better.” The mission i
is to handcuff him without anyone getting hurt, regardless of what the
totality of the circumstances were or are. The totality of the circum-
stances will be on the police report. The totality of the circumstances
will be examined by a judge or jury….and then…and only then…once
the punishment has been decided…an officer…a real…honest, good-
hearted officer of the law, can look back at what a good job he/she
did…and smile, because after all, there here to “protect and serve”
and not to “intimidate and destroy”. With that been said, I would
so love to take the job of Cooley. Police cadets go through extreme
training, but i would emphasize on the psychological stability of the
cadet; is he/she quick to anger, on extreme situations could the officer
maintain him/herself. The ability of an officer to maintain his/her
“cool” and senses “clear” is what seperates them from the street thugs;
if they can’t do that, then they are no better than the cockroaches in
sewers, and that’s a step down from the street thugs. Why? Because
atleast with a street thug we now where we stand. But with an unstable,
imotionaly unstable, corrupt police officer…we don’t know what’s to
come. When stopped by a police officer, should i carry a camara, is he
going to hurt me, we’re alone and it’s late..should i run, and ulti-
mately…is he going to kill me? Cooley might think that if you have
fear of an officer, then you must be guilty of something. Maybe years
ago that was true, but now even the innocent fear the police. What ever
happened to the days when a child would want to grow up to be a cop.
Gone. I say this, lets go to the root of the problem and fix it. Think
hard…you know where the problem lies.
Milton Smedley
Nov 18, 2006
My e-mail
John Wayne
Nov 21, 2006
It’s good that people are catching these beatings on videotape, but it would be even better if someone were looking at these pigs through the scope of a rifle prior to pulling the trigger. That sort of resistance is the only way this sort of sh!t will ever end.
Milton Smedley
Nov 23, 2006
Very well put, Mr. Wayne!!
Anonymous
Nov 26, 2006
Why is it that any time a cop gets caught beating a person, the cop or cops doing the beating is naturally a bad person!
Has any one ever aked the question, “What did that guy do to get his ass whipped so bad for?” I dont think any one has thought to pose that idea in mind. Maybe the guy getting beat up was a real piece of shit and like doing that same thing to inocent people and thouhgt it was cool, funny and KARMA is biting him in the ass! for all fucked up shit he has done to other people! But his family and freinds will say he was a good guy and would never do such a thing to any one. And just play the poor innocent victime that he was, and that he was only minding his business and not doing anything wrong! Just like all the other poor innocent gang members that get their asses kicked by the police department. Maybe theis gangsters would not get beat up if they didnt do dumb shit and break the law, and do shifty crap like rob, lie, cheat and steal. Oh and do drive by shootings on other gang members and hit innocent woman and children in the process! Just maybe if they just realized that not every one is there enemy and it was time to stop trying to be HARD and TOUGHER than every one maybe these things would not happen!
Brian
Nov 29, 2006
You guys are so ignorant and unappreciative it’s not even funny. After college I’m joining either the NYPD, NCPD, SCPD, or the LAPD and I’m going to be putting my life on the line every day for normal supportive citizens and ungrateful people like you.
If you look closely in the video “Mr. Innocent” (as you describe him) was grabbing the officers leg and wouldn’t let go after instructed, so the officer used force to get him off. After that, “Mr. Innocent” pushed against the officers chest, warranting another method of restraint. Yes it was excessive force by the officer, but in no way was this a brutal beating without cause. All he had to do was lay there and put his hands together instead of trying to push the officers off of him.
LAPD deals with some of the most dangerous people in the world, keeping you safe, and they need to be tough. Let’s take a look at what “Mr. Innocent” was arrested for. He was vaguely described in the article as “getting in their way as they were going after someone else”, which is obviously a manipulated version of the real crime which the author toned down in the article to convince readers that Mr. Cardenas is innocent. Bottom line, Mr. Cardenas committed a crime and BROKE THE LAW! What don’t you people understand, he was breaking the law and therefore he was arrested! Too bad there’s not a full description of his crime–which was intentionally omitted–because I know his crime was worse than the author conned you into believing. Maybe “Mr. Innocent” isn’t that innocent after all. So far, he’s committed a crime and is in violation of the law.
