Beautifully written
8
Police forces need to stop hiring thugs.
8
The abandonment of community policing and the militarization of police procedures has combined with a persistent, sometimes even subliminal bias to oppress a community of people who desperately deserve to put this behind them.
Police training short changes the most important part of an officer's arsenal - a close connection with the people and community where he serves. "Service" is a word that may resonate with the SWAT trained beat cop, but the breadth of that service sometimes get lost. The military style training often leads some officers to act like soldiers in a platoon - protect each other first, community second. It is important to reinforce that it is only "some" officers. Many, likely a majority of law enforcement see the world through a proper lens.
The answer to the "is race involved?" question seems obvious when all the data are examined. But, it is more complicated than white bias. Studies show bias against blacks when it comes to crime whether the study participant is white or black.
That needs to change. Bias is insidious and change will come slowly. In the shorter term. The police training that says "shoot to kill" if you have to shoot, should be reexamined. In such a world, Officer Slager might have been facing lesser charges. All of the victims, Mr. Scott, his family and the Slager family might have been able to see a brighter day.
Police training short changes the most important part of an officer's arsenal - a close connection with the people and community where he serves. "Service" is a word that may resonate with the SWAT trained beat cop, but the breadth of that service sometimes get lost. The military style training often leads some officers to act like soldiers in a platoon - protect each other first, community second. It is important to reinforce that it is only "some" officers. Many, likely a majority of law enforcement see the world through a proper lens.
The answer to the "is race involved?" question seems obvious when all the data are examined. But, it is more complicated than white bias. Studies show bias against blacks when it comes to crime whether the study participant is white or black.
That needs to change. Bias is insidious and change will come slowly. In the shorter term. The police training that says "shoot to kill" if you have to shoot, should be reexamined. In such a world, Officer Slager might have been facing lesser charges. All of the victims, Mr. Scott, his family and the Slager family might have been able to see a brighter day.
4
In addition to what this incident says about the state of racial perceptions and poor policing of the police in this country there is another aspect of the story that is being overlooked. The US has become a gun crazed society in which the answer to almost every social ill is a gun. Massacre at a grammar school-more guns. Shooting in a mall-arm everyone. Shooting at a college-arm the students.
The idea that an unarmed individual, stopped for an alleged traffic violation, could be shot while running away speaks to the reflex response of the officer to solve a problem with his gun. The officer had the victim's car and license plate, knew his identity and knew of his alleged child support payment problems(a nonviolent crime). Rather than reaching for his gun to solve the problem, in a civil society, he could have allowed the victim to escape and arrested him later in a more controlled environment.
It is time to confront the racial problems that sadly continue in this country. It is also time to begin disarmament talks within the population and to stop paying credence to the merchants of death.
The idea that an unarmed individual, stopped for an alleged traffic violation, could be shot while running away speaks to the reflex response of the officer to solve a problem with his gun. The officer had the victim's car and license plate, knew his identity and knew of his alleged child support payment problems(a nonviolent crime). Rather than reaching for his gun to solve the problem, in a civil society, he could have allowed the victim to escape and arrested him later in a more controlled environment.
It is time to confront the racial problems that sadly continue in this country. It is also time to begin disarmament talks within the population and to stop paying credence to the merchants of death.
7
True story: I was pulled over last night and issued a ticket. The entire time I was cooperative, and the office thanked me for my cooperation.
All of these black men would be alive if they had cooperated. Do not provoke and attack the police. And stop whining about racism, it's getting old. End of story.
All of these black men would be alive if they had cooperated. Do not provoke and attack the police. And stop whining about racism, it's getting old. End of story.
7
We are probably giving the human condition far too much credit if we believe that it is safe to have 20-35 year old men walking around with guns confronting strangers. This in itself is a major risk and it describes many policemen.
I want to know why we would expect this not to happen with some frequency. We have gotten way too far away from the issue of the gun in all of this. If police need to carry guns, which I am sure most of us think is unavoidable, we need to think about ways to minimize the confrontations. For this one, why in the world does a cop ever pull over someone for a tail light violation? Just take the plate and send a notice. This can probably be done for many non-violent crimes, and would certainly eliminate one nexus in this problem.
I want to know why we would expect this not to happen with some frequency. We have gotten way too far away from the issue of the gun in all of this. If police need to carry guns, which I am sure most of us think is unavoidable, we need to think about ways to minimize the confrontations. For this one, why in the world does a cop ever pull over someone for a tail light violation? Just take the plate and send a notice. This can probably be done for many non-violent crimes, and would certainly eliminate one nexus in this problem.
9
Has any ascertained, if he did, why Walter Scott would try to take hold of Officer
Slager's Taser ?
Were there outstanding warrants/prison time waiting for Mr. Scott if he was
arrested ?
Otherwise, except out of sheer panic, why go for the Taser, if he did, unless
Officer Slager was going to Tase Mr. Scott.
Why didn't Officer Slager chase down Mr. Scott ? He seems bigger than
Mr. Scott and it was not like Mr. Scott was 17 years old and a Track Star.
Why did Officer Slager shoot 8 times ? Is fleeting an officer a shooting offence ?
Does anyone know the answer to these Questions ?
Slager's Taser ?
Were there outstanding warrants/prison time waiting for Mr. Scott if he was
arrested ?
Otherwise, except out of sheer panic, why go for the Taser, if he did, unless
Officer Slager was going to Tase Mr. Scott.
Why didn't Officer Slager chase down Mr. Scott ? He seems bigger than
Mr. Scott and it was not like Mr. Scott was 17 years old and a Track Star.
Why did Officer Slager shoot 8 times ? Is fleeting an officer a shooting offence ?
Does anyone know the answer to these Questions ?
3
Once a man reaches the point where he has lost control of his temper, has lost site that the enemy is human, and has a gun, it is only a small step to extend the arm and pull the trigger eight times.
Mr. Blow has focused on the humanity issue, but little has been said about the gun and the temper. Understanding these will also be important if we are to prevent this from recurring over and over.
In the current disaster, I want to know what happened before that video started. The video picks up with the cop and victim standing outside of a car. A taser is out. The victim begins to run. Then we hear that the case began with stopping the car for a tail light. How do we get from point A to point B? Clearly this cop can no longer think straight by then, and it's just a short step to raise the arm and fire.
The cop has lost control by this point, and I want to know why and how. Is it just racism? I am not sure. Is a perceived loss of control of the situation because the victim got out of the car? What percentage of us would be able to stop from firing if we are mad enough, carry a gun, and are not trained exactly in that situation? Not sure. There is still more to learn.
Mr. Blow has focused on the humanity issue, but little has been said about the gun and the temper. Understanding these will also be important if we are to prevent this from recurring over and over.
In the current disaster, I want to know what happened before that video started. The video picks up with the cop and victim standing outside of a car. A taser is out. The victim begins to run. Then we hear that the case began with stopping the car for a tail light. How do we get from point A to point B? Clearly this cop can no longer think straight by then, and it's just a short step to raise the arm and fire.
The cop has lost control by this point, and I want to know why and how. Is it just racism? I am not sure. Is a perceived loss of control of the situation because the victim got out of the car? What percentage of us would be able to stop from firing if we are mad enough, carry a gun, and are not trained exactly in that situation? Not sure. There is still more to learn.
2
a coolly deliberate execution.
where is the regard for life?
where is the regard for life?
8
Violence begets violence. It cannot be otherwise. Power corrupts. Absolute power, as cops exercise when confronting individuals on the streets, corrupts absolutely. Even if racism is behind these killings of blacks by white cops, racism isn't the problem. The problem is the "rule of law" and our system of enforcing our plethora of laws.
@ "And the police are needed in society, so if you don’t trust them, whom do you call when help is truly needed?"
This statement is only rings true to those who cannot imagine alternatives to a flawed status quo.
@ "And the police are needed in society, so if you don’t trust them, whom do you call when help is truly needed?"
This statement is only rings true to those who cannot imagine alternatives to a flawed status quo.
1
It is only part of the facts when the only description of the situation is that a policeman shot an unarmed black. That is all we hear from many persons describing the situation. But doesn't everyone of us have a responsibility to observe the law and respect the policemen charged with enforcing the law?
When one omits the salient facts that a policeman's life is on the line every time he stops someone for breaking the law since he doesn't know whether the person is mentally defective and possesses a gun or a knife. When the person scuffles with the policemen and runs away, the policeman has no way of knowing whether he will momentarily pull a gun or knife and threaten the life of the policeman. So just picking and choosing the facts to emphasize some and ignore others is not only kidding the public but also kidding oneself as to the actual situation. There is no moral excuse for killing an innocent person but aggressive hostility or innocence is difficult to discern in a deadly taut situation where a suspect fails to cooperate with legitimate requests by a policeman and there is no way for the policeman to know what next to expect from the individual. All of us as individuals in a civilized society have a responsibility to cooperate with its legal representatives without scuffling or threatening them.
When one omits the salient facts that a policeman's life is on the line every time he stops someone for breaking the law since he doesn't know whether the person is mentally defective and possesses a gun or a knife. When the person scuffles with the policemen and runs away, the policeman has no way of knowing whether he will momentarily pull a gun or knife and threaten the life of the policeman. So just picking and choosing the facts to emphasize some and ignore others is not only kidding the public but also kidding oneself as to the actual situation. There is no moral excuse for killing an innocent person but aggressive hostility or innocence is difficult to discern in a deadly taut situation where a suspect fails to cooperate with legitimate requests by a policeman and there is no way for the policeman to know what next to expect from the individual. All of us as individuals in a civilized society have a responsibility to cooperate with its legal representatives without scuffling or threatening them.
2
Shot in the back, and eight times kind of says it all.
11
In what Universe is a cracked tail light the barest step from fearing for your life, and then murder? How does one thing possibly lead to the next? Who put a gun in this cop's hand and sent him out in the world?
Too many of us are crazed with anger, fear, and ignorance... and add to the soup more guns than there are stars in the heavens.
What could possibly go right?
Too many of us are crazed with anger, fear, and ignorance... and add to the soup more guns than there are stars in the heavens.
What could possibly go right?
6
I heard a policeman in an NPR interview this week say all the diversity and sensitivity training he’s received (I think he called it touchy-feely) is useless and doesn't work. Ok, this calls for a huge protest march on Washington. March to stop the prevalence of police killing unarmed black men, and march against the continued militarization and dehumanizing attitude of our police. AMERICA IS NOT A POLICE STATE!
7
OK, it's time for a reality check. When you are stopped by the police DON'T RUN. YOU were wrong, don't make it worse.
3
Blame the dead guy. got it
15
PREDATOR AND PREY.
The video recording showing the unarmed Mr. Scott running away from the police officer reminds of something straight out of the Discovery Channel: PREDATOR AND PREY. That sadly seems to be the current state of affairs between white police officers and black males in this country.
These recordings are important. Maybe, just maybe, they will change opinions. Until now, the police developed 'police records' on citizens. I hope the citizen movement will become relentlessly unbroken. The public should record every police interaction; some recordings may ablute cops. Let the chips fall where they may.
The video recording showing the unarmed Mr. Scott running away from the police officer reminds of something straight out of the Discovery Channel: PREDATOR AND PREY. That sadly seems to be the current state of affairs between white police officers and black males in this country.
These recordings are important. Maybe, just maybe, they will change opinions. Until now, the police developed 'police records' on citizens. I hope the citizen movement will become relentlessly unbroken. The public should record every police interaction; some recordings may ablute cops. Let the chips fall where they may.
2
America's criminal justice system has been hallowed out, it is not the holy grail of truth and unbiased. Paraphrasing Clarence Darrow: How do we prevent bigots and ignoramuses from controlling the judicial system of the United States, and the breakdown of equal justice under the rule of law?
America’s criminal justice system is nothing less than malignant cancer cells that already have metastasized feed by the disease of corruption, hate, bigotry, cognitive bias, ignorance, arrogant, among other things, and it can’t heal itself.
Selective law enforcement deeply threatens our great democracy. At stake is whether people of all races can be treated the same way under the law. “Whatever the human law may be, neither an individual nor a nation can commit the least act of injustice against the obscurest individual without having to pay the penalty for it.” Thoreau
Malcolm X stated: “I'm for truth, no matter who tells it. I'm for justice, no matter who it's for or against”.
Hence, the only fair course of action is to:
• Allow white Americans to be treated like people of color.
• Provide better training for law enforcement personnel (LEP) to ensure that white people are equally shot, harassed and brutalized with irrevocably deadly force.
• Provide better training for LEP to ensure that unarmed young whites males are shot by LEP who say: “I feared for my life, and shot in self-defense” enough though all shots were to the back of the victim.
America’s criminal justice system is nothing less than malignant cancer cells that already have metastasized feed by the disease of corruption, hate, bigotry, cognitive bias, ignorance, arrogant, among other things, and it can’t heal itself.
Selective law enforcement deeply threatens our great democracy. At stake is whether people of all races can be treated the same way under the law. “Whatever the human law may be, neither an individual nor a nation can commit the least act of injustice against the obscurest individual without having to pay the penalty for it.” Thoreau
Malcolm X stated: “I'm for truth, no matter who tells it. I'm for justice, no matter who it's for or against”.
Hence, the only fair course of action is to:
• Allow white Americans to be treated like people of color.
• Provide better training for law enforcement personnel (LEP) to ensure that white people are equally shot, harassed and brutalized with irrevocably deadly force.
• Provide better training for LEP to ensure that unarmed young whites males are shot by LEP who say: “I feared for my life, and shot in self-defense” enough though all shots were to the back of the victim.
1
Leslie
this is one of the dumbest posts I've ever read -- and that's saying quite a bit. I suppose you haven't looked at the police shooting stats and therefore are not aware that whites are shot at 2.6x the rate of blacks even though blacks commit over 50% of violent crimes. Your little snarky solution is not a help to anyone nor is it based on reality.
this is one of the dumbest posts I've ever read -- and that's saying quite a bit. I suppose you haven't looked at the police shooting stats and therefore are not aware that whites are shot at 2.6x the rate of blacks even though blacks commit over 50% of violent crimes. Your little snarky solution is not a help to anyone nor is it based on reality.
1
Percentages should not be confused with numerical totals. Numbers of arrests do not correlate with actual criminality.
3
Ralphie, the empirical data suggests that People of Color are shot and killed by police 10x more than non-POC. Revisit your data not emotions!
4
Is race relevant in this case? Wouldn't the event be equally horrific if the officer were black and the victim were white?
3
That's the point exactly. It doesn't happen in the reverse. EVER.
7
When it comes to loyalty, what happens in police culture is parallel to what happens in the military. Whether you're a cop or a soldier, you're employed to protect and serve the people of your city/state/country. That's where your loyalty should lie. But instead, loyalty to your fellow cops or soldiers becomes paramount. Your first instincts, after protecting yourself, are to protect your fellows. Protecting the people you were hired to protect comes third. And so, among the police, we get the Blue Wall of Silence.
How you change that culture isn't clear. What is clear is that one way or another, it has to change.
How you change that culture isn't clear. What is clear is that one way or another, it has to change.
5
I cannot be nearly as weary of reading these stories about unarmed people of color being killed by police, as the community and loved ones of these people are of living them.
30
For whatever reason, the majority of Americans seem to place themselves out of reality and above the affliction of fellow citizens. From having picnics at local hangings to watching reality TV while they root for the police to abuse citizens. Sadly, even our jury system often fails imprisoning innocent people because, "Why would the policeman lie?” “Well if they arrested him/her he must have done something wrong."
If someone speaks up against police corruption, the "blue wall", the "We against Them" doctrine of law enforcement; then that person is a troublemaker, insane, or a radical. It is not politically correct to stand up for our civil rights. It is no longer politically correct to challenge the shortcomings if not criminal behavior of law enforcement or the judicial system.
It is not just isolated to the police. After a senior judge got caught lying on an audio recording of a hearing, local court rules were promulgated disallowing any recording equipment what so ever. Video has been allowed in many court rooms across America. Amazingly they have allowed the judge or court reporter to stop the recording on command in some jurisdictions.
The people allow this. Take the instant case. The police officer said that his shooting a man (black, green, purple or otherwise is irrelevant) in the back repeatedly (this is relevant) was self-defense. That was the official call until a citizen proffered a video of the murder by officer. Now it’s an issue.
If someone speaks up against police corruption, the "blue wall", the "We against Them" doctrine of law enforcement; then that person is a troublemaker, insane, or a radical. It is not politically correct to stand up for our civil rights. It is no longer politically correct to challenge the shortcomings if not criminal behavior of law enforcement or the judicial system.
It is not just isolated to the police. After a senior judge got caught lying on an audio recording of a hearing, local court rules were promulgated disallowing any recording equipment what so ever. Video has been allowed in many court rooms across America. Amazingly they have allowed the judge or court reporter to stop the recording on command in some jurisdictions.
The people allow this. Take the instant case. The police officer said that his shooting a man (black, green, purple or otherwise is irrelevant) in the back repeatedly (this is relevant) was self-defense. That was the official call until a citizen proffered a video of the murder by officer. Now it’s an issue.
1
How does a traffic stop end up with two men scuffling in a park? Where is the automobile, and how did the officer lose control of the situation to such an extent?
Obviously Mr. Scott should not have been killed, but what prevented him from pulling over and complying with the officer's directions?
Obviously Mr. Scott should not have been killed, but what prevented him from pulling over and complying with the officer's directions?
Fear prevented him. He was black, the officer white.
7
Some parts of white america is NOT wanting to lose dominance, power, wealth, and control to other groups, i.e., the increased equality of people of color, immigrants and those of non traditional sexual orientations and religions. Thus we see a pattern of events in many areas including our police forces which reflect the tactics and goals of resisting this change. This reflects bygone eras of accomplishing these means, such as slavery, Jim Crow, 5000 lynchings, discrimination and labor laws, high incarceration rates, Stand your ground laws, and an increasing pattern by police of search and arrest, use of force, and even justified killing of marginalized groups seen by police officers as groups who might take over in our society.
This is often conscious but sometimes it is unconscious, but many decent and not racist and non prejudiced people are in DENIAL that this is happening!
Mr. Blow is asserting something very very important here! He is a fine writer and a constructive and balanced writer. I value and respect his ideas and welcome his discourse.
This is often conscious but sometimes it is unconscious, but many decent and not racist and non prejudiced people are in DENIAL that this is happening!
Mr. Blow is asserting something very very important here! He is a fine writer and a constructive and balanced writer. I value and respect his ideas and welcome his discourse.
6
Again, we see the kill the messenger position of many commenters. Don't show the video! But he had a child support warrant! Michael Brown maybe shoplifted some cigars! Eric Garner at some point sold some loosies, but not that day! In this case there is a video, an arrest, and a charge. So the usual ridiculous arguments cannot be thrown around with as much gusto. What is interesting In this day of technology, is why people continue to think they can act with impunity, I.e., shoot in the back and drop the taser, without thinking there will be consequences. It's a particularly sociopathic response, and no amount of training will fix it.
5
In the video circulating, the cop appears to want to Tase Scott in order to subdue him but Scott appears to knock it down before running away. So, the question is, should the cop have let him run and get away so that he could order backup, go to his house, and arrest him? He could have done that, and there was no hurry. It was not even clear whether the cop ran a check on this fellow and found out he was behind on his child support payments, the reason cited by his brother and father for why Scott tried to flee (he did not want to go jail).
To be the devil's advocate, the thinking that a fleeing man poses no threat to the officer may be flawed. Scott could return with a weapon and take out the officer or go and hurt his ex-spouse and children for whom he owed support payments. Under the Supreme Court guidelines for use of deadly force, if it was reasonable to think that Scott could return to harm the cop or go to harm his wife and children, then use of deadly force is justified (according to the Supremes).
The dash-cam video that is supposed to be made available today will provide context for the encounter that took place in the grassy lot behind the pawn shop. But the issues are real, and we need to address them pronto: Is it ok for a black or any colored man to resist arrest for fear that he or she might be sent to jail for not paying child support? Is it ok for cops to go for instant gratification by using deadly force?
Let us search our souls.
To be the devil's advocate, the thinking that a fleeing man poses no threat to the officer may be flawed. Scott could return with a weapon and take out the officer or go and hurt his ex-spouse and children for whom he owed support payments. Under the Supreme Court guidelines for use of deadly force, if it was reasonable to think that Scott could return to harm the cop or go to harm his wife and children, then use of deadly force is justified (according to the Supremes).
The dash-cam video that is supposed to be made available today will provide context for the encounter that took place in the grassy lot behind the pawn shop. But the issues are real, and we need to address them pronto: Is it ok for a black or any colored man to resist arrest for fear that he or she might be sent to jail for not paying child support? Is it ok for cops to go for instant gratification by using deadly force?
Let us search our souls.
That is silly mis-raeding of the opinion. The fleeing suspect could have done a lot, discover a cure for baldness, for instance. Went and got a gun? While the cop waited? Sure
4
"Sickens" me also.
Mr Blow is right in calling for the decent, "good Cops" speaking up when police wrongs are committed.
The Blue line of silence is long past it's time.
Mr Blow is right in calling for the decent, "good Cops" speaking up when police wrongs are committed.
The Blue line of silence is long past it's time.
5
The cop is charged with murder and he's in jail. What do you want the "good cops" to say?
Local authorities in SC moved quickly to deal with the situation, unlike in MO and NYC. The police officer was fired and charged with murder. Why not let the criminal justice system work?
2
The narrative constructed about "good vs. bad" and "white vs. black" disguises the muddled morality behind the use of power as a coercive and forceful mechanism in our society. Until we reexamine how power can be transformative and liberating for the common good, not merely a scant majority, we will continue the hand-wringing about videotaping, self-defense arguments, and other topics that avoid the task of seriously discussing the misguided and fatal psychology of the uniform.
3
In most other civilized countries, police do not carry guns, they carry only billy clubs. Guns have a place in law enforcement, but not as the first line of defense, and not on an everyday beat. I believe that when a human being has a gun, he behaves differently. He doesn't use his wits, he panics and uses his gun. This latest case is a case of murder, a case of a white cop behaving badly, lying. It's a case of a cop showing poor training, and surely, it's a case of a black man getting treatment a white man seldom gets. Take race out of it for a moment--the simplest solution would be to de-arm beat cops altogether and let them use their brains to deal with people. I seriously doubt more police would die if they lacked guns; they can always call for armed back up. Yet hundreds of US citizens die each year from police shootings--over four hundred in 2013! Hundreds of US citizens, guilty or not, do not deserve to be denied due process and pay a death sentence for their crimes, for a thing that is so easily preventable.
3
Does the citizenry of Europe own 300,000,000 guns?
1
"I seriously doubt more police would die if they lacked guns"
Well, if you SERIOUSLY doubt it, then by all means, let's give it a try. And since guns aren't needed, maybe you can go out and stop some robberies too!
Well, if you SERIOUSLY doubt it, then by all means, let's give it a try. And since guns aren't needed, maybe you can go out and stop some robberies too!
On March 3, 1991, a Black man Rodney King was tasered, kicked in the head, beaten with PR-24 batons for over one minute, then tackled and cuffed. The incident was captured on a camcorder by resident George Holliday. The jury acquitted all four officers of assault. Fifty-three people died during the LA riots, including ten who were shot dead by police and military forces, with as many as 2,000 people injured.
On August 9, 2014, in Ferguson, MO, an 18 year old unarmed Black male Michael Brown was shot and killed by a White police officer.
On April 7, 2015, a Black man Walter L. Scott was shot and killed in North Charleston, N.C. by a White police officer who said Scott took his stun gun and he feared for his life. However, a video showed the office firing 8 shots at unarmed Scott and killing him.
So what is the difference between the beating of Rodney King and the killing of Michael Brown and Walter Scott? Rodney's attackers and Walter Scott’s shooter were caught on camera. So what is most reliable in a court of law, an undisputed camera video,or questionable reports by faulty human witnesses? Unless the other witnesses are other police officers, then who is going to be believed in a court of law? The video, or the witness reports of other police officers?
On August 9, 2014, in Ferguson, MO, an 18 year old unarmed Black male Michael Brown was shot and killed by a White police officer.
On April 7, 2015, a Black man Walter L. Scott was shot and killed in North Charleston, N.C. by a White police officer who said Scott took his stun gun and he feared for his life. However, a video showed the office firing 8 shots at unarmed Scott and killing him.
So what is the difference between the beating of Rodney King and the killing of Michael Brown and Walter Scott? Rodney's attackers and Walter Scott’s shooter were caught on camera. So what is most reliable in a court of law, an undisputed camera video,or questionable reports by faulty human witnesses? Unless the other witnesses are other police officers, then who is going to be believed in a court of law? The video, or the witness reports of other police officers?
1
Watching that video was incredibly distressing, and I am still in shock that something like that can happen in the United States of America. It hit me so hard that I spent a good deal of yesterday morning sobbing. The lack of respect for human life - a black man's life - is clearly evident in that video. The coldness in which the officer shot Scott eight times and subsequently handcuffed a lifeless man leads me to believe that we are, perhaps, dealing with a psychopath. But his actions cannot be explained separate from the culture that tolerates and even encourages senseless killings followed by Hollywood-like cover-ups. We can't fathom a similar story in middle-class white America, so it does boil down to race and to a lesser extent - class.
45
It will be interesting to hear the story of the second police officer to arrive on the scene, and the other officers that arrived after him. It appears that they did nothing, they lied about giving CPR, and in the first couple days before the video came out, it seems they said nothing to contradict the shooter's story. This is the Blue Wall of Silence, captured on video! But we haven't really heard their stories yet. Perhaps they will shed light on the mentality that allows these travesties to happen. It isn't just the officers who do the shootings who are guilty. It's all the other officers who are complicit in protecting each other and in covering up the truth.
8
I, for one, am surprised about how tame this column reads today, given the unambiguous circumstances and what you have written about the general subject in the past. I never like bring race into the equation, it automatically polarizes even further and takes one off the moral high road. But today, you could really rip, with full justification.
Just looking at the facts, what happened here is outrageous, whether this happened to a person who is black, white, yellow, red, brown, olive or purple. Hell, even if that someone were a checkered alien from Mars this would not make one iota of difference.
What we have witnessed here was cold-blooded murder.
Period.
Just looking at the facts, what happened here is outrageous, whether this happened to a person who is black, white, yellow, red, brown, olive or purple. Hell, even if that someone were a checkered alien from Mars this would not make one iota of difference.
What we have witnessed here was cold-blooded murder.
Period.
4
I must say that after reading 100's of comments written by white people about unfair police tactics, I am impressed. Simply put, we are not a closed-minded, racist bunch. We are not defensive, or snide. So, good job white America! You really have grown up. I hope that Charles Blow and others sense this peaceful, calm openness that is now being projected by white people. I hope that blacks come to trust us more because of it. People can't function in the world without trust. Cops can't function without trusting blacks any more then blacks can function without trusting cops. We are all vulnerable human beings.
This white cop clearly lost his cool. We don't know what provoked his act of lethal violence. He will suffer forever for the adrenalin fueled mistake that he made. But must we all suffer for it? Just as the black man who shot a white cop in the face (in an unprovoked situation) last week here in Boston will suffer for his act of rage. (Yet the media ignores this example of black on white aggression.) People make mistakes, and they must be held accountable for them. Unfortunately race baiting only increases the distrust. It does not solve anything. Getting the guns off the street would be a trust-enhancing solution...not building up further racial aggression with one-sided stories like this.
This white cop clearly lost his cool. We don't know what provoked his act of lethal violence. He will suffer forever for the adrenalin fueled mistake that he made. But must we all suffer for it? Just as the black man who shot a white cop in the face (in an unprovoked situation) last week here in Boston will suffer for his act of rage. (Yet the media ignores this example of black on white aggression.) People make mistakes, and they must be held accountable for them. Unfortunately race baiting only increases the distrust. It does not solve anything. Getting the guns off the street would be a trust-enhancing solution...not building up further racial aggression with one-sided stories like this.
1
Please explain the other side of the argument: I'd love to see a rational justification for shooting a fleeing suspect in the back seven or eight times,mor any kf these other examples of truly lousy police work.
3
The problem is that both the criminals and the police officers are acting like each other. We understand that criminals will act like criminals. That is why we have police officers. But if our police officers are simply responding by acting like criminals. Where does that leave us?
3
"Unfortunately race baiting only increases the distrust. " You're right. It does. The two examples you use to make your point could NOT be more opposite of each other.
The Boston shooting (in the face) you mention WAS covered in the media. It didn't get the same attention for a couple of reasons - NONE having to do with race. One: the shooter was quickly identified as mentally ill. And crazy people to crazy things. Two: the shooter (a civilian) was NOT hired as a trusted member of the police force to protect and serve the citizenry.
On the contrary, Mr. Scott (civilian) was shot eight times (in his back) by an individual hired specifically to protect and serve the citizens in his jurisdiction. Assuming the shooter did not suffer mental illness, there's no rational explanation for the killing particularly when the video proves an attempt to cover up guilt!
How you missed ALL THAT escapes me.
The Boston shooting (in the face) you mention WAS covered in the media. It didn't get the same attention for a couple of reasons - NONE having to do with race. One: the shooter was quickly identified as mentally ill. And crazy people to crazy things. Two: the shooter (a civilian) was NOT hired as a trusted member of the police force to protect and serve the citizenry.
On the contrary, Mr. Scott (civilian) was shot eight times (in his back) by an individual hired specifically to protect and serve the citizens in his jurisdiction. Assuming the shooter did not suffer mental illness, there's no rational explanation for the killing particularly when the video proves an attempt to cover up guilt!
How you missed ALL THAT escapes me.
4
Here in Texas we had a case in which police officers were chasing down a motorist that was speeding. The motorist lost control and the car went into the ditch. The driver tried to get out of the ditch but was pretty much stuck. Meanwhile, one of the police officers slipped and fell behind the car. So the other officer opened fire and killed the driver. They thought they had a car jacking but it turned out the person was the owner and was just speeding and trying to get away. This was all as reported by the police so we will never know if this is what really happened.
BTW, the driver was white so the story never picked up any national attention.
BTW, the driver was white so the story never picked up any national attention.
There was a guy who took a his van for a 'joyride' in Oakland very early one morning a few days ago. He did a few wheelies, hit several parked cars, then lost control of the van winding up on the front yard of a residence. The local morning news had a reporter and a live camera on the scene. A few police squad cars were there with a few cops milling around while the driver of the van was walking around his vehicle picking up various parts of it that had fallen off in the yard. The news station reporter on the scene was saying that there was no indication that any charges were going to be filed(?!?). And of course, the driver was white. I can only imagine what would be the scene there had the driver been African American or Hispanic.
3
It's time to call a lying, murderous police officer exactly what he is. No more euphemisms please!
4
Race is an important predictor of whom the police shoot and kill. But the far greater predictor is sex. Almost 100% of unarmed civilians shot by police are men.
I can't believe the comments here attempting to rationalize the officer's behavior.
5
The video shows that the cop plants the Taser on the ground next to the prone body of the victim. Then when he realizes he's being filmed he picks up the Taser and puts it back on his utility belt. Not much more needs to be said.
1
As a South Carolinian and an American, I am appalled and sad, but not weary of hearing these stories. Every one of them must be publicized widely until the message is clear: no one, police officer or civilian, has the right to take the life of another human being unless his own life is in imminent danger. The video is clear. One cannot fear for one's life from a man who is running away. The officer had no right to shoot and no right to take a life--and for a traffic stop!
4
Mr. Blow wrote: "It must start with “good cops” no longer countenancing the behavior of “bad cops.” It will start with those good cops publicly and vociferously chastising and condemning their brethren when they are wrong"
I agree with that statement.
At the same time however, should not the same concept be extended to the general public? For too long it seems, there are those that will come out and either condone or ignore the thug-like behavior of some in our society. Some will excuse this behavior by blaming it on poverty, or social inequality. People that engage in this behavior are glorified in music, in television in movies, and by the actions of some celebrities/athletes. Young people see this and get the impression that this behavior is acceptable.
In each case, bad behavior, whether by "bad cops", or by "bad people" should be 'publicly and vociferously chastised and condemned'.
I agree with that statement.
