Police Brutality?

Question

Though I know there are men and women out there serving our community, and truly have our best interest at heart. I am in no way trying to start any backlash from this group of heroes. It's just come to my attention both in my own community and abroad that there have been cases thoroughly documented that I feel are genuine acts of aggression on the part of the law officers. Though through many of these counts the supporting departments reassures the public that all action taken by the officer was by the "book".
I would like to get more information on this "book" or series of books and regulations so I could know why some of the acts I've seen (first hand) and heard about took place.
Thank you.

Ok I've recieved your comments and there are a few things that disturb me, so with your blessing I'll share them with you along with a follow up question.
There are a written down system of procedure that a officer adhears to, but we as the public are unable to moniter or even protect our selves by knowing and adjusting for such procedures. Yes, when a suspect gets combative or even uses combative laguage I feel the officer has full right to protect them self, but when a traffic stop turns into a hog tie and tazer test, because a mother was angery and would not chill. That seems wrong, espically when the department comes back and says it was by the book.

My question. Is there anywhere that the general public even unrelated to any particular case can complain about police tactics (ie, without taking it to court) like any-other business.

Whoa whoa whoa, hey before you throw the accusing bomb understand something. I just got finished witnessing a mother tazered for reasons I cannot understand. I am trying to find out why?? THATS ALL. I am not even accusing them of working outside the standard codes and conduct set up by their department. I am just trying to find out what their conduct is.

Answer 1

Each police force has its' own rules and regulations, but "by the book" generally means that the officers followed rules based on the constitutional rights of the individual. When they say "by the book", they mean that in the opinion of the department, the officers followed due process and proper protocol. It is sometimes necessary to use force to make an arrest. That force does not always seem necessary to the observer, but the observer is not making the arrest.

Answer 2

You are talking about "Use of Force" issues. Each department has their own or has adopted Use of Force models which dictate what methods are available depending on the person or persons confronting the officer. Each department is different but tasing a woman for reasons you cannot understand doesn't mean it conflicts with their department policy.

Lets say this woman refused to obey all verbal commands and followed that with some form of physical resistance to being handcuffed after being directed to comply. What should the officer do next? I guess a slap with a billy club or a punch to the face would work. However, to reduce the chance of injury to the officer(s) or the offender, the taser seems like a very fair option. Most, if not all, Use of Force models meet or exceed the laws definition of "reasonable". How's that? Get it now?

Answer 3

First, has real police brutality occurred? Yes.

Is it frequent and on-going like many haters would like you to believe? No.

The bottom line is that every police department trains in this general way:

The police are authorized to use what ever force necessary to control a situation or make a lawful arrest.

That force is on an escalating scale and can be one level above what force is being used to resist the police.

Passive resistance gets hands on to control by the police. Active resistance can result in punches or kicks by the police. Armed resistance results in deadly force by the police.

I have been a cop a long time. I have seen 'passive resistance' case go to an all out fight for my life many times. It is not like TV or the movies... it is not easy to control a pissed off, sweaty defendant that doesn't want to go to jail.

And many times the people thinking "why does it take 3 cops to hand cuff one person?" do not understand that here are the options:

Use three guys to pin a resisting defendant so that he can be restrained with out injury. OR I will do it alone, but first I will have to beat you into submission with my night stick.

*Edit to my answer after reading your edit:

Just so you know, police Standard Operating Procedures and all training information and other rules and regulations are open to the public for review. I suggest you go to your local police and they can give you a copy, for a small fee, of their entire use of force police.

Heck, my agency even has the entire SOP book on line at their web-site for public view!

Answer 4

i have a problem with the coppers! why does it take 10 coppers and 2 dogs to take down a suspected offender when in fact the suspected offender, has, already raised his hands and is laying on the ground?
i feel like "cops" the tv show has already served it s purpose. why does every policeman in then entire united states and maybe even the entire world, have to prove how tough they are by taking down a suspected "person of interest", with sometimes brutal force, and more often with obscene brutality? REALLY? ARE WE SURE ABOUT THIS? i personally have been jacked up by petty "over zealous police". yes, i was absolutely in the wrong place at the wrong time. but , did the guy have to jack me like that when i was complying?
I CRY FOUL, ON BEHALF OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC !!!!!!

Answer 5

The "book" is the book of State statutes, and department regulations. Unless you have been personally involved in these "acts" you have no idea how difficult it is to control someone who is violent and does not want to be controlled. Does abuse occur? Certainly. Is it prevalent? No. It is a difficult job made harder by people who analyze every move that is made. In these situations the officer has seconds to respond. The Monday morning quarterbacks have years to analyze.

Answer 6

By the book refers to the SOP of using the next level of force higher to subdue a suspect. It may seem crazy to you for me to take out a tazer to stop a man who took a swing at me, but If the situation warrants it, I am glad to know I can use that instead of a Baton or firearm.
If someone gets verbally abusive and I feel like he is a threat to me I can go hands on. that is just the way it is. Better he is in handcuffs beucase i made the first move than me be dead because he jumped me and got my gun.

Answer 7

When the police handcuff an 8 year old boy for not wearing a helmet while riding his bicycle, or handcuff a housewife being arrested for putting her trash out too early, they are not making themselves safer. They are undermining the support of the community, which will make them (the police) less safe in the long run. The police need to understand that the person they're arresting is innocent until proven guilty. They need to understand that they are not above the law. They need to understand that their purpose it to make their community safe, not generate revenue. They're real brave when there are 6 of them gang-stomping Rodney King, but when the riots start, they're out of there. I don't blame the police, I blame their training.

Answer 8

It's called standard operating procedures. Most police department have them (and I don't believe they are open for public review except in the case of lawsuits). Also, fire departments have them, a lot of businesses have them. Most people would just call it "routine".

Answer 9

95% of law enforcement are respectful, hard-working people. Get off their backs!!!

Answer 10

www.policeabuse.org

poke the pig.