When a police officer tells you to do something, you do it, simple as that. They (and soon myself) deal with people who will pull out a gun and shoot you in a split second if you’re not careful. When someone doesn’t listen to a police order, it’s suspicious and possibly dangerous. You never know who is going to pull out a weapon and attack you and that’s why they have to be cautious with everybody. The LAPD keeps the streets safe and deals with these criminals so they don’t pull out weapons and attack you.
How dare you talk down to the men and woman that protect your day to day lives every day? People like you are so ignorant to the fact that without LAPD, you would be living in a violent anarchy, having your lives put in jeopardy every day, living like savages, SHOW SOME RESPECT for the men and woman who put there lives on the line every day for you! Wait until the day you get robbed, jumped, or burglarized and cry for LAPD to come and save you and you’ll shed a new light on the Los Angeles Police Department.
Michael Hampton
Nov 29, 2006
Let me get this straight, this officer has his leg on the victim’s neck and is choking him, and you’re complaining because the victim was grabbing his leg and trying to get it off so he could get some air?
And you’re complaining because this officer is punching the victim’s face bloody and the victim pushes against his chest in a futile attempt to stop the assault?
And to make matters worse, I found out later that just before this video starts, the victim had just been pepper sprayed and thrown directly onto the curb. He was beaten badly enough that he had to be hospitalized.
This goes beyond mere excessive force. This officer committed felony assault right in front of a video camera. Unfortunately, he also got away with it and won’t face state charges, though he remains on a desk job because a federal investigation is still ongoing.
As for the victim, he was at the time of this video arrested on a warrant where the charges were later dropped due to a complete lack of evidence. Now he’s facing charges of resisting arrest for nothing more than trying to defend his life from violent attackers who, instead of just putting him in handcuffs and taking him away to have his name cleared, decided to beat the shit out of him first.
When you start doing something deserving of respect, then perhaps you’ll get it. Until then, you shouldn’t be surprised when people spit in your food and call you “pig.”
Now maybe I’m wrong, and attempting to suffocate someone on the ground doesn’t somehow constitute felony assault, or even excessive force. But in any just society, this officer would have gone up on attempted murder charges.
As for your future career in “law enforcement,” well, I can only hope that you don’t turn out like these LAPD officers.
Anonymous
Nov 29, 2006
And the back story is…
The guy was running away from the officers when he was told to stop. He tossed a gun before he was tackled. He is a bad guy, with an arrest record that is well documented, and his picture had been circulated around the LAPD showing him to be a gang member.
Now, what were you saying about “Mr. Innocent?”
victim
Dec 02, 2006
LAPD is as bad as gangsters, I am scared of them. That is why I don’t live in CA anymore! God bless those who still live in LA! Hope that they will not beat, shoot and kill more people!
Ms./Mr. Anonymous, are you the public speaker of LAPD? I guess I need to stay away from you too!
Brian
Dec 03, 2006
Thank you Mr. Anonymous for that informative post “The guy was running away from the officers when he was told to stop. He tossed a gun before he was tackled. He is a bad guy, with an arrest record that is well documented, and his picture had been circulated around the LAPD showing him to be a gang member.” As you all can see, Mr. Innocent wasn’t innocent at all!
——-
In response to Michael Hampton:
The officer did not commit felony assault; he was trying to make an arrest. I already admitted to the fact that the officer used excessive force, but this excessive force wasn’t totally unwarranted. Mr. Cardenas WAS resisting arrest. He has no need to “defend his life from violent attackers” because the LAPD, nor any other law enforcement agency, are “violent attackers”. The police have a well organized chain of command and strict procedures to follow that I respect very much. Please choose on of the following scenarios:
1. The police take it easy on the convicted criminal and take a chance that he might pull out ANOTHER gun, knife, what ever, and injure the police and civilians
2. The police don’t take any chances and ensure that this violent criminal goes to jail.
Again, I agree with you that the amount of force used by the police officer was too much, but, I don’t agree with your stereotype of the LAPD–that they’re a “vicious street gang”. Again, the LAPD protects your every day life and keeps people like Mr. Cardenas coming after your money, house, and most importantly your life. People like this are not to be taken lightly.
“…trying to defend his life from violent attackers who, instead of just putting him in handcuffs and taking him away to have his name cleared…” No one’s life was in danger except for the officers! A violent gang member who resisted arrest (didn’t listen to police when they told him to stop), tossed a gun, and has an arrest record, and you’re defending this scum? These are the type of scum that plague our streets and are the reason we need police–you’re defending them? Are you kidding me?
