# Fucking cops... **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [November 23, 2008, 8:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-cops/474087 "2008-11-23T08:05:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 18
**Author:** ![E-Sabbath](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e19adc/32.png) [@E-Sabbath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-Sabbath)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2008, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-cops/474087/341 "2008-11-26T14:46:27Z")
Yes. Yes, I would like a youtube video of AD doing nothing. You’re the one making the claim. ---
**Author:** ![FarmerChick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/a9a28c/32.png) [@FarmerChick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FarmerChick)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2008, 2:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-cops/474087/342 "2008-11-26T14:59:50Z")
> [@Lute Skywatcher](#): > > I take it that you don’t have a cite that definitely links dying directly with being tased, otherwise you’d have included one. Right? Here’s one for you. [http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-taser\_witt-web-jul19,0,2201847.story](http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-taser_witt-web-jul19,0,2201847.story) > [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > I disagree that anyone could reasonably infer that accusing somebody of faking something is the same as making light of what they’re faking. you’re an idiot. ---
**Author:** ![Contrapuntal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e274bd/32.png) [@Contrapuntal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contrapuntal)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2008, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-cops/474087/343 "2008-11-26T15:32:14Z")
> [@saoirse](#): > > You seem to be mistaking a transitive verb for an intransitive one. See the point was: > > Bolding and italicizing mine. See the difference? > weapon They created the threat. If it developed further, it’s on them, not **Doors**. If I smack you in the face, and you smack me back, are your actions a developing threat? Hardly. There would have been no threat if I had not instigated it. ---
**Author:** ![Sapo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ec9cab/32.png) [@Sapo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sapo)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2008, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-cops/474087/344 "2008-11-26T15:33:06Z")
> [@E-Sabbath](#): > > Yes. Yes, I would like a youtube video of AD doing nothing. You’re the one making the claim. _sigh_ ---
**Author:** ![chela](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chela/32/21582_2.png) [@chela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chela)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2008, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-cops/474087/345 "2008-11-26T15:35:19Z")
So you hit the deck to avoid danger, I want to ask what did you do about your friends and sister? Let them remain standing in harm’s way of a lethal weapon? Were you yelling to everyone to get down? Why didn’t you call the on duty cops right away? Sorry you were so frightened but I think it was a little over the top imo. ---
**Author:** ![simster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/simster/32/1047_2.png) [@simster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/simster)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2008, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-cops/474087/346 "2008-11-26T15:45:03Z")
What’s amazing to me - 1.) AD had no way to know initially that it was cops ‘playing’ around, he saw laser dot, he reacted, then he discovered the source. 2.) “Reaching” for his sidearm is not the same as “unholstering” it - he prepared to draw his weapon, and then determined that there was no risk - so did not. 3.) The cop/friend of the cop had hoped to get such a reaction from AD - that was the point, so they knew (to some degree) the type of reaction to expect. I will take AD at his word that he was not drinking or intoxicated - I will also take him (based on other posts) that he is a responsible gun owner and was fully in control. I think the majority of posters that say otherwise are looking for an argument that doesnt exist. The fact that the situation did not escalate beyond what it did is proof enough of that. Had the “cop” not aimed his WEAPON at AD none of this would’ve happened. AD’s reaction, while in hindsight was more than required - was spot on at the time the incident occured. People that hesitate to take cover when a threat appears are usually the ones that end up dead. ---
**Author:** ![Labrador\_Deceiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7c8e57/32.png) [@Labrador\_Deceiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labrador_Deceiver)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2008, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-cops/474087/347 "2008-11-26T15:47:15Z")
> [@FarmerChick](#): > > you’re an idiot. He may be an idiot, but that last sentence of his you quoted is exactly right. ---
**Author:** ![EasyPhil](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e47c2d/32.png) [@EasyPhil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EasyPhil)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2008, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-cops/474087/348 "2008-11-26T15:54:07Z")
> [@ExTank](#): > > I dunno about LEO “rules-of-engagement,” but in my time in the Army, pointing a weapon at a person was deemed a “Hostile Act.” _Our_ rules-of-engagement (which are typically Command or Theater specific) said it was okay to pop the top on a can of whup-ass when that happened; we didn’t have to wait for the zipperhead\* to actually pull a trigger. > > Generally Addressing The “Zipperhead” Commentaries: > > \*In Army/military context, a zipperhead was a dumb-ass, an enemy, a superior, a civvie, basically, anyone you didn’t particulalry care for, either now “at this moment,” or just a general dislike. > > It was applied to anyone who deserved it, regardless of rank, race, color, creed, religion, political affiliation, sexual orientation, hairstyle, deodorant choice, or fashion sense. > > I firmly believe that it was in this context the **Doors** was using it. I think the term was originated by U.S. troops in the Korean War. Used to describe Asians shot in the head, whose heads would split as if unzipped. I think it’s known in the asian community as a slur. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2008, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-cops/474087/349 "2008-11-26T16:18:59Z")
> [@FarmerChick](#): > > Here’s one for you. > > [http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-taser\_witt-web-jul19,0,2201847.story](http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-taser_witt-web-jul19,0,2201847.story) Okay, but he was zapped nine times while under the effects of crack and PCP. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2008, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-cops/474087/350 "2008-11-26T16:33:39Z")
> [@FarmerChick](#): > > you’re an idiot. Explain yourself. Tell me what’s incorect about what I said. If I say somebody is faking PTSD, how is that making light of PTSD? Why am I an "idiot?’ For pointing out that it’s not the same thing? Don’t just call names and run away. have some fucking guts. Back up your shit. ---
