Video: Taser II, Electric Boogaloo; Update: Cop was suspended three days
posted at 12:57 pm on December 2, 2007 by Allahpundit
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One of our commenters to yesterday’s taser post said the Utah case proves that when a cop gives you an order, you obey it — period. Let’s test that logic here. Any objections to this guy being yelled at for not producing a license instantaneously, then ordered out of the car, having his arm apparently slammed in the door, and summarily tased?
Note that the cop appears to have the taser pointing at him while he’s still sitting in the driver’s seat. Click the image to watch.
Update: Three people sent this to me in the past 12 hours, but as you can see from the timestamp, the clip’s more than a year old. Sorry for not noticing that sooner; anyone know why this is circulating right now?
The cop was suspended for three days. Read the letter in PDF form here.
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That’s it. Tasers are bad news, and have already caused the deaths of a lot of people around the country. Time for them to go.
mram on December 2, 2007 at 1:10 PM
These tazer incidents sure do look expensive. Stricter protocols need to be established with severe penalties to any officer who ignores them.
infidel on December 2, 2007 at 1:11 PM
dude got pulled over for 70 in a 65? that cop is a prick from the get go. probably got into a fight at home with his wife earlier and decided to take it out on this poor guy.
lorien1973 on December 2, 2007 at 1:12 PM
Some people should not be cops.
Gatordoug on December 2, 2007 at 1:15 PM
Yup, like the Utah Cop, he’s looking for a fight and an excuse to try out his tazer gun.
Notice, step out of the car and produce your license and proof of insurance…. at the same time…. whoa whoa whoa….
Kini on December 2, 2007 at 1:15 PM
For gawd sake…this guy, like the last bro, got tased because he’s questioning the officer instead of simply following orders.
Of course, in this incident the officer seems a little quick on the taser draw, but again…The guy wouldn’t produce his insurance info, and when out of the car, wouldn’t immediately put his hands on the car like the officer said.
What’s worse…tasing someone, or having an “officer down” ?
JetBoy on December 2, 2007 at 1:16 PM
He’s pissed because he had to work on Turkey Day! Seriously–that is ridiculous. The cop didn’t even give the guy time to find his paperwork. I could only imagine treating my students like this at school: “Hey kid–pick up that pencil. NOW! No? PREPARE TO BE TAZED!!!”
robblefarian on December 2, 2007 at 1:16 PM
Really didn’t give the guy much time to comply with getting to the back of the vehicle and putting his hands on it. Very itchy taser finger in my opinion.
greggish on December 2, 2007 at 1:16 PM
Man, that cop was in a sour mood from beginning to end. These are a case-by-case basis. Dash cams are a good thing on the balance, I’d say.
Spirit of 1776 on December 2, 2007 at 1:16 PM
Three objections. Courtesy, Professionalism, Respect. This cop showed none. Jerk.
meandchi on December 2, 2007 at 1:16 PM
I don’t think I could find my license or registration in the 3 seconds the officer gave the guy to whip it out. I can’t even get my wallet out of my pants without undoing my seatbelt.
lorien1973 on December 2, 2007 at 1:19 PM
He didn’t have TIME. You guys who defend the cops under any circumstance are at the point now where if a cop asks for a license and it isn’t produced within two seconds, the cop should be allowed to fire a taser into the guy’s head.
Allahpundit on December 2, 2007 at 1:19 PM
Incidentally, by this logic, why don’t cops just preemptively tase everyone in the car during traffic stops? You never know who might pose a threat. Better safe than sorry, right?
What’s worse, tasing a car full of innocent people or having an “officer down”?
Allahpundit on December 2, 2007 at 1:21 PM
Most dead police officers start out with a belligerent twerp disobeying a simple order.
Just do what the nice man says.
Mojave Mark on December 2, 2007 at 1:21 PM
Amen AP.
Talon on December 2, 2007 at 1:22 PM
It’s not the 70 in a 65 that first attracted the cop’s attention, most likely. It’s the fact that he has no rear license plate. I don’t care how innocent 70 in a 65 sounds; not having a rear license plate looks awfully troubling.
Also notice that the guy said “No” when asked to provide license and registration. His passenger begged him to do it, but he didn’t feel like it. The guy who got tased here still doesn’t get any sympathy from me.
