A former cop writes about how modern-day police officers have lost the ability to resolve conflicts without having to physical escalate the situation by pulling out handcuffs and carting you off to jail. Dont think this cant happen to you just because you are not actively breaking the law. It happens everyday to law-abiding citizens. ***** During my time behind the badge there were definitely times when handcuffs and detention were absolutely the order of the day. Nonetheless, there were also times during a non-violent confrontation that the introduction of cuffs would have only exacerbated the situation. My first police chief taught me that as long as no one was throwing punches, sometimes it was good just to let people “blow off some steam.” Back then new officers were taught the art of mediation. The choice to arrest, or not to arrest, was left to the officer’s on scene discretion. Those boisterous people would often vent a bit and then regain control. More than once I was able to calm an irate individual by not reacting the way they thought I would. Many blowhards were ready to fight, but when I did not offer physical combat they took the cue and changed their tune. Some even apologized to me for losing their cool. My impetus for putting pen to paper on this subject is the disturbing trend I am witnessing nationwide. In case after case, we see policemen who seem to view handcuffs as their first and only resort to a non-violent altercation. What is even more troubling to me are the scores of timid apologists who reason that any public display of anger or outrage is rightfully silenced by officers of the state. theblaze/contributions/do-you-have-the-right-to-resist-an-unlawful-arrest-2/
Posted on: Sun, 11 May 2014 15:02:12 +0000
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