At the same time however, should not the same concept be extended to the general public? For too long it seems, there are those that will come out and either condone or ignore the thug-like behavior of some in our society. Some will excuse this behavior by blaming it on poverty, or social inequality. People that engage in this behavior are glorified in music, in television in movies, and by the actions of some celebrities/athletes. Young people see this and get the impression that this behavior is acceptable.
In each case, bad behavior, whether by "bad cops", or by "bad people" should be 'publicly and vociferously chastised and condemned'.
This is not the America I had expected when I left my fatherland in search of greener pastures. As a mother of two Black-American sons, I shudder!
1
Me thinks before we get into a black / white, and protest mode. we need to let this issue play out.
There is no evidence that this sicko cop would not have shot a white guy running from a traffic stop.
Let us hope cooler heads will prevail.
There is no evidence that this sicko cop would not have shot a white guy running from a traffic stop.
Let us hope cooler heads will prevail.
1
Imagine if the cop, realizing the relative innocuousness of a broken taillight, lets Mr. Brown run off to avoid an outstanding warrant on child support. The cop thinks, I've got his car, I've got his license, he's 50 some years old, he's not a violent fugitive, I know his address, where's he going to run to? I'll call his house later and suggest he come down to the station and get it all straightened out. Cop has the car towed and calls the man's house. Mr. Brown comes to the police station, pays for the tow, gets his ticket for the broken headlight, and promises to get the situation with the child support, not a criminal issue mind you, straightened out. Imagine that.
67
And to add to you clearly sensible scenario, no innocent civilians are endangered by a stray bullet. But it doesn't seem our police are hired on the basis of their good judgement.
1
Unless Mr. Scott had TWO broken taillights, he could not be ticketed in most of SC, which only requires one taillight be working. He could only have received a reminder or a warning. Which makes the whole thing that much more horrible.
1
Mr. Blow, when you refer to the "latest case" of "killings of unarmed people of color by police" you're lumping this case into the same bag as the other high profile cases in the recent news. This is a problem. In this case it’s obvious that the police officer used unjustified deadly force, and he was immediately fired and charged with murder. Clearly, no tolerance for this behavior exists in this police department. To compare this officer to the officers in the other recent cases suggests that the circumstances are the same in order to bolster the idea that there is rampant racism in police departments across the country resulting in murdered people of color. Continuing to perpetuate this meme is resulting in unnecessary protests, police department “re-education” exercises, the elimination of effective police practices and the growing impression that the police are not to be trusted. The last one is the most troubling because it’s resulting in more and more people feeling that the police are not to be listened to either. The obvious problem with this is that it will lead to more bad guys (of color and otherwise) becoming emboldened to not obey orders by police because the officers will fear being accused of brutality if they respond accordingly. This makes the officers less effective and puts everyone - bad guys, innocents and officers - at higher risk. So, while you’re trying to make things better, you’re actually making them worse.
10
The discussion that should lead to positive action cannot make it worse. Many Americans of all cultures and shades are in denial. These conversations puts them in a quandry--admit that America is not as good as I wish it was, or keep pretending that it's not that bad.
Men of color have never been confident enough in this country to feel that the law officers should not be listened to--black Americans killed in 2014 outnumbered the deaths in 9/11--wake up.
Men of color have never been confident enough in this country to feel that the law officers should not be listened to--black Americans killed in 2014 outnumbered the deaths in 9/11--wake up.
1
Come on now, didn't DOJ find enough evidence of disgusting racism and injustice in Ferguson PD? Or have we forgotten that amidst all the noise?
3
CTT, no what's making things worse is citizens trying to whitewash the behavior of police who themselves are barricading themselves behind a blue wall of silence. It's one thing is a suspect is brandishing a weapon...it's quite another if a suspect is running away or standing still. This is homicide, pure and simple. The only question is the degree.
1
Why was Scott running away from the police? Some say he was concerned about being arrested for non payment of child support. Isn't it just as likely that he was running from the policeman because he feared getting shot by a white policeman who had pulled him over for a traffic violation? As i understand it, there is a long history of inappropriate behavior of the police toward blacks in the community. Did Scott do the only thing he could do to try and save his life, run as fast as he could and hope the policeman was a poor shot?
35
A "bad decision" is ordering the cheeseburger instead of the quinoa salad. Shooting a fleeing suspect 8 times seems pretty deliberate.
71
Unfortunately for Mr. Scott's family, Mr. Blow and the rest of the liberal media have cried wolf so many times when it wasn't warranted, that now, when it is, a whole lot fewer people will be listening.
2
Dave -- you mentioned that "Mr. Blow and the rest of the liberal media have cried wolf so many times when it wasn't warranted..." I'm not sure what constitutes "crying wolf" in this circumstance. Rattle off a handful of examples for us, please.
3
Or maybe racist white people are simply not sure what to say about this one. And so they are waiting to be told what they should say.
I am a middle aged, middle class white woman who lives in the town where John Crawford was shot in Walmart for picking up a toy gun that was on display. His murder was the result of white panic on the part of the man who called 911 and the police who responded.
I believe that race is a major factor in most of the unwarranted police killings in America, but it is not the only factor. More than 100 people were killed by police just last month. A disproportionate number of them were mentally ill and/or nonwhite, but many of them were neither. Very few of them were committing crimes that warranted the death penalty, and many of them were not committing crimes at all. Don't think you are safe just because you are not black or poor.
The police in this country are out of control. In spite of the fact that violent crime is at its lowest level in more than 25 years, the number of police shootings continues to rise. When police across the country refuse to condemn what's happening, and instead close ranks behind one another like members of a gang, it scares me to death.
I believe that race is a major factor in most of the unwarranted police killings in America, but it is not the only factor. More than 100 people were killed by police just last month. A disproportionate number of them were mentally ill and/or nonwhite, but many of them were neither. Very few of them were committing crimes that warranted the death penalty, and many of them were not committing crimes at all. Don't think you are safe just because you are not black or poor.
The police in this country are out of control. In spite of the fact that violent crime is at its lowest level in more than 25 years, the number of police shootings continues to rise. When police across the country refuse to condemn what's happening, and instead close ranks behind one another like members of a gang, it scares me to death.
71
I agree 100% with what you said. If there is a silver lining to this very dark cloud, police should be taking to heart that there is no place to hide their misdeeds.
Even in a weed-choked vacant lot several yards from where you made your "routine traffic stop", someone could be standing nearby with a camera phone catching everything you did. It wasn't there for Michael Brown, and it didn't bring justice for Eric Garner, but maybe they will get the message that it will not be tolerated.
By acting so irresponsibly and callously, they are shining a spotlight on a whole community and bringing well-deserved shame. The Staten Island grand jury that found Daniel Pantaleo innocent of manslaughter should hang their heads; they won't, but they confirm every stereotype of their nasty, bigoted community. Ferguson has certainly become synonymous with modern racism.
It is gratifying that so many leaders in South Carolina have spoken out against this senseless tragedy. Hopefully, this policeman will be convicted of murder.
Even in a weed-choked vacant lot several yards from where you made your "routine traffic stop", someone could be standing nearby with a camera phone catching everything you did. It wasn't there for Michael Brown, and it didn't bring justice for Eric Garner, but maybe they will get the message that it will not be tolerated.
By acting so irresponsibly and callously, they are shining a spotlight on a whole community and bringing well-deserved shame. The Staten Island grand jury that found Daniel Pantaleo innocent of manslaughter should hang their heads; they won't, but they confirm every stereotype of their nasty, bigoted community. Ferguson has certainly become synonymous with modern racism.
It is gratifying that so many leaders in South Carolina have spoken out against this senseless tragedy. Hopefully, this policeman will be convicted of murder.
When an alcoholic looks at his own drinking, he may compare his behavior to the down and out men and women he's seen down on skid row and say "That's not me. I don't have a drinking problem." We call that "being in denial."
When police chief Eddie Driggers was asked if he thought race played a role in this shooting, he may have felt like he was being truthful, but objective observers might find his response fundamentally dishonest. Chief Driggers isn't the only police officer in denial.
Until the day comes that police departments *themselves* can get to a point where they recognize that race is an issue...we're not going to be able to have an honest conversation about this problem.
When police chief Eddie Driggers was asked if he thought race played a role in this shooting, he may have felt like he was being truthful, but objective observers might find his response fundamentally dishonest. Chief Driggers isn't the only police officer in denial.
Until the day comes that police departments *themselves* can get to a point where they recognize that race is an issue...we're not going to be able to have an honest conversation about this problem.
1
Looking at the video the scenario I posit is that of a sadistic and almost cinematic construct. The victim here runs away as if he is ordered to do so. Once he does he becomes prey, like a deer in the gun sight. And this is how he was shot - cool and dispassionate - the dispatching of tonight's dinner. Dirty Harry never did it so well.
It's sort of the PC thing to say something like, "most cops are GOOD," before you say anything critical. Individually I suppose that is true; or it is at least accurate to say that most cops set out with their best intentions in tow. This unfortunately glazes over the systematic militarization of police forces across the country. Remember when the standard "cop gun" was a .38 revolver? Now they have a 16 round pistol and a secondary sidearm in a separte holster. They are tuaght to value their own lives over the citizenry they police and all the while demand that we speak of them as heroes. So, yeah, I'm generalizing but I recall pearls of wisdom like "where there's smoke there's fire," and "bad apples ruin the bunch." This is a cultural problem and cannot be dismissed as a few rotten eggs.
3
The words "police said" mean absolutely nothing anymore. It is ridiculous to give any credence to what police say in the wake of all the incidents in which they have been shown to be lying. No more taking their word for anything. Body cams for all law enforcement now. No more excuses.
2
Nothing much will change with the police culture as long as we continue to recruit principally from the military. And where else will you find new cops? Law schools? So,yes, millions will be spent (made) on cultural sensitivity training for cops. But cop culture won't change.
1
Could this have anything to do with the statistic, which I have read in the past, that a high percentage of police officers are ex-military which have, as their primary military goal, the death of the "enemy?" More civilians of color without military training might go a long way to solving this ongoing situation.
2
I am convinced beyond a doubt that the arrest of this officer is not the end of the case, it's just the beginning and unfortunately every African American in this country (and many whites) know all too well the likelihood of how this will end up. Once the glare of the spotlight is off, the victim will be the one place under scrutiny. He will be found to be imperfect as all of us are. Maybe he has a record but then maybe this police officer had one too. Everything will be used to exonerate this officer. Unfortunately in areas such as South Carolina (and Staten Island) hatred, fear, and resentment of the black man is so strong that the benefits of all doubt will be given to the officer. Most whites in these areas have been so conditioned by media such as Fox News, that to treat the slain man as a human being , a son, a father, and a valuable member of the community is beyond them.
3
This is not a black-vs.-white issue.
This is a cop-vs.-civilian issue.
There are for too many cops in the US (probably five to ten times as many as are needed.) They are grossly over-compensated (driving states and municipalities toward bankruptcy with $100 K+ salaries for burger-flipper-level skills and decades of pensions for nothing). And many, if not most, are thugs.
This is a cop-vs.-civilian issue.
There are for too many cops in the US (probably five to ten times as many as are needed.) They are grossly over-compensated (driving states and municipalities toward bankruptcy with $100 K+ salaries for burger-flipper-level skills and decades of pensions for nothing). And many, if not most, are thugs.
1
The problem lies in the culture of police departments in community after community. So the guys in the North Charleston P. D. hear about the kid in Cleveland, the guy on Staten Island, the kid in Ferguson, and their reaction is ho hum, we'll really have to keep our noses clean for a while.
It seems to me that the Camden N.J. Solution is called for. In Camden they got rid of the entire force and hired a new force from scratch.
I propose that 1. all officers be required to wear a body camera at all times, and 2. if a department has more than one of these murders by officers of the law, they should expect to have their entire department retired, without pensions. Forward looking city councils will codify the threat of mass dismissals. That will get the attention of these hard shell PBA types. And it should be a federal offense for an officer to threaten anybody filming him or her in the "performance" of his or her duty.
Otherwise we are going to see more cops murdered, like the two innocent cops in Brooklyn. It was the culture of the NYPD that was responsible for the murder of those two innocent cops. Mayor De Blasio wasn't the culprit.
It seems to me that the Camden N.J. Solution is called for. In Camden they got rid of the entire force and hired a new force from scratch.
I propose that 1. all officers be required to wear a body camera at all times, and 2. if a department has more than one of these murders by officers of the law, they should expect to have their entire department retired, without pensions. Forward looking city councils will codify the threat of mass dismissals. That will get the attention of these hard shell PBA types. And it should be a federal offense for an officer to threaten anybody filming him or her in the "performance" of his or her duty.
Otherwise we are going to see more cops murdered, like the two innocent cops in Brooklyn. It was the culture of the NYPD that was responsible for the murder of those two innocent cops. Mayor De Blasio wasn't the culprit.
26
This conversation must be about more than police racism, as the problem extends far beyond the boundaries of race. By focusing the attention on police shootings of unarmed black men, and ignoring the shootings of unarmed whites and Latinos, we paint an inaccurate picture--exacerbating racial tensions and not addressing the root problem. White lives matter too--yet there is not a group reaction by every white person every time a white drug addict is shot. Therefore no marches, no media attention, and no change.
Here in Utah, where whites are generally the majority, we have a huge problem with the issuance of no-knock warrants and police entering homes without using any negotiation tactics. People are being shot in their living rooms as they run to the door to see what the disturbance is (in one case the man was shot in his underwear as he come out of the hall carrying a golf club). Many are shot while trying to flee on foot or in a vehicle after a brush with the law. Do these get national media attention? No, because the flavor of the month is police racial bias. We need to count ALL police shootings, and deem if they are justified, not just those of blacks.
I suspect that the incidence of police shootings is more strongly correlated with the incidence of crime than with race; police in locations battling high crime rates would therefore need the reduction of force training, not just police in majority-minority communities.
Here in Utah, where whites are generally the majority, we have a huge problem with the issuance of no-knock warrants and police entering homes without using any negotiation tactics. People are being shot in their living rooms as they run to the door to see what the disturbance is (in one case the man was shot in his underwear as he come out of the hall carrying a golf club). Many are shot while trying to flee on foot or in a vehicle after a brush with the law. Do these get national media attention? No, because the flavor of the month is police racial bias. We need to count ALL police shootings, and deem if they are justified, not just those of blacks.
I suspect that the incidence of police shootings is more strongly correlated with the incidence of crime than with race; police in locations battling high crime rates would therefore need the reduction of force training, not just police in majority-minority communities.
Several decades ago, as a young physician, I went with a physician/sheriff's deputy colleague to a Los Angeles Sheriff's Department Medical Reserve recruiting session. One of the presenters was a long-time detective who explained with some pride that in his 30+ years as a sheriff, he had never fired his weapon. He had been in many situations where he would have been justified in doing so, but he said that there was always tomorrow to apprehend the suspect, which the sheriffs usually did. This exemplifies the fundamental culture change that must occur in law enforcement--rather than regarding their encounters as (expletives) who need to be punished, everyone in law enforcement needs to be taught from day one that they are dealing with a spectrum of human beings, only a few of whom deserve the use of deadly force, and the rest of whom they must accurately assess for dangerousness and respond accordingly. This is both an attitudinal/ethical issue and a training issue.
6
Has anybody asked why the man was running away from the police officer?
Running away from a policeman would seem to me to be a "probable cause" that the person has possibly broken the law. Why else would he run away?
Obviously, killing someone is not justified by the "possibility" that the victim broke the law, but if more so called "people of color", as well as "people of no color" (whites) would not resist arrest, run, or act disrespectfully against law enforcement officers, they would not find themselves in these situations.
It seems that in most (if not all) of the "white officer shooting "men of color" cases, the victims either resisted arrest, failed to follow the directives of the police officers, or ran from the police.
So ... go figure! :-\
Running away from a policeman would seem to me to be a "probable cause" that the person has possibly broken the law. Why else would he run away?
Obviously, killing someone is not justified by the "possibility" that the victim broke the law, but if more so called "people of color", as well as "people of no color" (whites) would not resist arrest, run, or act disrespectfully against law enforcement officers, they would not find themselves in these situations.
It seems that in most (if not all) of the "white officer shooting "men of color" cases, the victims either resisted arrest, failed to follow the directives of the police officers, or ran from the police.
So ... go figure! :-\
PS: Untrained police officers are a major problem, and police cover ups of police killings of victims are huge problems. But they are to some extent "symptoms" of the larger problem of "people of color" breaking the law more often than "people of no color" (with regards to percentage of crimes committed vs. percentage of the population). This is in turn a symptom of the inability of the country so far to better address the plight of those who are "less economically advantaged").
Eight bullets in the back....
He was running away because he owed back child support and didn't want to go to jail.
On a deeper level we, our society has set in motion a set of policies, beliefs and myths that lead inevitably to this and other violent encounters initiated by police against people of color.
Mandatory sentencing is unnecessarily punitive, not rehabilitative and wrecks the lives of countless thousands often for low level drug offenses. Mass incarceration has meant mass Black incarceration. This attitude toward punishment has filtered down to the police. They believe that lying is permissible because they are defending the public against "them". Even good cops often go along to get along and a culture of lying pervades many police departments.
In New York it's ignore the law with stop and frisk. In Chicago its torture and beaten confessions, in Philadelphia it's shoot first ask questions later. In almost every big city ploice department Black lives don't matter. What matters are more arrests, detentions, high bails, inadequate legal representation and incarceration in ever increasing numbers. As crime statistics go down this machine continues to grind up Black lives and spit them out into an environment of failed schools and no jobs. And the cycle continues.
This isn't just about the police, although they are the cutting edge of these policies. This killing, lined up with the near endless others is testimony to the fact that as a matter of current public policy, Black lives don't matter. I'm open for people of good will to prove me wrong. But so far they haven't.
Mandatory sentencing is unnecessarily punitive, not rehabilitative and wrecks the lives of countless thousands often for low level drug offenses. Mass incarceration has meant mass Black incarceration. This attitude toward punishment has filtered down to the police. They believe that lying is permissible because they are defending the public against "them". Even good cops often go along to get along and a culture of lying pervades many police departments.
In New York it's ignore the law with stop and frisk. In Chicago its torture and beaten confessions, in Philadelphia it's shoot first ask questions later. In almost every big city ploice department Black lives don't matter. What matters are more arrests, detentions, high bails, inadequate legal representation and incarceration in ever increasing numbers. As crime statistics go down this machine continues to grind up Black lives and spit them out into an environment of failed schools and no jobs. And the cycle continues.
This isn't just about the police, although they are the cutting edge of these policies. This killing, lined up with the near endless others is testimony to the fact that as a matter of current public policy, Black lives don't matter. I'm open for people of good will to prove me wrong. But so far they haven't.
2
Why did the 2nd cop on the scene, an African American, not blow the whistle on Slager's planting of evidence and fales report?
8
Each time I read or hear about one these tragedies my heart breaks for the families involved. Someone was killed for no reason. Parents have lost a child, children have lost a parent, friends have lost a friend, someone lost a valued co-worker. Maybe our hearts need to break a little more rather than trying to justify these incidents by saying that he was running from the cops, he was behaving in a menacing way, or he had a record and that justifies being judge, jury and executioner. I watched the video twice because I couldn't believe what I was seeing: an officer calmly taking aim at a fleeing man, shooting him in the back, cuffing him, and not even checking to see if he was alive or dead. Dropping something next to what was a dead person at that point, perhaps in order to protect himself.
All that tells me is that this officer felt free to create a scene to exculpate himself, to excuse his inexcusable execution of a man he shot in the back. That it was a black man adds to the tragedy. Had it been a white man I'm sure that this traffic stop would have stayed a routine traffic stop. Blacks and law enforcement do not go together well; there is too much baggage on both sides but the police often aggravate it. Indeed, they often aggravate many situations simply because of how they come in ready to bash heads.
Although I cannot, I would like to lay a symbolic bouquet for Mr. Scott and his family. I hope that justice is achieved for them.
All that tells me is that this officer felt free to create a scene to exculpate himself, to excuse his inexcusable execution of a man he shot in the back. That it was a black man adds to the tragedy. Had it been a white man I'm sure that this traffic stop would have stayed a routine traffic stop. Blacks and law enforcement do not go together well; there is too much baggage on both sides but the police often aggravate it. Indeed, they often aggravate many situations simply because of how they come in ready to bash heads.
Although I cannot, I would like to lay a symbolic bouquet for Mr. Scott and his family. I hope that justice is achieved for them.
5
Hen3ry, with all due respect you're missing the vital point here. It simply would not and could not have turned out this way if Mr Scott had been white.
This is a clear case of police abuse biased by racism. I think the death penalty would be very appropiate for this cop if only to set an example of justice and start getting the community to trust the police again. This cop is NO different from a criminal, but worse, since he is disguised by wearing a police uniform. The recruitment process should for policemen should also be revised to avoid these racists and criminal minds from entering the police force.
Again, death penalty for this cop would be in order!!!!!
Again, death penalty for this cop would be in order!!!!!
6
Even more important than executing this cop (life in prison might be a whole lot worse for him) is the most important priority of checking the reports that Slager AND all the responding officers filed before the existence of the video was known, and prosecuting, on both departmental and criminal level, any cover up by Slager's brethren in blue. The line in the sand is that helping to cover up malfeasance s completely unacceptable.
1
How tolerant of you.
Mr. Blow, you're no different than most of the other race baiting individuals we see every day. Poor Mr. Scott. If we believe your slanted version of this tale of whoa, all Mr. Scott did was have a broken taillight. I find it strange that while you can spew this nonsense every day, you make no attempt to tell the entire store. You know the one about Mr. Scott fathering several children with several woman and not paying child support. Has enough money for a new care though. Or the fact that your Mr. Scott has several active arrest warrants. Instead of continuing this race baiting, how about mentoring the black community about personal responsibility.
5
Right on - execute all those who fail to pay child support; execute all those who have an outstanding arrest warrant! Unless they're white of course. That's different.
2
So would your reasoning have been the same if the race of the individuals had been reversed? Would you have felt the same way if a black cop had shot unemployed 'Billy Bob' living in a trailer park on cinder blocks, smoking meth all day long on the porch, living off of food stamps, drinking Budweiser through his two missing front teeth?
Or is it that only 'irresponsible' people of color deserve to die if anyone just so happens to get the chance to shoot them?
Or is it that only 'irresponsible' people of color deserve to die if anyone just so happens to get the chance to shoot them?
4
Oh so he deserved to be shot in the back because he owed child support. And of course no white man owes child support. Only black men. And so black men should be shot in the back.
4
Maybe there is something wrong with the concept of police. Have we created a cult, where hundreds of staff can take time off from work to attend bagpipe funerals, and where generous exceptions are made in public pension policy. Do we need to emphasize that police are ordinary public employees, with jobs not unusually hazardous, who are charged with administering laws made by their superiors, public legislative bodies and civil administrations. Breaking down the cult mode might help to get better behavior.
6
I am reminded of a video I saw while in University. A police officer confronts a man with a rifle in his hand and at gun point orders the man to put the rifle on the ground. As the man is putting the rifle on the ground the police officer's partner, who was approaching the man from the rear, shoots the man.
At that point the professor stops the video and asks for the class's opinion. Obviously it was cold blooded murder on the part of the officer in the rear. The man was surrendering and putting his rifle on the ground when he was shot in cold blood.
Further review of the video showed the man with the rifle reaching behind his back with his free hand as he was putting the rifle on the ground. There was pistol in his belt on his back which he intended to use on the officer in front. The video did not show the other gun. The man did not know there was an other officer at his rear.
Let's not rush to judgement. Be wary of one dimensional videos.
At that point the professor stops the video and asks for the class's opinion. Obviously it was cold blooded murder on the part of the officer in the rear. The man was surrendering and putting his rifle on the ground when he was shot in cold blood.
Further review of the video showed the man with the rifle reaching behind his back with his free hand as he was putting the rifle on the ground. There was pistol in his belt on his back which he intended to use on the officer in front. The video did not show the other gun. The man did not know there was an other officer at his rear.
Let's not rush to judgement. Be wary of one dimensional videos.
5
Yeah, that's right, Mr Scott was running very slowly to his WW2 tank which he intended to use to run over the police officer just as soon as he remembered where he had left the key.
1
Best case scenario, Scott's hands are fully visible in the video, as he fled, so the comparison you draw is thoroughly inapt.
I agree about not prejudging. But I am also in favor of using the video to disprove claims made by the police, such as the bunkum claim by Slager and other officers that they administered CPR. That is clearly shown to be a lie. The reports, which are equivalent of sworn testimony, about the location of Slager's taser, will also be crucial, and might be the wellspring for charges of tampering with evidence, filing a false instrument, and, possibly, obstruction of justice and perjury. There are felonies in there. Let justice be properly done.
I agree about not prejudging. But I am also in favor of using the video to disprove claims made by the police, such as the bunkum claim by Slager and other officers that they administered CPR. That is clearly shown to be a lie. The reports, which are equivalent of sworn testimony, about the location of Slager's taser, will also be crucial, and might be the wellspring for charges of tampering with evidence, filing a false instrument, and, possibly, obstruction of justice and perjury. There are felonies in there. Let justice be properly done.
2
So are you saying that maybe in this wide open space (as shown in the video) that there may have been another perpetrator...perhaps further beyond the victim and outside of the video frame...who may have had a gun pointed at the officer, and that maybe the officer way trying to shoot at HIM, and not Mr. Scott?
Or maybe what you are thinking is that Mr. Scott, while running away from the cop, was also pointing a gun backwards at him, but we are simply not able to see it due to the angle of the video???
Or maybe what you are thinking is that Mr. Scott, while running away from the cop, was also pointing a gun backwards at him, but we are simply not able to see it due to the angle of the video???
Sadly, I can't imagine how any jury can avoid convicting Mr. Slager for this avoidable crime. The video makes it clear that there were many irregularities in Mr. Slager's behavior. I don't want to believe that officers consciously base their decisions on the race of the individuals they stop for whatever reason. Maybe it's an unconscious bias...
I believe that officers, as part of their training, should study the history of racism in America, then have a mandatory follow-up every year. They should be required, a month or so after each training, to take a short "test" measuring whether there are changes their attitude about members of other races, w/ an emphasis on their beliefs on black subjects.
I don't know whether my idea would work, but I do know that repetition helps us learn, and testing a month later can tell a supervisor which officers are changing their attitudes rather than parroting back what they just were told. Perhaps officers could be excused after they have satisfactorily "passed" the examination for a certain number of years...
I would like to see young black men & women apply to be police officers. Also take your protests to those who are most affected by the violence, and let them know that the police can be more responsive to the motivations of their sons, brothers, and siblings because there will be more black officers interacting with the white officers. Such a plan could radically change the attitudes of the police force.
:-) Have a great day!
I believe that officers, as part of their training, should study the history of racism in America, then have a mandatory follow-up every year. They should be required, a month or so after each training, to take a short "test" measuring whether there are changes their attitude about members of other races, w/ an emphasis on their beliefs on black subjects.
I don't know whether my idea would work, but I do know that repetition helps us learn, and testing a month later can tell a supervisor which officers are changing their attitudes rather than parroting back what they just were told. Perhaps officers could be excused after they have satisfactorily "passed" the examination for a certain number of years...
I would like to see young black men & women apply to be police officers. Also take your protests to those who are most affected by the violence, and let them know that the police can be more responsive to the motivations of their sons, brothers, and siblings because there will be more black officers interacting with the white officers. Such a plan could radically change the attitudes of the police force.
:-) Have a great day!
I don't believe it's entirely about race, as police have no problem killing and beating the mentally ill, homeless or just poor and sassy, regardless of race. But when they see a poor black man driving a junker with a broken taillight, they know their word will be trusted over the dead victim's. But you have a point that a black man in a nice car will be stopped on suspicion of criminality, including I believe it was one out 14 off duty black cops in New York, NY. A white man in a nice car will get out of any crime with a slap on the wrist.
Congrats to Mr. Blow --- after falsely accusing the officer in Ferguson you finally have the case you were looking for.
There are many people who view wrongly view all Black males as suspect.
Isn't Mr. Blow now viewing all White cops as suspect?
There are many people who view wrongly view all Black males as suspect.
Isn't Mr. Blow now viewing all White cops as suspect?
7
That's right, shoot the messenger, not the culprit.
3
I for one never believed the Ferguson officer.
2
How, after actually reading Mr. Blow's column, and reviewing the chilling video evidence that exists only by freak coincidence, you can post a comment like this is beyond any possible stab at a reasonable guess.
2
The American Black - formerly Negro - has waited, and waited, and waited for justice in this land. So many of the songs from the era of slavery and Reconstruction speak of the weariness of the wait, the resolve of the singers to wait, and the injustice of it all. These are now central to our culture. Yes, these songs are poignant and touching, but it is time that they were CLEARLY associated with the past, and not the present, most certainly not the future.
I am ashamed for us - the white oppressors.
I am ashamed for us - the white oppressors.
7
Cameras may help but they will not stop the culture of mistrust and paranoia police have for not only minority communities, but civilians in general. Why sign up for the job if you have no desire to protect those you're called to protect? Can we please get Robocop already??
3
But FOX insists we must move on! Racism is dead,just ask Limbaugh and friends. I am glad the video was taken and it looks like justice in this case will be served.
7
Brutality by those in authority is a natural consequence of collectivism. As our society moves away from the natural rights enumerated in the Constitution, and towards a society based on the regulation and control of the populace, we can expect more killings like this.
3
Mr. Blow is correct, this is a cultural problem; one deeply rooted in both society and in the police force. We have a society that devalues the life of black men, in particular, and a pervasive police culture that elevates the life of the officer above all others. This is why there is a nonchalant attitude regarding the use of deadly force by the police, and why it is so difficult to even get an indictment.
This is not a good cop vs. bad cop story. As Mr. Blow wrote, the police commanders have to be the ones to change police culture, and it starts with ending the blue wall of silence.
This is not a good cop vs. bad cop story. As Mr. Blow wrote, the police commanders have to be the ones to change police culture, and it starts with ending the blue wall of silence.
6
A police officer can shoot when there is an imminent threat to himself or to others. In this case, the man shot was clearly not a threat to either himself or to anyone else. Nobody else was around in the immediate vicinity. It does not appear he had taken a taser. Even if he had, how would that be an imminent threat to others? Finally, if it could be proven that it was necessary to subdue the man, it doesn't seem reasonable that it take 5-8 shots in the back to do so.
I have read that there is an influx of ex-military coming into the police forces. Maybe this is a problem. Could these police officers suffer from PTSD, and view citizens as the enemy in a war? Perhaps this should be an area of investigation.
Something is clearly wrong. To blame it on training minimizes the severity of the issue.
I have read that there is an influx of ex-military coming into the police forces. Maybe this is a problem. Could these police officers suffer from PTSD, and view citizens as the enemy in a war? Perhaps this should be an area of investigation.
Something is clearly wrong. To blame it on training minimizes the severity of the issue.
3
2012 statistics show that cops are much more likely to kill whites in an encounter than blacks. Blacks account for approximately 50 percent of the crime in the U.S., but killings of blacks are nowhere near 50 percent.
3
Another way to interpret your data is to observe that blacks account for roughly 50 percent of the arrests in the US, though they represent nowhere near that percentage of the population. Do you see the difference?
1
Your statistics might make sense if blacks constituted5% of the population. But they are only 13% of the population, rendering your claim as nonsense.
1
Based on the partial story we’ve heard, the officer appears to have shot a helpless man in the back – someone who posed no threat to him. If it's true, it's an appalling crime that must be punished. But we don't know that yet.
Charles Blow wrote an opinion based on this partial info, i.e., a racist officer murdered an innocent man, and that officer is part of a larger problem that is prevalent throughout the country. It's an opinion, and Mr. Blow is entitled to it. As an opinion, it can be published without meeting basic journalistic standards.