I don’t think that the cop should have used the taser here, but it’s a split second decision that the cop had to make, and I on the other hand have had several minutes now to play armchair quarterback and think it through. Frankly, the guy looked suspicious enough at first such that his lack of immediate cooperation surely told the officer something was fishy, hence the attitude observed.
Frankly, I don’t know what the officer *should* have done. The alternatives either seem like drawing a gun (and not using it) or dragging him out of the car and face-planting him into the asphalt. Neither seems savory, that’s for sure.
flutejpl on December 2, 2007 at 1:22 PM
This is why citizens, non-cops, should be on police review boards. I am from Chicago where there have been a lot of egregious police behavior for years. I have been the subject of one such incident. The police need to be policed and it can’t be by other cops.
Bill C on December 2, 2007 at 1:24 PM
This one crossed the line to unreasonable force. The officer didn’t give him time to respond to the request.
tmitsss on December 2, 2007 at 1:25 PM
Opportunity, Intent and Capability are supposed to be the factors used in determining whether to use deadly force. Perhaps some similar philosophy should be published for tasers.
I’m in total agreement with AP on his points.
Bradky on December 2, 2007 at 1:26 PM
Did you watch the video? The guy was trying to comply. The officer didn’t give him enough time.
Farmer_Joe on December 2, 2007 at 1:27 PM
Funny, I was just watching this one on YouTube and ZAP here it is on HotAir.
Last time I sided with the cop. This time, no way. Five miles over the limit and he doesn’t even give him a chance to show his proof of insurance. The cop was wrong this time.
Tony737 on December 2, 2007 at 1:27 PM
Allahpundit you still practicing law? Because if I ever need a good attorney you sound like just the man to contact…
doriangrey on December 2, 2007 at 1:27 PM
This ones not even close. This guy needs to lose his job and he needs to be investigated for breaking the law (especially a civil rights violation). His record needs to be examined to determine how he has dealt with black people in the past to see if there is a pattern of abuse. The difference between this case and Utah is night and day for me.
TheBigOldDog on December 2, 2007 at 1:28 PM
And if you don’t have time to do what he says, prepare to take 50,000 volts to your torso.
Allahpundit on December 2, 2007 at 1:28 PM
Police taser man having diabetic episode.
After they bring him in and he blows 0.0 on the breathalyser they agree to drop the towing charges, but still charged him with a DUI and resisting arrest.
found that over at Digital Brownshirts place.
amish on December 2, 2007 at 1:29 PM
No no…watch the vid again…The officer asks the driver what, three times at least (while the driver is still in the car) and even the drivers wife (?) says “just give him the…” and the driver is like “whoa whoa…”.
We can’t see inside the car, but let’s assume the driver isn’t even getting his paperwork. Then he’s out of the car, and again…is asked repeatedly to put his hands on the car and doesn’t.
There’s far too many incidents of cops being shot in simple traffic stops. Again, you never know who it is. Tim McVeigh was caught in a traffic stop. So was that Mormon leader on the FBI list. A taser is just an electric shock.
Which is better than a dead cop.
Again, it does seem the officer is quick on that taser…but also again, when pulled over, shut yer yap…and do what the officer tells you. It’s that simple.
JetBoy on December 2, 2007 at 1:30 PM
It “sounds” as though the Cop was impatient with the tased dude, however we can’t see what was going on inside the car nor can we hear everything the driver & passenger were saying in the car.
I agree with flutejpl that the fact the car had no rear license plate made it a suspicious stop in the first place. The Officer duly noted that fact to the driver when he first approached the car.
SouthernPride on December 2, 2007 at 1:30 PM
Gotta go with the driver this time. The cop is a complete tool and needs to be removed from the force.
Since this happened last year, do we know how it was inallty resolved?
Valiant on December 2, 2007 at 1:31 PM
The cop pulled him out of the car for the express purpose to taze him.
Kini on December 2, 2007 at 1:31 PM
Point taken but it seems the office wasn’t trying to controll the situation but only escalted it.
