Use Caution When You Party in Your Own Backyard

[zephyp]

Here's a compelling news video about a family holding a baptism party in their own backyard in Mannassas with several small children in attendance. I dont know any other details than what's presented in the video, but I simply cannot imagine that 4 LEOs are required to subdue a drunk grandfather and pregnant woman by tasering them repeatedly. It appears that the pregnant woman might be an illegal, but that's not specified in the video and not relevant IMO. The point here is if they do this to one family in their own backyard they can do it to anybody.

http://www.fox13now.com/news/nationworl ... .htmlstory

[gregj]

Here's a link to the story on Fox news.

http://www.myfoxwausau.com/dpp/news/dpg ... 29_2708934

I hate playing armchair QB, as I wasnt there, but it definately sounds like the LEOs over reacted. Also sounds like the grandpa wasnt cooperative, but from reading the story, certainly not enough to get tazed. And to taze a pregnant woman??????? I have a feeling that family just hit the lottery.

If you are on your own property, specifically backyard, how can it be public intox?

[wbtrunx]

Granted being intoxicated at a baptism party is a little ironic, those officers were way out of line.
Even without the whole unbiased story, it sounds like the officers made some dumb choices.
You can bet, 100 laywers have already contacted the family trying to get the lawsuit.

[40shooter]

If it smells like fish, I don't know, as stated above, I wasn't there. I did hear the reporter say they (LEO'S) contacted the homeowner and then say he failed to identify himself. I guess we'll know something more later.

[VBshooter]

There is something missing here.. Either the whole situatiuon isn;t being told or the cops had one of two choices to end the confrontation. Physically detain them or use the taser which there may be a department policy to do that instead of getting into a wrestling match,,, It does seem they overreacted to me also.. Hopefully the whole story will come out, I don't think we;ve heard the end of it yet.

[SgtBill]

I can't make a comment on this as I was not there and do not have the FULL STORY about what happend. As a retired Det. Sergeant and a former Internal Affairs Investigator I know how a story can be changed from person to person. Even with a video it can change.
Bill

[BluemontGlock]

Gee wilkiers Wally, that sure is a swell story...

...and does this leave any wonder why the general populace (and ME) have a healthy dis-trust of the LEo"s...these guys are their own worst enemy...

You tasered a pregnant woman...?? I mean come on... that is police work?? don;t these guys realize that this is the type of crap that makes them a target, and makes many feel that the LEO's are owed some payback... and there were 4 LEO's...were they concerned that they were going to be overpowered? or taken down by a drunk man...who was in his OWN house...unbelievable...where else are you supposed to be drinking, if not in your opwn house and how is that "public intoxication"? ...i guess that was when they were walking him out to their cruisers...he was on public property...AWESOME!~~~

I hope they are sued to the point that the voters get tired of
wasting thier tax dollars on poor police work and bad judgement.

As the OP put it, like it can't/won;t happen to you...i put myself in this situation, with my children there, and it just makes me bitter and angry...and any child there who is old enough to think for themselves will HATE all police officers from here on out after watching how thier family was treated.period....I would...

and again, unless someone pointed a firearm at one of the officers, which is does not appeared occured, this is the classic "law enforcement overresponse"...Great job PWC...way to max the excercise...your grade for this is a resounding "Pathetic"

ALWAYS meet them at the door, and NEVER let them in...and never, ever, leave your own property,...which will be the deciding factor that makes these folks in the right, and this all came from a noise ordinanace in the middle of the day...???

PWC...get your check book... PWC tax payers, are you having fun yet?...can't pay to get the roads fixed, but you can pay for the ignorace of your police force...What a Great day!!

This will be a hoot to whatch them backpeddle and act like they are in the right, and are doing this tasering of pregnant women and the elderly for "public saftey"...go get 'em chief, great job by the department on the front end by hiring these insolent little ego brandishing taser toting gang in matching clothes...

Sorry, this IS not my America...

[06bolton5pt3]

Gee wilkiers Wally, that sure is a swell story...

...and does this leave any wonder why the general populace (and ME) have a healthy dis-trust of the LEo"s...these guys are their own worst enemy...

You tasered a pregnant woman...?? I mean come on... that is police work?? don;t these guys realize that this is the type of crap that makes them a target, and makes many feel that the LEO's are owed some payback... and there were 4 LEO's...were they concerned that they were going to be overpowered? or taken down by a drunk man...who was in his OWN house...unbelievable...where else are you supposed to be drinking, if not in your opwn house and how is that "public intoxication"? ...i guess that was when they were walking him out to their cruisers...he was on public property...AWESOME!~~~

I hope they are sued to the point that the voters get tired of
wasting thier tax dollars on poor police work and bad judgement.