Because it's only an opinion, Mr. Blow can:
- Present a one-sided narrative to persuade people rather than inform them
- Cite only supporting data, i.e., a CBS News poll, a Sentencing Project report, and a Justice Dept report
- Ignore contrary evidence, e.g., circumstances surrounding deadly confrontations, medical evidence, reports offsetting the one issued by the Justice Dept, and polls that show distrust of the media is more widespread than distrust of the police
- Refuse to speculate on whether his column contributes to problems like racial animosity, destroyed property, and violence with which police are contending, including the murders of two NYPD officers, and attempted murder of two Ferguson officers a few weeks ago
Still, Mr. Blow’s opinion appears in a newspaper, leading some to mistake it for news. It is disturbing to see many commenters forming their judgement entirely upon Charles Blow's opinion.
Charles Blow wrote an opinion based on this partial info, i.e., a racist officer murdered an innocent man, and that officer is part of a larger problem that is prevalent throughout the country. It's an opinion, and Mr. Blow is entitled to it. As an opinion, it can be published without meeting basic journalistic standards.
Because it's only an opinion, Mr. Blow can:
- Present a one-sided narrative to persuade people rather than inform them
- Cite only supporting data, i.e., a CBS News poll, a Sentencing Project report, and a Justice Dept report
- Ignore contrary evidence, e.g., circumstances surrounding deadly confrontations, medical evidence, reports offsetting the one issued by the Justice Dept, and polls that show distrust of the media is more widespread than distrust of the police
- Refuse to speculate on whether his column contributes to problems like racial animosity, destroyed property, and violence with which police are contending, including the murders of two NYPD officers, and attempted murder of two Ferguson officers a few weeks ago
Still, Mr. Blow’s opinion appears in a newspaper, leading some to mistake it for news. It is disturbing to see many commenters forming their judgement entirely upon Charles Blow's opinion.
5
@Ruby: I saw the video. If you're not horrified by what you saw, shame on you. I am as much concerned by widespread reports of what the police claimed, both on radio and in their reports. They include, from Slager and backup officers that they administered CPR, an obvious lie. If they made that claim in an official report, that is a *crime,* and must be prosecuted. I'm sure that a law and order enthusiast such as yourself would have no issue with prosecuting any incidents of filing a false instrument/perjury, obstruction of justice and tampering with evidence, right? Right.
2
So you haven't bothered to watch the video footage then, and you think the local police chief was wrong to dismiss this police officer?
1
Charles, you made a statement about getting tired of talking about the shooting of people of color. Fair statement . This was truly a terrible act and hopefully the officer will get his just due. Please stop then , OK ? The FACT is there were twice as many whites shot by cops last year than "people of color". So, if you are being honest,please admit that you keep talking about it to flame racial tension like your buddy,Al Sharpton. Way to go, lets just keep widening the divide.
4
If you'll allow me to keep repeating this: it's not just men of color. You must start to acknowledge that fact in your columns and reporting!
More than twice as many white men are killed by police as black men, and they range from unarmed young men (Dillon Taylor) to WWII vets in nursing homes (John Wrana) to the mentally ill (Joseph Jennings) to teenagers holding video game controllers that were mistaken for guns (Christopher Roupe).
I don't know why you are so intent on claiming victim status only for young men of color when this type of activity happens on a daily basis across this country to people of all races, ages and backgrounds. You would receive so much more support for your position if you'd stop turning events like this into black-vs-white issues. There is no reason to believe that is the case.
More than twice as many white men are killed by police as black men, and they range from unarmed young men (Dillon Taylor) to WWII vets in nursing homes (John Wrana) to the mentally ill (Joseph Jennings) to teenagers holding video game controllers that were mistaken for guns (Christopher Roupe).
I don't know why you are so intent on claiming victim status only for young men of color when this type of activity happens on a daily basis across this country to people of all races, ages and backgrounds. You would receive so much more support for your position if you'd stop turning events like this into black-vs-white issues. There is no reason to believe that is the case.
5
Finally a town in the USA got it right -- North Charleston. With all the men in blue who got away with murder, this killer thought he could get away with it too.
5
“…This case is yet another in a horrifyingly familiar succession of cases that have elevated the issue of use of force, particularly deadly force, by officers against people of color and inflamed the conversation that surrounds it…
[T]he North Charleston police chief, Eddie Driggers, was asked the question that is always circling cases like this like a condor: whether he thought race played a role in what happened…”
___
There is absolutely no denying that Mr. Scott was shot and killed in a cowardly manner.
Yet, as so many are arguing for change, in what is a systemically bias system, attitudes and behaviors must come from both sides of the street? Mr. Scott’s priors are one item but his outstanding warrants, for what, non-payment of child support, are those oft overlooked as enforceable crimes in the black community? Moreover, is that why he ran? Hopefully the murder investigation will reveal much, much more.
_+_+_+_
“…As the International Business Times put it in August, law enforcement agencies ‘are often hard pressed to find black applicants…”
___
There was an article in the Times yesterday (http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/08/nyregion/questions-of-bias-are-raised-... about “..A federal judge is questioning whether a new exam for aspiring teachers in New York is discriminatory against minorities…”.
Where are we going as a country and why are we in this handbasket?
[T]he North Charleston police chief, Eddie Driggers, was asked the question that is always circling cases like this like a condor: whether he thought race played a role in what happened…”
___
There is absolutely no denying that Mr. Scott was shot and killed in a cowardly manner.
Yet, as so many are arguing for change, in what is a systemically bias system, attitudes and behaviors must come from both sides of the street? Mr. Scott’s priors are one item but his outstanding warrants, for what, non-payment of child support, are those oft overlooked as enforceable crimes in the black community? Moreover, is that why he ran? Hopefully the murder investigation will reveal much, much more.
_+_+_+_
“…As the International Business Times put it in August, law enforcement agencies ‘are often hard pressed to find black applicants…”
___
There was an article in the Times yesterday (http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/08/nyregion/questions-of-bias-are-raised-... about “..A federal judge is questioning whether a new exam for aspiring teachers in New York is discriminatory against minorities…”.
Where are we going as a country and why are we in this handbasket?
The purpose of the article posting was as a comparator to finding diversity in the workplace. Are we, as a society, supposed to grade on a sliding scale? Hold the minority teachers of our children to a different set of standards and/or grade based upon the notion of affirmative action?
Whatever happened to fighting for equality? Wasn't that Dr. King's Dream?
Whatever happened to fighting for equality? Wasn't that Dr. King's Dream?
Although the citizen resisted lawful orders and fled from police, the shooting appears to be unjustified. However, I don't know what was said or where Mr. Scott was fleeing to.
As for planting evidence, it is possible the officer was securing evidence before a crowd gathers and the stun gun disappears, placing it near his prisoner so he could keep an eye on it until crime scene detectives took custody of the stun gun for analysis.
As for planting evidence, it is possible the officer was securing evidence before a crowd gathers and the stun gun disappears, placing it near his prisoner so he could keep an eye on it until crime scene detectives took custody of the stun gun for analysis.
I believe that police overall lack respect and common decency, not only in the case of minorities but with regard to the public at large. The killing of innocent people is not limited to black males. Charles Blow fails to realize that although it may seem that men of color are unfairly targeted, these are the sensational cases that get reported. If an innocent white man gets killed by police it doesn't make the news at all.
8
If a 50 year old Black African American man named Walter Scott was initially racially profiled, stalked and stopped for driving while Black in a Mercedes Benz with a bad taillight, what difference does it make whether he was later videoed being shot in the back as he ran away?
Far more Black African Americans experience the mentally emotionally humiliating initial escalating immoral illegal steps of these cop encounters than end up being shot like Walter Scott.
Moreover, the fact that Mr. Scott was killed and his cop killer has been charged with murder does not mean that the criminal justice system will reach the ultimate legal conclusion that the cop was guilty of murder. Although there is no legal finding of innocent, the jury could hang or find the cop not guilty. Indeed, history teaches us that is the most likely legal outcome.
Humanity denying bigotry about membership in the one human rainbow colored race plus incompetence along with unethical and unprofessional law enforcement behavioral practice is immoral, unjust and illegal. But it is exceptionally American.
Far more Black African Americans experience the mentally emotionally humiliating initial escalating immoral illegal steps of these cop encounters than end up being shot like Walter Scott.
Moreover, the fact that Mr. Scott was killed and his cop killer has been charged with murder does not mean that the criminal justice system will reach the ultimate legal conclusion that the cop was guilty of murder. Although there is no legal finding of innocent, the jury could hang or find the cop not guilty. Indeed, history teaches us that is the most likely legal outcome.
Humanity denying bigotry about membership in the one human rainbow colored race plus incompetence along with unethical and unprofessional law enforcement behavioral practice is immoral, unjust and illegal. But it is exceptionally American.
5
Wow. I'm encouraged by the number of people commenting and liking and discussing this. People, we just need to be the change we see. We ARE the US, and we don't have to put up with this.
For those of us with black children or grandchildren this is particularly frightening.
2
I have read on my home page website an article by Mitch Weiss and Michael Bieseckeer that this officer was involved in another incident involving a young black man at his home in 2013. The young man was tased and fell to the floor in pain, then handcuffed and taken away. He was subsequently released with no charges when it was discovered that this was a case of mistaken identity and the officers were looking for his brother. If this officer got away with this and it was swept under the rug, there will be much for the North Charleston police to explain. I don't understand why this story has not appeared in the Times but it certainly bears some investigation.
3
How can we teach our children respect for the law when the police permit their fellow officers to break it? The Blue Wall of Silence places every police officer in danger as the citizenry's respect declines. I propose police officers that arrest and testify against dirty or abusive officers be awarded the arrested officers annual salary as a reward. Let's see how the cops feel about cops when they have to look over their shoulders when another officer is around in fear they will commit an offense.
3
I wonder about how many of these incidents are brought about by the way poverty (or the lack of cash to pay what one owes in fines) effects public safety.
Someone has stated that Mr Scott had been arrested in the past for failure to pay child support and likely was in fear for arest on the charge of unpaid child support the day he died.
This isn't the time to argue for or against jailing deadbeat parents it is the time to focus upon arresting people as a way to collect overdue bills.
Is this the USA we have become?
Just this week the TIMES wrote about the jailing of people for their inability to pay traffic tickets.
To book someone into jail costs a thousand dollars or more in places in Florida most likely that cost is about average everywhere.
Who benefits econimicly when taxpayers spend more than a thousand dollars to jail someone who cannot pay a $500 debt?
Our Country evolved into a place where poverty is punishable. Elected Legislators spend working hours championing even more ways to punish the poor as if their mean spirited laws will somehow magicly change anyone's economic conditions.
We have major corporations who benefit far more from public assistance to their employees than those employees who must submit themselves to the soul deadening scrutiny of our State Welfare agencies.
But Legislators who know which side of the electorate butters their bread fail to address the largest welfare beneficiaries.
Involving Police in debt collection has deadly consequences.
Someone has stated that Mr Scott had been arrested in the past for failure to pay child support and likely was in fear for arest on the charge of unpaid child support the day he died.
This isn't the time to argue for or against jailing deadbeat parents it is the time to focus upon arresting people as a way to collect overdue bills.
Is this the USA we have become?
Just this week the TIMES wrote about the jailing of people for their inability to pay traffic tickets.
To book someone into jail costs a thousand dollars or more in places in Florida most likely that cost is about average everywhere.
Who benefits econimicly when taxpayers spend more than a thousand dollars to jail someone who cannot pay a $500 debt?
Our Country evolved into a place where poverty is punishable. Elected Legislators spend working hours championing even more ways to punish the poor as if their mean spirited laws will somehow magicly change anyone's economic conditions.
We have major corporations who benefit far more from public assistance to their employees than those employees who must submit themselves to the soul deadening scrutiny of our State Welfare agencies.
But Legislators who know which side of the electorate butters their bread fail to address the largest welfare beneficiaries.
Involving Police in debt collection has deadly consequences.
2
“For all the concern about the ‘Stop Snitchin’ message within the hip-hop community, police have engaged in a far more impactful and pernicious Stop Snitchin’ campaign of their own. It’s called the Blue Wall of Silence"
Yes, police will and have protected their own via omission or simply skewing fact. However I imagine the few times this occurs, compared to the number of times the Community Wall of Silence is employed, thereby allowing dangerous depressed teens and men to continue victimizing peaceful people, makes the BWofS, not quite as pernicious as the author suggests.
"And lastly, there remains a disturbing desire to find perfection in a case, to find one devoid of ambiguity, as if police interactions with the public are not often complicated affairs in which many judgments are made in quick order by all involved and in which a tremendous amount of discretion is allowed to be exercised."
There are times police investigate people wanted for violent crimes and when they spy a person who matches the description they have to challenge that person with authority. Not to do so is compromising police and public safety.
I really wish someone would address the issues causing disharmony instead of ignoring the words of Tupac Shakur when he wrote, 'Dear Mama'. His words are enlightening if you think about them.
I've met Tupac, not once or twice, but every day I went to work, trying, yet often failing at protecting his peaceful neighbors from him and his crew.
Yes, police will and have protected their own via omission or simply skewing fact. However I imagine the few times this occurs, compared to the number of times the Community Wall of Silence is employed, thereby allowing dangerous depressed teens and men to continue victimizing peaceful people, makes the BWofS, not quite as pernicious as the author suggests.
"And lastly, there remains a disturbing desire to find perfection in a case, to find one devoid of ambiguity, as if police interactions with the public are not often complicated affairs in which many judgments are made in quick order by all involved and in which a tremendous amount of discretion is allowed to be exercised."
There are times police investigate people wanted for violent crimes and when they spy a person who matches the description they have to challenge that person with authority. Not to do so is compromising police and public safety.
I really wish someone would address the issues causing disharmony instead of ignoring the words of Tupac Shakur when he wrote, 'Dear Mama'. His words are enlightening if you think about them.
I've met Tupac, not once or twice, but every day I went to work, trying, yet often failing at protecting his peaceful neighbors from him and his crew.
Avery, you are 100% wrong. Every time the blue wall of silence is employed, it is done under color of authority, in defiance of a sworn duty to tell and uphold the truth. And the police in numbers is a tiny fraction of greater population. For instance, at its Giuliani peak, there was an army of 40,000 in NYPD, which is a shade under 0.5% of the overall population. Care to speculate whether BWoS amounts to under 0.5% of the total?
1
Culture change is a polite euphemism for the truth: we are a nation of bullies! Baseball is not the national pastime. We revel in malignant cruelty: destroying the successful for some human failing, strip mining the wages of the middle class using electronically administered bank fees hidden costs and bate 'n switch marketing, filling prisons with sad frightened people who sought solace in weeds an poppy resin that has been in use for the same purpose for thousands of years, using totally harmless minorities bedroom habits as bate to gull an entire stratum of poorly educated superstitious white voters to elect elitist fascists ..... According to the prophet, the sin of sodom was prideful sloth. Why bother with culture change when we're too busy eroding our foreign markets and driving away good partners like Israel.
2
Slager stands over Scott's body with not one drop of anguish, remorse, or respect. Brutal and chilling.
6
This is personal for every man of color. Impossible not to put oneself in Mr. Scotts shoes.
3
I was reading an article on MSN about the interview with the young
man who took the video. He did go to the police station, but had second
thoughts about his own safety if he presented the video to the authorities.
He probably did the right thing ...He left and eventually sought out Walter
Scott's family first.....It's crazy to think that he was better off not going to
the police.....but he was..... What does that say about US...
man who took the video. He did go to the police station, but had second
thoughts about his own safety if he presented the video to the authorities.
He probably did the right thing ...He left and eventually sought out Walter
Scott's family first.....It's crazy to think that he was better off not going to
the police.....but he was..... What does that say about US...
101
Here in Omaha a few months back, police attempted to serve some minor ticket for an auto infraction, on a black man. He apparently mouthed off to one of the six cops, and suddenly he's pushed down, handcuffed, and then beaten by one of the officers (the guy never resists the police officer).
The guys younger brother was standing about 20-30 feet away, and filmed it on his cell phone. The cops saw him, and they then chased him into his home, breaking down the door to get in (no search warrant, no valid reason to enter the home). They then confiscated his camera, claiming his video was "evidence."
Curiously, when later demanded, the police announced the "evidence" had been lost while in custody.
How do we know what really happened, since the video was "lost'?
Because a neighbor directly above the scene, and across the street from the home the police illegally entered, was also capturing all this on video. He, however, wasn't seen by the police and never turned it over to them, instead posting it online and then turning a copy over to the local TV stations and newspaper. Gee, one would think people don't trust police officers to do their jobs honestly!! I wonder why?
FYI, two of the six cops were allowed to "resign" but neither was charged with a crime. Two others were administratively punished, while the last two got off completely. Oh, and all charges against the original target of the police were dropped, and his family have filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit.
The guys younger brother was standing about 20-30 feet away, and filmed it on his cell phone. The cops saw him, and they then chased him into his home, breaking down the door to get in (no search warrant, no valid reason to enter the home). They then confiscated his camera, claiming his video was "evidence."
Curiously, when later demanded, the police announced the "evidence" had been lost while in custody.
How do we know what really happened, since the video was "lost'?
Because a neighbor directly above the scene, and across the street from the home the police illegally entered, was also capturing all this on video. He, however, wasn't seen by the police and never turned it over to them, instead posting it online and then turning a copy over to the local TV stations and newspaper. Gee, one would think people don't trust police officers to do their jobs honestly!! I wonder why?
FYI, two of the six cops were allowed to "resign" but neither was charged with a crime. Two others were administratively punished, while the last two got off completely. Oh, and all charges against the original target of the police were dropped, and his family have filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit.
IfMichael Brown had not attacked the police officer, he would be alive. Had Trevon Martin not attacked George Zimmerman, he would be alive. Had Eric Garner complied with a polce order, he would be alive.
Had Walter Scott not run from the officer he would be alive.
Period.
Had Walter Scott not run from the officer he would be alive.
Period.
5
If George Zimmerman had not followed Trayvon Martin after he was told that the police didn't need him to do that, Mr. Martin would still be alive. If George Zimmerman had not been carrying a gun he would not have followed Trayvon Martin.
If the police officer stopping Michael Brown had had another officer with him when he stopped Michael Brown, he would be alive. He might have been in trouble with the law but he would be alive to tell the tale.
Then there's Amadou Diallo and Scott Bell, others who were shot for no reason other than being black. Color plays into these interactions whether we want to admit it or not. Blacks do not get the benefit of the doubt, they get the false certainty that they are up to no good. That's where the inequality starts but it can and does end in death.
If the police officer stopping Michael Brown had had another officer with him when he stopped Michael Brown, he would be alive. He might have been in trouble with the law but he would be alive to tell the tale.
Then there's Amadou Diallo and Scott Bell, others who were shot for no reason other than being black. Color plays into these interactions whether we want to admit it or not. Blacks do not get the benefit of the doubt, they get the false certainty that they are up to no good. That's where the inequality starts but it can and does end in death.
5
Crazy logic, but it won you a NYT pick, so kudos to you....
Now picture a white male in his fifties, slightly overweight, running away from a police officer - would he have been shot 8 times? No doubt we are dealing with a psychopath here. But psychopaths are highly logical people, so we'd have to assume that race and, to a lesser extent, class, emboldened this psychopath.
If cops are in the profession to shoot every person that fails to comply with their orders, then they needn't be cops. It's cowardly. In the case of Walter Scott, it was cold, plain and simple. That the officer handcuffs a man he coldly shot 8 times should have all of us questioning every case involving the death of unarmed men.
Now picture a white male in his fifties, slightly overweight, running away from a police officer - would he have been shot 8 times? No doubt we are dealing with a psychopath here. But psychopaths are highly logical people, so we'd have to assume that race and, to a lesser extent, class, emboldened this psychopath.
If cops are in the profession to shoot every person that fails to comply with their orders, then they needn't be cops. It's cowardly. In the case of Walter Scott, it was cold, plain and simple. That the officer handcuffs a man he coldly shot 8 times should have all of us questioning every case involving the death of unarmed men.
4
So the police never do wrong in your book? We still don't know who started the fight between Martin and Zimmerman, nor do we know what Mr. Garner's previous encounters with police had been like (could he have been roughed up a couple of times?). Now, you are sure that Scott had not already been tasered for a traffic stop before he started to run. What points to the serious flaw in your comment is the evidence coming from police officers wearing cameras in Rialto, CA, and reported in the NYT:
"The results from the first 12 months are striking. Even with only half of the 54 uniformed patrol officers wearing cameras at any given time, the department over all had an 88 percent decline in the number of complaints filed against officers, compared with the 12 months before the study, to 3 from 24.
Rialto’s police officers also used force nearly 60 percent less often — in 25 instances, compared with 61. When force was used, it was twice as likely to have been applied by the officers who weren’t wearing cameras during that shift, the study found."
Many cops have obviously been abusing citizens, especially those of color, for years. I guess you condone this behavior and suggest people simply take their beatings and not run away to avoid being killed. Period.
"The results from the first 12 months are striking. Even with only half of the 54 uniformed patrol officers wearing cameras at any given time, the department over all had an 88 percent decline in the number of complaints filed against officers, compared with the 12 months before the study, to 3 from 24.
Rialto’s police officers also used force nearly 60 percent less often — in 25 instances, compared with 61. When force was used, it was twice as likely to have been applied by the officers who weren’t wearing cameras during that shift, the study found."
Many cops have obviously been abusing citizens, especially those of color, for years. I guess you condone this behavior and suggest people simply take their beatings and not run away to avoid being killed. Period.
“North Charleston is South Carolina’s third-largest city, with a population of about 100,000. African-Americans make up about 47 percent of residents, and whites account for about 37 percent. The Police Department is about 80 percent white, according to data collected by the Justice Department in 2007, the most recent period available.”
African-Americans comprised 76.3 percent of all NBA players. Eighty-one percent of players were players of color. More Than 2/3 (68 percent) of NFL Players are African-American. What color are fans? Fans are more proportionate with the numbers in the total population. It seems that maybe there should be more proportionality in NBA and NFL. based on arguments regarding proportionality of police departments.
African-Americans comprised 76.3 percent of all NBA players. Eighty-one percent of players were players of color. More Than 2/3 (68 percent) of NFL Players are African-American. What color are fans? Fans are more proportionate with the numbers in the total population. It seems that maybe there should be more proportionality in NBA and NFL. based on arguments regarding proportionality of police departments.
As much as these episodes appears to have racial origins, I believe that the same basic injustice that this portrays is used against poor whites, hispanics and sometimes even against old fat white guys such as myself.
This is a societal issue about authority and control. Cops are the tip of the spear and therefore their behavior is the earliest warning of problems. Now, is the problem with the general populous or with the police?
Do we live in a country where each person needs to carry their own Go Pro camera just to protect themselves from the police? Except that the camera will not protect you, in may just record how your fell.
If the police actually have a dangerous job, why aren't their death rates higher? In an age when we do not trust doctors, lawyers, cops, journalists, politicians and educators, who can we trust?
In a world where the police feel justified to mobilize hundreds just to take-down a single perp, what chance does a simple person with poor social skills, no money and a poor vocabulary have against the machine?
This is a societal issue about authority and control. Cops are the tip of the spear and therefore their behavior is the earliest warning of problems. Now, is the problem with the general populous or with the police?
Do we live in a country where each person needs to carry their own Go Pro camera just to protect themselves from the police? Except that the camera will not protect you, in may just record how your fell.
If the police actually have a dangerous job, why aren't their death rates higher? In an age when we do not trust doctors, lawyers, cops, journalists, politicians and educators, who can we trust?
In a world where the police feel justified to mobilize hundreds just to take-down a single perp, what chance does a simple person with poor social skills, no money and a poor vocabulary have against the machine?
3
The police officer was fired and charged with murder. Sounds like justice will be served. Let the process run its course.
1
No, Mr. Blow, I don't tire of reading about this, but I AM dog-tired of feeling unable to call upon police for assistance because they seem minimally competent, with their own agenda that rarely actually includes "protect and serve." Each of the two recent times my home was burglarized, I waited a half-hour for police to arrive, only to witness a haphazard, off-handed, and somewhat demeaning response. From the reports of friends and acquaintances who have reported similar experiences, it would appear that the attitude of this police department (one under federal investigation) to home burglaries is "no big deal, you have insurance."--- sure, with a $500 deductible and a rate increase for incident reporting.
Meanwhile, they are only too ready to show up expeditiously, in large numbers, to shoot down homeless people for daring to survive on city property. Moreover, nothing seems to change, if anything, getting worse as they receive more military hardware and become more akin to a paramilitary organization operating under the principles of self-protection and self-justification at all costs, under the guise of protecting and serving citizenry. We MUST keep writing about these misdirected organizations and their contribution to a society-in-chaos, where citizens arming themselves becomes a substitute for summoning police assistance --- for the obvious reasons just enumerated.
Meanwhile, they are only too ready to show up expeditiously, in large numbers, to shoot down homeless people for daring to survive on city property. Moreover, nothing seems to change, if anything, getting worse as they receive more military hardware and become more akin to a paramilitary organization operating under the principles of self-protection and self-justification at all costs, under the guise of protecting and serving citizenry. We MUST keep writing about these misdirected organizations and their contribution to a society-in-chaos, where citizens arming themselves becomes a substitute for summoning police assistance --- for the obvious reasons just enumerated.
1
I agree, Mr. Blow, I am weary of hearing about these events. I am not weary of your essays about them. Two thoughts occur to me, one on this general idea, one about this particular case, and I don't like that I hold both of them.
First, as a white man, I am becoming aware that this culture affecting community policing is all too common. These sorts of events have surely been occurring against people, especially men, of color for a long time. It is good we are becoming aware of it in general, sad it took us this long.
Second, if this policeman was capable of putting an object (what if not the Taser in question?) near Mr. Scott's body, questions arise in my mind regarding the stop. Was this a routine traffic stop for a broken tail light? Was it, on the other hand, a stop of a man 'driving while black' whose tail light was kicked out before anything else occurred, to justify the stop? I have heard of such methods by police in many areas, North and South.
First, as a white man, I am becoming aware that this culture affecting community policing is all too common. These sorts of events have surely been occurring against people, especially men, of color for a long time. It is good we are becoming aware of it in general, sad it took us this long.
Second, if this policeman was capable of putting an object (what if not the Taser in question?) near Mr. Scott's body, questions arise in my mind regarding the stop. Was this a routine traffic stop for a broken tail light? Was it, on the other hand, a stop of a man 'driving while black' whose tail light was kicked out before anything else occurred, to justify the stop? I have heard of such methods by police in many areas, North and South.
2
This is an idiotic topic. 123 blacks were killed by police in 2012. Three times as many whites were. Yet blacks committed about the same number of murders.
We have an epidemic of black crime in America and it needs to be addressed. It's not just murders. It stems from a perceived entitlement to break the law and infringe on others rights perpetuated by those who focus on the rights of criminals and by rap music.
First and foremost we need respect for the law and those sworn to uphold it. Why did the man feel he could break the law by running away from the police officer?
Look at NYC in the late 60s and 70s. The cops were restrained. Politicians aimed for a "tolerable" level of crime, "let them blow off steam", "contain" crime to certain communities. That "tolerable" level of crime was intolerable for most of us and there were various responses: vigilantes, recriminations and various degrees of lawlessness and anarchy.
We have an epidemic of black crime in America and it needs to be addressed. It's not just murders. It stems from a perceived entitlement to break the law and infringe on others rights perpetuated by those who focus on the rights of criminals and by rap music.
First and foremost we need respect for the law and those sworn to uphold it. Why did the man feel he could break the law by running away from the police officer?
Look at NYC in the late 60s and 70s. The cops were restrained. Politicians aimed for a "tolerable" level of crime, "let them blow off steam", "contain" crime to certain communities. That "tolerable" level of crime was intolerable for most of us and there were various responses: vigilantes, recriminations and various degrees of lawlessness and anarchy.
2
Many years ago I was standing on St. Mark's Place. Cops were making “routine” car stops. One cop yelled at the driver of a car to pull over. At first the driver a young black man in the car with his girlfriend, a young black woman, didn't hear him. The cop who was white thought he was being ignored. So he jumped in front of the car, which was inching along, and yelled that the driver should turn right. The driver—his eyes darting back and forth--looked totally confused and panicky. Whose right? His or the cops? He turned in one direction to pull over and almost hit the cop. The cop became incensed and looked genuinely scared. He grabbed the driver out of the car, threw him against the door and put a gun to his head and screamed, “You tried to run me over. You tried to run me over.”
It was a near tragedy. The driver had done absolutely nothing wrong. But even short of a tragedy, it was the Friday night of a three day weekend, so the driver had to spend four nights and three days in the tombs. His car was towed and he had to pay for that. His girlfriend was beside herself with worry. Much more to tell. But not much more room to tell it.
It was a near tragedy. The driver had done absolutely nothing wrong. But even short of a tragedy, it was the Friday night of a three day weekend, so the driver had to spend four nights and three days in the tombs. His car was towed and he had to pay for that. His girlfriend was beside herself with worry. Much more to tell. But not much more room to tell it.
3
Most comments here rightfully address the complete lack of rationality that these events represent. While I've always maintained that the job of law enforcement is incredibly difficult and at times dangerous, it at the same time requires the same scales of justice and reason we demand of the law. It is enFORCEment but that doesn't mean it needs to use the level of FORCE we seen in this South Carolina incident.
Additionally we need to get beyond the ancient, yes ancient fears that people who are different than ourselves represent some sort of danger; violence and lawbreaking are unfortunately universal so a more even handed approach to enforcing the law is demanded.
Lastly, with the advent of the cell phone, the internet and cameras nearly everywhere you go, believing that your act of violence or lawbreaking will not be revealed is a folly. But why should we be fearful of being found out for committing such a horrific act if we just don't do it in the first place? People who disregard the plain fact of breaking the law and hoping to get away with it are delusional. Officer Slager included as well as anyone who cannot approach their responsibility with evenness and fairness regardless of the color of the person with whom they're dealing with.
Additionally we need to get beyond the ancient, yes ancient fears that people who are different than ourselves represent some sort of danger; violence and lawbreaking are unfortunately universal so a more even handed approach to enforcing the law is demanded.
Lastly, with the advent of the cell phone, the internet and cameras nearly everywhere you go, believing that your act of violence or lawbreaking will not be revealed is a folly. But why should we be fearful of being found out for committing such a horrific act if we just don't do it in the first place? People who disregard the plain fact of breaking the law and hoping to get away with it are delusional. Officer Slager included as well as anyone who cannot approach their responsibility with evenness and fairness regardless of the color of the person with whom they're dealing with.
Much more than weary, I am once again saddened and disheartened. What have we become? Or, more accurately, what do we now clearly see that has been here all the time?
As some other commenters have stated, we first must ascertain the facts. Scott was just not "shot running away from a traffic stop" as some commenters said. The man who shot the video has stated that before he commenced filming, Scott and the officer were engaged in a tussle that had them both on the ground struggling. This is not just running away from a traffic stop (which Scott, driving his Mercedes, and 50 years old (should know better) should have have done in the first place. Maybe if he wasn't driving a Mercedes, he could have paid his back child support. In any event, maybe the officer shouldn't have shot him, but once again we need to know the facts. Scott was clearly a scofflaw with many run-ins with police. Black lives do matter, but not just because they are black. If you violate the law, scuffle with police, and run, you may get shot.
1
When Scott was running away, Officer Slager could have chosen to pursue him, called for back-up assistance and probably could have overtaken Scott, tackled him down and cuffed him.
Instead, Officer Slager took the easy way out. While Scott was running away, Officer Slager simply took out his gun, aimed at Scott's back and fired once, twice, three, four, five, six, seven and eight times. Not one shot - but 8 shots.
It was an execution - over a broken taillight and back child support. Or race.
And Officer Slager after-the-fact lies to the dispatcher about what has just happened and seeks to plant evidence - dropping the taser near Scott's already dead body - all to support Slager's version of a justifiable shooting.
This was a cold-blooded execution. Plain and simple.
Instead, Officer Slager took the easy way out. While Scott was running away, Officer Slager simply took out his gun, aimed at Scott's back and fired once, twice, three, four, five, six, seven and eight times. Not one shot - but 8 shots.
It was an execution - over a broken taillight and back child support. Or race.
And Officer Slager after-the-fact lies to the dispatcher about what has just happened and seeks to plant evidence - dropping the taser near Scott's already dead body - all to support Slager's version of a justifiable shooting.
This was a cold-blooded execution. Plain and simple.