There was a post on this site a few days ago where a dude in a pickup insulted a cop in just about every short of pissing on his shoes. That cop just camly repeated himself until he got what he wanted. Unless i’m missing some other threatening act, that might have worked here.
meandchi on December 2, 2007 at 1:32 PM
Flute does have a good point about there being no tag plate, which could mean a stolen car with a armed and dangerous driver. Still, I think Smokey should’ve given the guy a chance to further incriminate himself … and THEN zap him.
Tony737 on December 2, 2007 at 1:32 PM
Agreed.
SouthernPride on December 2, 2007 at 1:32 PM
What I saw was a sadistic psycho assaulting that man. I remember when tasers were first introduced as an alternative to lethal force. We were assured that was how they would be used and would thus save lives. As with the militarization of the police, given the inch they soon take a mile. Law enforcement will always crave more power. At some point it becomes absolute. Incidents like this undermine trust in law enforcement and must be punished as the crimes that they are. That officer behaved deplorably and should be charged with assault.
ronsfi on December 2, 2007 at 1:34 PM
Compare and contrast:
http://www.youtube.com/v/GHZMoPV1rog&rel=1
Again, the guy who got pulled over is an idiot but the cop is incredibly unprofessional and has 0 patience with him. It is HIS JOB to deal with people, not be some jackbooted asshole saving the world from people doing 5 mph over the limit.
Are the people who say dont argue the same people who would have let the cop shoot your dog in the head? (Sorry cant find the HotAir url with that story atm)
Dash on December 2, 2007 at 1:35 PM
License plate requirements vary by state. It seems unlikely to me, but perhaps it is possible that this is an out of state driver from a state where the requirements are different. I can’t imagine a state that doesn’t require them in the rear, but it is an outside possibility.
Spirit of 1776 on December 2, 2007 at 1:39 PM
Maybe it was stolen.
ronsfi on December 2, 2007 at 1:41 PM
Jeez – sorry, but what a fascist
uptight on December 2, 2007 at 1:41 PM
BTW, couldnt most of these issues be resolved by a simple, stern warning to the idiots “Sir, listen to me very carefully: I will explain why I pulled you over, but this is not a debate, you show me license and registration or I can and will arrest you.”
Dash on December 2, 2007 at 1:41 PM
It also could have simply fallen off w/o the driver realizing it. It happens. There’s no reason to assume you’ve got a dangerous felon on your hand going 5 miles over the speed limit and 1 missing plate.
TheBigOldDog on December 2, 2007 at 1:42 PM
Agreed.
Spirit of 1776 on December 2, 2007 at 1:44 PM
Indefensible. The Utah cop maybe, maybe could get away with saying he felt threatened. Not so here.
Yoosaion on December 2, 2007 at 1:48 PM
Based on the video, I tend to agree. This is absolutely nuts.
Insomniac on December 2, 2007 at 1:48 PM
On the way to another 742+ posts?
Kini on December 2, 2007 at 1:49 PM
Let me just add: I’ve been pulled over at least a dozen or more times for a variety of reasons…Expired reg. sticker, speeding, weaving, not coming to a full stop, etc etc…
All I’ve ever gotten was one speeding ticket on 95 in Maryland. Why? I kept my mouth shut…only talked when asked a question…and did what the officer told me.
Never been tased…and never will. If you want to question why you get pulled over, or question the validity of any infraction or ticket, you can tell it to the judge. But don’t argue with the cop when he pulls you over.
JetBoy on December 2, 2007 at 1:50 PM
No, it isn’t that simple. People aren’t emotionless robots and shouldn’t have to be in a situation where it’s perfectly normal to become defensive at accusations hurled against them in a matter of seconds.
This is abuse of law enforcement. The more these cases keep showing up, the more suspicious people will become of badge carriers.
I remember a time where respecting the police did not mean being scared shitless of them.
Shy Guy on December 2, 2007 at 1:52 PM
OK, it’s time for cops and husbands of cops to STFU.
shooter on December 2, 2007 at 1:52 PM
Exactly! It’s easier to taze than to use thought and verbal skills. Plus, taze is power. Taze is force. Taze is fear. Talking an idiot down or through a situation isn’t as much to brag about back home or at the bar.
JellyToast on December 2, 2007 at 1:53 PM
…And if you are the kind of person who feels threatened this easily, you have no business being a police officer.
Yoosaion on December 2, 2007 at 1:53 PM
Thanks for posting that. This is exactly the attitude most of us would object to, and the mere objection or plead for common courtesy is apparently threatening to an officer’s well-being.
