# LAPD as judge, jury, and executioner **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [February 9, 2013, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lapd-as-judge-jury-and-executioner/649787 "2013-02-09T15:07:27Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2013, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lapd-as-judge-jury-and-executioner/649787/61 "2013-02-10T03:03:37Z")
I think I’m at my limit for dealing with loons right now. What is **Pedro** ’s gripe? ‘Dorner murdered a bunch of people and I’m not saying he’s the victim here, but maybe he kinda is?’ ---
**Author:** ![Ibn\_Warraq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/e19b73/32.png) [@Ibn\_Warraq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ibn_Warraq)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2013, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lapd-as-judge-jury-and-executioner/649787/62 "2013-02-10T03:04:41Z")
> [@Typo\_Negative](#): > > I’m not a fan of the LAPD…but murderers DO NOT get the benefit of the doubt. His every word is suspect. Once you have murdered, especially civilians, nothing you say can be taken at face value. Agreed. I’m really surprised by the amount of people who seem to empathize with this guy who shot to death a woman and her fiance solely based on the fact that her father was his advocate/lawyer. It actually reminds me of all the people attempting to defend George Zimmerman. Frankly, this guy is pretty clearly a homicidal psychopath and I’m shocked at people referring to him as “a victim” and suggesting that maybe he was innocent of the charges which got him kicked off the LAPD. ---
**Author:** ![Ibn\_Warraq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/e19b73/32.png) [@Ibn\_Warraq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ibn_Warraq)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2013, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lapd-as-judge-jury-and-executioner/649787/63 "2013-02-10T03:07:09Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > I think I’m at my limit for dealing with loons right now. What is **Pedro** ’s gripe? ‘Dorner murdered a bunch of people and I’m not saying he’s the victim here, but maybe he kinda is?’ Well, he also seems to think that Dorner is innocent of the original disciplinary charges which strikes me as weird since I have a hard time believing they’re anywhere near as horrible as shooting to death a woman for the crime of being the daughter of a man who acted as your lawyer and shooting another man to death for the crime of being the fiancee of said woman. ---
**Author:** ![foolsguinea](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foolsguinea/32/14751_2.png) [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2013, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lapd-as-judge-jury-and-executioner/649787/64 "2013-02-10T03:12:15Z")
> [@D\_Odds](#): > > The USA is made up of 50 states. Most states have several to dozens of cities/counties, each with their own police force. Police forces are local, though many states also have a smaller state police force. There is no USA police force firearms doctrine. > > Ignoring that, officially, police (in the few jurisdictions I am familiar with) are _supposed_ to use the minimum amount of force necessary. Doesn’t always happen, of course. And shooting a vehicle with unarmed people certainly does not qualify as minimum force. This isn’t a defense of the LAPD’s actions, as they are indefensible. This is an indictment of a foolish and frankly, quite idiotic, statement. Dude. You live in Queens. NYPD, specifically, are\* known \*for this. > **[Killing of Amadou Diallo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amadou_Diallo_shooting)** > > In the early hours of February 4, 1999, an unarmed 23-year-old Guinean student named Amadou Diallo (born September 2, 1975) was fired upon with 41 rounds and shot a total of 19 times by four New York City Police Department plainclothes officers: Sean Carroll, Richard Murphy, Edward McMellon, and Kenneth Boss. Carroll later claimed to have mistaken Diallo for a rape suspect from one year earlier. > The four officers, who were part of the Street Crime Unit, which had expanded in size under mayor R... > **[2 dead, 9 wounded in Empire State Building shootings, police say | CNN](https://www.cnn.com/2012/08/24/justice/new-york-empire-state)** > > Police killed a man who fatally shot a former co-worker Friday in front of the Empire State Building, and nine people were wounded. Beat cops are rarely marksmen. They shouldn’t even \*have \*guns if they use them like this. ---
**Author:** ![foolsguinea](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foolsguinea/32/14751_2.png) [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2013, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lapd-as-judge-jury-and-executioner/649787/65 "2013-02-10T03:19:07Z")
It’s LAPD. They don’t get a lot of benefit of the doubt. I have not been following the case, but if it turned out Dorner was framed, I wouldn’t even be shocked. (I don’t expect this to happen, & it sounds like he sort of snapped, but I _wouldn’t_ be shocked.) ---
**Author:** ![Section\_Maker\_Jupe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/section_maker_jupe/32/1424_2.png) [@Section\_Maker\_Jupe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Section_Maker_Jupe)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2013, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lapd-as-judge-jury-and-executioner/649787/66 "2013-02-10T03:22:00Z")
I just heard on CNN that LAPD is going to re open the case which got Dorner fired…lots of back and forth on the reasons for that… I have always been a little leery of Los Angeles police, I figure that police tend to mimic those whom they have to deal with on a day in day out basis… I’ve always been treated fairly by police over the years in California, but sometimes…they just make me nervous…“can they read my mind?” :eek: ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2013, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lapd-as-judge-jury-and-executioner/649787/67 "2013-02-10T03:24:51Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > They should have used a drone attack instead. I hear those are perfectly legal. Too soon! ---
**Author:** ![marshmallow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/df705f/32.png) [@marshmallow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/marshmallow)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2013, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lapd-as-judge-jury-and-executioner/649787/68 "2013-02-10T03:24:54Z")
> [@Ibn\_Warraq](#): > > Frankly, this guy is pretty clearly a homicidal psychopath and I’m shocked at people referring to him as “a victim” and suggesting that maybe he was innocent of the charges which got him kicked off the LAPD. If he’s just a lunatic who finally snapped that’s boring. If he was done wrong by the system and he’s out for revenge then hey, that’s like a made for TV movie in real life. ---