1
In a recent interview on advancing racial and restorative justice, MIT political scientist Melissa Nobles, who researches historical injustices in democracies, says that understanding the past is a source for social innovation in our own time. http://bit.ly/1H7nr0r
Here are two excerpts from the interview:
"There is trauma if a family member is killed by a citizen, and that person goes unpunished. The family sees injustice for which there is no remedy. For families where someone is killed by police, that leads to distrust of institutions."
"Filling in history and finding analogies to our own times may give people a greater understanding of why black Americans see events as driven by race, and oftentimes white Americans do not. It is a shared historical burden. Whatever our background, a fair and viable justice system is one of the bedrocks of American democracy."
http://bit.ly/1H7nr0r
Here are two excerpts from the interview:
"There is trauma if a family member is killed by a citizen, and that person goes unpunished. The family sees injustice for which there is no remedy. For families where someone is killed by police, that leads to distrust of institutions."
"Filling in history and finding analogies to our own times may give people a greater understanding of why black Americans see events as driven by race, and oftentimes white Americans do not. It is a shared historical burden. Whatever our background, a fair and viable justice system is one of the bedrocks of American democracy."
http://bit.ly/1H7nr0r
There was a quote on Law & Order last night: "Black, white, or brown, we all bleed blue." That might be intended as a laudable sentiment, but it's scary to me. Police cannot be allowed to simply close ranks around every cop who does something wrong - from planting evidence to bullying a false confession to murder - because loyalty comes first. Doing the right thing has to come first.
The expectation in America of knee-jerk worship of anyone in uniform is no help. We should respect those who take these tough positions, but also demand decency, compassion, and fairness. Clearly the occasional class on tolerance is not cutting it. Something big has to change in the culture.
The expectation in America of knee-jerk worship of anyone in uniform is no help. We should respect those who take these tough positions, but also demand decency, compassion, and fairness. Clearly the occasional class on tolerance is not cutting it. Something big has to change in the culture.
4
In reading numerous comments on this article, I have observed that many of the commenters automatically assume that Slager is a racist. That may or may not be the case, but it should be determined at trial. As a former SC law officer I do not defend nor condone the shooting of a man in the back, no matter what color he is. Slager should be indicted and tried following established procedures and law. I hope that the9th Circuit Solicitor, Scarlett Wilson, in Charleston County proceeds quickly, legally, and effectively to bring this to trial. The video of the shooting speaks for itself as evidence of the event, and most likely will be a key piece of evidence at trial. What transpired immediately before the shooting, also, needs to be brought out at trial, and explained If convicted Slager should face the maximum punishment as provided for by law.
1
By its very nature, the job of law enforcement breeds cynicism. Cop culture is steeped in all that is bad with the world. It's a deeply depressing job, filled with constant negativity and foreboding. The goal of each officer's shift is to survive it.
With so much mental pressure involved with police work, all these harmful mental ingredients the job entails can make even the best-intentioned law officer lose it. It is imperative that every officer in the field exercise caution and restraint at all times. Being human, that is an impossible task.
Adding to this is this nation's fascination with gun culture. Second Amendment fanatics refuse to see that guns do not prevent violence, they only enhance their use. This leads to "shoot first, ask questions later", then cover-up if the facts don't jive with reality. This leaves even decent cops prone to succumb to temptation.
Police are left to police themselves, another impossibility. Their "But for the grace of God go I" attitude gets in the way. They identify too closely with the cop on the street. Police officers require constant debriefing, respite from working in the field, ongoing retraining. They need to be taught their role as that of armed social workers, "to protect and serve" rather than militarized, body armored, mirror-shaded storm troopers. Centurions will never gain the trust they need of the community they are suppose to protect, most of whom are like them, innocent.
D.D.
Manhattan
With so much mental pressure involved with police work, all these harmful mental ingredients the job entails can make even the best-intentioned law officer lose it. It is imperative that every officer in the field exercise caution and restraint at all times. Being human, that is an impossible task.
Adding to this is this nation's fascination with gun culture. Second Amendment fanatics refuse to see that guns do not prevent violence, they only enhance their use. This leads to "shoot first, ask questions later", then cover-up if the facts don't jive with reality. This leaves even decent cops prone to succumb to temptation.
Police are left to police themselves, another impossibility. Their "But for the grace of God go I" attitude gets in the way. They identify too closely with the cop on the street. Police officers require constant debriefing, respite from working in the field, ongoing retraining. They need to be taught their role as that of armed social workers, "to protect and serve" rather than militarized, body armored, mirror-shaded storm troopers. Centurions will never gain the trust they need of the community they are suppose to protect, most of whom are like them, innocent.
D.D.
Manhattan
The profession attracts a certain type of person -- one who is excited about wearing a uniform, shooting a gun, and being powerful. So the problem begins even before the person becomes a cop. And the problem is only worsened as he surrounds himself with other people just like him.
"Always look for the good in folks."
Cops?
Cops?
2
The systemic issues we face, and the sea change in culture that is required to transform a dreary and hateful climate, will never be properly addressed until as a nation we transform the inherent view by so many that people of color are "less than," or "not like us" or somehow "the other." The flames of racism are stoked by politicians who score cheap political points by fanning fear rather than elevating the national conversation to help those who are afraid understand that at the end of the day, all of our blood runs red. Our survival depends on those with the bully pulpit using their voices to embrace the changes that are happening, and come up with solutions to the economic, social, and political challenges that give rise to this unspeakably callous disregard for human life.
We have all heard of the "Us vs.Them" mentality of police departments.
There are a plethora of examples, including NYC police officers turning their back on their boss, the Mayor. That had a Praetorian guard feel to it.
Shooting an unarmed man who you have stopped for a broken tail light is beyond all reason. The video turned me stomach.
How do we stop this madness?
We don't we start by implementing a national gun buyback program? Let's sift guns out of our society entirely, and start having unarmed police officers patrolling the streets.
It would be a beginning.
There are a plethora of examples, including NYC police officers turning their back on their boss, the Mayor. That had a Praetorian guard feel to it.
Shooting an unarmed man who you have stopped for a broken tail light is beyond all reason. The video turned me stomach.
How do we stop this madness?
We don't we start by implementing a national gun buyback program? Let's sift guns out of our society entirely, and start having unarmed police officers patrolling the streets.
It would be a beginning.
2
Mr Blow can be counted on to call all outcomes racist. His eyes only see racism, everyday. We have a majority of cops in ATL that are black and still have shootings and mistaken identity issues e.g. 90+ year old shot in her home; mistaken identity based on an informant that lied. The senior was black, the cops were black. It wasn't racism, it was an over anxious band of cops going nuts. Not that Al Sharpton didn't show up to claim racism. His 'people' had not given him all the details; he quietly went home the next day.
One thing that has surfaced over the years is the fact that the department has been hiring police with records. Criminal records! And it wasn't just a few outliers, it was over a third of the recent hires. OVER A THIRD of the department has a criminal record?
That is the crux of the issue - if you have a record, you should not be able to become a cop. EVER. Regardless of color, gender, etc.
One thing that has surfaced over the years is the fact that the department has been hiring police with records. Criminal records! And it wasn't just a few outliers, it was over a third of the recent hires. OVER A THIRD of the department has a criminal record?
That is the crux of the issue - if you have a record, you should not be able to become a cop. EVER. Regardless of color, gender, etc.
1
I wish cops were drafted out of the general population, as in a military draft. This would mean that the police force would no longer be composed of people who grew up dreaming of being superheroes, who are hungry for power, who love shooting guns. Of course a profession that is based on wielding power and weapons is going to attract a certain kind of person.
We must not get weary until the police change or lose power.
And while it is clearly true that black men and boys are targeted, old white ladies like me have problems with police, too, especially if we wear jeans. Police violence and police indifference to victims must end. We must keep speaking out. It takes only one racist juror to get a bad cop off.
And while it is clearly true that black men and boys are targeted, old white ladies like me have problems with police, too, especially if we wear jeans. Police violence and police indifference to victims must end. We must keep speaking out. It takes only one racist juror to get a bad cop off.
2
I am more than weary and disgusted. I am barely holding on to a belief that White Americans can judge a Black person by the content of one's character, and not by the color of one's skin.
This officer shot this man down with the coolness and confidence of knowing that whatever he says about this situation, he will be believed because the person he shot down was a Black man. This kind of thinking is built into almost all American institutions, from education down to law enforcement. It is the assumption that if anything happens and it comes down to believing the white or the non-white, the white is to be believed....UNLESS...there is irrefutable evidence, such as this video.
But as we saw with the Rodney King incident, whites cannot even bring themselves to 'do the right thing' even with irrefutable video evidence because the victim is Black, therefore he must have done something to bring the law upon him.
This kind of mentality is the very definition of INSTITUTIONAL RACISM. It was built into the Founding of our nation, right in the Constitution (three/fifths a person were what slaves were to be counted), up to today, with still the practice of sub-prime loans, red-lining, sub-par education support, and, of course, law enforcement....which is the worse of these because Blacks can be killed and the killers can get away with it...all the officer has to say is..."I feared for my life..."
I wish more whites would practice one simple word: EMPATHY.
This officer shot this man down with the coolness and confidence of knowing that whatever he says about this situation, he will be believed because the person he shot down was a Black man. This kind of thinking is built into almost all American institutions, from education down to law enforcement. It is the assumption that if anything happens and it comes down to believing the white or the non-white, the white is to be believed....UNLESS...there is irrefutable evidence, such as this video.
But as we saw with the Rodney King incident, whites cannot even bring themselves to 'do the right thing' even with irrefutable video evidence because the victim is Black, therefore he must have done something to bring the law upon him.
This kind of mentality is the very definition of INSTITUTIONAL RACISM. It was built into the Founding of our nation, right in the Constitution (three/fifths a person were what slaves were to be counted), up to today, with still the practice of sub-prime loans, red-lining, sub-par education support, and, of course, law enforcement....which is the worse of these because Blacks can be killed and the killers can get away with it...all the officer has to say is..."I feared for my life..."
I wish more whites would practice one simple word: EMPATHY.
3
Right on, as usual, Mr. Blow. The layers of the issue go so deep it's hard to know even where to start. For instance, your article states that the police chief was asked if race played a part, and his response was "I want to believe in my heart of hearts that it ws a tragic set of events after a traffic stop." This begs another very real question…if it were a white man driving that Mercedes, would he have even been stoped for that broken taillight? We'l never know, but my guess would be that he would not have. Furthermore, if, in fact, a white man had been stopped, would he have felt the need to run? Of course race played a role, right from the beginning of the "tragic set of events."
2
A few thoughts: Congrats to Charles for being reasonably restrained in this column. Second the video evidence in the South Carolina case is very disturbing and makes it appear that the police officer committed murder, as he has been charged with.
However, let's let the legal process take place. The officer deserves his day in court and should be tried there and no where else. That having been said, while the video is disturbing it is not clear why the victim was running away nor the extent to which there had been a struggle although the vide does show them in contact and then Walter Scott takes off running.
Third, while I can't think of any justification for shooting anyone 8 times in the back, unless perhaps you have a known murderer fleeing the scene of a crime, we don't know whether racism was a factor.
Finally, let's not continue the trope that there's an epidemic of police shooting blacks. The data for 2012 (such as there is) shows that police shot 2.6x as many whites as blacks. At the same time, blacks commit over half of violent crimes. While the statistics aren't perfect, they are what we have and just because the data are imperfect on police shootings doesn't mean we can make up alternative versions. But those facts, 2.6x whites shot than blacks while blacks commit more violent crimes certainly argues against the notion that police are hunting down blacks.
This was a horrible event. But let the legal system work. Let's not have another Ferguson.
However, let's let the legal process take place. The officer deserves his day in court and should be tried there and no where else. That having been said, while the video is disturbing it is not clear why the victim was running away nor the extent to which there had been a struggle although the vide does show them in contact and then Walter Scott takes off running.
Third, while I can't think of any justification for shooting anyone 8 times in the back, unless perhaps you have a known murderer fleeing the scene of a crime, we don't know whether racism was a factor.
Finally, let's not continue the trope that there's an epidemic of police shooting blacks. The data for 2012 (such as there is) shows that police shot 2.6x as many whites as blacks. At the same time, blacks commit over half of violent crimes. While the statistics aren't perfect, they are what we have and just because the data are imperfect on police shootings doesn't mean we can make up alternative versions. But those facts, 2.6x whites shot than blacks while blacks commit more violent crimes certainly argues against the notion that police are hunting down blacks.
This was a horrible event. But let the legal system work. Let's not have another Ferguson.
There was some sort of arrest warrant out for the guy which was probably why he jumped out of the car and ran.
Unless you have something to hide, the normal reaction to a traffic stop, no matter your race, is to sit in the car and take the ticket. To me getting out and running implies there is something you have done that will pop up on the police computer or there is an outstanding arrest warrant that might pop up on the police computer when they check your license. Getting out and running is an admission of guilt for something you have done wrong for which you know the police will arrest you
You are missing the whole point here!! No one is ignoring that fact. But we are talking about murder here, with the irrevocable and undisputable intention to kill regardless of the fact that an unarmed running man was shot dead on his back and then altering a crime scene to make it look otherwise. It is exactly this kind of short-sighted mindset that needs to be changed.
Are you saying that being guilty of an unknown or unrelated crime is justification for being shot five times in the back?
So, since running to you is an admission of guilt of some possible unknown offense, your implication seems to be that shooting a man in the back is a justifiable execution.
It's very strange that you can watch a man be shot in the back and handcuffed face down in the dirt as his lifeblood drains from his body and your only thought is "well, he kind of had it coming." Because, like it or not, that is what you are doing.
It's very strange that you can watch a man be shot in the back and handcuffed face down in the dirt as his lifeblood drains from his body and your only thought is "well, he kind of had it coming." Because, like it or not, that is what you are doing.
3
This case gives us just an inkling of the many, many cases where police officers over the years have, literally, got away with murder, not just in this community but all over America where no video caught the incident. The problem is exacerbated by our decentralized system of law enforcement where no one central authority is monitoring the number and circumstances of police shootings, particularly of unarmed black citizens.
We need Congress to pass legislation that requires states and local authorities to report all police shootings to the FBI. We need to re-examine what sort of police officers we want in our communities and weed out the shoot-first-ask-later minority. We need to recruit and train officers who will exercise restraint and self-discipline as well as good judgement.
And we need to recognize that this is a problem whose time has come to fix on an urgent basis.
We need Congress to pass legislation that requires states and local authorities to report all police shootings to the FBI. We need to re-examine what sort of police officers we want in our communities and weed out the shoot-first-ask-later minority. We need to recruit and train officers who will exercise restraint and self-discipline as well as good judgement.
And we need to recognize that this is a problem whose time has come to fix on an urgent basis.
2
Actually, I think it needs to go MUCH further than just reporting the shootings. I would have it where EVERY Time a weapon leaves it's holster it is recorded, EVERY TIME. There are a Lot of times when police automatically pull their firearm and then use it as a symbol of their power, when there is absolutely no need for such intimidating actions.
Not only must every shot be accounted for, each one, in detail, but every time the police reach for and pull their weapons MUST also be reported in a detailed fashion.
Not only must every shot be accounted for, each one, in detail, but every time the police reach for and pull their weapons MUST also be reported in a detailed fashion.
1
At first i thought it was a set up video as I just could not believe what I was watching was real. Then it became obvious that sadly it did happen. It will take a long time before police officers regain the trust of the population. This is unfortunate for those officers who are "good guys". The way out of this is a two prong approach, we the people must keep videotaping all and any police interactions we encounter. Body cameras on officers will do nothing unless they are live streamed on the web, otherwise that video evidence will be buried behind the blue wall. Second, the "good cops" must oust the rotten apples amongst their ranks.
2
If you ask police officers about body cameras, the vast majority are all in favor of them. They know that 99% of the time, a video recording will show that they were justified in their actions. They also want their false accusers to be shown to be the racist and liars that they can be. The constant race baiting that causes so much hatred doesn't help any victims of wrongdoing anymore than racism itself. It's time for truth and acceptance of the truth on both sides of the issue. A lie is a lie and ALL honest people want lies and racist on both sides held responsible for their actions.
Your desire to obfuscate and equivocate in calling "false accusers" "racist" is despicable and not helpful. If your first reaction in these situations is to mock those who want to hold the very powerful accountable, then you need to check yourself and your assumptions.
Another exceptional piece Mr. Blow. Thank you.
Like Fahey (below) I am horrified by these stories but believe if these incidents must happen, only by reporting them so that fair minded people can be reminded that these things are happening, will the culture begin to change.
But in the increasingly segmented world in which we live with a growing divide between the very rich (white) and the often disadvantaged (black), it is hard to see things changing for the better. In a "me, me, me" society, scarce attention is paid to "them".
This is what has to change for the culture to change.
Like Fahey (below) I am horrified by these stories but believe if these incidents must happen, only by reporting them so that fair minded people can be reminded that these things are happening, will the culture begin to change.
But in the increasingly segmented world in which we live with a growing divide between the very rich (white) and the often disadvantaged (black), it is hard to see things changing for the better. In a "me, me, me" society, scarce attention is paid to "them".
This is what has to change for the culture to change.
1
It's irresponsible to publish an inflammatory account like this without these disclaimers:
1) Charles Blow is giving his opinion based on incomplete information, not reporting news.
2) Neither Blow nor NYT have all the facts of this story.
Unfortunately, there are people who are influenced by pundits, who can't discern between an opinion column and actual news. Ismaaiyl Brinsley's murder of NYPD officers Ramos and Liu was triggered by coverage like this. NYT has a responsibility to be clear about what they are printing.
1) Charles Blow is giving his opinion based on incomplete information, not reporting news.
2) Neither Blow nor NYT have all the facts of this story.
Unfortunately, there are people who are influenced by pundits, who can't discern between an opinion column and actual news. Ismaaiyl Brinsley's murder of NYPD officers Ramos and Liu was triggered by coverage like this. NYT has a responsibility to be clear about what they are printing.
1
But we all watched the video. Didn't you?
There will always be cases such as these to focus on. Democracy in many ways is not the natural order. Some humans will always want to dominate other humans. Some humans will only want to do that once in a while, when incited to hate or violence. Democracy is supposed to help the citizenry unite against these abuses. That is what we need to do forever. Protest abuses, punish offenders. I'd like to see more articles about how citizens' groups can open dialog in towns around the country to make sure these abusive practices are stopped. This is all the more important given the demise of local newspapers who report on local affairs.
As a specialist trainer with experience training police officers, I can imagine what many cops are going to say about this... 1. why did Scott put up a fight with the officer (as alleged) just for a traffic stop? 2. If he hadn't struggled and run, he wouldn't have been shot; and in a classic case of victim blaming 3. According to his brother, he was a deadbeat dad who got stopped on a traffic violation and knew he was in trouble so he fought and ran. ALL of these arguments completely ignore what so many in the AA community are trying to help us all to understand: that many black men have a very hard time trusting the police to be fair and reasonable; and it's tragic events like this that underscore the truth in their fears. It is high time we as a nation acknowledged this.
1
Despicable! The black man is everywhere in chains....this is the ugly side of America.
3
I can't overlook the fact that the other officer present was bkack. He apparently was not troubled when Slager appears to pick up his stun gun and drop it next to Scott's body.
3
This is not a race problem. It is a systemic problem, the inevitable consequence of growing amounts of law and regulation, and the enforcement mechanisms that accompany them.
This was cold-blooded murder and it was horrifying in its cruelty. Instead of rallying to the defense of the victims of these crimes, the right-wing is rallying in defense of the gun, passing "constitutional carry" laws so that people suffering firearms psychosis can bring guns anywhere -- our parks, our churches, our courthouses, our public festivals, our stores. As for the police, any police officer who "fears for his life" simply because a citizen has black skin should be fired. White "constitutional carriers" can walk around public places armed to the teeth with automatic weapons and not even be questioned. But a black 12-year-old with a BB gun in a public park or a black Wal-Mart customer carrying a product from the store he's shopping in (a toy gun) is almost certain to be fatally slain by police. There is no difference between these murders and lynching.
4
Why would a black man run away from a policeman over a broken taillight? Because he probably had a warrant outstanding for some other minor infraction. We are hounding young black men unmercifully, when they see a policeman they run. Recent book about this was written by a young white girl who lived in a black section of Philadelphia. She said entire community of young black men were always ready to run from any interaction with the police because they probably had an outstanding warrant for something.
1
Tasered for a broken taillight, then shot in the back while "running" (a more accurate description would be "staggering" as a result of the Taser's shock to the man's nervous system and muscle control). The authorities are delaying the release of video from the dashboard camera, but the fact of this cop's cowardice is already established. Even if Mr. Scott adopted a confrontational attitude from the start -- which I doubt was the case -- he was tried, convicted, and executed for a non-crime.
I can think of no punishment comparably out of scale to the offense committed that could be handed out to this "officer of the law" for this wanton miscarriage of justice. Will this cop be conviced? Hard to see how that will not happen. Will he get the death penalty? Most assuredly not. So, at some point in the future we will have the distinct displeasure of witnessing another miscarriage of justice. And then a third miscarriage when, I predict, Michael Slager walks out of jail a free man.
I hope I'm wrong.
I can think of no punishment comparably out of scale to the offense committed that could be handed out to this "officer of the law" for this wanton miscarriage of justice. Will this cop be conviced? Hard to see how that will not happen. Will he get the death penalty? Most assuredly not. So, at some point in the future we will have the distinct displeasure of witnessing another miscarriage of justice. And then a third miscarriage when, I predict, Michael Slager walks out of jail a free man.
I hope I'm wrong.
3
He'll get desk duty and a note in his file.
There is an article out there, with title "US police kill more civilians in March than UK police in 100 years".
Things have changed in a very unpleasant way in Amerika.
My spelling is fine.
Things have changed in a very unpleasant way in Amerika.
My spelling is fine.
2
Thanks for mentioning The President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing. For a long time, so many have been calling for systemic change and it has to begin at the top. Thanks, Barack Obama.
We are weary too. This finally appears to be the example of a white policeman killing an unarmed black suspect without justification that you've been searching for. Congratulations. Unlike your previous examples, this suspect was actually and clearly shot in the back, with no apparent provocation. While we are left to wonder why he ran, it doesn't seem to matter to the case. As far as a change in "culture" goes, one must wonder what cultural change you seek, since the officer clearly violated department policy, had his actions condemned by authorities, has already been terminated by the police force, and has already been charged with murder. That's kind of how it's supposed to work.
2
I guess the issue is that the office has the clear expectation that he would get away with his behavior, including tampering with evidence.
But it only works that way when there is a video. Haven't you noticed?
Except that without the video, the story would be totally different. The victim would be blamed, the cop would still have a job and be free to keep harassing and killing others. The system only worked here by a fluke of having the video. We have to do better.
1
I'm white, very white. Are you willing to listen to all three sides to this story? Nowhere else in the world are blacks as confrontational as they are in the USA. Nowhere. The product of abuse of blacks by whites in the United States of America has resulted in blacks escalating confrontations with whites by their knee-jerk, well-earned oversensitivity and resultant combativeness.
The “second” side to this story is not how whites feel, but the GLOBAL VIEW is of two justified human conditions at loggerheads, hypersensitive blacks and frustrated white authority. Although both sides need education, need inculcation by parents, and most importantly, that those in authority, from the President of the United States of America, on down, must revamp police philosophy from the ground up: not only making a beat cop's on-the-ground safety a priority, but mortally stressing the value of all human life.
Each level of United States of American authority must be held responsible for those answering to them: The President responsible for the Senate, Representatives and state governors; the state governors for city and town mayors; the mayors for police chiefs, and the police chiefs for every single cop on the beat. An iron hand from above can help avoid the human condition: fallibility.
The “second” side to this story is not how whites feel, but the GLOBAL VIEW is of two justified human conditions at loggerheads, hypersensitive blacks and frustrated white authority. Although both sides need education, need inculcation by parents, and most importantly, that those in authority, from the President of the United States of America, on down, must revamp police philosophy from the ground up: not only making a beat cop's on-the-ground safety a priority, but mortally stressing the value of all human life.
Each level of United States of American authority must be held responsible for those answering to them: The President responsible for the Senate, Representatives and state governors; the state governors for city and town mayors; the mayors for police chiefs, and the police chiefs for every single cop on the beat. An iron hand from above can help avoid the human condition: fallibility.
1
Today, the criminal rights rulings of the Warren court are largely disparaged --- being soft on crime and tying the hands of law enforcement. But, at a minimum, their rulings established a culture of caution and restraint when police interacted with the public. Unfortunately, our political class, including some prominent Mayors, won elections by creating the cause and effect myth of high crime rates and being soft on crime. These Mayors made their reputations by allowing the police to do their jobs and pursuing dubious crime theories ("broken windows") that provided the rationale for the systematic denial of civil liberties in selected urban neighborhoods. The media has not helped with an endless production of "Dirty Harry" type shows that inevitability end with the hero torturing or shooting an evil doer---who, typically, is African-American or Hispanic. Yes, I am certain the Warren court did tie the hands of police, but the militarized police culture that replaced it has become more dangerous than the crimes it was designed to stop.
1
there is a more basic problem than excessive use of force-overly aggressive policing. this is a product of the discredited "broken windows" approach. this incident started with a traffic stop for a broken tail light. time and time again these incidents escalate from stops for trivial or non existent reasons-broken tail lights, jaywalking, simply a black man walking down the street in a white neighborhood. in theory there might be nothing wrong with this approach although I think it is a waste of resources. study after study has shown that there is racial profiling, either consciously or unconsciously, in these police stops which are mostly pretextual- stopping black males looking for outstanding warrants, inventing a reason to search for drugs or weapons or simply hassling them to "protect" the neighborhood. these practices must be stopped.
2
The shooting of Walter Scott was caught on video by a heroic bystander. Before the video was released the officer gave a false story about the series of events and his story would probably have been believed if the video did not exist. This brings into question many of the recent shootings of unarmed US citizens by police officers where the officer's story was believed because no video existed, and bystanders' stories were discounted. The suggestion that all patrol officers wear body cams is an excellent one, for the safety of us all.
3
I heard an interview wih the video taker. He said that before he began filming he witnesses some type of altercation between the police officer and the victim. I also heard the victim was afraid of getting arrested because he had a warrant out for for child abandonment or failure to pay support. Mr. Blow does not mention these facts. Similarly the initial reports on michael Brown did not mention he had robbed a store and attacked officer Wilson. Now Mr. Blow challenges those accepted facts saying witnesses were supressed who contradicted the official conclusion on Michael Brown,
This is a slippery slope and is no different than the Boston Bomber saying his actions were justified because of US killings of Muslims overseas (without justification). Can Mr. Blow justify angry Blacks killing white pollice officers for the same reason?
We need the whole story to judge the officer's actions. Attacking a police officer or resisting arrest is a serious offense. Some states still allow deadly force when a person resists arrest or attacks a police officer. Was this police officer arrested to appease the mob?
This is a slippery slope and is no different than the Boston Bomber saying his actions were justified because of US killings of Muslims overseas (without justification). Can Mr. Blow justify angry Blacks killing white pollice officers for the same reason?
We need the whole story to judge the officer's actions. Attacking a police officer or resisting arrest is a serious offense. Some states still allow deadly force when a person resists arrest or attacks a police officer. Was this police officer arrested to appease the mob?
For a broken tail light? The guy was not shot during a tussle. He was fleeing. Once he moved away and unarmed, the threat lessened. Training and professionalism should have kicked in. I wished you were close to the shooting and got hit by one of the bullet. You don't shoot people in the back. Cowards do that.
Oh come on. Since when is shooting a man in the back -- for a broken tail light -- or for non payment of child support -- a capital offense? Did you watch the video? Is it fine with you that the cop obviously LIED? Oh, but you believe the lies. A cop can shoot an unarmed man in the back -- and it's all ok with you.
My take:
Black lives don't matter. Not to cops. That is obvious. There is no other explanation. There are multitudes of these killings.
We live in a fascist nation. Police overreaching is to be expected in a nation with a gun culture, a cult of law and order, a war against drugs, a war against terrorism, and a radicalizing right.
Black lives don't matter. Not to cops. That is obvious. There is no other explanation. There are multitudes of these killings.
We live in a fascist nation. Police overreaching is to be expected in a nation with a gun culture, a cult of law and order, a war against drugs, a war against terrorism, and a radicalizing right.
4
My retired NYPD detective friend has told me that he was trained to feel that, in the vast majority of cases, he had failed if he even had to draw his weapon or if he had to fire it. I go to him in these cases and he often has the same response: how is that guy a cop in the first place?
5
We must all commend and honor Mr. Santana for risking his own life to give the video to the country. Cops are needlessly killing brown people as well as black people. His life could very reasonably be considered to be in danger.
Those of us who live in areas with small black populations have seen our cops go after the brown men and women. I hope no one forgets that the white forces will go after any "other" race.
Brown lives matter just as well as black lives matter.
Those of us who live in areas with small black populations have seen our cops go after the brown men and women. I hope no one forgets that the white forces will go after any "other" race.
Brown lives matter just as well as black lives matter.
2
Keep it up Charles. It may not stop the madness--I think only decent cops can do that. But when enough of them read your stuff, they may act.
Excellent piece of reporting on MSNBC yesterday p.m. In a clip from the South, a man is shown walking around with an assault rifle strapped across his back. He is stopped by police who want to know if the gun is loaded. A cop says the man may take his hands down, but the man says no, he doesn't want to be shot. The cop says neither does he want to be shot, which is why, he says, he wants to know if the gun is loaded.
Thing is, were that a Black with an assault rifle, there'd have been no such verbal exchange. He'd have been dead already.
Excellent piece of reporting on MSNBC yesterday p.m. In a clip from the South, a man is shown walking around with an assault rifle strapped across his back. He is stopped by police who want to know if the gun is loaded. A cop says the man may take his hands down, but the man says no, he doesn't want to be shot. The cop says neither does he want to be shot, which is why, he says, he wants to know if the gun is loaded.
Thing is, were that a Black with an assault rifle, there'd have been no such verbal exchange. He'd have been dead already.
3
Can someone please explain to me why if this was a traffic violation, the guy was apparently driving with a broken tailight, was this altercation taking place in what appears to be a park? Where is the car? Why did he get out of the car? With countless "journalists" expending millions of words to weigh in on this topic, nobody seems interested in the first principle of journalism: get the facts.
While this tragic travesty has renewed the call for police body cameras, I think it calls for a complete review of our current gun laws. The ubiquitous availability of fire arms in this country that leads all police force members to believe that they too must be armed has lead to our all too often reruns of these stories. In the meantime it would appear that instead of the scenes of the past with lynchings showing police standing by as white citizens execute African Americans, we now see the police taking that part over while the citizens stand by and watch.
3
In a horribly ironic way, this absurd murder is yet another example of the wages of the grotesque, mind-bogglingly stupid Boomer mantra that has come to rule America from the Secret Service to police on the beat: "Don't sweat the small stuff, and it's ALL small stuff." So many Americans seem incapably of responsibly THINKING about what they are doing at all. They just react in stupidly casual, irresponsible ways that ruin the lives of others, of themselves, and of our culture. I see no sign that this horrible American descent into lazy, thoughtless casualness is a reversible process. It looks much more like a spiral straight down almost across the board in America.
1
One aspect of this is also that the officer shot him in the back four times. The suggestion is that this would have been "suspicious." I'm suspicious that this officer felt certain that the Medical Examiner "had his back," so to speak. Is anyone going to review that department?
6
I am white and 60 years old and am not a typical target of the police force. Recently I was stopped by a police officer while cycling for running a stop sign. The way I was treated by the police officer made by blood boil and I had to summon my coolest behavior.
I cannot imagine how a black person is treated, feels, and impelled to react when stopped for a broken taillight.
Police are persons of authority. Much is written about the type of people that join the police force. They enjoy an incredible respect by the community because they "protect us" and put the themselves "in harms way" for us. Fundamental change is needed: The type of people recruited to the force, the training they receive, and ultimately how they are rewarded for being good cops. Everytime a police transgression occurs the media is going out of their way to explain that most police are good people. I doubt that. I suspect the police force hires a larger share of bullies than other employers. That would not be surprising. What other job offers so much power for an average person (average: statistically not meant demeaning)? The more important is training and fundamental change in police tactics.