Free Constitution on December 2, 2007 at 1:54 PM
Looks like it, doesn’t it.
Defend the cop if some of you must, but I fail to see where the threat was to the cop.
The threat to the driver is clear and present.
And the excuse about dead cops is BS here.
Dead cops in this situation is not the norm.
If it was, we’d have lots of dead cops. Then I would justify this action.
Abuse of power is what it is.
Kini on December 2, 2007 at 1:54 PM
It high time we got you off the road then, eh?
Kini on December 2, 2007 at 1:55 PM
Our system of justice isn’t based upon shoot first ask questions later. Our legal system allows for innocent until proven guilty, specifically to prevent innocent citizens from experiencing abuse by the authorities. This concept requires the public and the authorities to take certain risks in order to prevent innocents from being treated like criminals.
Bottom line, this type of action seems to go against our basic concepts of justice that help make this country the best nation in the world! IM(not so)HO
FireDrake on December 2, 2007 at 1:55 PM
Is it your position, then, that anyone who argues with a cop should be shot with a taser?
Insomniac on December 2, 2007 at 1:56 PM
In this case I have to completely agree. And, I can’t help but wonder how much of that was due to the color of his skin (and that’s coming from the LAST person in the world to raise race as an issue).
TheBigOldDog on December 2, 2007 at 1:56 PM
That voice was the companion in the car telling him to get it…As AP pointed out, he didn’t have time to get it before the cop was barking at him..After the cop barked, the companion is heard telling him to get it.
I never saw the guy kick his door open and hit the cop, I didn’t see him act like he was going to assault the cop. I didn’t hear him raise his voice, on the contrary, his was very level headed even after he was tazed
Yes, bad things do happen during traffic stops, but this cop was out of line.
Pam on December 2, 2007 at 1:59 PM
With all the tasing talk on HA lately I’m surprised there hasn’t been a post about this recent tasing of a pregnant woman.
frost on December 2, 2007 at 2:02 PM
AllahP… That’s a full year and a week old.
What the heck AllahP… couldn’t handle Utah exonerating the most recent case very well, could you. You gotta dredge something up from over a year ago to get that bitter taste out of your mouth?
Here’s one for you AllahP… and it’s only 3 DAYS OLD
This one’s about a year old…
Here’s another one from a year and a half ago…
Here’s another…
…and another
…and another
…and another
…hey look, another!
Out of the untold vast numbers of police officers using tasers, you use ONE to make up for the exoneration of another ALLAHP. Hey, did you hurt yourself jumping on that bandwagon AllahP? Gosh, I hope not.
SilverStar830 on December 2, 2007 at 2:03 PM
?…..all states require rear license plates.
nottakingsides on December 2, 2007 at 2:04 PM
Ok, that made-a me laugh.
It’s my position that you do what the officer tells you to do.
JetBoy on December 2, 2007 at 2:05 PM
Sure looks that way, given the amazing verbal speed at which the first two requests were given, with no time to comply, you can see the very quick angry demand following that which was the cause of the “whoa whoa I’m getting it” (which is NOT a refusal to comply).
That “whoa whoa” set the officer “off” which was the result of all that followed. Plus the driver was COMPLYING with the yelled demand to move to the rear of the vehicle when he was tased.
Don’t care if the officer was within the letter of the law. Very unprofessional and I hope the officer is disciplined and/or sued.
inviolet on December 2, 2007 at 2:10 PM
The numerous lives SAVED with the Taser, opposed to the number of lives that would have been TAKEN without it, far far outweighs any spittle sputtering anti-cop hate that ALLAHP has induced with this over a year old poor example of police work.
Like it or not kids, the taser’s here to stay.
SilverStar830 on December 2, 2007 at 2:10 PM
First of all, stop being a jackass with all the boldface and repeating of my name. Okay, SilverStar? You hear what I’m saying, SilverStar? I know you’re reading this, SilverStar.
Second, I’ve had three different people send me this link in the past 12 hours. I’m not sure what the news peg is, although I’m guessing this was shows at the taser symposium in Austin this past week.
