# Sandra Bland video **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [July 22, 2015, 5:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sandra-bland-video/725859 "2015-07-22T05:50:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 49
**Author:** ![Terr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/839c29/32.png) [@Terr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terr)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2015, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sandra-bland-video/725859/961 "2015-07-26T19:06:38Z")
> [@cmyk](#): > > That is what we called “trumped up.” He created a situation to railroad her into a more severe one. Had commanded her to exit the vehicle. She didn’t know that was illegal, he most likely knew she didn’t know that. If she didn’t know at first, she certainly did when he told her that he is giving her a lawful order. And she still refused to follow it. ---
**Author:** ![Andiethewestie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ba9def/32.png) [@Andiethewestie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Andiethewestie)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2015, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sandra-bland-video/725859/962 "2015-07-26T19:13:55Z")
From the Retired lawyer > [@](#): > > The cops I used to prosecute for readily admitted to me on many occasions that one of the easiest way to get a stop on a vehicle that they thought needed to be checked out was to suddenly speed up behind it, wait for it to move over, and nail it for the failure to signal a lane change. Once in traffic court it may or may not stand up. A fair judge will NG it. A fair prosecutor will dump it before trial and tell his cops to knock off the bullshit. > > Either way, for the one writing the ticket, it really doesn’t matter. After all, the point isn’t the petty traffic violation. It’s the stop. It’s the “checking out” during the stop, the possibility of discovering something bigger and more criminal, be it a suspended license, or alcohol on the breath, or an outstanding warrant. Out-of-state plates are always way up there on the list of potentials, too. That’s the point. Then again, some times it’s nothing more than an opportunity to jack somebody who looks or acts like he–or she–could use a good jacking. That’s the point, too. ---
**Author:** ![cmyk](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cmyk/32/3353_2.png) [@cmyk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmyk)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2015, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sandra-bland-video/725859/963 "2015-07-26T19:14:11Z")
> [@Terr](#): > > If she didn’t know at first, she certainly did when he told her that he is giving her a lawful order. And she still refused to follow it. I’m not saying she didn’t disobey the law at that point. Clearly she did. But she was railroaded into it. Emotions were at a boiling point for both of them; behavior becomes irrational, she was indignant, he was abusing authority. He went out of his way to make sure there was an arrest, and the most severe one at that. Even his reason given for exiting the vehicle makes absolutely no sense. **“I had Bland exit the vehicle to further conduct a safe traffic investigation.”** How does that make two people now standing on the side of the road safer for failure to signal? ---
**Author:** ![Andiethewestie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ba9def/32.png) [@Andiethewestie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Andiethewestie)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2015, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sandra-bland-video/725859/964 "2015-07-26T19:23:43Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > Whoa, **Andie**. Air con on, radio on, where is this stated? If we are going to play strict rules of golf, we gotta play fair. We’re the good guys, that’s why we wear the white hat, otherwise, its a disguise. > > Also, where can I get a radio that could drown out a siren? My son might be interested. Hell, I might! Depends on how loud you like your music. I like mine loud. I have nice Beats speakers in my Fiat. ---
**Author:** ![Andiethewestie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ba9def/32.png) [@Andiethewestie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Andiethewestie)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2015, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sandra-bland-video/725859/965 "2015-07-26T19:27:00Z")
> [@cmyk](#): > > I’m not saying she didn’t disobey the law at that point. Clearly she did. But she was railroaded into it. Emotions were at a boiling point for both of them; behavior becomes irrational, she was indignant, he was abusing authority. He went out of his way to make sure there was an arrest, and the most severe one at that. > > Even his reason given for exiting the vehicle makes absolutely no sense. **“I had Bland exit the vehicle to further conduct a safe traffic investigation.”** > > How does that make two people now standing on the side of the road safer for failure to signal? It does nothing to make the situation safer. He seemed to be real safe when he took his sweet time writing up the citation in the first place. He was looking for another reason to charge her, that is why the pat down and removing her glasses. He was hoping she was high, or had drugs on her, anything to get the collar… ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2015, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sandra-bland-video/725859/966 "2015-07-26T19:27:27Z")
> [@](#): > > Depends on how loud you like your music… ABBA? Down to minus one. Ode to Joy? Rip my ears off. Depends. ---