You refer to my future career in law enforcement almost pessimistically. I assure you, I do not in any way plan to do what the cop did on that video. I will treat everyone with respect and make a difference in the community. I will also put scum like Mr. Cardenas (if the info from Mr. Anonymous is credible) behind bars in a more professional manner. So when you put quotes over law enforcement, think of the men and woman that protect you every day, think of what life would be without us, and then think of us optimistically. There is such a thing as a good cop, and I will be one of them.
pro LAPD
Dec 08, 2006
I’m glad he got his ass kicked…I wish they would have put that dumb ass criminal in the hospital for a month…..I have lived in Los Angeles for 33 years and have never been beaten by LAPD!!! You people that talk bad about LAPD can kiss my ass!!!I dont think you guys have the balls to put a badge on and stop a violent Parolee that doesn’t want to go back to jail. Because if he does he will never see daylight. Not one of you have the freakin balls!!! It’s obvious only the ignorant people make negative comments about the LAPD!!!!
Dr. Gof Uckyourself
Jan 07, 2007
I’m glad he got his ass beat, it’s just a shame that he still breathes the same air I do! It’s very easy for all you assholes to jump on the bandwagon and bitch about how the “poor victim” got his fucking ass handed to him. Not one of you cowardly scumbags are doing anything to make LA a safer place. If the “poor fucking victim” hurt you or anyone in your family, you would be the first moron in the LAPDs face bitching that they didn’t do anything to stop this guy and protect the people of LA.
Let’s review the tape that you jackasses say you watched. IF YOU CAN YELL YOU ARE BREATHING!!!! I’m not sure what school you all went to but it’s common knowledge that if you are being choked, you CAN’T yell!!! If you don’t believe me check with any CPR instructor. The reason you people have such an issue with the LAPD is because you are all losers who think that you were dealt a bad hand in life. I know your type, the world is out to get you because you can’t follow the law and you can’t get away with what you want. Mommy didn’t love you enough, daddy wasn’t ever there for you. Well suck it up fuck face!! The world does not revolve around you. You are just a shit stain on the globe!!!
If you are ever in a life or death situation and need the police, they will know who has respect for them and who doesn’t. Oops, looks like you die, and the beauty of that is – you won’t be missed!!!
Mr. Smith
Jan 08, 2007
William Cardenas is a scumbag gang member that needed to be taken off the streets, it’s really too bad that the officers weren’t given a chance to shoot him. The Dr. makes some very good points about peoples selfishness and especially about the fact that Cardenas was yelling therefore could not have been being choked out. You people only think about yourselves and no one else. Did you ever think about the families of Cardenas’ victims? Hell no you didn’t! You wanted the police to treat Johnny Dirtbag all nice for breaking the law. That makes me believe that all you people that are bashing this officer for doing his job are also scumbag criminals. You only back Cardenas cause you are just as dirty as he is. If you break the law you pay the price. If he had just coopperated and put his hands behind his back we wouldn’t be talking about this right now cause it never would have happened. Cardenas was not ready to go back to jail so he in all his infinite wisdom decided to run from the police and then fight with them once he was caught. Now not only does he go back to jail but he got a nice ass kicking too. In my opinion the officers were too nice to him. As for the person video taping well that’s just typical of the area. The people there do nothing to help and when something happens they all grab their cameras and tape only pieces of what’s going on just hoping the arresting officer does something wrong. It’s truly sad.
Damn Straight
Jan 08, 2007
Well there’s not to much more to say, the Dr. & Mr. Smith have pretty much said it all!! Way to go! I agree 100%. If you’re gonna bitch about the Los Angeles Police Department then MOVE THE FUCK OUT!!!!!!! Go somewhere else and be some other states problem! You do nothing for LA, so don’t expect LA to do anything for you!!
scar face
Jan 26, 2007
pig
scar face
Jan 26, 2007
the cops they aint nothin fuckin butas
Brian
Jan 26, 2007
Scar face, learn how to speak English before you post another comment on this wall. You will get caught one day–because you’re obviously a criminal–and when you do you’ll get forcefully put under arrest and notice that the cops are in control. You think you’re so tuff? Wait till you break the law at the wrong time, I hope by that time I’ll be the officer arresting you, and i’ll tell you, “YOU ain’t nothin’ fuckin’ buta!”