Third, your attempt to make me look like some anti-taser fanatic is stupid. I goofed on the “bro” who got tased at U of F. I’m posting this because it’s another interesting case of trying to find the line between proper force and abuse of power. Stop being antagonistic towards me, ‘kay?
Allahpundit on December 2, 2007 at 2:11 PM
Would you rather have him shot with a regular gun?
1) Refusal to show liscence and registration. Suspicious behavior, reason for probable cause.
2) Missing rear liscence plate. Possible stolen vehicle, and you MUST have a rear liscence plate or dealer papers in the wondow until the local DMV issues plates. See # 1.
3) It’ Texas. Why would you run your mouth to a cop in TEXAS?? “… we have an electric chair, and we USE it!”
4) When a cop pulls you over… ANYWHERE… What do you think he’s going to immediately ask for and why don’t you already have it out?
As with the other thread, I know you all have watched COPS before. And I’m sure that all those against the cops know exactly what 420 is and have been arrested before.
Mazztek on December 2, 2007 at 2:13 PM
Either you’re a liar or an idiot to think I’m trying to stir up “anti-cop hate.” Demagogue me again and you’re banned.
And stop using boldface in all your posts. It’s like using all-caps.
Allahpundit on December 2, 2007 at 2:13 PM
I haven’t seen any anti-cop hate on this thread yet. The taser is irrelevant, it’s cops that don’t know they’re working for the American people, rather than against them.
Free Constitution on December 2, 2007 at 2:14 PM
This video is OVER A YEAR OLD. How in the hell could it possibly be TASER II? It should be TASER I, if anything at all, AllahP.
You’re using this to expressly induce anti-cop sentiments and to satisfy some sick need of your own, OBVIOUSLY!
How does that make you feel to be a cop hating part of the problem ALLAHPUNDIT? …what a joke
SilverStar830 on December 2, 2007 at 2:14 PM
Yet, you indicated that you will never be tased because you never argue with the cops. Thus, you make a strong implication that you believe getting tasered naturally follows arguing with a cop.
Insomniac on December 2, 2007 at 2:15 PM
Even better. From now on, if a driver doesn’t have his license and registration already in his hand by the time the cop gets to the window, it’s fair to tase him. Everyone cool with that?
Allahpundit on December 2, 2007 at 2:15 PM
Oh yeah, one sided vitriol, I forgot.
SilverStar830 on December 2, 2007 at 2:15 PM
I don’t know. The cop asks for the license and insurance but it seems the driver wants to “talk about it” first. When his wife even tells him to give it to the cop he clearly says “no”. I would hate being in a position where I have to pass judgment on a video knowing that I can’t see or hear everything that’s going on inside the car. The cop may have other reasons to suspect this guy is a bad guy that is not mentioned on the clip.
I remember back before there were tasers when I’ve been pulled over late at night and the cop would approach with his gun drawn. I’d rather face a taser than a bullet from a nervous or trigger happy cop.
Personally I don’t think the video is enough info to pass judgement on the situation.
Something spooked this cop and I don’t think it was ever about going 5 miles over the speedlimit.
Guardian on December 2, 2007 at 2:15 PM
I have close relatives and friends who are officers in New Orleans and Jefferson Parish (outskirts of N.O.) so I do support the Police… BUT…Just remember when they come to get your weapons, it will be these very relatives and friends who will leave you without protection, as was the case during Katrina. It happend in N.O. and it will happen again, mark my words!And don’t give me any of that “pry from my cold dead hand” crap, because that’s just what they will do. They’re just following orders even if it’s against your rights!
abinitioadinfinitum on December 2, 2007 at 2:16 PM
My wife and kids are sick of me appending “…2: Electric Boogaloo” at every opportunity, so I offer these handy alternatives:
Taser 2: Tase Harder
Return of the Living Taser
Taser 2: The Tasening
Look Who’s Tasing Now
The Taser: Recharged
Tase Wars Episode 2: Attack of the Tasers
Tase Freely or Mace Hard
2 Fast 2 Tase
I Still Know Who You Tased Last Summer
saint kansas on December 2, 2007 at 2:16 PM
One does not have to be a flower child to recognize abuse of power.
infidel on December 2, 2007 at 2:16 PM
Like what, exactly?