I cannot imagine how a black person is treated, feels, and impelled to react when stopped for a broken taillight.
Police are persons of authority. Much is written about the type of people that join the police force. They enjoy an incredible respect by the community because they "protect us" and put the themselves "in harms way" for us. Fundamental change is needed: The type of people recruited to the force, the training they receive, and ultimately how they are rewarded for being good cops. Everytime a police transgression occurs the media is going out of their way to explain that most police are good people. I doubt that. I suspect the police force hires a larger share of bullies than other employers. That would not be surprising. What other job offers so much power for an average person (average: statistically not meant demeaning)? The more important is training and fundamental change in police tactics.
8
He will be going to jail for a long time for this. Race may have had something to do with it, but it could have happened to a white guy too. We really don't know at this point. Lets wait until it comes out in court before we rush to judgement.
Racism is systemic to policing because police officers are drawn primarily from America's less educated lower classes. Nothing is more illustrative than the fact that African-American police officers are as much or more likely to show bias in the use of force. This is a race issue, but in the context of a class issue. African Americans are more likely to experience it because they are more likely to be poor. Police forces were created to protect the property of the rich from the the anti-social pathologies created by their wealth. Police escape from poverty by becoming police. Like many who do they are vulnerable to and feel victimized by policies that help others out of poverty, especially those policies which give preference to African Americans. We don't study these effects of class in America but if we did we would find that it is more influential in systemic police misuse of force than race.
2
This didn't look like an instance where the police officer was being ambushed. It looked to me like the police officer lost face because he was white and someone of color was challenging him. People with racial bias would consider the person of color a lesser person than themselves. This looks like the same dynamics of a man beating his wife because he expects to have more power over her. Both women and people of color are to curtail their power when confronted by the white, male privilege. If the white male loses face, he feels justified in "taking action" to restore that imbalance--what he considers normal.
Really, everyone should be online taking racial bias tests and see for themselves the reality of the level of racism in our souls and in our country.
Also, we should all see the documentary, The Mask You Live In, which describes male behavior and how it got to be like this.
Really, everyone should be online taking racial bias tests and see for themselves the reality of the level of racism in our souls and in our country.
Also, we should all see the documentary, The Mask You Live In, which describes male behavior and how it got to be like this.
2
Did the police officer tell the black unarmed suspect to run? We have a new cause the black unarmed suspect dictating to police.
Ken, regarding your first sentence:
I think Police everywhere are graded on their "Productivity", that is, on the number of arrests, summonses and other activity they "produce". A Police Officer cannot arrest or otherwise process a person who runs away. So I do not think any Policeman would tell a suspect to "run away". That said, NOTHING justifies the Police Officer shooting someone ("guilty" of having a broken taillight) when the "suspect" is running away.
Ken, in your first sentence you speculate on the Police Officer dictating to the suspect, In the second sentence, you say the suspect "dictated" to the Police. I may be wrong, but it seems that your second sentence does not seem to agree with your first one.
I think Police everywhere are graded on their "Productivity", that is, on the number of arrests, summonses and other activity they "produce". A Police Officer cannot arrest or otherwise process a person who runs away. So I do not think any Policeman would tell a suspect to "run away". That said, NOTHING justifies the Police Officer shooting someone ("guilty" of having a broken taillight) when the "suspect" is running away.
Ken, in your first sentence you speculate on the Police Officer dictating to the suspect, In the second sentence, you say the suspect "dictated" to the Police. I may be wrong, but it seems that your second sentence does not seem to agree with your first one.
Hey -- you don't shoot la man in the back, even when he is running -- all because of a broken tail light? But don't worry. The police officer will be cleared -- even tho' everyone in the world knows he lied.
After reading the comments and seeing so many people note on the increased force from the police, I am wondering about the impact of violence in our movies and TV shows on the police AND the ever-arming public.
2
There are some very obvious reforms that must be carried out aside from body cameras. Incidents involving death or injury must be carefully tracked on a national level; all such incidents must be reviewed by an authority other than police or anyone connected to police (which would include city and county civil authorities); and any prosecution has to be decided on and carried out by other than the district attorneys who normally work with the police. These are concrete, not cultural.
The shooting was shocking enough, but the handcuffing of a mortally wounded, possibly already deceased human being was chlling. And I saw no evidence of first aid or CPR being rendered. I think the other police who responded to this shooting and wrote the report need to be held accountable as well.
10
What this entire incident brings home to me is that the US needs to seriously reconsider its policy of arming police officers with guns. It seems that all too often police officers will reach for their gun rather than use other tools to deescalate a situation. Their brother officers in the UK seem to manage just fine without them.
5
Kate, the general population in the UK has much less guns than the U.S. population. The Police merely reflect what society they are in.
On a per capita basis, gun violence is much greater in America than in the United Kingdom.
On a per capita basis, gun violence is much greater in America than in the United Kingdom.
When I saw the first article on the North Charleston killing, I thought, 'not again'. Again a white police officer shoots a black man running away. Again a white lies about what happened to a black. Again video shows what really happened.
He was shot in the back as he ran from a traffic stop.
He was shot in the back as he ran from a traffic stop.
4
After hearing numerous reports of harassment by police and the resulting deaths, it is clear that people should wherever possible have a camera running when a police officer is present. In a era of apps for everything, a direct video feed to a website would help.
I am not suggesting that the little napoleons won't continue to harass and kill. I am suggesting they won't get to do it without consequences.
I am not suggesting that the little napoleons won't continue to harass and kill. I am suggesting they won't get to do it without consequences.
4
@ Charles from Tecumseh, Michigan: You write: "When the officer fired, the suspect was only 15 to 20 feet away, a distance that can be covered in about two seconds. If these are the facts, up to this point, the officer may have done nothing wrong".
No, it is you - and the officer - who are wrong. I know because I stupidly missed it on a Con Law exam. In 1985 the Supreme Court ruled in Tennessee v. Garner that deadly force cannot be used against an apparently unarmed, non-dangerous fleeing suspect. The officer's shooting of Mr. Scott was unconstitutional - and it was no more justified than his his lying about what had transpired and his re-staging the crime scene.
No, it is you - and the officer - who are wrong. I know because I stupidly missed it on a Con Law exam. In 1985 the Supreme Court ruled in Tennessee v. Garner that deadly force cannot be used against an apparently unarmed, non-dangerous fleeing suspect. The officer's shooting of Mr. Scott was unconstitutional - and it was no more justified than his his lying about what had transpired and his re-staging the crime scene.
5
Two St. Louis Deputy County attorneys made the same mistake of fact when briefint the Michael Brown grand jury. Must we add "Running while Black to "Driving while Black?"
If the police behave as if its the "Wild Wild West"...its only going to be a matter of time until the citizens respond in like manner.
2
"He took my taser." And ran? - not much use having a taser if you are running. Even if not running, no real threat to life. It's clear - you don't obey a cop they think they can kill, beat or harm you. Unfortunately it's happening most of the time to poor and minorities, but I wouldn't encourage a white business person to give a cop the finger and run, they're going to be thrown in jail and injured.
2
Let's say you could wave a wand and create an infallible and diverse police department - but above the police department is civilian leadership that uses the police as a revenue-generation mechanism, seeing as its politically beneficial to take the costs of government out of the hides of "criminals" rather than increase taxes.
If this wonderful police department is shaking down everybody equally, one $200 broken-tail-light ticket at a time, is that supposed to be some kind of improvement?
Please don't kid yourself - all it does is rearrange and spread out the existing distrust of police.
If this wonderful police department is shaking down everybody equally, one $200 broken-tail-light ticket at a time, is that supposed to be some kind of improvement?
Please don't kid yourself - all it does is rearrange and spread out the existing distrust of police.
3
Concerning the attitudes of the police, at least in my experience in NYC as a white woman who sees them primarily posted on the Brooklyn Bridge pedestrian path, what I see is mostly apathy. They sit in little police trucklets staring straight ahead or down at cell phones - or posing for photos with tourists. They do absolutely nothing else. The bridge is a nightmare of speeding bikers and thousands of pedestrians and groups of tourists taking photos - all without sufficient space - and the police do nothing. I've spoken to them about their role - can they enforce some kind of order on the bridge, and they literally barely respond. They can't do anything, they say robotically, they are only posted there. What does that mean? My feeling is they are doing their time - a short time! - until they can retire and receive pensions while working elsewhere. A dangerous job? I don't see that.
3
A Busted Tail LIght! We have to start establishing who is escalating situations like this.
Here is a case people should know about: Sagon Penn, March 21, 1985
Here is a case people should know about: Sagon Penn, March 21, 1985
4
This is a re-post from another op-ed:
The secondary story that must be studied is the reason Walter Scott was pulled over: a broken tail light.
Patrol officers have the option, in the case of minor infractions such as a broken tail light, to write "warning" citations which are canceled when the repair is made and proven to the traffic court.
Google "Court Costs impact on the Poor" and you will read many--too many--stories of minor infractions, such as a broken tail light, which have led to court appearances and high fees imposed on citizens.
Some cities, it appears, are trying to balance their budget by imposing high fees on their poorest citizens.
The secondary story that must be studied is the reason Walter Scott was pulled over: a broken tail light.
Patrol officers have the option, in the case of minor infractions such as a broken tail light, to write "warning" citations which are canceled when the repair is made and proven to the traffic court.
Google "Court Costs impact on the Poor" and you will read many--too many--stories of minor infractions, such as a broken tail light, which have led to court appearances and high fees imposed on citizens.
Some cities, it appears, are trying to balance their budget by imposing high fees on their poorest citizens.
4
Add to this the possibility that the police department did not act swiftly when confronted with the fact of the videos existence and one wonders whether the entire department is not guilty of being accessories after the fact. The systematic cover up, from the movement of evidence by the shooter to the shallow report, point to systemic failure which I believe represents the tip of the iceberg of police over reach and abuse of power. The gentleman who filmed the incident made the point that he is from another country, one which looks up to the United States for moral guidance and the reason he finally came forward in spite of his fear OF THE POLICE, is that he thought we as a nation should do better. There's a slap in the face. He's right.
3
Every time I hear this "the officer feared for his life" narrative, I ask myself, "Where and how did we manage to find so many easily frightened law enforcement officers?" Good grief -- If someone's perpetually skittish or scared enough to even consider shooting unarmed citizens, please don't issue him or her a lethal weapon!
126
On the contrary, every time that I read that an officer or other armed person "feared for his life," when shooting an unarmed person, I understand this reason is completely insincere.
The "feared for my life" defense infuriates me every time I hear it, from both cops and civilians (remember George Zimmerman?). It's the ultimate "get out of jail free" card, since it can never really be disproved. I could say that I fear for my life right now, sitting at my desk, and nobody could say for sure that I don't. We've got to stop allowing this "fear" to let murderers walk free.
Why is it that, when cops shoot, they always shoot to kill?
6
There was a case of a man who fired shots near the White House fence in Feb. 2001, about 3 weeks into the Bush-43 Administration. President Bush was exercising in the White House at the time. "After a 10-minute standoff [Robert W. Pickett] was shot in the knee by a Secret Service agent, officials said."
See:
"Officer Shoots Armed Man Near White House Fence
By DAVID E. SANGER NY Times February 8, 2001
(http://www.nytimes.com/2001/02/08/us/officer-shoots-armed-man-near-white...
Oh, did I tell you that Robert W. Pickett was white? His photo is here: http://untruenews.com/2001/feb17.html
PS: After being told of the above incident, President Bush went back to his exercising.
See:
"Officer Shoots Armed Man Near White House Fence
By DAVID E. SANGER NY Times February 8, 2001
(http://www.nytimes.com/2001/02/08/us/officer-shoots-armed-man-near-white...
Oh, did I tell you that Robert W. Pickett was white? His photo is here: http://untruenews.com/2001/feb17.html
PS: After being told of the above incident, President Bush went back to his exercising.
After firing 8 shots Officer Slager calmly walked over to Mr. Scott and handcuffed him as he lay face down in the grass, like a dead dog. So disgusting! I have conservative friends who are so tired of reading disturbing and shocking events in the news. I asked the same friends how disturbed they would be if they were black!
I'm strongly in favor of the mandatory use of body cameras by American police departments, once strict and consistent protocol for the same is established. The ugly pink 'elephant in the room' is the America military, the big brother of American police departments. Where do many local police departments recruit their trainees and are not many of the same practices Mr. Blow speaks of, learned in the Military Police? As more municipalities outfit their police departments with body cameras, let's make sure American military units use the same body camera devices, especially as they patrol parts of the world the United States has invaded and is currently policing.
I'm strongly in favor of the mandatory use of body cameras by American police departments, once strict and consistent protocol for the same is established. The ugly pink 'elephant in the room' is the America military, the big brother of American police departments. Where do many local police departments recruit their trainees and are not many of the same practices Mr. Blow speaks of, learned in the Military Police? As more municipalities outfit their police departments with body cameras, let's make sure American military units use the same body camera devices, especially as they patrol parts of the world the United States has invaded and is currently policing.
4
I was amazed that the mayor would use the words "bad decision". A "bad decicion" is when you pick the wrong entree in a restaurant. This was more than a bad decision. My goodness.
5
How many police involved in shootings like this have served in the military in the ME?
1
Dear Mr. Blow--
As a therapist who worked with law enforcement for nearly ten years, I ask that you consider a fact that is often overlooked in discussing police "culture": the characteristics of those attracted to police work. Just as nurses, teachers, clergy and social workers (to name but a few) often have very specific personality traits, family histories, and "motivations" for doing what they do, so do the police. Because I am a therapist, I suppose, many police (men and women) have shared their "backstory" with me, and the commonalities are striking: familial domestic violence and substance abuse, as well as personal experience of physical/emotional/sexual abuse as children. Good intentions notwithstanding, many officers seek to restore "order" where there was chaos, and it's clear to me that they often see criminals and suspects as the source of the world's ills, projecting particularly negative stereotypes onto traditional targets of suspicion--people of color, immigrants, and the poor. I imagine there are profiling "instruments" used to screen police applicants, but clearly, these are not taking into account the subtleties of personality and background. Why people choose a vocation or profession is all-important, especially when those people are given license to carry weapons and kill other human beings.
As a therapist who worked with law enforcement for nearly ten years, I ask that you consider a fact that is often overlooked in discussing police "culture": the characteristics of those attracted to police work. Just as nurses, teachers, clergy and social workers (to name but a few) often have very specific personality traits, family histories, and "motivations" for doing what they do, so do the police. Because I am a therapist, I suppose, many police (men and women) have shared their "backstory" with me, and the commonalities are striking: familial domestic violence and substance abuse, as well as personal experience of physical/emotional/sexual abuse as children. Good intentions notwithstanding, many officers seek to restore "order" where there was chaos, and it's clear to me that they often see criminals and suspects as the source of the world's ills, projecting particularly negative stereotypes onto traditional targets of suspicion--people of color, immigrants, and the poor. I imagine there are profiling "instruments" used to screen police applicants, but clearly, these are not taking into account the subtleties of personality and background. Why people choose a vocation or profession is all-important, especially when those people are given license to carry weapons and kill other human beings.
1
I actually think it may be time for some reparations. Not (just) for slavery. But, for all the humanity, wealth and resources that have been stolen from communities of color. News of the last year or so have made it clear that what every person of color knows, should now be common knowledge: they have paid disproportionately with their lives, their jobs, their money and their well-being.
1
"I, too, would hope that nobody would ever do something like that, but it seems to me that the end of the line has come for hoping alone. Now is the time for fundamental change: not just in one particular case or with one particular officer, but also systemically."
Charles, I agree, particularly when you go on to say it's a problem of "culture." Something, somewhere is attracting too many aggressive or bigoted white males to join police forces of communities with outsized black communities. Why are so few African Americans drawn to police work?
Well, here in north we have a mix, but that doesn't totally stop incidents of police brutality (think NYC in particular, but I'm sure also in parts of Boston). So, culture, yes must be changed and so must the training used to ensure that potential officers are psychologically fit for the job.
When police stop viewing the people they serve as citizens, but rather as prey, we have become a totally uncivil society. In a very real sense, Mr. Scott becomes all of us in the face of hatred, aggression, and violence.
Lord help us if policing can't undergo an overhaul. I felt like I was watching a firing squad in a foreign land seeing that video. But no, it's today's America. And It must change soon.
Charles, I agree, particularly when you go on to say it's a problem of "culture." Something, somewhere is attracting too many aggressive or bigoted white males to join police forces of communities with outsized black communities. Why are so few African Americans drawn to police work?
Well, here in north we have a mix, but that doesn't totally stop incidents of police brutality (think NYC in particular, but I'm sure also in parts of Boston). So, culture, yes must be changed and so must the training used to ensure that potential officers are psychologically fit for the job.
When police stop viewing the people they serve as citizens, but rather as prey, we have become a totally uncivil society. In a very real sense, Mr. Scott becomes all of us in the face of hatred, aggression, and violence.
Lord help us if policing can't undergo an overhaul. I felt like I was watching a firing squad in a foreign land seeing that video. But no, it's today's America. And It must change soon.
5
Mr. Blow does a racial and justice disservice by equating this murder with the Ferguson event. There, ample forensic evidence and eyewitnesses showed that the youth had wrestled for the officer's gun, with his blood inside the police car. There's also no doubt he was soon approaching or charging the officer, who fired as the youth approached. Many, including the Justice Department, could find not fault with the officer's actions. Here, it's a totally different story. Conflating the two harms the cause and can only help muffle the battle cry, Mr. Blow.
6
I've just come away from a three month study of the movie The Birth of a Nation, which celebrates the new birth of the Aryan Nation of the USA (the director's word) after Reconstruction. The movie celebrates the unlimited use of unpunished deadly force against people who are not white. White people in the US -except perhaps for the very young - are imbued on an unconscious level with the idea that "they are not us" and that they are not deserving of what we deserve. We abstract that reality by calling it racism, a word that means nothing.
I'm a white man of 83. I know what I'm talking about. We as a nation have to admit and work to end the profoundly destructive and divisive way of thinking.
I'm a white man of 83. I know what I'm talking about. We as a nation have to admit and work to end the profoundly destructive and divisive way of thinking.
4
As I watched the video all I kept hearing in my ears was - "if guns were outlawed only outlaws would carry guns" and to paraphrase - when there's a bad guy with gun you need a good guy with a gun. I don't want to change the focus of the discussion but I fear many law enforcement officials consider themselves the good guys and thereby fire-away without thought to the consequences. They also appear to be quite adept at making the cirumstances fit their narrative after the fact. Just like you cannot convince gun advocates that guns kill people it appears from some comments that no matter what video evidence is produced, for some people, the victim "may have had it coming" because they were incredulous for beig hassled for driving with a broken taillight. That's equally as scary.
6
Perhaps it's time we actually hired "the finest" by setting the bar a little higher than a warm body and a high school diploma. We could begin by requiring a Bachelor of Arts degree form an accredited college, with preference given to those with a Master of Arts degree.
A quote from Police Chief Magazine, "The reason that the officers with bachelor of arts degrees did well in this study could be related to the type of course work required to earn a bachelor of arts degree. For example, a bachelor of arts degree emphasizes problem-solving from a variety of viewpoints, develops understanding of how perceptions influence behavior, increases a person's comfort level with ambiguity, and assumes that the things going on in the world are fluid and interrelated. With this style of thinking, individuals with bachelor of arts degrees are likely more comfortable with the notion that there is more than one way to solve a problem."
http://www.policechiefmagazine.org/magazine/index.cfm?fuseaction=display...
A quote from Police Chief Magazine, "The reason that the officers with bachelor of arts degrees did well in this study could be related to the type of course work required to earn a bachelor of arts degree. For example, a bachelor of arts degree emphasizes problem-solving from a variety of viewpoints, develops understanding of how perceptions influence behavior, increases a person's comfort level with ambiguity, and assumes that the things going on in the world are fluid and interrelated. With this style of thinking, individuals with bachelor of arts degrees are likely more comfortable with the notion that there is more than one way to solve a problem."
http://www.policechiefmagazine.org/magazine/index.cfm?fuseaction=display...
3
I think that is right. But, you must make police work attractive to people with a BA. What type of person do you need to be to make it your mission in life to "go after fellow citizen"? You get what you advertise? The mission of police first must be redefined to a customer oriented service for citizen, a mission to protect and help, and not a mission to pursue. That may make the job much more fulfilling for a broader set of folks.
After 39 1/2 years as a Black CA "Peace Officer" (Statutory designation of a Police Officer), for me one solution to cops going from stop to gun, is to hold each officer as guilty until proven innocent, whenever that officer's act or omission, ends in the death of any human being. Officers prevent crime, investigate crimes, apprehend criminals, bring those arrested before a Judge and where applicable, a jury. Any type of death as a result of the officer's official act or omission, is a failure of his/her sworn duty. Any person who cannot perform under that minimum standard, should seek other employment.
4
Do not forget that there a number of GOP lead statehouses (only GOP dominated) that have or are working on laws that would make it a crime to do what that brave kid did - record a cop killing a citizen. Just think about that for a moment - a crime. Why would the statehouses do that? Think about that. What are they protecting, and therein lies the answer to why this will be repeated over and over
5
This video is appalling - with the only good coming from such a violent and savage act being that it may move us one step closer to change. How or why a policeman or anyone would shoot - execution style - another man in the back as he ran away - unarmed - is beyond understanding. But, here in Cincinnati we recently had a birthday party for high school African American kids, where some thug (kids?) pulled guns and fired between 50 - 60 shots killing one teen age girl and wounding two other students. The police have been begging for someone to step forward with information. If we are to blame the need for police to clean their own ranks, then certainly more needs to be done within the African American community to stop the senseless killing that goes on within their own community. Perhaps one day we will all demonstrate a greater value for human life - one can only hope. And hopefully we will treat police with respect and they will look at citizens with respect, rather than whatever troubled way this bad cop viewed the people he is hired to protect.
2
With this killing, I stopped wondering how or why anyone, not to mention a policeman, would kill a fellow human being. As another reader said below, "We have gone mad with ignorance and hate." Now I am truly weary about having to listen to the type of debates and arguments in the upcoming presidential election.
Shooting him down as he ran away. Shooting him in the back. Even in a gun culture; especially in OUR gun culture with its credo's based on the Western myth of facing down your opponent, that is just plain wrong. It was a murderous and cowardly act. As he has done to his victim he should face the same.
John~
American Net'Zen
John~
American Net'Zen
I think this case represents a lack of calm decision making among some police officers. I realize that they need to make split decisions but in several of these extremely publicized recent cases, the situation could have been better handled.
The Staten Island incident was particularly obscene. It was loose cigarettes, give him a fine. They didn't have to jump him and the officer who choked him to death clearly was unable to calm himself down. It continued after the man was subdued. That is a real problem.
And in this recent incident, if I am correct, the officer ran the person to find an outstanding warrant. Even if he runs, you have his information. Why not do a little police work, go to his address, speak to his next of kin, etc.
lastly, police have to realize that being arrested is a huge deal. It ruins so many people's lives so it would make sense for them to run. That is the only good thing to come out of Ferguson. The realization that communities were funding municipal payrolls on the backs of people being arrested for minor infractions.
The Staten Island incident was particularly obscene. It was loose cigarettes, give him a fine. They didn't have to jump him and the officer who choked him to death clearly was unable to calm himself down. It continued after the man was subdued. That is a real problem.
And in this recent incident, if I am correct, the officer ran the person to find an outstanding warrant. Even if he runs, you have his information. Why not do a little police work, go to his address, speak to his next of kin, etc.
lastly, police have to realize that being arrested is a huge deal. It ruins so many people's lives so it would make sense for them to run. That is the only good thing to come out of Ferguson. The realization that communities were funding municipal payrolls on the backs of people being arrested for minor infractions.
I realize you are not condoning the shooting, but what is the "split-second decision" involved in shooting someone in the back as they are running away from you? And, if you have a compelling reason to take down someone who is fleeing, shouldn't you be able to shoot them in the leg and slow them down without killing them? This looks an awful lot like murder to me.
This is not a "case of a bad decision", this is a symptom of an essential flaw in US society.
Which is not to say that such flaws do not exist in any other countries, in fact, they do.
But the question is, why does the US government not take its incredible power and resources to make the country and the society a better one?
Why does the US try to enforce its "moral standards" onto other countries while at home things run afoul with increasing speed?
Why not just draw back from all those wars that brought "democracy" and "freedom" while killing millions of innocent civilians and destabilizing entire regions and, instead, start solving domestic issues and social problems?
Or is it more fun to kill foreigners abroad than solving real and pressing issues at home?
Which is not to say that such flaws do not exist in any other countries, in fact, they do.
But the question is, why does the US government not take its incredible power and resources to make the country and the society a better one?
Why does the US try to enforce its "moral standards" onto other countries while at home things run afoul with increasing speed?
Why not just draw back from all those wars that brought "democracy" and "freedom" while killing millions of innocent civilians and destabilizing entire regions and, instead, start solving domestic issues and social problems?
Or is it more fun to kill foreigners abroad than solving real and pressing issues at home?
This is an example of the government bringing its incredible power and resources to the people. We could use a bit LESS of that sort of help, please.
THINK ABOUT THIS PLEASE.... What i do not understand is, why did not the black cop do say anything? He was there, must have witnessed it all. was present when the object was dropped by the body. Did he, or would he have, at any point deny what the white cop said if it were not on camera?
So is it a question of black white the willing reporters keep ranting on about? OR is it a question of bad training and culpability and duplicity of fellow officers ?
So is it a question of black white the willing reporters keep ranting on about? OR is it a question of bad training and culpability and duplicity of fellow officers ?
So often the description of horrific events such as this include the phrase "...following a routine traffic stop." In this case, for a broken taillight. Traffic stops for broken taillights, taillights out, brake lights out, tires under-inflated, taking a turn too wide, etc. etc. are generally the "probable cause" that allows police to frisk the driver, bring the drug-sniffing dogs, check for warrants, hassle, and plain roust the citizens. That these kinds of stops have become "routine" is evidence of something clearly wrong in our society and in police practice. Often these routine rousts end with a driver sent to our modern equivalent of debtor's prison. Sometimes these rousts end with the death of a citizen. What is a citizen's recourse?
5
If the situation had been reversed, and a 50-year-old black man had shot a fleeing cop, then planted evidence and claimed self-defense, there would be no gentle euphemisms coming from the police department. It's not a bad decision. It's murder.
10
This incident, as disturbing as it is, shows that the criminal justice systen so far is processing this appropriately. The officer was arrested shortly after the incident and charged with murder. He is being held in custody and not offered bail. The Police chief correctly gave jurisdiction to an independent law enforcement agency (SLED) to conduct the investigation. The officer was fired quickly from the Police Department. Mr. Scott's family is showing enormous character during this tragic time.
Mr. Blow's reference to Michael Brown is apples and oranges. Mr. Brown was running toward the officer, and engaged in a violent struggle for the officer's gun. Mr. Scott was running away from the officer when he was shot and posed no threat to the officer. The Grand Jury and Eric Holder's Justice Department investigated the incident thoroughly and concluded that Mr. Brown did not have his hands up nor did he say "Don't shoot." Furthermore, they revealed that Mr. Brown attacked the officer and the officer shooting him in self defense was justified.
Furthermore, all of these tragic incident could be avoided and not end violently if people stopped by the police do not resist arrest, run from, and fight with the police.
Mr. Blow's reference to Michael Brown is apples and oranges. Mr. Brown was running toward the officer, and engaged in a violent struggle for the officer's gun. Mr. Scott was running away from the officer when he was shot and posed no threat to the officer. The Grand Jury and Eric Holder's Justice Department investigated the incident thoroughly and concluded that Mr. Brown did not have his hands up nor did he say "Don't shoot." Furthermore, they revealed that Mr. Brown attacked the officer and the officer shooting him in self defense was justified.
Furthermore, all of these tragic incident could be avoided and not end violently if people stopped by the police do not resist arrest, run from, and fight with the police.
1
But the only reason we are seeing these results is because a citizen filmed the shooting and released it. Otherwise, it would have been business as usual for the policeman. "I was in fear of my life, so I shot him." With the resultant non-prosecution of the policeman, because he was "acting in self-defense".
I am a 59 year old black woman. The reason blacks don't just stop and not resist is because 9 times out of 10, when a black person is stopped, the interaction is negative from the beginning. It is how we are spoken to from the beginning. Like we are a piece of trash. It's not just police either. Compare how a teacher chastises a black child versus how a white child is corrected. I volunteered in my kids schools for years and this is what I saw. Our whole culture needs to change. When you continually treat someone like they are a dog, don't be surprised if they bite you. Respect is earned, not an automatic given.
I am a 59 year old black woman. The reason blacks don't just stop and not resist is because 9 times out of 10, when a black person is stopped, the interaction is negative from the beginning. It is how we are spoken to from the beginning. Like we are a piece of trash. It's not just police either. Compare how a teacher chastises a black child versus how a white child is corrected. I volunteered in my kids schools for years and this is what I saw. Our whole culture needs to change. When you continually treat someone like they are a dog, don't be surprised if they bite you. Respect is earned, not an automatic given.
Militarized police and racism combined is lethal. Racism by itself is lethal. We have gone mad with ignorance and hate.
11
Carolyn: We were always mad, but for a short time appeared to be "civilized." Attitudes to Blacks and their treatment (add in Native Americans) are running sores of our history. Other groups ill-treated for a time included Chinese, Irish, Italians,.. And consider the murderous fury unleashed on Mormons as they were forced to treck west.
1
Stupid gun laws make for very stupid police forces.
5
A good start would be to take guns away from the police.
What I see is an unwarranted escalation of events by cops with brittle egos. I've worked with a variety of officers, working details at weddings. These are supposed to be happy events, but occasionally, alcohol fuels emotions, and fights break out. There are two ways of dealing with this. Some officers will intercede by stepping in between the parties, and calmly remind the people that indeed, this is a joyous occasion, and will endure a little contact and back talk, until things calm down. Others bark orders and pull out the pepper spray.
Reminding people of their humanity, works, but so does pepper spray, and treating them like mad dogs. The problem I see with all these horrid police shootings,, is that the cops involved just don't care about the people they're supposed to be protecting, and will not countenance their display of being human.
Reminding people of their humanity, works, but so does pepper spray, and treating them like mad dogs. The problem I see with all these horrid police shootings,, is that the cops involved just don't care about the people they're supposed to be protecting, and will not countenance their display of being human.
11
A few suggestions:
-Let's start with no more hiring of police officers. It's pretty obvious we have too many of them, especially with the crime statistics as low as they are, so the ones we do have are justifying their jobs. If we stop hiring, the numbers will decline through attrition and at some point, we'll need to evaluate when to begin hiring/training again.
-All police should wear body cams that record their work when they are on duty. The cameras can come on automatically. It could be as simple as them putting on their badges. If every police officer has a body cam, we will always know the accuracy of their story when force is used.
-All police should get training on a continuous basis so police forces can identify who is more likely to make "bad decisions". This can include random evaluations of officers by view their video files.
-Not all police should carry lethal bullets--it simply isn't necessary. Even getting hit by a rubber bullet is the equivalent of getting hit with a baseball bat, so that's enough to stop the average threat on the street (like an unarmed middle-aged man).
-Police should like in the communities in which they work. For that purpose, they can be offered partially subsidized housing (as some neighborhoods are very expensive) but at any rate housing owned and cared for by the police force. We can sell some of the tanks and such (or take them out of the budget) to pay for that).
-Let's start with no more hiring of police officers. It's pretty obvious we have too many of them, especially with the crime statistics as low as they are, so the ones we do have are justifying their jobs. If we stop hiring, the numbers will decline through attrition and at some point, we'll need to evaluate when to begin hiring/training again.
-All police should wear body cams that record their work when they are on duty. The cameras can come on automatically. It could be as simple as them putting on their badges. If every police officer has a body cam, we will always know the accuracy of their story when force is used.
-All police should get training on a continuous basis so police forces can identify who is more likely to make "bad decisions". This can include random evaluations of officers by view their video files.