Alex
Feb 12, 2007
Of course the police beat people, welcome to reality. They also perjure themselves routinely in police reports, plant dope and guns, lie regarding gang affiliation and ruin young lives (for the 186.22 enhancement), and do all sorts of despicable things. (Three men scatter, the rock is on the ground. Who does it belong to: (1) Mr. No Record; (2) Mr. Minor Record: or (3) Mr. Parolee – you know the answer.) However, they are also put in the near impossible position of making snap judgements and having to justify their actions after the fact by any means necessary. Criminal conduct by law enforcement is an inherent and unfortunate byproduct when dealing with criminal defendants. I.e., our gang must be perceived on the street as being nastier than your gang. I am cyncial enough to grudgingly accept this reality. However, what is disturbing to me here is that the pro beaters reflect so badly on themselves. They are so caught up in their rhetoric that it doesn’t even seem to occur to them that their thinking is part of the problem. Their outlook embodies a bright-line, black and white simplistic thinking that translates to bad judgement and criminal acts in the field. You want to know why cops get in trouble for kicking people’s asses? Just read this page . . .
Brian
Feb 14, 2007
Looks like we have another anti-police, anti-military, anti-American. What is your solution to our “problem” oh mighty one? Alex, you obviously have read too many books and watched too much network television, you’re caught up in a dream world.
“They also perjure themselves routinely in police reports, plant dope and guns, lie regarding gang affiliation and ruin young lives (for the 186.22 enhancement), and do all sorts of despicable things”, did you see this on TV? Wake up to the real world where the police protect your life on a daily basis and stop complaining unless you are going to do something about it.
Ice T
Mar 06, 2007
The police are thugs. They are worse than the criminals because they don’t think that they have to obide by the same laws as everyone else. They should all be shot in the head. Every one of them. I don’t need your “protection”. Your protection leads to innocent people being beaten for no reason. The police are animals and the only thing that even gives them power is because we as a society allow it. This world needs to wake up. And Brian, you are a joke. I hope you get shot in the face.
Brian
Mar 06, 2007
“The police are thugs” meanwhile you have the user name “Ice T”, you’re a hypocrite and a poser. Secondly, learn how to spell, go back to high school. What kind of an argument is “they don’t think that they have to obide (TYPO) by the same laws as everyone else.” That makes absolutely no sense what so ever. Everybody follows the same rules, the police officers enforce them. How can you call a gang member with a wrap sheet full of arrests which hangs down to the ground holding a gun innocent? Are you retarded? If you don’t need our protection then why don’t you move out of America. I mean if your so anti-police, anti-military, etc., you can just leave, we don’t want you here anyway, problem solved! It’s what I just don’t understand about the liberals, if you don’t like it here THEN JUST LEAVE! No one’s forcing you to stay!
Michael Hampton
Mar 06, 2007
I don’t get it. What’s liberal about wanting police who aren’t themselves corrupt, criminal gang members?
Brian
Mar 07, 2007
The Police are NOT corrupt criminal gang members! Their motto is, “To Protect And Serve”, what don’t you understand about that? Enough with your liberal conspiracy theories, they don’t make sense!
Michael Hampton
Mar 07, 2007
They aren’t corrupt criminal gang members, because they have a motto? Get real.
And why do you keep saying “liberal conspiracy theories”? What is that supposed to mean? There aren’t any liberals around here.
Anonymous J
May 03, 2007
During the L.A. Riots, i was on my way to the school bus. Once reaching my bus stop, i had LAPD pointing guns at me. My bus being late, i went home. Got detention for that.
Tell me all you blind fools, how does that make me a liberal. Justify it!
Maybe if i was an “right wing american” and carried a gun with me everywhere, then you would side with me? or would that just make me a gang banger and deserve to be put to death?
Here’s a story i’ve been told by one of my cousins who is on the LAPD. He had just finshed basic training and was on patrol with two other LAPD officers in Hollywood. The lead officer traced down a “suspect” into an alley, knowning that he had a prior record. One they arrested him, with out resistance, the lead said “go a head, take a shot. No one will believe him.”