Insomniac on December 2, 2007 at 2:17 PM
We did not see what transpired before but, this one is much different than Taser I. The cop seemed to be very upset at the beginning and should have given more time to produce the documents. There was no visible reason to tase in this clip. The follow up on this one should be different as well. This deserves some disciplinary action in my opinion.
d1carter on December 2, 2007 at 2:18 PM
Tasers are awesome. I work in law enforcement where they are employed on occasion.
And just like guns, they are incredible when weilded by competent people. This particular case is where the most unremarkable of jerks was looking for a reason to deploy the fish-barbs. I wouldn’t put it past him to pepper-spray an infant. But it doesn’t indict the tool used. Just the tool using it.
The use of force continuum was violated here. He’d have more reason to do it if the driver was non-compliant to the point of refusing to exit the vehicle. He clearly was complying, and the voice admonishing him to “just give him the . . .” was most likely not acknowlging noncompliance, but was nervous and uncomfortable with the dialogue, and sought to distance themsleves from the “argument.”
Any cop that isn’t willing to engage a non-threatening traffic stop with some degree of propriety needs to go away. And he fits the bill.
-T
The Therapist on December 2, 2007 at 2:19 PM
How about installing a taser in the steering wheel that the officer can activate by remote? That way the cop can tase the driver first and get it out of the way…
Insomniac on December 2, 2007 at 2:19 PM
So, you think they just want to say hello and tell you about their day? Don’t be a moron.
Mazztek on December 2, 2007 at 2:20 PM
Dude, if you want to have a serious discussion have one but these types of statements only make you look small and cause people to simply ignore you and privately wish for your banning.
OBVIOUSLY you’re an apologizer and sympathizer of unprofessional police actions. (or could it be that I’m making assumptions about someone I don’t know? hmmm….)
Get off your high horse.
Sorry I normally don’t like to jump into this type of thing but you’re outa control dude.
FireDrake on December 2, 2007 at 2:21 PM
Good idea. But why stop at the driver? Install tasers under every seat to immobilize all the passengers.
Allahpundit on December 2, 2007 at 2:21 PM
Quick story from me:
I was 17, heading home from a teen club. My front headlight was out. Got pulled over. Was extremely nervous because I had never been pulled over before. Female officer asks for license and registration. I was so flustered I just fumbled around and handed over a packet of papers I had and probably mumbled something under my breath like “here!”
She got angry and said “No you dont just shove it at me, you take it out and hand it to me”. And she was right, I was acting like an ass. But she didnt tase me! I got the proper documents from the pile and handed them over, said I was sorry I was just nervous and never been pulled over. She wrote me up a warning and I was on my way.
Cops have to deal with this nonsense, it’s their jobs. People act stupid, me included, you have to be able to handle minor incidents like this without resorting to a taser.
Dash on December 2, 2007 at 2:21 PM
But then he’ll bust you for indecent exposure.
Insomniac on December 2, 2007 at 2:22 PM
Come on. Be reasonable. Plates fall off or are stolen. I’ve had it happen to me. It still had its front plate on. The last thing you do when you steal a car is start driving around w/o a plate. That guarantees you are going to get pulled over. You might put on a stolen plate, but, unless you are brain dead, there will be a plate on the car.
This guy wasn’t even given a chance to comply. He wasn’t given a reasonable chance to produce his paperwork. Then he wasn’t given a reasonable chance to surrender. He wasn’t even warned.
TheBigOldDog on December 2, 2007 at 2:22 PM
and if this officer would see you reaching some where in your car to get your paper work, what will happen then?
abinitioadinfinitum on December 2, 2007 at 2:22 PM
Insomniac on December 2, 2007 at 2:22 PM
Officer Larry Craig?
Mazztek on December 2, 2007 at 2:23 PM
The Tasered of Oz
To Tase a Mockingbird
The Tasers of Wrath
Dr. Tasago
The Taser on the Roof
ronsfi on December 2, 2007 at 2:23 PM
Make ‘em standard on children’s car seats and infant carriers, as well. Can’t be too careful these days.
Insomniac on December 2, 2007 at 2:23 PM
LMAO
Bradky on December 2, 2007 at 2:23 PM
First, I don’t see how the officer is “very upset” when he first talks with the driver…he states why he’s pulling him over (speed limit, no rear plate) and simply asks him for his license and insurance info.
