# Controversial encounters between law-enforcement and civilians - the omnibus thread **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [October 10, 2014, 7:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/controversial-encounters-between-law-enforcement-and-civilians-the-omnibus-thread/700942 "2014-10-10T07:35:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 677
**Author:** ![Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kolak_of_twilo/32/73_2.png) [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolak_of_Twilo)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2018, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/controversial-encounters-between-law-enforcement-and-civilians-the-omnibus-thread/700942/13522 "2018-05-09T04:12:53Z")
> [@SaneBill](#): > > And then Steophan and Shodan would post here to say that it was all my fault that cop killed me. Only if they had the stones to come near this story. But, they don’t of course. > [@mhendo](#): > > I think that blaming this on dumbassery is actually generous to the cop. As **Orwell** suggests, this incident is more indicative of a basic problem of temperament, attitude, and ability to deal appropriately with a situation. This guy’s actions in this incident suggest that he’s fundamentally unfit to be a police officer. No disagreement from me on what you or **Orwell** posted. To the extent I seemed to blame his behavior on dumbassery it was really more an effort to avoid suggesting police departments in this country do a shit ass job training people and holding them accountable. Bringing that up seems to upset the right-wing snowflakes too much and I don’t really care to hear their bullshit. ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2018, 7:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/controversial-encounters-between-law-enforcement-and-civilians-the-omnibus-thread/700942/13523 "2018-05-09T07:14:48Z")
> [@Sinaptics](#): > > Since the officer was off-duty, does qualified immunity apply? I find it odd that they’re only suing the city when the officer wasn’t even on-the-job. The guy identified himself as a police officer, and in most (all?) jurisdictions, police officers are allowed to exercise their police authority even when not officially on the clock. Once he identified himself as a cop, he was effectively on duty for the purpose of this incident, and if he is found to have violated the citizen’s rights, the city will probably be on the hook for it. In other news: [Black women stopped by police for checking out of their AirBnB](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/08/us/airbnb-black-women-police.html) (Rialto, CA) [Black teenagers stopped by police for buying clothes at Nordstrom Rack](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/08/business/nordstrom-black-men-profiling-shopping.html) (St. Louis, MO) In both cases, cops were called by civilians who apparently believe that existing while black is a criminal offense. ---
**Author:** ![Budget\_Player\_Cadet](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/budget_player_cadet/32/205_2.png) [@Budget\_Player\_Cadet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Budget_Player_Cadet)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2018, 7:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/controversial-encounters-between-law-enforcement-and-civilians-the-omnibus-thread/700942/13524 "2018-05-09T07:25:28Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > It’s fear: > > [https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=20724340&postcount=12437](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=20724340&postcount=12437) > > He’s paralyzed by terror to the point that he praised a convicted murderer (Dunn) who _shot teenagers for playing loud music_: > > I just try to remind him, calmly and kindly, that loud music isn’t going to hurt you, and teenagers being rowdy is just normal teenage behavior, and it’s okay out there… most youngsters being rowdy and playing loud music are just regular kids being kids, and not dangerous to you or anyone else. It’s okay, and it’s going to be okay. “Dunn, who wanted the selfish scumbags to stop their antisocial noise pollution, are the sort of people normal people want around them.” - Steophan _ **Michael Dunn was convicted of murder.** _ He literally shot and killed someone over loud music. He repeatedly opened fire on a group of unarmed black teenagers _as they were driving away from him_ - they were driving away from him because he randomly started fucking shooting at them! This is the sort of person normal people want around them?! Do you fire half a dozen shots at everyone who scares you? Are you homicidally terrified of all black people, or just black people in groups listening to loud music? What the fucking fuck is wrong of you? **Steophan** , if I knew you were in my neighborhood, I would do everything in my power to make sure everyone in a three-block radius, as well as whoever was employing you, knew about these posts, and knew what an insane and dangerous fucking psychopath you are. I would do everything in my power to keep my neighborhood safe by _keeping you out of it_. Because normal people don’t want psychopaths, murderers, [stalkers](https://edition.cnn.com/2018/05/07/us/george-zimmerman-stalking/index.html), and the like in their neighborhoods. Were I to follow your insanely loose criteria for when to shoot someone, I would have killed quite a few people - including you. ---
**Author:** ![Steophan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steophan/32/9595_2.png) [@Steophan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steophan)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2018, 10:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/controversial-encounters-between-law-enforcement-and-civilians-the-omnibus-thread/700942/13525 "2018-05-09T10:10:04Z")
> [@Budget\_Player\_Cadet](#): > > **Steophan** , if I knew you were in my neighborhood, I would do everything in my power to make sure everyone in a three-block radius, as well as whoever was employing you, knew about these posts, and knew what an insane and dangerous fucking psychopath you are. I would do everything in my power to keep my neighborhood safe by _keeping you out of it_. Because normal people don’t want psychopaths, murderers, [stalkers](https://edition.cnn.com/2018/05/07/us/george-zimmerman-stalking/index.html), and the like in their neighborhoods. Were I to follow your insanely loose criteria for when to shoot someone, I would have killed quite a few people - including you. If I knew you were in my neighbourhood, I’d make sure everybody knew you like fucking underage girls with learning difficulties. You are far more dangerous than I’ll ever be. Given how fiercely you defended that action, I’m not gonna trust your opion on what’s legal or moral, although I guess I can understand why you wouldn’t want people around who might act to defend vulnerable people. ---