**Author:** ![cmyk](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cmyk/32/3353_2.png) [@cmyk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmyk)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2015, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sandra-bland-video/725859/967 "2015-07-26T19:28:16Z")
My addendum to his Arrest Affidavit in red, for starters: > [@words in black by Trooper Encinia](#): > > I asked Bland a few questions as to her state of mind, she told me the truth, and it made me irritated. At that point I asked her to distinguish her cigarette just because. She refused. At that point, in becoming incensed at her valid, yet blunt, responses, I had Bland exit the vehicle [del]to further conduct a safe traffic investigation.[/del] because the law. Bland became [del]combative[/del] argumentative, confused, indigant and uncooperative. Numerous vitriolic commands were given to Bland ordering her to exit the vehicle. I threteded to “light her up” by pointing my taser at her. Bland [del]was removed from[/del] came out of the car cautiously after this threat, but soon became more combative as I rightfully refused to give her any reason whatsoever as to why I was putting her under arrest. I was incapabile of common courtesy at that point because I was livid with her non-compliance. I felt more force would be better than trying to talk her down. Bland was then placed in handcuffs, as she was claiming I was “breaking her wrists” and crying, for officer safety.[…snip…] ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2015, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sandra-bland-video/725859/968 "2015-07-26T19:30:04Z")
Somewhere along the line, I read the transcript of his report to his superior about the incident, and a comparison between that and the video. Anyone remember that, was it here, or was it elsewhere? ---
**Author:** ![Andiethewestie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ba9def/32.png) [@Andiethewestie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Andiethewestie)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2015, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sandra-bland-video/725859/969 "2015-07-26T19:32:27Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > ABBA? Down to minus one. Ode to Joy? Rip my ears off. Depends. Stuff on my playlist it is all worth blowing loud. Not a Swede in the mix. ---
**Author:** ![Terr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/839c29/32.png) [@Terr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terr)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2015, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sandra-bland-video/725859/970 "2015-07-26T19:34:29Z")
> [@cmyk](#): > > I’m not saying she didn’t disobey the law at that point. Clearly she did. But she was railroaded into it. Emotions were at a boiling point for both of them; behavior becomes irrational, she was indignant, he was abusing authority. He went out of his way to make sure there was an arrest, and the most severe one at that. Of course. The evil police officer, who intended to give a warning instead of a ticket to start with. > [@](#): > > Even his reason given for exiting the vehicle makes absolutely no sense. **“I had Bland exit the vehicle to further conduct a safe traffic investigation.”** > > How does that make two people now standing on the side of the road safer for failure to signal? Because of course [policemen are never](http://www.newsnet5.com/news/local-news/oh-medina/brunswick-police-cruiser-struck-during-traffic-stop) [struck](http://7online.com/news/police-2-officers-struck-by-car-during-traffic-stop-on-staten-island/790016/) [by passing](https://timesleader.com/archive/211396/stories-officer-struck-during-traffic-stop110029) [vehicles](http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/state-trooper-struck-during-traffic-stop-on-i-66-in-arlington/2015/02/24/eb89320a-bc60-11e4-8668-4e7ba8439ca6_story.html) [while performing](http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/Irving-Police-Motorcycle-Hit-By-Car-During-Traffic-Stop-309350021.html) [a traffic](http://www.ijreview.com/2015/04/292802-state-trooper-side-swiped-routine-traffic-stop-finds-first-small-mercy/) [stop](http://www.myfoxla.com/story/27059806/ventura-deputy-struck-and-killed-during-traffic-stop). ---
**Author:** ![billfish678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2015, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sandra-bland-video/725859/971 "2015-07-26T19:36:53Z")
> [@Andiethewestie](#): > > He was hoping she was high, or had drugs on her, anything to get the collar… Or maybe she was high or had drugs and needed to be arrested? Police aren’t clairvoyant. Though apparently some posters are. ---
**Author:** ![cmyk](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cmyk/32/3353_2.png) [@cmyk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmyk)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2015, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sandra-bland-video/725859/972 "2015-07-26T19:38:28Z")
> [@Terr](#): > > Of course. The evil police officer, who intended to give a warning instead of a ticket to start with. Maybe not evil, but certainly a bully and not operating in _anyone’s_ best interest. > [@](#): > > Because of course [policemen are never](http://www.newsnet5.com/news/local-news/oh-medina/brunswick-police-cruiser-struck-during-traffic-stop) [struck](http://7online.com/news/police-2-officers-struck-by-car-during-traffic-stop-on-staten-island/790016/) [by passing](https://timesleader.com/archive/211396/stories-officer-struck-during-traffic-stop110029) [vehicles](http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/state-trooper-struck-during-traffic-stop-on-i-66-in-arlington/2015/02/24/eb89320a-bc60-11e4-8668-4e7ba8439ca6_story.html) [while performing](http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/Irving-Police-Motorcycle-Hit-By-Car-During-Traffic-Stop-309350021.html) [a traffic](http://www.ijreview.com/2015/04/292802-state-trooper-side-swiped-routine-traffic-stop-finds-first-small-mercy/) [stop](http://www.myfoxla.com/story/27059806/ventura-deputy-struck-and-killed-during-traffic-stop). Uhhh… didn’t you just prove my point, there? ---
**Author:** ![cmyk](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cmyk/32/3353_2.png) [@cmyk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmyk)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2015, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sandra-bland-video/725859/973 "2015-07-26T19:41:18Z")
> [@billfish678](#): > > Or maybe she was high or had drugs and needed to be arrested? > > Police aren’t clairvoyant. > > Though apparently some posters are. Then make that known. I’ve witnessed several stops (and a few of my own) on shows like COPS and the like where the officer asks straight out, “You consume any alcohol today?” or “Is there any drugs in the vehicle or anything else I should know about?” I mean… TALK TO THE PERSON. Are we fucking robots now? Civilians aren’t clairvoyant either. Talk to us, don’t just push us around, because you can. “YOU’RE UNDER ARREST BECAUSE I’M NOT SURE YOU’RE HIGH!” ---