Alex
May 09, 2007
Brian- no dream world here, I see it firsthand in the justice system every day. My information is from the victims themselves, not in any book. Yeah, one day I am going to do something about it . . . when I get a good, proveable civil rights case to really sink my teeth into one less bad apple cop will be out there wrecking people’s lives, hopefully. Can’t wait . . . its’ also the most pro-American thing one could do, to fight corruption and criminal police conduct.
Rudedog
Jun 12, 2007
It is an excuse I hear over and over. The guy is a gangsta/criminal whatever to portray him as deserving a beating. It is all over America, those who would abuse their authority and those who encourage them.
IJ
Jun 29, 2007
FUCK ALL COPS!!! THEY THINK THEY ARE ABOVE THE FUCKING LAW!! THEY ARE ALL ASSHOLES!!!!!
IJ
Jun 29, 2007
THE LA COP THAT SHOT THE AIRMAN JUST GOT OFF AS INNOCENT! WHAT BULLSHIT!! THAT MOTHERFUCKER OF A COP IS GUILTY AS FUCK!!! HE SHOT THAT GUY 4 TIMES FOR NOTHING. THAT SHOWS THE JUSTICE SYSTEM OF LA, CA.! IT’S FUCKED!!!!!
Brian
Jun 29, 2007
Lol IJ, you’re an idiot! The police ARE the law!
Anonymous
Jul 22, 2007
It is a shame to think of any law enforcement professional as anything, but justified. I am so sick of listening to people complain about why their areas, neighborhoods, etc are sub-standard. There is a simple reason; Birth control! HISPANIC WOMEN have 0 and I mean 0 knowledge of how they have transformed Los Angeles County. I am a male hispanic that grew up in Los Angeles. I find it absolutely rediculous to blame any others for the gang influx. I hate to use the term blame. However, the predominant gang influence in LA is of hispanic discent. A lack of guidance from TWO responsible parents is to blame. Why? We have a crazy tendency to repeat the cycle set before us! Our mothers in the past married men that abused them. Those same mothers remained. Today, young women, primarily illegal, are doing the same, but refuse to accept the innate responsibility of raising a child. Hispanic families refuse to constructively correct or discipline their children. WHY?????????????? Approval from and uneducated, disrectful litle kid that goes on to bigger and more attrotious activities. This, because Mom chose not to protect herself from being impregnated by a person she had no intentions of having as her husband. Male hispanics are to blame here. The lack of a father figure created that void where the “gang” takes over. I wish I had a better understanding of the dynamic of the LA Hispanic – dysfunctional house. Women are way to accepting of hispanic guys that have NOTHING to bring to the table. My daughter would not date until she was 18 yrs old. Hispanic women need to take that positive control necessary until their children are capable of making rational decisions. Until then, if the police find an unruly youth of individal acting in an unruly manner?……stand by for the ass whooping that mommy and daddy were unable to give. PLEASE STOP BLAMING OTHERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!for your shortcomings! STOP and accept responsibility!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Raul
Jan 25, 2008
Ok all you bleeding hearts i will take your point of view. The day you walk in a police officers shoes just for one day. See how many times in a day a police office has to fear for his/her life. How many times have you put up a video of a police officer beaing beat by a criminal or assulted? o ya those dont make the news beacuse that does not sell or advance the cause of the “bleeding hearts in the meadia” or those of you who want the Gangs running the streets. I am a mexican immigrant but i obey the LAW and never have i been treated with disrespect from the hard working police officers in Los angeles. but wait i OBEY the LAW that has got to be the problem.
John
Feb 10, 2008
Brian,
You may want to think twice about starting a law enforcement career. You are already to liberal and wimpy. You must have learned this progressive, liberal attitude from one of those college instructors that have spoon fed it to you.
I think you should limit your opinions on the topic of “Police Tactics” and “Use of Force” policies until such a time when you actually leave the class room and get some real street experience. While you may be have good intentions, you’re obviously speaking from theory and your controlled environment, where you have learned most, if not all, of your training.
I apologize, but let me explain. I have read several times where you agree with these amoral animals about the police’s actions being excessive force. Let me temper my comments without seeming to be an “Old Salty Jackass”.
I have been doing the job of a “Ghetto Cop” in the third largest police force in Los Angeles County. Let me tell you this, I believe the officer in this video delivered the most weak and ineffective strikes with his fist. The officer, contrary to your opinion that he used “Excessive Force”, did not use enough force.