-Not all police should carry lethal bullets--it simply isn't necessary. Even getting hit by a rubber bullet is the equivalent of getting hit with a baseball bat, so that's enough to stop the average threat on the street (like an unarmed middle-aged man).
-Police should like in the communities in which they work. For that purpose, they can be offered partially subsidized housing (as some neighborhoods are very expensive) but at any rate housing owned and cared for by the police force. We can sell some of the tanks and such (or take them out of the budget) to pay for that).
5
How would you propose to accomplish all those things?
Mr. Scott was murdered after a traffic stop because of a broken tail light on the vehicle. In New York, Eric Garner was choked to death for selling bootleg cigarettes. No sane person could justify this type of force. Police departments across this nation have taken in angry, racist people who are merely bullies with badges.
18
Would your average citizen, black or white, received multiple comments of "mistakes were made" and "we need to hear the whole story" if the roles were reversed and there was a video of a black citizen shooting a police officer in the back eight times and handcuffing him and dropping something near the body?
18
I don't know what to think anymore. Are our police officers this badly trained? Are they trigger happy with no respect for life? (I'm sorry, but one has to ask this in light of one gunned down for stealing cigars and the other a tail light. These are offenses the officer might/should have shown a little sympathy, not aggression.)
Have racists infiltrated our forces ------ police are suppose to be the good guys --- this isn't good? And whatever happened to, "you can't run from the law, they know where you live?" So, why run? (Although, when one didn't run, he was choked to death ---- I guess I would probably take my chances on a bullet to the back, too.)
Charles, we are past the point of turning every police force in this country upside down. (Or is this a union thing?) And, every force should represent the communities they serve.
Have racists infiltrated our forces ------ police are suppose to be the good guys --- this isn't good? And whatever happened to, "you can't run from the law, they know where you live?" So, why run? (Although, when one didn't run, he was choked to death ---- I guess I would probably take my chances on a bullet to the back, too.)
Charles, we are past the point of turning every police force in this country upside down. (Or is this a union thing?) And, every force should represent the communities they serve.
7
How, exactly, do you train someone to NOT shoot people in the back? Is a person that needs that sort of training really a person the government should be arming?
Policemen drawing a gun should be a last resort in a confrontation. That confrontation must be lethal, that will result in a life threatening outcome in the absence of a lethal response. Apprehending a suspect is not a justification for shooting that subject if the subject is not a threat, is unarmed and is fleeing or has their hands up. The actions of the police department must be exemplary. What we have witnessed is a depraved indifference toward human life.
14
I have been reading about August Vollmer, considered the father of modern policing...much of what he said and did, stating in 1905, still stands today as the gold standard:Recruit good and smart people, assess their emotional suitability and stability, and the train them rigorously....professionalize the field...
That cop in SC is a cold-blooded murderer who had no reason being in any police department and the folks who hired him should be held accountable, too.
That cop in SC is a cold-blooded murderer who had no reason being in any police department and the folks who hired him should be held accountable, too.
12
Could the NYT interview cops (anonymously, of course) and investigate why good ones still feel so obligated to the Blue Wall of Silence? Their rationale doesn't make sense no matter how hard you try to understand it. Why would they trust sociopathic cops like this to have their backs? Do they really think these officers care about them any more than they care about the civilian lives they destroy? And why, for the love of God, would they think protecting injustice, brutality, and outright murder equals upholding the law? Or are these questions they already know the answers to and hope that living in denial will keep them from facing them--or the consequences?
10
"Their rationale doesn't make sense no matter how hard you try to understand it."
The rationale, I think, is that we humans evolved to be intensely loyal to our own immediate pack or tribe. It had and arguably still has immense survival and prosperity value, and it's sufficiently hard-wired into us by now that it's awfully difficult to overcome.
Which of course does nothing to lessen the duty of good men and women -- -especially- those who hold legal power and authority over others -- to do their very best -to- overcome this instinct when adhering to it makes them bad men and women.
The rationale, I think, is that we humans evolved to be intensely loyal to our own immediate pack or tribe. It had and arguably still has immense survival and prosperity value, and it's sufficiently hard-wired into us by now that it's awfully difficult to overcome.
Which of course does nothing to lessen the duty of good men and women -- -especially- those who hold legal power and authority over others -- to do their very best -to- overcome this instinct when adhering to it makes them bad men and women.
The blue wall of silence is there because they know they can make mistakes and unscrupulous politicians and journalists willing to bend the truth can get them fired and thrown in jail . It's not an easy job and they know they can be thrown to the wolves. For instance look at the e-mails some cops had. Should anyone be fired for political correctness? It's also much like Miranda rights given to those arrested where those without legal consultation.
Most cops don't look believe they can make that kind of mistake which this wasn't, but if no ones willing to protect them they need to protect themselves.
Most cops don't look believe they can make that kind of mistake which this wasn't, but if no ones willing to protect them they need to protect themselves.
You are right Charles - culture is the problem. The culture of law enforcement. The culture of police/military/hero in post-911 America. Anybody who has been close to law enforcement people (and I have been for many years) knows what I am mean - if they are honest with themselves. Yes, I know law enforcement people who are good and decent human beings, but the culture in which they exist must change. And nobody inside the culture dares say so.
13
Absolutely, our culture is the problem. And we are a culture that is awash in violence to the point that violence has become entertainment. The bulk of our movies, TV and video games are obscenely violent. The modern gladiators of MMA "sporting" events are hugely popular. We idolize our military "heroes" and are willing to spend 1/3 of our national budget on the military and "security". Fresh from the debacle of Iraq, many of us are chafing at the bit to send Other Mother's Children to have a go at Iran.
It is no surprise that our domestic police forces mirror that violence. The chilling video of that cop shooting an unarmed human being in the back and then calmly handcuffing the corpse and setting up his "he took my taser" alibi is a metaphor for our Culture of Violence.
It is no surprise that our domestic police forces mirror that violence. The chilling video of that cop shooting an unarmed human being in the back and then calmly handcuffing the corpse and setting up his "he took my taser" alibi is a metaphor for our Culture of Violence.
Fat out of shape cops, should not be carrying guns. Cop #2 shows up and makes bad cop look like a fine athlete. Then for good measure, the police chief looks like he swallowed a house. The tragedy is the man should have walked away with a ticket, instead he was shot dead. the people of North Charleston should demand a new police force. Starting with the chief who is setting a bad example by being grossly overweight. These cops couldn't catch a bus, let alone a very slow middle- aged man.
10
Are you saying fat cops are dumb cops? Can we carry that analogy over in to other civilian occupations? Like Bank Presidents? Elected officials? Teachers? Carpenters? Plumbers? Why stop with just the police?
"The tragedy is the man should have walked away with a ticket, instead he was shot dead."
How do you handle people who refuse to take the ticket, though? Laws, by definition, need to be enforced. Perhaps the solution is fewer laws.
How do you handle people who refuse to take the ticket, though? Laws, by definition, need to be enforced. Perhaps the solution is fewer laws.
In 1967 the Kerner Commission said:
“Our Nation Is Moving Toward Two Societies, One Black, One White—Separate and Unequal”:
White racism still rages in the U.S!
Black lives still matter!
“Our Nation Is Moving Toward Two Societies, One Black, One White—Separate and Unequal”:
White racism still rages in the U.S!
Black lives still matter!
7
There was a time, not so long ago, when if a cop (or even a cop wannabe, in George Zimmerman's case) played the "I felt threatened", card, enough people believed him that he would be exonerated for killing someone. Those who disbelieved the cop would be called divisive, racist, troublemakers. Then there would be a long sermon in which everyone would have to pay homage to the nobility and self-sacrifice of the police.
Will this event call into question the stories of other cops who kill people? Will this finally show that cops (like other people) lie to cover up their crimes? Will this event finally drive away the "I felt threatened excuse"? Probably not. But we gotta hope.
Will this event call into question the stories of other cops who kill people? Will this finally show that cops (like other people) lie to cover up their crimes? Will this event finally drive away the "I felt threatened excuse"? Probably not. But we gotta hope.
10
The US rebellion against the rule of Westminster was fought primarily to allow white US immigrants from Europe to expand further west, to kill and dispossess Native Americans of their land, and to uphold the right of burgeoning colonies to possess and exploit African American slaves. The USA is built on slavery and the wholesale genocide of its native peoples. When a white cop murders a runaway black man, he is doing exactly as Washington and Jefferson would have commended.
1
As usual, Blow, let us not wait for an investigation and trial. Its a 'black' issue, so let us have a quick lynching. Yes, it obviously looks like cold blooded murder, but can we wait for a trial?
3
Here you echo precisely the mentality of killer cops. Why wait to arrest, arraign, and try a Black guy?
Why wait to exercise free speech regarding video? Trial is a separate issue.
This, as the only evidence we have (fortunate video of the latter stages of the confrontation) shows, seems to be a case of murder. It is being handled appropriately, with the policeman in jail without bail.
The actions of the policeman point to an immediate attempt at a coverup (planting the taser next to the victim?)
It's an awful way to have one's life end; anger from the family is to be expected.
Some facts not in your article and apparently unknown to many of the posters: There was reportedly a warrant out for the victim's arrest, for nonpayment of child support. Of the 8 shots, only 5 struck the victim.
Why was the victim out of his car, as he would be expected to be sitting in it at the beginning of this encounter for a taillight violation?
Mr. Blow, your focus is repeatedly to defend/argue for blacks. Even in this article you point to people of color being shot. But you must realize that such actions happen to people of white color as well. The issue is police force, judgment, and training. You can also argue bias, which is your continuing point.
You point to the percentage of black vs white on the police force. So? Blacks can apply, and, if qualified and there is an opening, get a job. You discuss this point.
Whites increasingly don't trust the police, either. In markedly less serious scenarios, police in traffic allegations are seen as unethical collectors of revenue for the state. The old motto of "To protect and to serve" is a distant memory.
The actions of the policeman point to an immediate attempt at a coverup (planting the taser next to the victim?)
It's an awful way to have one's life end; anger from the family is to be expected.
Some facts not in your article and apparently unknown to many of the posters: There was reportedly a warrant out for the victim's arrest, for nonpayment of child support. Of the 8 shots, only 5 struck the victim.
Why was the victim out of his car, as he would be expected to be sitting in it at the beginning of this encounter for a taillight violation?
Mr. Blow, your focus is repeatedly to defend/argue for blacks. Even in this article you point to people of color being shot. But you must realize that such actions happen to people of white color as well. The issue is police force, judgment, and training. You can also argue bias, which is your continuing point.
You point to the percentage of black vs white on the police force. So? Blacks can apply, and, if qualified and there is an opening, get a job. You discuss this point.
Whites increasingly don't trust the police, either. In markedly less serious scenarios, police in traffic allegations are seen as unethical collectors of revenue for the state. The old motto of "To protect and to serve" is a distant memory.
3
Yes, we all know that Mr. Scott had a warrant out for nonpayment of child support. Since when does this accusation merit execution by a policeman?
"of 8 shots, only 5 struck the victim". What does that mean? It's a good thing the cop wasn't really mad, because he would have been shot 8 times in the baçk? I'm surprised you didn't theorize the first three shots were warning shots.
When was the last time you heard of an unarmed white man being shot in the back, 5 times out of 8 shots, (or even once) by a police officer.
When was the last time you heard of an unarmed white man being shot in the back, 5 times out of 8 shots, (or even once) by a police officer.
Cops don't go into law enforcement for the money. Most cities and towns don't pay them enough for that. So, they take part of their pay in the raw exercise of power - often for good, but sometimes just for its own sake. The ability to arbitrarily cut one guy a break, while capriciously coming down hard on another, and doing so with relative impunity, is worth a lot to some people. By underpaying our cops, we encourage only those types to appy for the job.
Countries that pay their police appropriately have less corruption, and more professionalism, with the result that even relatively oppressive societies (e.g. Singapore) can boast of good relations between the police and their public. If being a cop in the US is more dangerous than in many countries, then they should be paid proportionally more. Taxpayers may consider at least a part of this cost a tax that funds a remarkably broad freedom to purchase and carry firearms in the USA. 2nd Amendment freedom really is not free, and US cops arguably deserve a measure of extra 'hazard pay'.
What is needed is more cops that get into the career for the money, and less who are in it for the 'fringe benefits' that undermine public trust, and lead to tragedy.
Countries that pay their police appropriately have less corruption, and more professionalism, with the result that even relatively oppressive societies (e.g. Singapore) can boast of good relations between the police and their public. If being a cop in the US is more dangerous than in many countries, then they should be paid proportionally more. Taxpayers may consider at least a part of this cost a tax that funds a remarkably broad freedom to purchase and carry firearms in the USA. 2nd Amendment freedom really is not free, and US cops arguably deserve a measure of extra 'hazard pay'.
What is needed is more cops that get into the career for the money, and less who are in it for the 'fringe benefits' that undermine public trust, and lead to tragedy.
2
I am happy to live in a "sleepy" NJ suburban town (Wyckoff) where the police are respectful, courteous and helpful. But having stated that, as a 64 year old white man, I regret to say that when I leave my town and venture back into NYC, for example, my birthplace, I must say I am more afraid and cautious, these days, of the police then I am of any individual. And that includes Blacks, Whites and Latinos; either male or female. When a rich, old white man like me is now cautious of the police, just think of how a poor, young black man must feel.
15
Yep.
Mr. Blow, I am as heartbroken of seeing and reading about unarmed black men being killed by police as you are, unfortunately there is still a need to see these atrocities and read about them.
4
Most commenters here write as if this is some aberration in your society; in fact, it is intimately related to your culture in general. You have the most guns on the planet, you have statistically the most violent cities, your have more police killings in March than the UK has had since 1900; you rank low in education, infrastructure, mortality, environmental conditions, you name it: the United States doesn't rank high in anything positive anymore, though it did come 16th in today's Social Progress index. As for the killing of blacks by cops: if everyone open carries, as they will within five years or so, of course the cops are going to be wary, tetchier, more violent. Your policing, your macho culture, the world of Eastwood and Schwarzenegger is your model: anger, rage, coupled with an unhealthy dose of misogyny, religiosity, homophobia, feudalism, will result in the world you have displayed before you.
15
There's no abuse of police power in Canada? Are you sure? No macho culture? No anger or rage? Maybe not, but you make up for it in arrogance.
US Americans and Canadians have a lot in common, but only the Canadian is offended by this suggegestion.
US Americans and Canadians have a lot in common, but only the Canadian is offended by this suggegestion.
Why not disarm the police?
If there's a violent confrontation, use the communication systems and overwhelming numbers of police for a proper response. Send in guns only when necessary. It seems to work in the UK.
Because of a corrupt culture and a few bad cops the rest of the police force will be put at greater (marginally) greater risk. But so what. It's the job they signed up for, trained for, and are well compensated for.
Maybe some local/city police force will grow a set and rethinking the one cop - one gun policy. Ferguson? More Chuck Norris (bare hands) less Dirty Harry.
If there's a violent confrontation, use the communication systems and overwhelming numbers of police for a proper response. Send in guns only when necessary. It seems to work in the UK.
Because of a corrupt culture and a few bad cops the rest of the police force will be put at greater (marginally) greater risk. But so what. It's the job they signed up for, trained for, and are well compensated for.
Maybe some local/city police force will grow a set and rethinking the one cop - one gun policy. Ferguson? More Chuck Norris (bare hands) less Dirty Harry.
2
Would you volunteer to join such a police force? One which is not armed?
Just maybe now America truly see what people of color have been saying all along; the police treat them much differently than they do White people. Most believe the person of color was shot to death and deserved it because he is a "thug." And some people of color are up to no good, but the ones that are decent hard working Americans are treated the same as if they are also "Thugs."
Also most of America believes without any doubt what the police has stated is always true. But every time there has been a video, what the police stated is contradicted by the video….the police officer lied.
So America, we have a major problem in that there is a very troubling culture in police departments across this country of police using deadly force first against people of color.
But first most of America has to believe there is a problem and not just the people of color who live with this unnecessary fear on a daily basis. Most people of color have a disturbing and frightening police story to tell.
Also most of America believes without any doubt what the police has stated is always true. But every time there has been a video, what the police stated is contradicted by the video….the police officer lied.
So America, we have a major problem in that there is a very troubling culture in police departments across this country of police using deadly force first against people of color.
But first most of America has to believe there is a problem and not just the people of color who live with this unnecessary fear on a daily basis. Most people of color have a disturbing and frightening police story to tell.
8
Making this a racial issue adds no benefit, and unfortunately turns off a number of people who might otherwise be outraged. Is it not sufficient that the police are murdering the people they are sworn to serve & protect?
I think it is interesting that the first officer to the scene appears to be a Black man, Was he ready to lie for the culprit cop? The second officer also didn't seem to react at all to the dropping and picking up of the taser.... And It is truly amazing that Slager is yelling at this dying man whom he just executed to put his hands behind him so he can handcuff him. Unbelievably callous and beyond stupid.
5
I hate to admit this, but I am afraid it will only continue to get worse. The reason? We've allowed and apparently accept the creation of a desperate class in the richest nation in history, and we go about our daily affairs thinking it can be somehow swept under the carpet, that hopelessness, hunger, and extreme poverty will never impact us. But, hopelessness will impact us all, and is. We consider the police the last line of defense, after the gated communities, the doorman, the "private" everything. And those police are in too many cases obviously poorly screened, poorly trained, and undisciplined. When they find themselves in situations in which they fear for their lives, too many quickly respond with animal instincts and deadly force. This is a reflection of cultural, political, and economic failure of historic proportions.
6
Many make the error of thinking police are intelligent. They are not. It's self-evident. If they were smart, they'd be doing something else. This is why they need to be constantly monitored. They can't be trusted.
2
The video shows to me that the cop ran back and placed the taser next to the victim's body to justify his story that the victim took his taser. This shows that the cops usually plant evidence on their victims all of the time to justify arrests and shootings of unarmed people. It's done and mostly on minorities, and the cops lie about it.
5
I agree with every word in Charles column.
But I hear in many of these comments and in others elsewhere a strange misconception. That is that the officer should have considered shooting to wound or stop and not to kill?
There is no such thing as 'shoot to wound.' A handgun is a deadly weapon, every shot fired is an attempt to kill.
Want proof? This 'trained officer' firing his issue sidearm discharged eight shots only three actually struck the intended target. You can see from the video that he was in a steady stance, on a clear day and firing very deliberately. He had no more idea where each round would end up then does a teen playing a video game.
A handgun is just not that accurate a weapon in such a situation.
No, the correct move for an officer in this situation is to keep the individual in sight and call for assistance.
It is obvious the unarmed victim, trying to disengage, is over weight, a generation older and has not run in years. There was zero cause to fire a single round in a suburban environment and chance a deadly round killing an innocent a block away.
Where did the six rounds fired that didn't stop in the body get to?
No, there is just no justification for firing any type of shot. To kill, to wound, to warn, who cares? Just wrong.
But I hear in many of these comments and in others elsewhere a strange misconception. That is that the officer should have considered shooting to wound or stop and not to kill?
There is no such thing as 'shoot to wound.' A handgun is a deadly weapon, every shot fired is an attempt to kill.
Want proof? This 'trained officer' firing his issue sidearm discharged eight shots only three actually struck the intended target. You can see from the video that he was in a steady stance, on a clear day and firing very deliberately. He had no more idea where each round would end up then does a teen playing a video game.
A handgun is just not that accurate a weapon in such a situation.
No, the correct move for an officer in this situation is to keep the individual in sight and call for assistance.
It is obvious the unarmed victim, trying to disengage, is over weight, a generation older and has not run in years. There was zero cause to fire a single round in a suburban environment and chance a deadly round killing an innocent a block away.
Where did the six rounds fired that didn't stop in the body get to?
No, there is just no justification for firing any type of shot. To kill, to wound, to warn, who cares? Just wrong.
12
Mr. Blow,
A couple of things come to mind while reading your column. First, it appears that this policeman lied about the altercation that left Mr. Scott dead. Second, Mr. Scott fought with the policeman over a traffic citation for a broken taillight. Both men, in my opinion, used poor judgment. However, Mr. Scott was no longer a threat to Officer Slager as he ran away.
It seems likely, though not certain, that the policeman lost his cool and took his anger out on Mr. Scott. I can well imagine how angry he may have felt after the scuffle. Mr. Scott shouldn't have resisted arrest, but that's still no reason to shoot him.
It occurs to me that both men were probably reacting in the moment in ways that were not about the moment. That is, both men likely had long histories of bad relations with the group symbolized by the other. Mr. Scott, apparently, wanted to avoid being arrested for delinquent child support payments and may have had earlier unpleasant run ins with police. Again, not to blame the victim, but Mr. Scott should not have fought with Officer Slager. In turn, Officer Slager probably had experienced a lot of unpleasant run ins with angry, suspicious black citizens and may have been unnecessarily hostile from the start.
Thank God for the ubiquitous nature of cellphones. Without that cellphone recording, Officer Slager's account may have never been questioned. It will be interesting to learn the findings of the police investigation into this tragic incident.
A couple of things come to mind while reading your column. First, it appears that this policeman lied about the altercation that left Mr. Scott dead. Second, Mr. Scott fought with the policeman over a traffic citation for a broken taillight. Both men, in my opinion, used poor judgment. However, Mr. Scott was no longer a threat to Officer Slager as he ran away.
It seems likely, though not certain, that the policeman lost his cool and took his anger out on Mr. Scott. I can well imagine how angry he may have felt after the scuffle. Mr. Scott shouldn't have resisted arrest, but that's still no reason to shoot him.
It occurs to me that both men were probably reacting in the moment in ways that were not about the moment. That is, both men likely had long histories of bad relations with the group symbolized by the other. Mr. Scott, apparently, wanted to avoid being arrested for delinquent child support payments and may have had earlier unpleasant run ins with police. Again, not to blame the victim, but Mr. Scott should not have fought with Officer Slager. In turn, Officer Slager probably had experienced a lot of unpleasant run ins with angry, suspicious black citizens and may have been unnecessarily hostile from the start.
Thank God for the ubiquitous nature of cellphones. Without that cellphone recording, Officer Slager's account may have never been questioned. It will be interesting to learn the findings of the police investigation into this tragic incident.
Yes, and where are the outraged voices of our 'Law and Order' politicians in the Republican party? The silence is deafening. Indeed, and not even a public word of condolence for Mr. Scott's family from Senator Graham of South Carolina.
15
My semi terrific take of tragic reality at this ugly moment.
I'm afraid for us all, because this really gnaws.
Another disturbing case apparently about the dynamic of human rage.
A civilian's video emerges apparently debunking the police officer version.
Thus I suppose that every stop/arrest probably ought to be recorded as per an airplane's independent black/orange box.
I'm afraid for us all, because this really gnaws.
Another disturbing case apparently about the dynamic of human rage.
A civilian's video emerges apparently debunking the police officer version.
Thus I suppose that every stop/arrest probably ought to be recorded as per an airplane's independent black/orange box.
2
absolutely right regarding the use of the phrase “bad decision”.
the choice of the wrong wine with dinner is a bad decision.
this, this was an execution.
the choice of the wrong wine with dinner is a bad decision.
this, this was an execution.
6
"The blue wall of silence" reminds me of the Bishop wall of silence used to hide child abusive priest. Whether attempting to protect the company (police dept., church, etc) or individual from harm (loss of job, criminal prosecution) the violence against the injured or killed person is lost. As sincere efforts are being made to no longer tolerate or excuse child abuse behavior it is now time for police depts. throughout the United States to make clear to officers extreme, even murderous behavior is no longer going to be excused or protected from legal action.
10
I agree that a cultural change is absolutely critical and it must come from across the board. We need police departments to speak out more forcefully and take real action when such incidents occur. We need the recommendations from the Justice Dept (in their report after the Ferguson murder) to be taken on board.
I also think that at the same time, implementing measures such as body cameras and wider CCTV surveillance would help. As this case showed, just one person with a camera can provide evidence of police misbehavior - such as tampering with evidence. Imagine how prevalent such police misbehavior must be and it all goes unnoticed and unpunished.
Given the events of the past couple of decades, it looks like nothing has changed since similar events in the 1980's. Police still appear to have the freedom to make deadly decisions that should not be under their purview. They are also clearly corrupt and ill-trained and seem to have little regard for human life.
So yes, change must come but it will not unless we are strident in our demands for it. We need concerted changes in the police system, in the city government system and in the law. We cannot allow such events to become acceptable incidents that are forgotten after a few weeks. We also need respected papers like the NYTimes to keep these issues in front and center and not let them disappear as they do in the 24 hour news circus.
I also think that at the same time, implementing measures such as body cameras and wider CCTV surveillance would help. As this case showed, just one person with a camera can provide evidence of police misbehavior - such as tampering with evidence. Imagine how prevalent such police misbehavior must be and it all goes unnoticed and unpunished.
Given the events of the past couple of decades, it looks like nothing has changed since similar events in the 1980's. Police still appear to have the freedom to make deadly decisions that should not be under their purview. They are also clearly corrupt and ill-trained and seem to have little regard for human life.
So yes, change must come but it will not unless we are strident in our demands for it. We need concerted changes in the police system, in the city government system and in the law. We cannot allow such events to become acceptable incidents that are forgotten after a few weeks. We also need respected papers like the NYTimes to keep these issues in front and center and not let them disappear as they do in the 24 hour news circus.
1
Watching the video, I was as shocked by what the officer dies AFTER the shooting as the shooting itself. And I don't mean planting the Taser next to the victim, which is hard to follow in the jumpy footage. No, I mean the total lack of interest in rendering any assistance to the dying victim. You see no effort to check vital signs, stop bleeding, or do anything to help the man. In fact, the first thing the officer does is handcuff him, when it is obvious that he is mortally wounded and isn't going anywhere and isn't a threat to anyone (which, of course, he never was). The callous indifference to the humanity of the victim is chilling.
11
Hmmmmm you give people with only average to low IQs uniforms, tasers, and guns. Don't require a jury trial every time violence is used during the course of the job. Foster a culture of solidarity right or wrong for the folks in blue. Then wonder at why there's so much police violence??? I don't trust them never have. Yes, I'm white and suburban and squeaky clean, but cops scare me always have. Anyone walking around flashing weapons is frightening.
11
A Chief of Police speaks of his heart of hearts? Hear, hear. How'd he acquire that? Transplant?
3
Mr. Blow is right. While USA arguably is the most open, multi-racial society, this tragedy shows that many people still discriminate in their hearts and we are far from a post-racial society. As the world becoming more multi-racial itself, the world is watching us on to see if we can make it work. The rise of the Right Wing parties in Europe clearly takes the opposite stand. We must do much better and lead the way to a better harmonious world. If USA cannot do it after learning how to leave together for several hundred years, who can?
1
This video, as well as the one taken in Cleveland, have caused me to
suspect the veracity of all police explanations when civilians are killed by police.
We can do better. Clearly, all these incidents must be investigated
by federal authorities.
suspect the veracity of all police explanations when civilians are killed by police.
We can do better. Clearly, all these incidents must be investigated
by federal authorities.
7
Why should we expect that the federal authorities are better?
Re other officers coming forward, a guest on PBS Newshour today cited a few cases he’s seen of officers testifying against another officer, where there was no video.
Philip Stinson, Bowling Green State University:
"Well, there are a lot of police shootings, but it’s very rare that an officer is actually charged with an on-duty shooting.
We see it about four times a year, in my research, where an officer is charged with an on-duty shooting, charged with murder or manslaughter.
Most of the time in the cases that we have studied, other officers have come forward that have witnessed the shooting and have said that the officer who shot someone wasn’t justified, that there was no imminent threat of deadly force or serious bodily injury."
Philip Stinson, Bowling Green State University:
"Well, there are a lot of police shootings, but it’s very rare that an officer is actually charged with an on-duty shooting.
We see it about four times a year, in my research, where an officer is charged with an on-duty shooting, charged with murder or manslaughter.
Most of the time in the cases that we have studied, other officers have come forward that have witnessed the shooting and have said that the officer who shot someone wasn’t justified, that there was no imminent threat of deadly force or serious bodily injury."
1
There are two issues that are, in my mind, paramount: 1. The presumption that police tell the truth and 2. The Blue Wall.
Like most human beings, policemen will lie to protect themselves or to escape culpability for their actions. As this becomes more and more apparent, the belief that a policeman's account of events can be trusted will diminish. This is bad for the police, but worse for country. If a policeman's account of events cannot be trusted, how many true criminals will go free and endanger the public?
Which brings me to the Blue Wall. While I can understand the instinct to protect "your own," it is a bad strategy. The vast majority of policemen (and women, of course) are honorable people doing a difficult and occasionally dangerous job. To do this job well, they require the support of the community. If they protect those who do their jobs poorly, or worse, criminally, they undermine the confidence in the entire force. It is up to a police department, and in particular, the policemen themselves to police themselves. I'm certain that most police officers know who the "dangerous" cops are. It is up to the police force to clean its own house.
I suggest that the rank and file police officers stop protecting the bad apples in their midst. And that police unions cease defending the indefensible.
If they don't clean their own house, they will suffer most from the loss of confidence they are creating.
Like most human beings, policemen will lie to protect themselves or to escape culpability for their actions. As this becomes more and more apparent, the belief that a policeman's account of events can be trusted will diminish. This is bad for the police, but worse for country. If a policeman's account of events cannot be trusted, how many true criminals will go free and endanger the public?
Which brings me to the Blue Wall. While I can understand the instinct to protect "your own," it is a bad strategy. The vast majority of policemen (and women, of course) are honorable people doing a difficult and occasionally dangerous job. To do this job well, they require the support of the community. If they protect those who do their jobs poorly, or worse, criminally, they undermine the confidence in the entire force. It is up to a police department, and in particular, the policemen themselves to police themselves. I'm certain that most police officers know who the "dangerous" cops are. It is up to the police force to clean its own house.
I suggest that the rank and file police officers stop protecting the bad apples in their midst. And that police unions cease defending the indefensible.
If they don't clean their own house, they will suffer most from the loss of confidence they are creating.
6
No traffic stop should ever involve deadly force of any kind. Auto makers should now design tail lights that never burn out! Please now just charge more and save lives in the process. May this horrific event be the last one!
2
I heard a television host today asking how come cops are still shooting unarmed citizens indiscriminately despite the kind of media and our nation’s glare on them. My take is this, while a lot of us who read New York Times disagree very often, majority tend to see the valid point in the other person's disagreement. We are talking to each other here on this site really. What do you think is the likelihood that these cops involved in most of these shootings watch FOX News? I ask that question because FOX News almost in all these cases vehemently support the cops and make excuses for them. I yearn for a day we will come together in this country and collectively condemn injustice and find a solution to all these senseless killings.
3
Truly this is a tragic event. Why it happened, I don't yet know, but as the investigation unfolds, I'm sure we will find out.
I would expect, at some point, calls for a national police force to replace local police. I sincerely hope that does not happen - the federal government already has too much power.
I would expect, at some point, calls for a national police force to replace local police. I sincerely hope that does not happen - the federal government already has too much power.
I think it's important that we stop perpetuating the myth and the narrative that law enforcement are heroes. That is not the historical narrative of police in the United States. A little history lesson will tell you that what we see today not really an amplification of militarization or anything abnormal, this has always been how law enforcement behaves. The confabulation of 9/11 projected a false image that law enforcement workers are heroes of some kind when in fact they are the furthest thing from. They get paid to face danger. Heroes are volunteers.
I too am weary of this kind of behavior. The DOJ needs to act in force. I don't care if the right wing starts crying like babies, something needs to change at a basic structural, systemic, institutional level.
I too am weary of this kind of behavior. The DOJ needs to act in force. I don't care if the right wing starts crying like babies, something needs to change at a basic structural, systemic, institutional level.
8
The officer that killed an unarmed man in flight away from him was fired. That's it? No further justice to be meted out? Impunity in the making? If the latter, these tragic events may continue to occur; injustice all over again.
Give it a break. The officer has also been arrested and charged with murder. The system is working.
He was also charged with murder and is in jail without bail --appropriate but it probably wouldn't have happened without the tape.
