Credit where its due. The initial call sounds like it was probably ridiculous, but the officer makes a smart call by responding to being recorded with doing the same. Two cameras keep both parties in line, and theyre able to calm the situation down within reason. This also highlights how much harder the Ferguson PD have made the job for everyone else. The suspect rightfully states his level of fear and concern about being approached by a cop in this climate. Which speaks to how a situation that MIGHT have started calmer has been escalated by the actions of others. This couldnt have been a comfortable situation for the cop here either, and I feel for him and others who may be distrusted to a whole new degree. I know I trust law enforcement a lot less than I once did (and not merely due to Ferguson), and Im clearly not alone. Hopefully this is a very small example of one of the changes were going to see now. A recognition that an aggressive and angry attitude by the suspect may simply be fear, based on experience, and finding ways to prove youre willing to be held accountable.
Posted on: Mon, 01 Dec 2014 22:54:33 +0000