**Author:** ![koufax](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/7ea924/32.png) [@koufax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/koufax)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2013, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lapd-as-judge-jury-and-executioner/649787/69 "2013-02-10T04:53:08Z")
> **[Police seeking Dorner opened fire in a second case of mistaken identity](https://www.latimes.com/local/la-xpm-2013-feb-09-la-me-torrance-shooting-20130210-story.html)** > > Police seeking Dorner opened fire in a second case of mistaken identity Here is another one. ---
**Author:** ![colander](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e8c25b/32.png) [@colander](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/colander)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2013, 5:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lapd-as-judge-jury-and-executioner/649787/70 "2013-02-10T05:12:40Z")
> [@Ibn\_Warraq](#): > > Agreed. > > I’m really surprised by the amount of people who seem to empathize with this guy who shot to death a woman and her fiance solely based on the fact that her father was his advocate/lawyer. > > It actually reminds me of all the people attempting to defend George Zimmerman. > > Frankly, this guy is pretty clearly a homicidal psychopath and I’m shocked at people referring to him as “a victim” and suggesting that maybe he was innocent of the charges which got him kicked off the LAPD. For reals. The enemy of your enemy is not necessarily your friend, people. ---
**Author:** ![shijinn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/cc9497/32.png) [@shijinn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shijinn)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2013, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lapd-as-judge-jury-and-executioner/649787/71 "2013-02-10T05:18:51Z")
likewise, the world is not black and white. just because you can be disgusted at the LAPD doesn’t mean you side with or approve of Dorner’s actions. ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2013, 5:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lapd-as-judge-jury-and-executioner/649787/72 "2013-02-10T05:23:43Z")
> [@koufax](#): > > [Police seeking Dorner opened fire in a second case of mistaken identity](http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-torrance-shooting-20130210,0,3955268.story) > > Here is another one. Jeebus, this is worse than shooting the old ladies. They actually stopped the guy, talked to him, and let him go, and then opened up on him a few seconds later. And he’s a white guy – which may provide a small measure of reassurance to the black community. Clearly, black, white or latino, it’s not the skin color – it’s the pickup truck. I always thought it was a crime to have one in a big city. But really, the death sentence is a but over the top, one might even say – overkill. ---
**Author:** ![Pedro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/919ad9/32.png) [@Pedro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pedro)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2013, 5:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lapd-as-judge-jury-and-executioner/649787/73 "2013-02-10T05:36:12Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > I think I’m at my limit for dealing with loons right now. What is **Pedro** ’s gripe? ‘Dorner murdered a bunch of people and I’m not saying he’s the victim here, but maybe he kinda is?’ What’s your gripe? Be specific please. ---
**Author:** ![Klaatu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Klaatu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Klaatu)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2013, 5:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lapd-as-judge-jury-and-executioner/649787/74 "2013-02-10T05:50:34Z")
Wow, a _liberal_ wacko murderer on the loose, and he’s already a “victim”. ---
**Author:** ![Critical1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3e96dc/32.png) [@Critical1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Critical1)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2013, 5:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lapd-as-judge-jury-and-executioner/649787/75 "2013-02-10T05:58:29Z")
Doner is taking the long term view, what are a few bodies strewn about the city if it actually brings accountability to the LAPD? I can empathize with the guy but I sure as hell don’t agree with his methods in the short term. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2013, 6:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lapd-as-judge-jury-and-executioner/649787/76 "2013-02-10T06:07:08Z")
> [@Pedro](#): > > What’s your gripe? Be specific please. I’m asking what you are nitpicking everybody about. ---
**Author:** ![Pedro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/919ad9/32.png) [@Pedro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pedro)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2013, 6:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lapd-as-judge-jury-and-executioner/649787/77 "2013-02-10T06:09:19Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > I’m asking what you are nitpicking everybody about. Nitpicking? OK. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2013, 6:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lapd-as-judge-jury-and-executioner/649787/78 "2013-02-10T06:27:52Z")
> [@Pedro](#): > > Nitpicking? OK. Well, yes. Dorner may or may not have been unfairly fired and or he may be having a persecution fantasy because he’s a lunatic, but he’s a murderer regardless, and you can’t kill people because you’re angry about something at work. So really - who cares about his work situation at the moment? Do you think it’s possible this is justified? ---
**Author:** ![Pedro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/919ad9/32.png) [@Pedro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pedro)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2013, 7:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lapd-as-judge-jury-and-executioner/649787/79 "2013-02-10T07:23:24Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > Well, yes. Dorner may or may not have been unfairly fired and or he may be having a persecution fantasy because he’s a lunatic, but he’s a murderer regardless, and you can’t kill people because you’re angry about something at work. So really - who cares about his work situation at the moment? Do you think it’s possible this is justified? I think he snapped. No, I don’t think murder is an appropriate response in this situation. Do you think his crimes justify the LAPDs misconduct? Nicely done with that disingenuous “work situation” barb by the way. ---
**Author:** ![Zebra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/c0e974/32.png) [@Zebra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zebra)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2013, 8:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lapd-as-judge-jury-and-executioner/649787/80 "2013-02-10T08:44:54Z")
Man, this would be a tough time if you were selling your used dark-gray Nissan Titan. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lapd-as-judge-jury-and-executioner/649787.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lapd-as-judge-jury-and-executioner/649787.md?page=5)