More time? This is what many don’t seem to realize…there is no “more time”…the “time” is immediately. No questions, no delays, just produce the info requested and keep your mouth shut.
In both taze instances, the drivers had to keep on yapping, and both disobeyed orders.
JetBoy on December 2, 2007 at 2:24 PM
Couldn’t agree with you more.
FireDrake on December 2, 2007 at 2:24 PM
Heh. If he taps on your window, it ain’t license and registration he’s looking for…
Insomniac on December 2, 2007 at 2:25 PM
No. I’m objecting to the idea that you seem to think it’s okay to use 50,000 volts on a guy if he doesn’t have his papers out within the first 10 seconds. The taser is designed to be a non-lethal way of immobilizing people who are threats to the officer. You seem to think it’s a “threat” if a guy hasn’t removed his license from his wallet by the time a cop taps on his window. Like I say, if that’s the standard, why not just tase the guy preemptively? A cop-killer could easily have his license and registration out, hand them to the cop, and then pull a gun and shoot him. Why not just tase him to be safe?
Allahpundit on December 2, 2007 at 2:25 PM
Yeah, well, I cited it as an example of poor police work FireDrake, if you backread a few. I don’t apologize for poor police work in any way shape, or form. And bad police work it is.
But there’s not ONE SINGLE SOLITARY THREAD from AllahP that indicates the numerous lives saved by Police using a taser instead of a gun, and that makes it a one-sided anti-cop bandwagon parade as far as I’m concerned. Last impression I had was that we were free to post our opinions here. It is, after all, a conservative AMERICAN blog.
AllahP’s wants a $hitstorm, so he gets it.
SilverStar830 on December 2, 2007 at 2:25 PM
I interpreted the “no,” given the context (he’d just finished saying “I’m getting it” to the officer), to be clear shorthand for “don’t tell me to give it to him like I wasn’t going to give it to him, I’m getting it but he isn’t being reasonable.”
He didn’t say “no” to the officer, he said, “whoa whoa, I’m getting it.” I might say “whoa whoa” to the officer too, if I didn’t know my rear license plate had fallen off and I was going 5 miles over the speed limit, had no time to ‘produce ‘em’ and the officer was yelling at me.
But then, I’m not a trained professional like a police officer.
inviolet on December 2, 2007 at 2:25 PM
That’s hyperbole. Neither cop needed to use the taser, in my opinion. Both drivers were stupid and resisted the directions of the cops, in my opinion. The combination of those failures led to unnecessary pain for both drivers, and unnecessary loss of control of the situation for the cops, imo.
I haven’t been pulled over in a while, but when I got pulled over by a cop for speeding, I tended to have my license out before they got to the door. This guy seemed to have no intention of providing it at all.
That said, the cop was ridiculous.
Jaibones on December 2, 2007 at 2:25 PM
I’ll go with “roflcopters” for these two submissions :) Good stuff.
Dash on December 2, 2007 at 2:26 PM
Well maybe not. If The People decide they don’t belong or are being overused and abused then I’d guess they go.
You seem to be a believer in If a cop gives you a command then you’d better comply…or suffer the consequences. Well remember AP is the cop here, so take your own advice.
Oldnuke on December 2, 2007 at 2:26 PM
My dad is a cop, my brother is a cop, my cousins are cops, and some of the comments totally defending the actions of police in these two tasing incidents are befuddling.
In the first incident, the cop probably has justification to tase the guy as he flinches and starts to walk away (arguably perceived a threat), but it never should have gotten to that point; the cop never explained the consequences of not signing the ticket and the belligerent kid had no clue. The police officer escalated the situation where he could have deescalated it by spending 60 seconds explaining to the guy that he would be arrested if he did not comply.
In the second incident posted above, there is no justification for the cop’s actions.
BillINDC on December 2, 2007 at 2:27 PM
he turned on the cop and stopped… I say fair use of the taser, the guy had plenty of opportunity to produce his paperwork. he argued and stalled.
if you lived in Austin and you were a cop, you’d have a gun out on every stop.
Kaptain Amerika on December 2, 2007 at 2:27 PM
Nice pile of nits there. Common sense also dictates you tell him where it is so you can get it and not show suspicious behavior.
Mazztek on December 2, 2007 at 2:28 PM
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