As the OP put it, like it can't/won;t happen to you...i put myself in this situation, with my children there, and it just makes me bitter and angry...and any child there who is old enough to think for themselves will HATE all police officers from here on out after watching how thier family was treated.period....I would...

and again, unless someone pointed a firearm at one of the officers, which is does not appeared occured, this is the classic "law enforcement overresponse"...Great job PWC...way to max the excercise...your grade for this is a resounding "Pathetic"

ALWAYS meet them at the door, and NEVER let them in...and never, ever, leave your own property,...which will be the deciding factor that makes these folks in the right, and this all came from a noise ordinanace in the middle of the day...???

PWC...get your check book... PWC tax payers, are you having fun yet?...can't pay to get the roads fixed, but you can pay for the ignorace of your police force...What a Great day!!

This will be a hoot to whatch them backpeddle and act like they are in the right, and are doing this tasering of pregnant women and the elderly for "public saftey"...go get 'em chief, great job by the department on the front end by hiring these insolent little ego brandishing taser toting gang in matching clothes...

Sorry, this IS not my America...

well said

[rugdoc]

Gee wilkiers Wally, that sure is a swell story...

...and does this leave any wonder why the general populace (and ME) have a healthy dis-trust of the LEo"s...these guys are their own worst enemy...

You tasered a pregnant woman...?? I mean come on... that is police work?? don;t these guys realize that this is the type of crap that makes them a target, and makes many feel that the LEO's are owed some payback... and there were 4 LEO's...were they concerned that they were going to be overpowered? or taken down by a drunk man...who was in his OWN house...unbelievable...where else are you supposed to be drinking, if not in your opwn house and how is that "public intoxication"? ...i guess that was when they were walking him out to their cruisers...he was on public property...AWESOME!~~~

I hope they are sued to the point that the voters get tired of
wasting thier tax dollars on poor police work and bad judgement.

As the OP put it, like it can't/won;t happen to you...i put myself in this situation, with my children there, and it just makes me bitter and angry...and any child there who is old enough to think for themselves will HATE all police officers from here on out after watching how thier family was treated.period....I would...

and again, unless someone pointed a firearm at one of the officers, which is does not appeared occured, this is the classic "law enforcement overresponse"...Great job PWC...way to max the excercise...your grade for this is a resounding "Pathetic"

ALWAYS meet them at the door, and NEVER let them in...and never, ever, leave your own property,...which will be the deciding factor that makes these folks in the right, and this all came from a noise ordinanace in the middle of the day...???

PWC...get your check book... PWC tax payers, are you having fun yet?...can't pay to get the roads fixed, but you can pay for the ignorace of your police force...What a Great day!!

This will be a hoot to whatch them backpeddle and act like they are in the right, and are doing this tasering of pregnant women and the elderly for "public saftey"...go get 'em chief, great job by the department on the front end by hiring these insolent little ego brandishing taser toting gang in matching clothes...

Sorry, this IS not my America...

well said

Police are the most dangerous threat to the law abiding citizen. It is absolutely amazing that the American people have not restricted the rights of local law enforcement. I firmly believe that no one can be a "moral" person and also be a effective police officer.

[Vahunter]

Granted being intoxicated at a baptism party is a little ironic

Ever been to a redneck baptism? Believe me no one is sober at one.

[zephyp]

Granted being intoxicated at a baptism party is a little ironic

Ever been to a redneck baptism? Believe me no one is sober at one.

Now that brings some downright funny imagery to mind...

[SgtBill]

The only thing I can say about some of the comments on this topic is learn to read or learn to look at the video that was shot OUTSIDE in a YARD not in a house. Again some people only see what they want to see or hear what they want to hear,
Bill

[zephyp]

Thats true Bill but these folks were on their own property seemingly minding their own businesses and 4 LEOs show up for a noise complaint????? Two people (one pregnant woman) were subsequently tasered. And yes, we dont know the full story, but I cannot honestly believe that much force was needed to subdue a little pregnant gal. And all this was done in front of their little children. Somethings not right here. There is a growing trend with LE in our country and it aint good. Granted they lay their lives on the line and face situations which appear simple and sometimes turn deadly but we are hearing more and more about excessive use of force. How many happen that we dont hear about?

I used to live across the street from a deputy sheriff. He and I had several conversations before he signed up. His primary reason for wanting to be a cop - "I want a job where I can carry a gun and arrest people." I also met several of his buddies later. Most had the same reason and all were very cocky and downright immature. I was not impressed. And raising hell at at a party? I went to a couple of their partys. I'm sure they put the one here in question to shame.

I know beyond a doubt that there are many good LEOs out there, but we have a situation where IMO you simply dont know anymore which ones are good or bad. Rick's interaction with the MD cop at Dalhgren is yet another example.

What happened to protect and serve?

[WRW]

I can't make a comment on this as I was not there and do not have the FULL STORY about what happend. As a retired Det. Sergeant and a former Internal Affairs Investigator I know how a story can be changed from person to person. Even with a video it can change.
Bill

So you think the relatives might stretch the truth to garner support or sympathy? Or that the news media might sensationalize events for the sake of a good story? I agree.