Well said Julie from Playa Del Rey, CA. I only disagree with one thing: the leaders in S.C filed charges because they had no choice and I'm not so sure it is a start, so to speak. They are part of the culture problem and they all have to go. There have been many many complaints in their jurisdiction over the years that been unaddressed. Their willingness to believe that Black men are all a danger until proven otherwise remains part of the problem. They believe the most ridiculous stories told by police, no matter how much they offends common sense: Do we really have a new epidemic of black men trying to disarm police officers? Are police officers suddenly all so frightened for their lives? Obviously, I don't believe either of those things but somehow it passes for truth, or at least an excuse for the people we pay to be responsible to look the other way. To change the culture we need leadership. Someone who does the right thing only when they absolutely have to is certainly lacking in leadership.
5
Yes, I also thought today about how the Wall of Blue Silence needs to come down as the first step in a overhaul of policing culture. Every time this happens, I read comments from "the good ones" pleading with us that not all cops are like this. I believe them--but the people will not trust the police anymore unless the good ones no longer cover for the racists and the psychopaths in their midst. Yes, policing must be an incredibly hard job. But this wall of silence will no longer stand. With all of this video emerging, the white mainstream is finally beginning to trust what people of colour have been saying for years (utter pity it took so long--another death knell for the assumption we live in a "post-racial" society). Now the critical mass of people no longer trusting the police is only growing. If the people don't trust the police, something has to give, since they only exist either through fascist force or through collective trust. We're at a crossroads.
There's always the argument that all this debate is moot because the police have only ever existed to protect the rich, white status quo--that policing and justice are forever mutually exclusive. If we think there is a role for the police that does not boil down to keeping poor people and people of colour down, then we all have to figure out what that would look like, and the mainstream has to start facing the possibility that they have merely been provided the police force that deep down they always wanted. Disgusting.
There's always the argument that all this debate is moot because the police have only ever existed to protect the rich, white status quo--that policing and justice are forever mutually exclusive. If we think there is a role for the police that does not boil down to keeping poor people and people of colour down, then we all have to figure out what that would look like, and the mainstream has to start facing the possibility that they have merely been provided the police force that deep down they always wanted. Disgusting.
4
policing dangerous, nope, far safer then agricultural work, logging, construction, all of which I've done; 300 times less dangerous the roofing
3
This incident has truly horrified me. I could not bear to watch the video. It was enough to see a still photo of a man running away, and a policeman aiming at his fleeing back, to horrify me. How did we get to this place?
1
Police are supposed to be physically fit enough to chase and tackle a unarmed subject twenty feet away. Poverty, a poor educational system, high rates of black males incarcerated topped off by racism and a gun culture and here we are. Condolences to the family. No mother should see her child shot down however hopefully the video leads to justice.
2
The charge of "murder" seems way over the top. We know from the cell phone owner's statement that the cop and suspect "were going at it on the ground" (which may include assaulting the officer) before he started filming. Note this guy's statements don't appear in any NYT account but do appear in other stories and are obviously credible. So you have a suspect fleeing from the car. The cop tells him to stop and that fails. Then he tries to physically subdue him and that fails. Then he tries to tase him and that fails. So in the officer's experience this guy is violent and possibly dangerous to the community and his job is to stop him. That's why we have police. His mistake is escalating to deadly force. He may incorrectly think that having tried everything else, that is his only option. I'd call this gross negligence or something. Shooting at a suspect is appropriate in some cases (that's why he has a gun) and because the cop has tried everything else he incorrectly concludes this is one of those cases. I'd call it gross negligence or something and shoot for dismissal and a 2 year sentence.
1
Under his own department's rules, he was presumably not allowed to use deadly force. Negligence is when you pull the trigger by accident. This would be second-degree murder.
This officer should be facing the death penalty given the act of firing 8 shots at a fleeing civilian, motivated by racial hatred and fear, then intentionally planting false evidence to justify his use of deadly force, and finally further showing his hatred by handcuffing his dying victim rather than providing any assistance to save his life. A mere murder charge for a trained police officer given his actions fails to provide any hope of justice, by a long way. It is time for a real change.
It seems that in most of these incidents, the alleged victim was in the act of "running" from the police. It occurs to me that maybe if the "victim" had remained stationary and not tried to resist, the incident might well not have happened. Just a thought.
1
Why do we not see video of white people running from the police or putting up resistance to simple requests such as to leave the vehicle? Is it because they don't? My three retired brother in law cops say that Blacks running or fighting is a norm as is the lying about why contraband is in the vehicle and who owns it.
If you were black and confronted by a menacing armed cop you would probably run for your life too.
Your attitude is part of the problem facing the country. These incidents don't come out of nowhere - there is endemic and systemic racism and brutality in the police force, and blaming the victims only strengthens it, and ensures that many more innocent people will die until the majority finally agrees to act.
Your attitude is part of the problem facing the country. These incidents don't come out of nowhere - there is endemic and systemic racism and brutality in the police force, and blaming the victims only strengthens it, and ensures that many more innocent people will die until the majority finally agrees to act.
South Carolina is brimming over with fundamentalist evangelical Chrustians. One would guess the region is an exemplar of brotherly and sisterly love. Guess again.
4
Mr Blow writes that the culture within the police force must change: , "It must start with “good cops” no longer countenancing the behavior of “bad cops.” It will start with those good cops publicly and vociferously chastising and condemning their brethren when they are wrong." This is certainly desirable, but it is also something that I would guess goes quite heavily against the psychology of the police officers. In a great many professions and activities where people form "teams", such as in the military, in sports, among firefighters, among the police, the feeling of "family" can be pretty strong, and many on the team would place greater value on their team's unity, or on personal loyalty, than on right and wrong. Undoing fellow cops' protection of bad cops is basically an attempt to chip away at the same psychology that you find at the sports arena, in the lockeroom, and on other "teams." It can certainly be done, and the officers with higher moral development can easily choose moral right above loyalty to their fellows, but there is psychological resistance in this process.
1
While the jerky, amateur video may be imperfect and incomplete, as some point out, there is contained in it enough information to clearly show critical discrepancies in the officer's report.
Whatever transpired in that split second as the video begins and we see Mr. Scott fleeing, he did not deserve to die as a result. Officer Slager could have called for back-up instead of pulling out his revolver and shooting the unarmed Mr. Scott.
But what I find even more repugnant is the fact that there was no sense of urgency or attempt made at resuscitation as Mr. Scott lay there on his face, in handcuffs. The officer who arrives with the first aid kit can be seen almost casually applying gauze to the wounds on the victim's back. Not an emergency response by any stretch of the imagination.
The actions taken by the officers involved and the subsequent fictions in their reports are deeply troubling. However, this should not be seen as just another isolated incident but, rather, taken for what it is: a culture of lying and abuse of authority, one that is long overdue for serious institutional and procedural reform.
Whatever transpired in that split second as the video begins and we see Mr. Scott fleeing, he did not deserve to die as a result. Officer Slager could have called for back-up instead of pulling out his revolver and shooting the unarmed Mr. Scott.
But what I find even more repugnant is the fact that there was no sense of urgency or attempt made at resuscitation as Mr. Scott lay there on his face, in handcuffs. The officer who arrives with the first aid kit can be seen almost casually applying gauze to the wounds on the victim's back. Not an emergency response by any stretch of the imagination.
The actions taken by the officers involved and the subsequent fictions in their reports are deeply troubling. However, this should not be seen as just another isolated incident but, rather, taken for what it is: a culture of lying and abuse of authority, one that is long overdue for serious institutional and procedural reform.
5
I have something to say, and then two questions. I'm sure only the questions will draw any reaction, and those who react will pretend I didn't start with a statement.
What Office Slager did in shooting Walter Scott was terrible, wrong, bad, unjustified, and can't be allowed to continue or go unpunished. Severely.
Why did Walter Scott fight with Officer Slater over a simple traffic stop? And why did he run, when running both signals guilt and is more likely to get you shot?
What Office Slager did in shooting Walter Scott was terrible, wrong, bad, unjustified, and can't be allowed to continue or go unpunished. Severely.
Why did Walter Scott fight with Officer Slater over a simple traffic stop? And why did he run, when running both signals guilt and is more likely to get you shot?
3
As an African American,I too grow weary of the incessant cycle of American racial calamity.However,even with the infamy associated with each of these cases,and the disillusioned debacle associated with pertinent police departments,such cases pugnaciously persist.Have 'authorities learned nothing from these last 8 months,starting in Ferguson.Or have these police injustices metastasized to the point of procedural terminal surrender.We await the 'next case,with conceded and confirmed,'shock.
It is high time for America to stop waging war both abroad and at home. America needs to disarm at home, for starters, and break the grip of paranoia holding the country and its society in its fatal grip since 9/11, according to which every non-white person is perceived as a lethal threat. We the People can't even walk onto Capitol Hill without being shot at. Go figure.
3
Conservatives and liberals are everywhere, but most people are actually just trying to get by.
There are heroes (many!) in the police force, as conservatives will ALWAYS tell us and liberals are reluctant to recognize.
There are SCOUNDRELS (too many!) in the police force that liberals know about and conservatives are loathe to admit.
It has always been like this. Perhaps always will. It is both the best and the worst of humanity, I hope it is getting better, the silent blue wall kills us all, I can only hope the best in each of us becomes the best in us all.
There are heroes (many!) in the police force, as conservatives will ALWAYS tell us and liberals are reluctant to recognize.
There are SCOUNDRELS (too many!) in the police force that liberals know about and conservatives are loathe to admit.
It has always been like this. Perhaps always will. It is both the best and the worst of humanity, I hope it is getting better, the silent blue wall kills us all, I can only hope the best in each of us becomes the best in us all.
While there is certainly a serious problem with black men being shot by trigger happy police, there is also a problem with militarized police interacting with ALL citizens.
Tasers are too quickly used, guns too quickly drawn & brandished, SWAT teams by every rink dink town, rent seeking behavior where cops are used as tax collectors rather than peace officers, etc.
When were Americans asked to vote on or accept the militarization of our civil police? When did they decide citizens were 'civilians' & not the citizen that pays their salary and the source of their authority. When did cops decide that the common citizen is an enemy?
When did "To Protect and Serve" get replaced by cops choking a man to death in public for selling cigarettes or shooting a man for a tail light? Or NYPD supervisors (white shirts) assaulting innocent and non-violent Occupy Wall Street Protesters?
I do not recall a referendum to approve this. I do not recall a politician asking for a mandate to do this. I certainly did not consent to this and it needs to stop.
OWS was subjected to the full force of the national security state- from aggressive policing to full Federal Fusion Center involvement to the planting of agent provocateurs by law enforcement agencies. Peaceful political protesters were assaulted, arrested, held for an excessive time without charge or communication and subjected to retina scans for threat databases. All the while, our Constitutional Law Professor President did nothing.
Tasers are too quickly used, guns too quickly drawn & brandished, SWAT teams by every rink dink town, rent seeking behavior where cops are used as tax collectors rather than peace officers, etc.
When were Americans asked to vote on or accept the militarization of our civil police? When did they decide citizens were 'civilians' & not the citizen that pays their salary and the source of their authority. When did cops decide that the common citizen is an enemy?
When did "To Protect and Serve" get replaced by cops choking a man to death in public for selling cigarettes or shooting a man for a tail light? Or NYPD supervisors (white shirts) assaulting innocent and non-violent Occupy Wall Street Protesters?
I do not recall a referendum to approve this. I do not recall a politician asking for a mandate to do this. I certainly did not consent to this and it needs to stop.
OWS was subjected to the full force of the national security state- from aggressive policing to full Federal Fusion Center involvement to the planting of agent provocateurs by law enforcement agencies. Peaceful political protesters were assaulted, arrested, held for an excessive time without charge or communication and subjected to retina scans for threat databases. All the while, our Constitutional Law Professor President did nothing.
2
I am struck by how time after time during the obligatory press conferences with the grieving families, invariably their demeanor is one of calm, of dignity, of spirituality. It is as if these families accept such tragic events as part of the context and circumstance of their daily lives, and are braced for the inevitable. And that is nothing but a crying shame
8 times? It's shocking and as a Caucasian watching this, I don't trust the police and fear any minority who has to confront a law officer. Something has to change immediately in our culture and it has to start at the top.
2
How about it starting with Blacks not copping an attitude to simple requests like for a drivers license or to get out of the vehicle? I've been stopped for various offenses like speeding. I have my license and concealed carry permit at the ready before he walks up and requests it. I inform him that I have firearm on me. I've never had a problem.
Equipping Police with cameras is the disease, not the cure.
For many decades, the entertainment industry including Television networks and stations as well as Movies have glamorized police and their violent lives. I contend that it is cameras that brought us to this Police State we have become by heavily influencing viewers.
If Police are equipped with lapel cameras, the entertainment industry will claim that the videos captured should be public property and the entertainment industry will be turned into a snuff film industry. For too long, the "Perp Walk" Police buddy Television industry has been making money off dead people and those who are legally or financially unable to defend themselves against the onslaught of the highly wealthy industry.
It's kind of a strange nightmare we live, ruled by politically leaders who pay Billions to the television industry to win elections, then appear on TV for free to talk about a "War on crime", and a "War on drugs" which means "The People" while reinforcing the police ranks and the Television and movie industry is teaching the public to love the Police.
Cameras are not the answer. They are the disease in the hands of cops and their Television buddies.
For many decades, the entertainment industry including Television networks and stations as well as Movies have glamorized police and their violent lives. I contend that it is cameras that brought us to this Police State we have become by heavily influencing viewers.
If Police are equipped with lapel cameras, the entertainment industry will claim that the videos captured should be public property and the entertainment industry will be turned into a snuff film industry. For too long, the "Perp Walk" Police buddy Television industry has been making money off dead people and those who are legally or financially unable to defend themselves against the onslaught of the highly wealthy industry.
It's kind of a strange nightmare we live, ruled by politically leaders who pay Billions to the television industry to win elections, then appear on TV for free to talk about a "War on crime", and a "War on drugs" which means "The People" while reinforcing the police ranks and the Television and movie industry is teaching the public to love the Police.
Cameras are not the answer. They are the disease in the hands of cops and their Television buddies.
I love my adopted state of South Carolina and this hurts. I've watched that video a half dozen times and it's indisputable. I don't like saying that before a trial but I see no possible defense.
Yet again, Murder perpetrated by one who's stated role is to "Protect and Serve". I think we can all agree that this is a lie. When any aspect of the demographic distrusts the police force, how long before we ALL distrust the police force. Look to the situation in Mexico. The police down there are largely owned by the Drug Cartels. The average Mexican citizen would sooner shoot themselves than call a Police Officer. That situation is but 4 hours from where I live in New Mexico. Every police officer should have a body camera on 24/7. Anytime it's turned off there should be an alarm sent to a third party observation team which monitors the "why" behind it not working. This happened last year in ABQ, when a 19 year old white girl was shot dead after stealing a car. The officer turned off his body camera, chased after her, shot her dead, and then dropped a gun next to her body. Cop has been fired due to "Untruthful statements", regarding the death, but no charges are pending. So, all travesties are not just White Cop against Black Man. It's Cop against anyone who resists.
1
On the issue of body cameras...I think these might serve to help protect us from the bad cops. Mr Scott might still be alive if the officer knew he was being recorded and therefore could not wantonly murder somebody.
1
Am I the only one put off by the sameness in all this discussion? Trust has eroded, it will not be repaired with a single article or any single list of demands or high flying rhetoric. What's needed is the hard, laborious work of fixing what has broken.
This murder is horrifying. The officer has been charged with murder and rightly so. Let's first make sure that justice is served here. It seems that in North Charleston, police shootings are investigated by an outside agency. Let's try to make sure that this is the case everywhere. Let's try to require data be collected and made public incidents of police violence.
Demanding that everyone display their feelings the same way you in which you display your own is no way to reach understanding or regain badly needed faith and trust in the police.
This murder is horrifying. The officer has been charged with murder and rightly so. Let's first make sure that justice is served here. It seems that in North Charleston, police shootings are investigated by an outside agency. Let's try to make sure that this is the case everywhere. Let's try to require data be collected and made public incidents of police violence.
Demanding that everyone display their feelings the same way you in which you display your own is no way to reach understanding or regain badly needed faith and trust in the police.
The American culture is so saturated with violence it permeates in every aspect of our lives . We have become blasé about it. Violent degrading video games, violent movies, sex trafficking, unlimited guns and automatic machines guns, rude politicians, racism, bigotry, biased justice and major iniquities mixed with a lot of uncertainty gives us the police force that reflects exactly what we project. We have a lot of fixing to do. It starts with the Supreme Court and our government that is at war with itself . It doesn't feel good or secure.
1
All correct except for the "automatic machine guns". Citizens have been prohibited since 1932 from owning them and they are not available for sale anywhere without a special Federal Firearms License for collectors and frequent inspections. It must also not have been manufactured after 1954.
Cops can't seem to catch a break lately, can they? But, then, neither can their victims. And, given that without the video serendipitously taken of the latest incident we likely wouldn't even have heard of it, one has to ask how many real victims are out there. And I'm sure Walter Rhett will have something to say about South Carolina.
Clearly, some independent audit function needs to take place on uses of force that result not merely in deaths by police action but in serious civilian injuries -- all over the country. Whether it's done by Justice as a consequence of expanding a law whose compliance is voluntary into one that is obligatory, or by some other means, it's plain that communities aren't going to voluntarily become MORE careful and analytical as funding pressures continue to plague them. SOMEONE needs to be calling out patterns and strays.
We complain in many of our communities that roads aren't well-maintained, that schools are falling apart ... and that cops are inadequately trained. We can conclude that the danger from inadequately trained or even improperly vetted cops is unacceptable, but where is the money going to come from to do these things better when so many other priorities jostle for the same funding buck? Funding cops is becoming such an issue that we're installing cameras on traffic lights to automate the ticketing process and turn police forces into profit centers.
Time for RoboCop?
Clearly, some independent audit function needs to take place on uses of force that result not merely in deaths by police action but in serious civilian injuries -- all over the country. Whether it's done by Justice as a consequence of expanding a law whose compliance is voluntary into one that is obligatory, or by some other means, it's plain that communities aren't going to voluntarily become MORE careful and analytical as funding pressures continue to plague them. SOMEONE needs to be calling out patterns and strays.
We complain in many of our communities that roads aren't well-maintained, that schools are falling apart ... and that cops are inadequately trained. We can conclude that the danger from inadequately trained or even improperly vetted cops is unacceptable, but where is the money going to come from to do these things better when so many other priorities jostle for the same funding buck? Funding cops is becoming such an issue that we're installing cameras on traffic lights to automate the ticketing process and turn police forces into profit centers.
Time for RoboCop?
Where's the money going to come from? It should be coming from the wealthy who have made an art-form of evading taxes--and keeping Republicans in office that help them do that. But I don't think you really wanted that question answered, no? ;)
Deering:
Like so many who lambaste the wealthy about taxes, you miss the point. We're focused on this matter right now, and bewail the inability to properly train police officers. But MANY priorities exist out there, including education and infrastructure at the state level, and more at the federal level. The biggest priority appears to be feeding our people and providing them with healthcare, rather than requiring that they provide that for themselves.
If we were to double the taxes just on the wealthy, who aren't numerous, we wouldn't come close to satisfying the demand for funding for ALL these priorities: the public sector maw is voracious, and wouldn't be satisfied before ALL production is dedicated to it and is expropriated; and even that hunger wouldn't be satisfied.
Traditionally, we've lived pretty much within our means, and we've still been able to train cops. That ability seems to have flown out the window since we've made so many so personally dependent on public funds. Talk to me of higher taxes once Illinois somehow avoids bankruptcy as a result of its Medicaid commitments.
But you didn't really want your response countered, did you?
Like so many who lambaste the wealthy about taxes, you miss the point. We're focused on this matter right now, and bewail the inability to properly train police officers. But MANY priorities exist out there, including education and infrastructure at the state level, and more at the federal level. The biggest priority appears to be feeding our people and providing them with healthcare, rather than requiring that they provide that for themselves.
If we were to double the taxes just on the wealthy, who aren't numerous, we wouldn't come close to satisfying the demand for funding for ALL these priorities: the public sector maw is voracious, and wouldn't be satisfied before ALL production is dedicated to it and is expropriated; and even that hunger wouldn't be satisfied.
Traditionally, we've lived pretty much within our means, and we've still been able to train cops. That ability seems to have flown out the window since we've made so many so personally dependent on public funds. Talk to me of higher taxes once Illinois somehow avoids bankruptcy as a result of its Medicaid commitments.
But you didn't really want your response countered, did you?
When a cop ends up on death row for murdering someone in broad daylight on captured on video, then we'll know the system has been corrected. And I oppose the death penalty but as long as it's not an option for a cop claiming he "feared for his life," the system simply fails us all.
1
Like Mr. Blow, I am sickened and disgusted. Cynicism rises like bile. A broken tail light? A routine traffic stop? Please! How insulting! A warrant for child support payment failure to be enforced by a patrol officer? Honestly? The gun lobby would tell us that we would all be safer if we each carried a gun. Would Mr. Scott have been safer if the officer had been afraid he was armed? Might Mr. Scott not have run, but "stood his ground"? Ask yourself: what good was the officer's gun? Whose life did it save? SO. Be prepared. A fast growing population of gun owners is in the black community. Keep shooting? Turn back from this culture of violence!
1
Mr. Blow:
Can you ask an appropriate person why in this South Carolina case, the shooting was not investigated before there was a video. It seems clear that even without the video, the suspect was only shot in the back, and was unarmed. It seems that that should be enough to trigger an investigation of how it could be that the officer involved actually feared for his life.
I am thankful for the video, but it seems to me that the facts of the case should have triggered an investigation before the video surfaced.
Thank you.
Can you ask an appropriate person why in this South Carolina case, the shooting was not investigated before there was a video. It seems clear that even without the video, the suspect was only shot in the back, and was unarmed. It seems that that should be enough to trigger an investigation of how it could be that the officer involved actually feared for his life.
I am thankful for the video, but it seems to me that the facts of the case should have triggered an investigation before the video surfaced.
Thank you.
2
the guy with the camera is lucky that murderer didn't come over and shoot him too and steal his camera to cover up the murder
3
I really wonder if this cop was so used to getting away with stuff like this that he honestly didn't care if he was recorded. Heck, he didn't get busted before--and who believes a camera over a cop's word of honor?
I can't believe that policemen with Glocks or whatever are so afraid of regular people that they feel the need to shoot them in the back, while they are running away. When is is not OK to run away from danger?
Nah, the cop just did not feel like running that day. MUCH easier just to shoot the guy in the back...
When a police officer is sentenced to death for killing an unarmed black man, maybe, just maybe, things will start to change, and police officers will be more reluctant to shoot to kill when there are many other options available to them. It's a shame Mr. Scott died a violent death while he was running away from a dangerous officer who had no reason to fear for his life. I feel sorry for the family and my prayers are with Mr. Scott's children who lost their father because of a stupid broken light on his car..
2
I am saddened. Because we can meander around this situation all we want to but the fact is this; the police officer did not view Walter Scott as a human being with any rights that he was bound to respect.
He would not have shot a white man that way. We see shootouts with white men on TV reality shows, and the police fight to resolve the situation peacefully, usually calling the shooter "Buddy" before it's all over. They have empathy for another white man, putting themselves in their shoes.
But they have no empathy for people with dark skin.
He would not have shot a white man that way. We see shootouts with white men on TV reality shows, and the police fight to resolve the situation peacefully, usually calling the shooter "Buddy" before it's all over. They have empathy for another white man, putting themselves in their shoes.
But they have no empathy for people with dark skin.
Here is something we could do to signal a greater cultural respect for life: abolish the death penalty. Yes, even for the Marathon Bomber, and for this murderous policeman. If as a society we valued life this highly (which we currently don't), we would in point of fact be setting the example we expect of all our citizens: don't kill. Instead, we still kill killers. Running short of chemicals, Utah is resurrecting the firing squad, a political move fit for a sordid HBO miniseries. Writing comments here is all well and good, but we need to be writing our representatives as well. Let's stop tolerating barbarism by starting with our own government-sanctioned killing. As painful as it is to hear and to know, killing even the most despicable murderer does not bring anyone back to life, and never erases the horrible memories. A society that kills for revenge has yet to philosophically mature. America needs to take this step for its own spiritual health, and build on that progress. That would be a true cultural shift. And, it is within our reach.
No matter what may have happened before the video began, the victim was obviously UNARMED and running AWAY from the cop. If the victim had done something so bad that the cop had to stop him, the cop could have EASILY have run after him and shot him at close range in the legs in order to stop him. The cop clearly murdered the victim in cold blood by shooting him in the back. The cop also fired shots in a neighborhood where they could have injured innocent bystanders close by.
1
Particularly disturbing is that another officer is standing by the body when the shooter brings the "object" and drops it by the body. The assumption of the shooter is clearly that another officer won't object to the false presentation of the crime scene. If that is what the officers in that department assume, then the rot is deep and widespread.
1
Jobs where people hold other people's lives in their hands should be filled by people with a modicum of sanity. As we can see with the case of the rogue pilot , psychopathic, sociopathic and severely delusional characters must be weeded out by their peers or the result is a pilot who runs his plane into the mountains with 200 people on board. As a society, we would never tolerate a surgeon who takes someone into an operating room and intentionally operate to kill them. Why would we tolerate severe dysfunction from a police officer. Why did a Staten Island jury tolerate the homicidal tendencies displayed by the so called officer who murdered Eric Gardner. Why do we tolerate officers who lie, plant evidence and commit other misdeeds and why do we not fire those who cover up for them. It seems we have given police officer carte Blanche authority to do anything it takes to keep our minorities in line and if it takes occasional killings, so what, we will protect you.....that is not the markings of a just society.
2
"And the police are needed in society, so if you don’t trust them, whom do you call when help is truly needed?"
One thing you absolutely should NEVER do if someone is having a mental health meltdown is call the police. Call a doctor. Call a vet. But do not let police near someone in the throes of mania or despair. For whatever reason, those sick people get killed, and get killed quickly.
One thing you absolutely should NEVER do if someone is having a mental health meltdown is call the police. Call a doctor. Call a vet. But do not let police near someone in the throes of mania or despair. For whatever reason, those sick people get killed, and get killed quickly.
2
Weary is too soft a word, flat out exhausted would be closer, but still not there.
And the simple question "why?" continues to over whelm.
And the simple question "why?" continues to over whelm.
1
"Bad decision"?
Is that truly what intentional homicide is called South Carolina?
As a white male, I've lived my whole life not in fear of the police, have been pulled over a few times for minor things such as unknowingly driving down the wrong direction of a one way street and so on, but didn't have to fear for my life or treated bad otherwise.
I've been to Russia several times but the first time was an eye opener when the Moscow hotel staff and then my co-workers warned me to avoid the police as they'd try to shake me down for money since I was an American.
That's the closest I've come to feeling what African-Americans feel when they have to deal the police.
Is that truly what intentional homicide is called South Carolina?
As a white male, I've lived my whole life not in fear of the police, have been pulled over a few times for minor things such as unknowingly driving down the wrong direction of a one way street and so on, but didn't have to fear for my life or treated bad otherwise.
I've been to Russia several times but the first time was an eye opener when the Moscow hotel staff and then my co-workers warned me to avoid the police as they'd try to shake me down for money since I was an American.
That's the closest I've come to feeling what African-Americans feel when they have to deal the police.
2
Until so-called "good cops" come forward to expose the "bad cops", thereby breaking the "blue code of silence", all cops are entangled in an organization-wide conspiracy to obstruct justice. Thus, until the code of silence is broken, there can be no objective distinction made between "good cops", and "bad cops". They are all co-conspirators.
1
FINALLY, a white policeman is being held accountable for the callous death of an African-American man. Yes, the video was important, but it wasn't enough to even persuade a Staten Island district attorney to have a grand jury indict police in the murder of Eric garner nor was it sufficient to do the same for 12 year-old Tamir Rice in Cleveland. FINALLY, in South Carolina of all places there was no hesitation, no victim blaming, no resistant DA, but an immediately indictment of the officer coupled with his dismissal! FINALLY, there is hope that "equal justice" under the law will prevail. In the home of Fort Sumter perhaps this will be the first shot in restoring the civil rights for African-American victims of police violence.
1
Why are we not talking about disarming the local police?
Kudo's to SC for bringing charges against the officer, unlike the the NY choking death.
Kudo's to SC for bringing charges against the officer, unlike the the NY choking death.
1
Two things going on here, but people are only seeing one
FIRST, Old-School Policing, kill somebody, and plant evidence of one kind or another on them. This has been going on for about 75 years
The only reason is hasn't been going on longer, is because back in the "REAL" old days, there was no need to plant any evidence- police shot and killed whoever they wanted to, and that was it, done deal, 'nuttin to see here folks, move along"
Really this has only a tiny bit to do with racism; COP-Culture sees the world in terms of US and THEM. And everybody who isn't a cop, is some form of "THEM". I'm a white dude, and in my twenties I was constantly harrassed by the police, for everything, anything, and nothing at all. I've gone to trial and paid big fines simply because the cops showed up and lied through their teeth while under oath. Most judges didn't even listen to my side of the story and just dismissed me as some nobody making an argument that wasn't important enough to even be considered. In their mind, the cops wouldn't be charging me if I wasn't guilty, END-of-STORY. Again, IMO, it has only a little to do with racism, it has to do with ANYONE, they view as a lowlife
ON THE OTHER HAND, being a police officer is the only job I can think of where every single officer, on every single shift goes out, knowing that this could possibly be the last shift they ever pull. Cops DO get killed all the time, and worse odds, the worse the neighborhood
Point 2, I never ran, or faught them
FIRST, Old-School Policing, kill somebody, and plant evidence of one kind or another on them. This has been going on for about 75 years
The only reason is hasn't been going on longer, is because back in the "REAL" old days, there was no need to plant any evidence- police shot and killed whoever they wanted to, and that was it, done deal, 'nuttin to see here folks, move along"
Really this has only a tiny bit to do with racism; COP-Culture sees the world in terms of US and THEM. And everybody who isn't a cop, is some form of "THEM". I'm a white dude, and in my twenties I was constantly harrassed by the police, for everything, anything, and nothing at all. I've gone to trial and paid big fines simply because the cops showed up and lied through their teeth while under oath. Most judges didn't even listen to my side of the story and just dismissed me as some nobody making an argument that wasn't important enough to even be considered. In their mind, the cops wouldn't be charging me if I wasn't guilty, END-of-STORY. Again, IMO, it has only a little to do with racism, it has to do with ANYONE, they view as a lowlife
ON THE OTHER HAND, being a police officer is the only job I can think of where every single officer, on every single shift goes out, knowing that this could possibly be the last shift they ever pull. Cops DO get killed all the time, and worse odds, the worse the neighborhood
Point 2, I never ran, or faught them
2
Officer Slager took from Walter Scott, his family, his community OUR community something he can never give back: his life. Regardless of the scene or situation, the ability to strip that away from someone with impunity is an awesome power and yet we grant that power with such unconcern; the same unconcern Officer Slager showed as he stood over a dying man.
That lack of humanity; lack of compassion is truly horrifying.
That lack of humanity; lack of compassion is truly horrifying.
2
Yes, very important idea, Charles, that the change in ‘culture’ might start with those good cops sticking up for the truth, and publicly criticizing their colleagues. Bad apples? Maybe. But the culture is turning them bad.
AND, how about journalists and the media, locating some positive examples wherever they may be, of police being properly indicted, or fired, or local police forces being reformed—if any. Find some cases of police being sentenced to prison terms---why was this able to happen?
I’m seeing you on CNN, right now, saying we need police officers to speak up, plus, where’s the statement of the other officer here? And if cover up, charge him also. The ex-cop on the show agreed.
Of course, maybe the racial minorities who become cops are self selected from a group with the capacity to fit in with the predominant police culture. They don’t want to rock the boat, and may internalize some of the negative racial attitudes evident in police forces. Black cops join the Blue Wall?
Officials can “look for the good in folks”, but also confront the Bad. It’s camouflaged by the usual excuses for police. Then bought into by juries, who refuse over and over to indict, thus perpetuate the police immunity to consequences, which increases their propensity for abuse. And then the public rationalizes these deaths even more, since they see the law itself refusing to exact any penalty for the killings. Shall we list all the names of the dead, again, over the past year alone?