Once a Suspect introduces a firearm into a situation, believe it or not, and you can ask any instructor (preferably a retired police officer), the Suspect, through his actions, has elevated the situation to a “Deadly force” incident.
Although this is conveniently left out of the video, which is clearly being shot to receive some type of big payoff from one of the sensationalist, unscrupulous, liberal media outlets; This is very relevant.
This is not the “Old West” where you face down a bad guy with both of your guns drawn and the local sheriff shoots the gun out of the bad guy’s hand and he is quietly led off to jail.
When the Suspect is armed he becomes an “Immediate Threat”,(you’ll probably see this term many times in your future career) to public safety, as well as the officers. The use of “Deadly force” is then an appropriate response.
While the average citizen, god willing, may never have to face one of these deadly encounters. The officer, especially in an urban environment, will have to face these type of situations dozens of times in his/her career. For this reason, California state law and your department’s “Shooting Policy” are drafted to protect the officer in the discharge of his/her duty.
Contrary to popular belief, fomented by the countless made for TV and movie scenarios of police encountering armed conflicts; You do not have to give a Suspect the opportunity to lay down his firearm by providing a verbal warning, “Freeze, police drop the gun, or any other vulgarity laced directives, which are popular in most “R” rated movies (it sells movies).
In real life, this gives the Suspect extra time to react and either kill or injure a member of the public or the police officer. There are no ties in this line of work, if you lose, very often the case is, you die. So, the goal is every time it is possible to stack the odds in your favor. This is accomplished by having superior training or superior numbers.
Once a Suspect produces a gun, he has not only limited his own options, but the police officer’s options of how he is to be taken into custody.
I believe the officers in this video used incredible restraint. Please bear this in mind, this opinion is coming from first hand knowledge gleaned from innumerable violent confrontations on the job. Police work, when executed perfectly by the book and supported by policy, is seldom a pretty sight to behold, this is the sad and unfortunate truth.
Sir, please think twice when you attempt to engage these type of malcontents in any type of intelligent and meaningful discussion, whether it be on-line or in the street in the commission of your duty.
Let me give you an example. Recently, two of our police officers were shot in an armed confrontation with a gang member,while conducting a routine traffic stop. After both officers were shot and lay dying in the front seat of their police vehicle, a “Citizen”, who’s image was captured on a video camera, was seen pointing at the two officers and laughing, “Good, that’s what you get pigs for messing with everybody”.
Well, now I’m sure that the founder of this site will echo this “Citizen’s” sentiment. And yet everyday I will put on a bullet proof vest, strap on a gun and carry out my duty to protect this “Citizen” and his family whom has nothing but hate and contempt for me and my fellow officers.
Think long and hard before you embark on this career path because it will not only fill your heart with pride, it will rip it out of your chest and dash it on the ground at your feet.
Good luck,
Michael Hampton
Feb 10, 2008
You completely misjudge the founder of this site. I think those two officers’ deaths were tragic and needless, and my work here is with an eye to prevent such tragedies.
Did it never occur to you to wonder why so many people hate the police? Somebody who willingly goes out, day after day, and risks his life to protect people should be revered and respected.
The reason so many people hate the police is simple: It is because police enforce bad laws the same as good laws.
The law is meant to provide justice. Laws regarding murder, rape, assault, robbery, burglary, vandalism, home invasion, and other such crimes against person or property provide some measure of justice by providing for punishment for the perpetrator and restitution for the victim. Police are cheered and celebrated when they enforce these laws, as they should be.
Yet there are bad laws on the books, laws which do not provide justice but instead are inherently unjust. These laws, such as our current drug laws and immigration laws, violate the rights of life and property of the people. People who are breaking these laws are nevertheless not necessarily doing anything morally wrong.
So when police enforce these laws, the people are filled with hate and contempt. And should they not? Such a police officer is needlessly destroying someone’s life, seizing their hard-earned property and taking away their liberty. For no good reason. These laws do not protect anyone; they harm people and contribute to the decay of our society.
I have heard it said that police officers merely enforce the law; they do not make it. Yet officers have a great deal of discretion in how to handle someone who, for instance, has a roach in their ashtray. And police officers are citizens like the rest of us. They can, when off duty at least, express political opinions, call their assemblyman, vote, etc. So there are things police officers can do to oppose these bad laws and help bring an end to the bloodshed in the streets.