I also agree with others that feel that, because tasering is non-lethal, there seems to be a trend in law enforcement to over utilize it. A little patience and self restraint might go a long way toward bonding good public relations.

[jadedone4]

.... OK, just some personal background (in no way suggestions that it would mirror the event in question; but does speak to LEO's and use of force).

1st ticket (moving violation = 24May1984 (prom night); attended a military school so I was dress uniform - LEO states "oh a soldier boy.." Take the "boy" comment however you want, but I am Black - this was the "80's")

2nd ticket (Fairfax County LEO) = January 2008 - kid was a rookie, had a TO with him; I politely asked to READ the ticket, whereby I was told that if I did not sign immediately I would be arrested (ticket - 57 in 45mph zone). I asked again to READ the ticket, the TO walks over, and aggressively states "either you sign the ticket or you are going to jail" then places hand on side-arm. I asked if he just placed his hand on weapon - he repeats above. I sign ticket, head straight for station to report - guess what happens? (explanation two weeks later, from supervisor, officer was just adjusting his belt, to a civilian that can be viewed as reaching... yada, yada, yada...).

Between the two above events - I have been pulled over, handcuffed once, removed from vehicle (ordered) by shotgun drawn, and each encounter has been no less than two LEO's present - no less than a dozen times. Outside of the two tickets (1984 and 2008, which BTW was dismissed in court with a $22 fine) - none of the interactions resulted in any tickets or additional actions/charges filed.

Do I agree that there is an alarming "trend" in LE with lack of training and the "wanna-be" Buford Pussers and Shafts - YEP..! How many of us know that kid from HS who was stuffed in locker, wedgied, or never seemed able to make the ball-clubs (any sports to include intramurals) and now that "guy" is a cop with a gun and a badge.

Now in fairness - every situation that was initiated by me (attendence at a community event, take back the streets, etc) where LEO's were present - I have had a WONDERFUL and PROFESSIONAL experience. When a family-member was a victim of a violent crime, LEO's were stand-up folks; they like to control the situation, which is understandable, but if you do it professionally, to me it is no different than any other trade (i.e. dentist, doctor, auto-mechanic, etc).

I viewed the video, once with sound the other time without - just so that I am not "lead" by the commentary, etc. Four LEO's, big guys - should have been able to contain the situation with the parties involved better. For whatever reason this did not escalate with the other folks at the party becoming involved in a negative manner.

We don't have all of the facts here.... and may never know all of the facts (especially if the lawyers get involved - via lawsuit or other action). I personally tip my hat to the LEO's who strap-up every day and honor the profession - but I also maintain vigilance in my interactions for those who do not act professionally - in making sure that I make it home to my family.

[dmharvey]

Another video clip about this situation

[VBshooter]

Now it;s a clear? cut case of one against the other,, I guess the court will figure it out now

[WRW]

The force continuums that I have read list tasering as level four...meaning the officer does not feel confident with soft or hard empty hand techniques. This is what makes me uncomfortable, that they either couldn't, or wouldn't, achieve their goal with lesser force.

http://www.policetest.info/FORCE_CONTIN ... _FORCE.htm

[BluemontGlock]

Wow...never knew the specifics of the force cont....THANKS WRW.

I was thinking about my first post, and i can see that it really irratated me when i first read the article and saw the video...and then i thought i might be overreacting, and last night , while cleaning my .45, was giving it some additional thought...and i got pissed again, because i do have younger children, 8 and 12, and of course, i am teaching them to obey officers of the law, and follow thier directions, etc...and, of course, my son (the 8yr old) says "i want to be a policeman because the police are always the good guys"

...UGH! i could have crumbled into a heap right there...

not because i don't want him to be a police officer, I will unwaveringly support him which ever path his chooses, but it is the fact that he is -so right- that struck me so hard,,,they are ALWAYS supposed to be the good guys, and the truth is that i just don't believe it in my heart of hearts...and i don't know how to verbalize my diametrically opposed views of Yes, you have to do what they say, but NO, they are not always the good guys and need to be engaged only as a last resort, and very carefully and with great care and tact to my son, who obviously holds them in high regard, which is a very good thing for a 8 yr old to do, perhaps i should just leave it alone, and let him formulate his own theories, but I do not want to lie, or avoid the conversation...or give a wrong impression of the role of law enforncement in our society...while trying to explain it in such as way that a 8 year old can comprehend about how they seem to be able to sink you just as easily as save you, and will do so with the same professional zeal in either situation...

I know this is a bit off topic, but has anyone else who has kids dealth with this conundrum?

have a great weekend all!
Eliot

[WRW]

BluemontGlock:

If I have read the statistics correctly, policepersons are more law abiding than the general population. Police just suffer greater scrutiny than the rest of us. I would have no problem with a child entering that profession in this area.