**Author:** ![cmyk](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cmyk/32/3353_2.png) [@cmyk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmyk)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2015, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sandra-bland-video/725859/974 "2015-07-26T19:47:33Z")
Another thing. If he suspected she might be intoxicated or high, why didn’t he offer that in the report? ---
**Author:** ![Terr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/839c29/32.png) [@Terr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terr)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2015, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sandra-bland-video/725859/975 "2015-07-26T19:53:36Z")
> [@cmyk](#): > > Uhhh… didn’t you just prove my point, there? The point was for her to get out of the car and on the side of the road, for the safety of the police officer and hers, while he was explaining to her what she did wrong. ---
**Author:** ![cmyk](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cmyk/32/3353_2.png) [@cmyk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmyk)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2015, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sandra-bland-video/725859/976 "2015-07-26T20:01:27Z")
> [@Terr](#): > > The point was for her to get out of the car and on the side of the road, for the safety of the police officer and hers, while he was explaining to her what she did wrong. Mmm hmm. And what was there to explain, exactly. First of all, the traffic was almost non-existant. Second of all, he didn’t seem capable at all of explanation. In fact, he flat out refused, repeatedly, to give her one hint as to why she was asked to step out of the vehicle. All he needed to say, if this was indeed his true intention, was to say, “I’m ordering you out of the vehicle to proceed safely in further investigation.” She clearly believed she was being arrested as soon as he first ordered her out of her car. It’s painfully obvious. But I get it. You believe cops can do no wrong, or anything they do as long as it’s within the technical bounds of the law is totally justified. We should all praise and lick the glorious Golden Anus of the Traffic Cop. ---
**Author:** ![Terr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/839c29/32.png) [@Terr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terr)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2015, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sandra-bland-video/725859/977 "2015-07-26T20:03:56Z")
> [@cmyk](#): > > Mmm hmm. And what was there to explain, exactly. > > First of all, the traffic was almost non-existant. Second of all, he didn’t seem capable at all of explanation. After she refused the lawful order to step out of the vehicle, the explanations were moot. Before that, he was quite polite. > [@](#): > > You believe cops can do no wrong, or anything they do as long as it’s within the technical bounds of the law is totally justified. I was several times in my life given tickets that I thought were “wrong” though technically within bounds of the law (such as doing 50 in a 45 mph zone or when I I was stopped for almost, but not quite, stopping at the stop sign). Yet I followed cops’ instructions, and was not confrontational. It really is not that hard to do. Never in my life have I gotten a warning, BTW, instead of a ticket. That seems to be purely a female prerogative. And yes, if I behaved as an asshole (like Bland did) I would definitely expect to be arrested. ---
**Author:** ![Andiethewestie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ba9def/32.png) [@Andiethewestie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Andiethewestie)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2015, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sandra-bland-video/725859/978 "2015-07-26T20:07:13Z")
> [@cmyk](#): > > Another thing. If he suspected she might be intoxicated or high, why didn’t he offer that in the report? Because she was not high or have drugs on her. That dog did not hunt. He delayed the citation because he was on a fishing expedition and he used her being upset to further his need to get something, anything on her. ---
**Author:** ![Terr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/839c29/32.png) [@Terr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terr)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2015, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sandra-bland-video/725859/979 "2015-07-26T20:09:27Z")
> [@Andiethewestie](#): > > Because she was not high or have drugs on her. That dog did not hunt. He delayed the citation because he was on a fishing expedition and he used her being upset to further his need to get something, anything on her. Please explain, if he was out to get her, why did he intend to give her a warning and not a ticket? ---
**Author:** ![cmyk](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cmyk/32/3353_2.png) [@cmyk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmyk)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2015, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sandra-bland-video/725859/980 "2015-07-26T20:09:33Z")
> [@Terr](#): > > After she refused the lawful order to step out of the vehicle, the explanations were moot. Before that, he was quite polite. And so was she. > [@](#): > > I was several times in my life given tickets that I thought were “wrong” though technically within bounds of the law (such as doing 50 in a 45 mph zone or when I I was stopped by for almost, but not quite, stopping at the stop sign). Yet I followed cops’ instructions, and was not confrontational. It really is not that hard to do. Err… you _were_ wrong in those situations. I’m talking about police conduct and what should be expected of them as peace officers. That word “peace” is in there for a reason. He did not strive for peace in this case, but chaos. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sandra-bland-video/725859.md?page=48) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sandra-bland-video/725859.md?page=50)