**Author:** ![Budget\_Player\_Cadet](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/budget_player_cadet/32/205_2.png) [@Budget\_Player\_Cadet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Budget_Player_Cadet)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2018, 10:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/controversial-encounters-between-law-enforcement-and-civilians-the-omnibus-thread/700942/13526 "2018-05-09T10:39:29Z")
I dunno about you guys, but I have yet to regret [this decision](https://imgur.com/a/CKXyEZh), and yet to not regret pressing the “view post” button. ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2018, 12:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/controversial-encounters-between-law-enforcement-and-civilians-the-omnibus-thread/700942/13527 "2018-05-09T12:57:59Z")
> [@Steophan](#): > > If I knew you were in my neighbourhood, I’d make sure everybody knew you like fucking underage girls with learning difficulties. You are far more dangerous than I’ll ever be. Wouldn’t this be tattling on your neighbor? Something you stated most strenuously that only fascists did? ---
**Author:** ![Steophan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steophan/32/9595_2.png) [@Steophan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steophan)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2018, 1:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/controversial-encounters-between-law-enforcement-and-civilians-the-omnibus-thread/700942/13528 "2018-05-09T13:01:03Z")
> [@Slash1972](#): > > Wouldn’t this be tattling on your neighbor? Something you stated most strenuously that only fascists did? Only if you think rape is a petty crime. ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2018, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/controversial-encounters-between-law-enforcement-and-civilians-the-omnibus-thread/700942/13529 "2018-05-09T13:39:48Z")
> [@Steophan](#): > > Only if you think rape is a petty crime. Ha! You think kicking a man in his head while he is laying face-down on the ground handcuffed is “petty crime”. You think letting a drunk person drive a school bus full of kids is okay because “he’s a good driver” Your judgement is flawed, and some self-reflection might correct it. You should try it. ---
**Author:** ![Steophan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steophan/32/9595_2.png) [@Steophan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steophan)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2018, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/controversial-encounters-between-law-enforcement-and-civilians-the-omnibus-thread/700942/13530 "2018-05-09T15:06:11Z")
> [@Slash1972](#): > > Ha! You think kicking a man in his head while he is laying face-down on the ground handcuffed is “petty crime”. > > You think letting a drunk person drive a school bus full of kids is okay because “he’s a good driver” > > Your judgement is flawed, and some self-reflection might correct it. You should try it. _Mine_ is flawed? You think either of those things is remotely comparable to child rape? The first should get you a fine and a driving ban, the second should get you a suspension or firing (depending if it’s a one off or a pattern) but isn’t worth prosecuting, the third means you need to be removed from society. ---
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2018, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/controversial-encounters-between-law-enforcement-and-civilians-the-omnibus-thread/700942/13531 "2018-05-09T15:13:10Z")
> [@Orwell](#): > > [Ex-cop sentenced to 5 years in prison for beating man he accused of being Walmart shoplifter](http://www.foxnews.com/us/2018/05/08/ex-cop-sentenced-to-5-years-in-prison-for-beating-man-accused-being-walmart-shoplifter.html) > > Note that he actually WAS a cop when he beat the shoplifting suspect… who turned out to have paid for his tomato after all. What petty person turned this cop in? All the cop was doing was assaulting people. He certainly had a reasonable suspicion that the person was a criminal, and if a cop has decided that someone is a criminal, then that person has no rights. ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2018, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/controversial-encounters-between-law-enforcement-and-civilians-the-omnibus-thread/700942/13532 "2018-05-09T15:14:54Z")
Please point out where I compared anything to child rape. I can point out where you said “You know who expects people to turn in their co-workers, neighbours, and such? Fascists, communists, and other totalitarians.” ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2018, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/controversial-encounters-between-law-enforcement-and-civilians-the-omnibus-thread/700942/13533 "2018-05-09T15:16:12Z")
> [@k9bfriender](#): > > What petty person turned this cop in? All the cop was doing was assaulting people. He certainly had a reasonable suspicion that the person was a criminal, and if a cop has decided that someone is a criminal, then that person has no rights. Probably one of his fascist workmates. Because only fascists turn people in when they commit petty crimes like assault. ---
**Author:** ![Steophan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steophan/32/9595_2.png) [@Steophan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steophan)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2018, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/controversial-encounters-between-law-enforcement-and-civilians-the-omnibus-thread/700942/13534 "2018-05-09T15:31:51Z")
> [@Slash1972](#): > > Please point out where I compared anything to child rape. > > I can point out where you said “You know who expects people to turn in their co-workers, neighbours, and such? Fascists, communists, and other totalitarians.” You claimed it was a petty crime that I wouldn’t think it was reasonable to turn someone in for. It’s post 13513, about 3 hours ago. ---