**Author:** ![Long\_Time\_Lurker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/2bfe46/32.png) [@Long\_Time\_Lurker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Long_Time_Lurker)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2008, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-cops/474087/351 "2008-11-26T17:00:44Z")
> [@Loach](#): > > Sure if you are talking about a hypothetical that has nothing to do with the OP then sure. If you are talking about the OP at, then no. A compelling argument. I could point out a case in Oregon where the court held that the use of a laser pointer could constitute menacing (under Oregon law, "A person commits the crime of menacing if by word or conduct the person intentionally attempts to place another person in fear of imminent serious physical injury”) when an officer “received a report about an individual shining a red laser beam onto the forehead of an elderly couple.” (State of Oregon v. Lucian Santacruz-Betancourt, 157 Ore. App. 26). But of course that’s not Pennsylvania, so I wouldn’t bother. I could, though, point out that New York cited that Oregon case and found that “the use of a laser beam as alleged in the accusatory instrument could, if proven, constitute the crime of menacing” (in New York, a person is guilty of menacing in the second degree when: “1. He or she intentionally places or attempts to place another person in reasonable fear of physical injury, serious physical injury or death by displaying … what appears to be a … firearm.” (Penal Law § 120.14 [1].)). But then you’d say “nuh, uh”, and I’d have to concede that there is absolutely no possibility of making an assault argument in the present case. ---
**Author:** ![Hostile\_Dialect](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e495f1/32.png) [@Hostile\_Dialect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hostile_Dialect)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2008, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-cops/474087/352 "2008-11-26T17:33:11Z")
> [@Sapo](#): > > I am curious about the OP’s absence in this thread. He has been shy with the details of what happened during and after. Here is my new idea of what happened. He was in a bar, saw someone with a laser pointer, got scared but didn’t react, fantasized his overdone reaction later on, and posted here thinking people would share his outrage instead of making fun of what a ridiculous thing it is to hit the floor in a bar. Your friends must be very impressed. ---
**Author:** ![Sapo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ec9cab/32.png) [@Sapo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sapo)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2008, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-cops/474087/353 "2008-11-26T17:40:47Z")
> [@Hostile\_Dialect](#): > > Your friends must be very impressed. Many of them. They don’t read here. ---
**Author:** ![Hostile\_Dialect](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e495f1/32.png) [@Hostile\_Dialect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hostile_Dialect)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2008, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-cops/474087/354 "2008-11-26T17:44:26Z")
Ah, those weren’t the friends I was talking about. ---
**Author:** ![Airman\_Doors\_USAF](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e36b37/32.png) [@Airman\_Doors\_USAF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airman_Doors_USAF)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2008, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-cops/474087/355 "2008-11-26T17:45:46Z")
> [@Sapo](#): > > I am curious about the OP’s absence in this thread. He has been shy with the details of what happened during and after. Here is my new idea of what happened. He was in a bar, saw someone with a laser pointer, got scared but didn’t react, fantasized his overdone reaction later on, and posted here thinking people would share his outrage instead of making fun of what a ridiculous thing it is to hit the floor in a bar. This is not an interrogation. I posted what happened, I acknowledged that I might have overreacted, and I let you guys have at it. I am not going to defend my actions for another 7 pages or provide obscure and irrelevant details so you can play the gotcha games you so clearly want to play. ---
**Author:** ![Tenebras](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/977dab/32.png) [@Tenebras](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tenebras)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2008, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-cops/474087/356 "2008-11-26T18:04:55Z")
How the cops reacted to a grown man on the floor with the spilt beer and peanut shells is an obscure and irrelevant detail? ---
**Author:** ![Sapo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ec9cab/32.png) [@Sapo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sapo)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2008, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-cops/474087/357 "2008-11-26T18:20:01Z")
> [@Hostile\_Dialect](#): > > Ah, those weren’t the friends I was talking about. Whoosh me, then. Elaborate. ---
**Author:** ![E-Sabbath](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e19adc/32.png) [@E-Sabbath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-Sabbath)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2008, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-cops/474087/358 "2008-11-26T18:21:28Z")
I’ll be honest, Doors, I’m kind of curious about the ‘what happened next’ part, myself. Did they point and laugh, did they go ‘ohshit’, what? ---
**Author:** ![Fantome](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e9c0ed/32.png) [@Fantome](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fantome)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2008, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-cops/474087/359 "2008-11-26T18:27:24Z")
> [@Airman\_Doors\_USAF](#): > > This is not an interrogation. I posted what happened So? This isn’t a blog. It’s customary to answer questions of those participating after starting a thread so they can get to the bottom of things. > [@Airman\_Doors\_USAF](#): > > I acknowledged that I might have overreacted, and I let you guys have at it. **Might** have _overreacted_? You dove to the ground and reached for a gun. How about “did do something really stupid that put the lives of others and myself in jeopardy?” ---
**Author:** ![Airman\_Doors\_USAF](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e36b37/32.png) [@Airman\_Doors\_USAF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airman_Doors_USAF)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2008, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-cops/474087/360 "2008-11-26T18:29:13Z")
> [@E-Sabbath](#): > > I’ll be honest, Doors, I’m kind of curious about the ‘what happened next’ part, myself. Did they point and laugh, did they go ‘ohshit’, what? They thought it was funny until I pointed out that a weapon was pointed at me, then they apologized profusely once they recognized that. I turned my back on them and walked out. Somewhat anticlimactic, and not particularly relevant. I suspect they learned something from that. One would hope. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-cops/474087.md?page=17) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fucking-cops/474087.md?page=19)