**Author:** ![Steophan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steophan/32/9595_2.png) [@Steophan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steophan)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2018, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/controversial-encounters-between-law-enforcement-and-civilians-the-omnibus-thread/700942/13535 "2018-05-09T15:35:53Z")
> [@Slash1972](#): > > Probably one of his fascist workmates. Because only fascists turn people in when they commit petty crimes like assault. Depends on the assault. Saying “I’m gonna punch you if you don’t shut up”? Extremely petty. A single blow that doesn’t actually harm anyone? Depends on the context, but outside of a pattern of behaviour probably not worth the effort to report. An actual beating? Well, that’s far more than assault for one thing, but even if it weren’t, it would obviously be worth reporting if you were neutral. If it was a friend or workmate, presumably I’d think they would have good reason to do it and not report it. Not that I’d lie about it, but I wou;dn’t go out of my way to get a friend in trouble. If I did, I wouldn’t be a friend. ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2018, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/controversial-encounters-between-law-enforcement-and-civilians-the-omnibus-thread/700942/13536 "2018-05-09T15:45:56Z")
> [@Steophan](#): > > You claimed it was a petty crime that I wouldn’t think it was reasonable to turn someone in for. It’s post 13513, about 3 hours ago. Strange, when I look at post 13513, it’s me asking you a question. 2 questions, actually. I’m not claiming anything in that post, nor am I comparing anything to child rape. Are you sure you know how to read? ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2018, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/controversial-encounters-between-law-enforcement-and-civilians-the-omnibus-thread/700942/13537 "2018-05-09T15:47:05Z")
> [@Steophan](#): > > Depends on the assault. Saying “I’m gonna punch you if you don’t shut up”? Extremely petty. A single blow that doesn’t actually harm anyone? Depends on the context, but outside of a pattern of behaviour probably not worth the effort to report. An actual beating? Well, that’s far more than assault for one thing, but even if it weren’t, it would obviously be worth reporting if you were neutral. If it was a friend or workmate, presumably I’d think they would have good reason to do it and not report it. Not that I’d lie about it, but I wou;dn’t go out of my way to get a friend in trouble. If I did, I wouldn’t be a friend. What would you classify an “actual beating” as if not ‘assault’? ---
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2018, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/controversial-encounters-between-law-enforcement-and-civilians-the-omnibus-thread/700942/13538 "2018-05-09T16:25:01Z")
> [@Steophan](#): > > Depends on the assault. Saying “I’m gonna punch you if you don’t shut up”? Extremely petty. A single blow that doesn’t actually harm anyone? Depends on the context, but outside of a pattern of behaviour probably not worth the effort to report. An actual beating? Well, that’s far more than assault for one thing, but even if it weren’t, it would obviously be worth reporting if you were neutral. If it was a friend or workmate, presumably I’d think they would have good reason to do it and not report it. Not that I’d lie about it, but I wou;dn’t go out of my way to get a friend in trouble. If I did, I wouldn’t be a friend. The problem here is that you are friends with people who assault and beat people. You need to find better friends. ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2018, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/controversial-encounters-between-law-enforcement-and-civilians-the-omnibus-thread/700942/13539 "2018-05-09T16:32:57Z")
> [@k9bfriender](#): > > The problem here is that you are friends with people who assault and beat people. You need to find better friends. But those better friends might turn him in for petty assaults and drunken school bus driving, and nobody needs that. ---
**Author:** ![SaneBill](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e68b1a/32.png) [@SaneBill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SaneBill)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2018, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/controversial-encounters-between-law-enforcement-and-civilians-the-omnibus-thread/700942/13540 "2018-05-09T17:05:02Z")
> [@Folacin](#): > > Huh? This isn’t “Controversial encounters between white law-enforcement and civilians”. Yes, you are right, I was thinking just half-way. Initial story would obviously fall under this thread title. I thought the follow-up was a story where a black guy got time in circumstances where a white would’ve given a pass. That is, a non-story. Now a white cop jailed for beating up a black guy, that’s a news story. ---
**Author:** ![SaneBill](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e68b1a/32.png) [@SaneBill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SaneBill)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2018, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/controversial-encounters-between-law-enforcement-and-civilians-the-omnibus-thread/700942/13541 "2018-05-09T17:15:18Z")
> [@Steophan](#): > > Only if you think rape is a petty crime. Do YOU ? I’ve asked this twice, but apparently you’re too coward to reply this particular question: > [@](#): > > So what’s your take on crimes where the victim isn’t even aware it happened ? You know, like embezzling from a demented person, or drug-raping somebody. Would it be petty to inform the cops about these, 'cause who actually got harmed there ? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/controversial-encounters-between-law-enforcement-and-civilians-the-omnibus-thread/700942.md?page=676) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/controversial-encounters-between-law-enforcement-and-civilians-the-omnibus-thread/700942.md?page=678)