AND, how about journalists and the media, locating some positive examples wherever they may be, of police being properly indicted, or fired, or local police forces being reformed—if any. Find some cases of police being sentenced to prison terms---why was this able to happen?
I’m seeing you on CNN, right now, saying we need police officers to speak up, plus, where’s the statement of the other officer here? And if cover up, charge him also. The ex-cop on the show agreed.
Of course, maybe the racial minorities who become cops are self selected from a group with the capacity to fit in with the predominant police culture. They don’t want to rock the boat, and may internalize some of the negative racial attitudes evident in police forces. Black cops join the Blue Wall?
Officials can “look for the good in folks”, but also confront the Bad. It’s camouflaged by the usual excuses for police. Then bought into by juries, who refuse over and over to indict, thus perpetuate the police immunity to consequences, which increases their propensity for abuse. And then the public rationalizes these deaths even more, since they see the law itself refusing to exact any penalty for the killings. Shall we list all the names of the dead, again, over the past year alone?
This is a tragic tale of two men lives that have been completely destroyed by racism. One is dead. One may wish that he were. Until the police learn the proper use of lethal force, and it isn't killing a man merely because he is running from you, this terrible drama will be replayed every few days.
Whether the adjective is 'bad' or something else, it appears that in this case their was sufficient time for a 'decision' to be made before the officer started firing. This did not appear to be an instantaneous response to fear...at all.
I can't grasp what made this officer choose to pull his gun at a traffic stop when the 'suspect' runs off over a child support warrant leaving his car behind.
What kind of thinking, what kind of decision making is going on that made this cop even want to bother to pull his gun. Good grief, the man could be arrested for the child support issue when he came in to get his impounded car.
There is something seriously wrong in how we are evaluating people to become law enforcement officers, a lack of ongoing evaluation to determine how they are adjusting to the work, really bad training or a combination of all that.
But, this can't go on.
I can't grasp what made this officer choose to pull his gun at a traffic stop when the 'suspect' runs off over a child support warrant leaving his car behind.
What kind of thinking, what kind of decision making is going on that made this cop even want to bother to pull his gun. Good grief, the man could be arrested for the child support issue when he came in to get his impounded car.
There is something seriously wrong in how we are evaluating people to become law enforcement officers, a lack of ongoing evaluation to determine how they are adjusting to the work, really bad training or a combination of all that.
But, this can't go on.
Mr. Blow:
Unarmed man shot by police. Black, of course. I watched the video and it all seemed so matter-of-fact as though the officer couldn't be bothered with chasing Mr. Scott of even shout to stop. Cold-blooded murder.
And a witness, a ghost behind a lense silently recording injustice. Did they feel endangered as they watched? What was in the mind of the shooter I wondered? His posture seemed to show indifference.
I have been in combat and have watched men die. There was nothing in this act that I could feel any connection to. It was more surreal to me than my war experience. This semeed to me an act of perversity, an obscenity
Unarmed man shot by police. Black, of course. I watched the video and it all seemed so matter-of-fact as though the officer couldn't be bothered with chasing Mr. Scott of even shout to stop. Cold-blooded murder.
And a witness, a ghost behind a lense silently recording injustice. Did they feel endangered as they watched? What was in the mind of the shooter I wondered? His posture seemed to show indifference.
I have been in combat and have watched men die. There was nothing in this act that I could feel any connection to. It was more surreal to me than my war experience. This semeed to me an act of perversity, an obscenity
2
I can't stop thinking about the boilerplateness of the officer's report. Fear for life, struggle for weapon. We hear it every day. I'm so angry at this officer but also the people who continually look for outs, for defenses and explanations, because "hero cops" are untouchable. Isolated incident. Not about race. Cops have a hard job. Open your eyes! Look at how casual this officer was: clearly this happens all the time. Just in the last couple of days I've read several separate accounts of planted weapons and drop knives from actual cops in these very comments. Black people have been telling us this for years. Hero worship and marketing have allowed the police run roughshod over our country. Own up. Stop being uncritical.
1
The murder was a complete and shocking illustration of what we DON'T know about police work. As I wrote elsewhere today, the most scary and unsettling part of the matter came to mind: imagine how many such things are happening day after day, year after year, to victims and shooters of all races, and those things are "swept under the rug" or covered up because there were no videos and no witnesses. Perhaps we are better off to not know. It is at times like this that I am glad I am old.
Yeah, I felt that same way too, Mr. Blow, about the "bad decision" statement.
When I first read that it just felt like the problem really goes way up the food chain in law enforcement.
When I first read that it just felt like the problem really goes way up the food chain in law enforcement.
2
What would have happened if this atrocity hadn't been caught on camera? This is a civil rights debacle that can not continue to go on.
Just imagine walking through stores, driving, walking down the street...knowing that you are constantly under surveillance and that something as small as a broken tail light can kill you. This is todays America.
Just imagine walking through stores, driving, walking down the street...knowing that you are constantly under surveillance and that something as small as a broken tail light can kill you. This is todays America.
2
What I fail to understand is why police officers have to have lethal ammunition in their guns. Replacing lethal ammo with non-lethal or less lethal ammo wouldn't at all solve the racism problem. But we wouldn't have so many unnecessary, tragic, preventable deaths, and in the meantime, we could work on the harder, long-term, and pernicious problem of white police officers shooting men (and sometimes women) of color way too often. You can't convince me that our country, with all of our creativity and resources, can't solve this problem, starting replacing lethal ammo with with non-lethal ammo. We may lack the will to do so, but not the ingenuity and ability.
1
It is not the crime that gets you in trouble but the potential cover-up. This is a case where there was an attempted cover-up by the cop involved. If for nothing else, that is why he should face the full force of the same law he attempted to twist in his favor.
How many broken taillights can there be? A cop can pull over anyone, for any reason, and on the way to the driver, smack the taillight with his baton. Thus creating the reason for the stop. See how many "broken" taillights are on the driver's side. Whenever I see that as the reason for the stop, I am automatically suspicious.
2
This will never end, we are a violent species in love with our guns. My only hope is for robotic police. Maybe artificial intelligence can police humans fairly.
Racism, guns, and poverty are essential American ingredients. Cameras on cops is as close to fundamental change as we can expect any time soon.
1
NYT editorial says....."To get a handle on this problem, Congress must compel police to report to DOJ all instances in which officers are fired upon or fire their own weapons at citizens. "
Rah rah for that. First increase DOJ budget to hire enough staff for a big job.
And will our congress compel this? You don't actually mean a 'national' law do you? That's what they hate--big govt interference. So let the locals handle it---and get away with murder.
I just heard on TV -- in that SC area, not sure how large, police have fired at civilians over 200 times in last few years. No police arrests resulted.
But I think we already have a handle on the problem.This is bigger than a cop training matter. It's the American racial/political culture. This is what goes along with the largest pct of in prison in the WORLD. And maybe bigger than having video proof.
The death of Eric Garner had video proof, shown thousands of times on TV to the public that he was murdered, yes that's the word, by 6 armed, strong cops surrounding him. An act of sadistic domination to put it bluntly. Those cops sure showed that seller of untaxed cigarettes who'se boss. That prosecutor and grand jury would rather do anything than contradict that, so they didn't. Are all those cops walking free and still on the job?
How to change a culture? Start by sentencing and jailing violent cops. That'll show 'em who'se boss--namely, the Constitution, bill of rights, and the public.
Rah rah for that. First increase DOJ budget to hire enough staff for a big job.
And will our congress compel this? You don't actually mean a 'national' law do you? That's what they hate--big govt interference. So let the locals handle it---and get away with murder.
I just heard on TV -- in that SC area, not sure how large, police have fired at civilians over 200 times in last few years. No police arrests resulted.
But I think we already have a handle on the problem.This is bigger than a cop training matter. It's the American racial/political culture. This is what goes along with the largest pct of in prison in the WORLD. And maybe bigger than having video proof.
The death of Eric Garner had video proof, shown thousands of times on TV to the public that he was murdered, yes that's the word, by 6 armed, strong cops surrounding him. An act of sadistic domination to put it bluntly. Those cops sure showed that seller of untaxed cigarettes who'se boss. That prosecutor and grand jury would rather do anything than contradict that, so they didn't. Are all those cops walking free and still on the job?
How to change a culture? Start by sentencing and jailing violent cops. That'll show 'em who'se boss--namely, the Constitution, bill of rights, and the public.
1
America beware. Before entering South Carolina check all the lights on your vehicle. A broken light is a minor traffic violation punishable with death.
1
Every American should be deeply troubled, weary deep in their bones about this sort of thing. What is it that makes a police officer thinks shooting a man, any man, like this is the right thing to do?
1
If we established a national requirement for police departments to report all incidents in which the police fired shots during an encounter and any injuries or deaths resultant from those shots, and required that the police disclose the race of an injured/slain members of the public as well as the race of the officers involved, we would be able to begin addressing just how bad this issue is, where it is the worst, and be able to provide the data needed for both regulatory agencies and NGOs to take action to address race-driven police violence.
The fact that you can find the batting average of a player or the median price of homes sold last month in Birmingham in a heartbeat, but you can't find any data about whose heart is no longer beating due to a police encounter tells us that the police are resisting having data collected and published.
You don't resist sharing data that you are proud of, you resist sharing what you know can reveal an unpleasant truth.
The fact that you can find the batting average of a player or the median price of homes sold last month in Birmingham in a heartbeat, but you can't find any data about whose heart is no longer beating due to a police encounter tells us that the police are resisting having data collected and published.
You don't resist sharing data that you are proud of, you resist sharing what you know can reveal an unpleasant truth.
1
Mr. Blow,
1. I would recommend that all potential recruits to any police force, be assigned by the police chief, Radley Balko's book The Rise of the Warrior Cop.
2. I would recommend a family genogram (also called McGoldrick-Gerson or Lapidus Schematic) be administered to these applicants to access their psychological appropriateness to carry a gun & wear a badge.
3. If it's difficult to recruit brown & black officers to match the racial, ethnic & religious make-up of the community they live & work in then, like teachers, those issues need to be addressed.
1. I would recommend that all potential recruits to any police force, be assigned by the police chief, Radley Balko's book The Rise of the Warrior Cop.
2. I would recommend a family genogram (also called McGoldrick-Gerson or Lapidus Schematic) be administered to these applicants to access their psychological appropriateness to carry a gun & wear a badge.
3. If it's difficult to recruit brown & black officers to match the racial, ethnic & religious make-up of the community they live & work in then, like teachers, those issues need to be addressed.
The Taser offers a go-to disabler, and it replaces the old-fashioned physical struggle or ends it sooner. But it sometimes just hurts like hell, frightening the victim and exacerbating instead of defusing the confrontation.
So the policeman, frustrated and also scared, escalates and injury or death becomes likely. It is even more likely when the officer ignores the human in pain as "the Other". The society so disunified avoids touch and turns to electricity and then to super-weaponry, the Glock. Once, cops walked beats, touched and laughed with neighbors, calming the easily upset, ending minor difficulties. That took hands-on, dialogue-filled involvement. Now, isolated from the neighbors, cocooned in a special vehicle, armed with a Taser and backing it with a Glock, the cop becomes a cold, potentially lying member of a band of possible killers. It is not only so in MO or NY, it is all over the USA under the NRA and HSA.
So the policeman, frustrated and also scared, escalates and injury or death becomes likely. It is even more likely when the officer ignores the human in pain as "the Other". The society so disunified avoids touch and turns to electricity and then to super-weaponry, the Glock. Once, cops walked beats, touched and laughed with neighbors, calming the easily upset, ending minor difficulties. That took hands-on, dialogue-filled involvement. Now, isolated from the neighbors, cocooned in a special vehicle, armed with a Taser and backing it with a Glock, the cop becomes a cold, potentially lying member of a band of possible killers. It is not only so in MO or NY, it is all over the USA under the NRA and HSA.
1
Murder - no Al Sharpton necessary to drum up business here, clearly everyone will support the evidence in the video presented and rally for the victim and his family but no one can bring the victim back to his family. President Obama is in a position to change this - step up already Mr. President - make positive changes at home first don't be looking elsewhere like Cuba etc - we have enough priorities at home to resolve and fix if only for the example this victim presents itself. God pray for his soul and his family.
Hey, where are all the liberals who screamed and shouted when the Ferguson, Missouri police "prematurely" released the recording of Michael Brown bullying the convenience store owner? Ah, double standards.
When I first looked at the front page of the paper this morning, I saw the shocking image of the officer aiming his gun at Walter Scott as Mr. Scott literally ran for his life. I noticed that the image was also a video but after reading the account of this horrific event, I simply couldn't open the video to watch it.
When I got to work, as I looked around at the faces of my co-workers of color, I kept wondering: will their children be safe? Will their families be okay? Then I walked into my classroom and wondered the same about the children: what will things be like when they come of age? Will they be safe? Will things be better?
Another sad day for the country, another tragic day for a child, a parent, a sister, a brother...
When I got to work, as I looked around at the faces of my co-workers of color, I kept wondering: will their children be safe? Will their families be okay? Then I walked into my classroom and wondered the same about the children: what will things be like when they come of age? Will they be safe? Will things be better?
Another sad day for the country, another tragic day for a child, a parent, a sister, a brother...
4
We are now experiencing the logical outcome of racism mixed with the militarization of police. Lots of kids back from wars with no other job opportunities blend in nicely with a police force, with all of the same "toys" used in fighting the wars they just left. Killing had already become natural to them. They are used to thinking in terms of "other" which dehumanizes the "enemy". We need a national shaming such as Japan and Germany had to endure for their war crimes. We are just as guilty, but are convinced of our righteousness in bullying the world. This attitude has come home to roost, unfortunately, to reinforce that nasty power over attitude of institutionalized slavery of the past, and the fear of the formerly enslaved in the present.
3
I am 58...and grew up in Philadelphia during the Rizzoyears; it was a turbulent time and the P.P.D. was known to be pretty brutal but I don't remember them to have used deadly force or many shootings. I may be wrong...but perhaps the proliferation of guns in circulation just may be one of the reasons that officers seem to be using their guns more than they did in 70 ' s ad 60's.
2
Mr. Blow's first sentence says it all for me. When will this stop? What will take? Why is there still rampant racism in the US, and I don't mean just the deep south? I'm generally pro law enforcement but I'm tired of seeing old white guy police chiefs standing at the lectern trying to explain the latest shooting. Where are the new ideas, the new approaches the new energy going to come from? What we have now ain't working.
Mr. Scott, I am deeply grieved by the death of your brother. May you find peace at some point.
Mr. Scott, I am deeply grieved by the death of your brother. May you find peace at some point.
4
This is big front-page news in the Charleston area; and the verbal indictment of the officer is similar in spirit to what I'm reading in these comments. The video is horrifying, the cop has been fired and is in jail. Before we condemn to everlasting prison he will have his day in court.
As for North Charleston the Times noted that it is a world away from Charleston itself and the Historic District in particular. Decades ago Charleston was a black city - now mostly white. North Charleston too is undergoing rapid change. Charleston area airport, Boeing, Clemson annex, and a host of industries are located in and growing in North Charleston.
Outside of that there remains a large but shrinking black population as industry expands. Still, it is far and away the most crime ridden locale in the metro area. Not a week passes that there isn't a black on black murder. The killing of Scott is inexcusable; but so are the failures of the Charles Blows and other black voices to address and solve blacks murdering each other on a scale that dwarfs cop killings.
As for North Charleston the Times noted that it is a world away from Charleston itself and the Historic District in particular. Decades ago Charleston was a black city - now mostly white. North Charleston too is undergoing rapid change. Charleston area airport, Boeing, Clemson annex, and a host of industries are located in and growing in North Charleston.
Outside of that there remains a large but shrinking black population as industry expands. Still, it is far and away the most crime ridden locale in the metro area. Not a week passes that there isn't a black on black murder. The killing of Scott is inexcusable; but so are the failures of the Charles Blows and other black voices to address and solve blacks murdering each other on a scale that dwarfs cop killings.
3
Most murders in this country are white on white. So, what exactly is your point?
So far the the politician who has expressed the most concern for Americans being hunted down and murdered by their own police is Kim Jong Un of North Korea.
Thats right-it's a rue statement.
Why cant American politicians match North Korea's Kim Jong Un's concern for murdered Americans?
Where is South Carolina's Governor Nikki Haley (R)?
Where is South Carolina's Lieutenant Governor Henry McMaster (R)?
Where is South Carolina's U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R) or Tim Scott (R)?
So far Kim Jong Un of North Korea is shaming them all over their lack of concern about South Carolina's cops hunting down and killing Americans.
What does that say about the whole thing?
How is this possible in America?
Thats right-it's a rue statement.
Why cant American politicians match North Korea's Kim Jong Un's concern for murdered Americans?
Where is South Carolina's Governor Nikki Haley (R)?
Where is South Carolina's Lieutenant Governor Henry McMaster (R)?
Where is South Carolina's U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R) or Tim Scott (R)?
So far Kim Jong Un of North Korea is shaming them all over their lack of concern about South Carolina's cops hunting down and killing Americans.
What does that say about the whole thing?
How is this possible in America?
2
I'm sick at heart. Even in cases where the shootings are deemed justified, there doesn't seem to be cultural pressure to use less deadly alternatives. This happens to the mentally ill as well. It sickens me how often and how casually the police kill the citizens they are sworn to protect. Sadly, this seems like good advice. https://thenib.com/surviving-a-police-encounter-308ed3ca3dbb
Another extremely disturbing matter in the Scott shooting, cultural too, is that Officer Slater's partner is reported to be African-American and reportedly signed off on Slater's erroneous report of having his taser gun taken and fearing for his life. If true, if the African-American partner affirmed an erroneous report, this too is extremely sad. His actions, I believe, derive from slavery, from Jim Crow, from having to 'go along to get along,' as though he must sell his soul in backing the lies of a white man to keep his job. A white senior citizen having grown up in FL, I have seen this dehumanization exemplified far, far too many times and I grieve for those whom feel it necessary to succumb to this indignity.
This is the second time in the recent past that a South Carolina law enforcement officer has been caught on camera shooting a black man for no good reason. If South Carolina keeps this up they will have to change their state motto to the "Policemen shooting black people on camera state".
Someone needs to explain to Mayor Summey the difference between a bad decision and an execution.
3
It is important to remember that British police except in Ireland do not carry guns except in special circumstances. I don't think any of the incidents under question are anything but exceedingly ordinary.
1
I am, indeed, weary of reading articles about police killings of black men. I'm also weary of living in a country where anyone could have a gun on them at anytime or anywhere and I'm very tired of the far right who cares more about the Second Amendment than a black man's right to walk the streets without fear. And I'm especially sick and tired of those politicians who have done nothing to combat these problems and in some cases have created these problems with their right wing polemics.
4
A life is a high price to pay for a broken tail light. And yet, Mr. Blow, while the men who strangled and suffocated Eric Garner still walk free, I fear that any of several unsatisfactory outcomes might yet ensue in this case.
Yes, we have the video evidence, but the video was running on Staten Island, too, and with a better soundtrack.
Yes, we have the video evidence, but the video was running on Staten Island, too, and with a better soundtrack.
1
This incident was truly horrific and tragic, no one denies that.
What Blow ignores beyond this particular shooting is that those who are most likely to be shot by police are those who have violent confrontations with police, which unfortunately according to statistics by the Justice Department and the Bureau of Justice Statistics are disproportionately African-Americans. This also explains why police are likely to believe that unarmed African-Americans present a threat when in retrospect it turns out they did not.
What Blow ignores beyond this particular shooting is that those who are most likely to be shot by police are those who have violent confrontations with police, which unfortunately according to statistics by the Justice Department and the Bureau of Justice Statistics are disproportionately African-Americans. This also explains why police are likely to believe that unarmed African-Americans present a threat when in retrospect it turns out they did not.
2
I have two recommendations: First, body cameras for all police, and if your camera is off during a critical moment, that is grounds for immediate dismissal.
Second, get rid of police unions. Unions have a history of defending their members under all circumstances, and getting other members to follow along. If we want good cops to advocate for the dismissal of bad cops, we need to first get rid of the unions.
Second, get rid of police unions. Unions have a history of defending their members under all circumstances, and getting other members to follow along. If we want good cops to advocate for the dismissal of bad cops, we need to first get rid of the unions.
1
It's not just cops harrassing black men. The American criminal justice system is doing a good job of it as well, by making poverty - the inability to keep up with child support payments - a criminal offense, which then prevents black men from participating in society and exiting poverty.
3
Charles,
I agree with everything you said - and I am white.
I agree with everything you said - and I am white.
2
And your whiteness has what relevence?
The police are the enforcement arm of the State.
If you have entrusted your safety to the State, this is your world.
If you have entrusted your safety to the State, this is your world.
1
Racism is ugly and deadly. It serves no useful purpose. It makes us terrorists of another kind. Or as MLK put it: "We must learn to live together as brothers, or we will perish together as fools."
4
Having driven North from I95 up I26 and I77 many times, I was always struck by the police always being white, while the majority were black in SC. Why?
Well, what at least might be learned from this:
1. The education level of Slager - perhaps minimums can be set if he never graduated High School - or below a certain SAT level..
2. His 'religious' upbringing. Yes - this IS relevant. If (pardon me) brought up in a 'nut job' KKK-like evangelical 'faith' - who is to say that is not relevant?
3. His IQ. - Yes again - relevant. How well can he discern 'right from wrong' - and then commit what was an apparently a cold-blooded killing? (While composed enough to replant the taser gun evidence..)
At the very least, a thorough, exhaustive examination of Slager and his background, and setting Federal qualifications for local Police appointments (Repugs vomit now...) might just prevent even one such travesty in the future.
Well, what at least might be learned from this:
1. The education level of Slager - perhaps minimums can be set if he never graduated High School - or below a certain SAT level..
2. His 'religious' upbringing. Yes - this IS relevant. If (pardon me) brought up in a 'nut job' KKK-like evangelical 'faith' - who is to say that is not relevant?
3. His IQ. - Yes again - relevant. How well can he discern 'right from wrong' - and then commit what was an apparently a cold-blooded killing? (While composed enough to replant the taser gun evidence..)
At the very least, a thorough, exhaustive examination of Slager and his background, and setting Federal qualifications for local Police appointments (Repugs vomit now...) might just prevent even one such travesty in the future.
Video cameras may help, but not if these cops continue to script themselves as if on stage while conveniently blocking the camera. What an act. They know exactly what to say to justify murder.
How many times have we heard "Stop reaching for my gun!" when obviously no one is reaching, "Stop grabbing my taser!" when no one is grabbing at anything, and "Stop fighting me" while the victim lays prone and half dead on the ground. After shooting them dead, they actually handcuff the corpse for refusing to obey a command.
I am disgusted by the display of dishonesty, brutality, and yes, cold-blooded murder but grateful that we're finally seeing the proof. We all know it's not their first time doing it, only the first time they're caught - on video anyway.
If the FBI wants to know how many are killed by police, we can all send them newspaper clippings because everyone in this country knows it happens everywhere. If the FBI doesn't know, it's because they don't want to know. It wouldn't be the first time they turned a blind eye to crimes by those they favor, like banksters and their enforcers within the national security/police state.
If the hammer doesn't come down hard on the few who are caught in their disgusting 'act', then the lesson will never be learned by others who abuse their power in clearly racist and murderous ways.
How many times have we heard "Stop reaching for my gun!" when obviously no one is reaching, "Stop grabbing my taser!" when no one is grabbing at anything, and "Stop fighting me" while the victim lays prone and half dead on the ground. After shooting them dead, they actually handcuff the corpse for refusing to obey a command.
I am disgusted by the display of dishonesty, brutality, and yes, cold-blooded murder but grateful that we're finally seeing the proof. We all know it's not their first time doing it, only the first time they're caught - on video anyway.
If the FBI wants to know how many are killed by police, we can all send them newspaper clippings because everyone in this country knows it happens everywhere. If the FBI doesn't know, it's because they don't want to know. It wouldn't be the first time they turned a blind eye to crimes by those they favor, like banksters and their enforcers within the national security/police state.
If the hammer doesn't come down hard on the few who are caught in their disgusting 'act', then the lesson will never be learned by others who abuse their power in clearly racist and murderous ways.
167
Does South Carolina have the electric chair or a chemical injection for murderers? .... or a firing squad? Now that would be true justice, eh?
The FBI doesn't know because the NRA got Congress to pass laws forbidding the government to collect information on shootings. And also laws allowing terrorists to buy guns.
This used to be a reasonably free society. But that was before the era of the militarised RoboCop, aka the Inner City Occupation Force, enabled by our dear leaders calling for their various Wars: the War on Drugs and the War on Terror (as opposed to terrorists, who of course do need to be stopped). I hate to think of what will happen if they proclaim a War on Obesity. Will fat people be viewed as nice, big, slow, easy targets? At least there's one thing to say for these 'Wars' - now some white people are starting to get an idea of the way many black people have been feeling for a LONG time.
It's time to stop with the 'War' rhetoric, the us-vs-them mentality, and especially the ridiculous practice (begun under Bill Clinton) of subsidising the states so many dollars per jailbird per day. All that does is encourage arrests and jailings for what used to get you a summons and possibly a fine. One good example: being behind in child support. That, plus an apparently defective taillight, were the late Mr Scott's 'offenses'. Unfortunately, he probably knew, as so many do (especially with dependable jobs so hard to come by) in his situation, what he could expect when that cop Slager ordered him out of the car and then used the Taser on him: a beating, followed by being tossed into jail with a felony charge of resisting arrest. So he made his most unwise decision - to make a run for it. Unfortunately, he found out the hard way just how much HIS life counted. A disgusting outrage!
It's time to stop with the 'War' rhetoric, the us-vs-them mentality, and especially the ridiculous practice (begun under Bill Clinton) of subsidising the states so many dollars per jailbird per day. All that does is encourage arrests and jailings for what used to get you a summons and possibly a fine. One good example: being behind in child support. That, plus an apparently defective taillight, were the late Mr Scott's 'offenses'. Unfortunately, he probably knew, as so many do (especially with dependable jobs so hard to come by) in his situation, what he could expect when that cop Slager ordered him out of the car and then used the Taser on him: a beating, followed by being tossed into jail with a felony charge of resisting arrest. So he made his most unwise decision - to make a run for it. Unfortunately, he found out the hard way just how much HIS life counted. A disgusting outrage!
1
Mr. Blow, I share your weariness, and I'm equally fearful of the direction in which we seem to be inexorably heading as a society. With the increasing number of racist, homophobic, anti-Semitic attacks here and around the world, I cannot help but think of Martin Niemoller's well-known comment:
"First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me."
I believe that many more people are horrified by these turns of events than are indifferent to, or even worse, supportive of them...but how can we parlay that into immediate and measurable change?
"First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me."
I believe that many more people are horrified by these turns of events than are indifferent to, or even worse, supportive of them...but how can we parlay that into immediate and measurable change?
130
Try to tell all to obey the cops.
I wonder how much ubiquitous firearm ownership plays into these cases. With more police killings in the U.S. just in the month of March than in the UK since 1900, there is something seriously wrong in our country. Cops are either trigger happy to the extreme, or extremely scared of being shot, to the point that they shoot first and ask questions later. Which would not be true in the UK, with its tight gun laws. If that's the case, blame America's love affair with weaponry, the second amendment as its been interpreted by the Supreme Court, and the NRA for watering down our gun laws.
179
You on Bloomberg's payroll or something? The NRA and the constitutional right of American's to own guns has absolutely no bearing on this incident. This is all about the insane War on Drugs (which basically directs Law Enforcement to target the Black and/or Poor Community) and the militarization of our local police forces that hire soldiers, acquire military equipment, make the confiscation of assets a priority, and are basically given the message that they are at war with an enemy, rather than enforcing laws to protect their fellow citizens. What goes around comes around, and as I have been saying since about 1976 when it became politically incorrect to use the term, "Don't worry: The pigs will be pigs again."
Blame also the Supreme Court - and bless Sonia Sotomayor who has tried to interject some reality into the white men's experience. See statistics about getting stopped by police - 70 year old black man vs 70 white man. 2 very different worlds. The Supremes need a reality check since they continue to widen police discretion.
Sorry, this analysis does not fly. I realize that it is trendy to blame the NRA for every catastrophe, but the victim here was running away. No way would any reasonable person have feared that he was about to shoot you.
1. Even I could have tackled this guy and brought him down...he didn't appear to be an athlete..why?
2. Cop #2 shows up pretty quick...why not rely on support rather than shooting?
3. Why do you cuff a guy you just shot 8 times...never once feel for a pulse?
4. The police officer seemed awfully smooth with his coverup response...like he was on autopilot and didn't even need to think about it. Has he done this before?
5. What transpired before the camera started? Where was the car? Seems like the victim was scared, not aggressive...why? Was there more to this relationship?
6. When people say, "well, if he just hadn't run, everything would have been fine"...this video shows me...no, it wouldn't have. He would have been repeatedly tased...landed in jail/ prison..for WHAT? It seems to me that what the black community knows is that there is reason to run. And, now I see it.
7, It is clear to me that there are several points in the video where the observer felt he/she needed to hide the camera...accurately. This person could have been another victim if they had not been savvy. Courage.
This shows, that at least with this cop, this was not an anomaly...the question is, how many others? And how pervasive is this?
2. Cop #2 shows up pretty quick...why not rely on support rather than shooting?
3. Why do you cuff a guy you just shot 8 times...never once feel for a pulse?
4. The police officer seemed awfully smooth with his coverup response...like he was on autopilot and didn't even need to think about it. Has he done this before?
5. What transpired before the camera started? Where was the car? Seems like the victim was scared, not aggressive...why? Was there more to this relationship?
6. When people say, "well, if he just hadn't run, everything would have been fine"...this video shows me...no, it wouldn't have. He would have been repeatedly tased...landed in jail/ prison..for WHAT? It seems to me that what the black community knows is that there is reason to run. And, now I see it.
7, It is clear to me that there are several points in the video where the observer felt he/she needed to hide the camera...accurately. This person could have been another victim if they had not been savvy. Courage.
This shows, that at least with this cop, this was not an anomaly...the question is, how many others? And how pervasive is this?
276
If the cop had not used his gun, would you have helped the cop or the fugitive?
In another article, on Huffington Post, the victim, Walter Scott, was afraid of going to jail for not paying Child Support. Hence, the reason he was running away. Now, not paying Child Support is irresponsible. But that did NOT justify him being shot in the back as he ran away.
Apparently, South Carolina is not one of those "Liberal" States like New York, where I understand you can evade paying Child Support quite easily. This is not based on personal experience, only anecdotal evidence.
Apparently, South Carolina is not one of those "Liberal" States like New York, where I understand you can evade paying Child Support quite easily. This is not based on personal experience, only anecdotal evidence.
The reason to run was a warrant for failing to pay child support.
If we had not seen the frightening video of the murder of Walter Scott, shot 8 times in the back as he ran from the white police-officer shooting him dead in North Charleston, South Carolina, would we have believed our eyes? Our eyes don't lie. The pursuit and murder of innocent black men continues apace - and no amount of preaching for change in our culture will bring this racial injustice to an end. Will rid bigots' hearts of their demented racism. Revolutions and violence and guns bring cultural change. No need to list chapter and verse of revolutions - they have changed cultures for the better and the worse for millennia and they are happening all around our world today. Slowly, a revolution - a new civil war - is rising in America. The question is not IF, but WHEN will the revolution in our united states change our blighted culture? When will "The Fire Next Time", so tragically slow in coming, become the fire THIS time?
Consider this: Modern Germany has no "Adolf Hitler Plaza" or "Goebbelstrasse." Yet, the deep South continues to lionize Confederate leaders who commenced a war to preserve and protect the enslavement of an entire race, and committed the highest act of treason against their nation.
The solution is a Nuremburg Trials for Conferedate Leaders to expose their crimes against humanity, and complete expungement of monuments, legacy and heritage of such criminals. The deep South has never owned up to the crime of slavery, and a bloody, treasonous war to protect slavery.
Until that happens, these incidents will continue to pervade southern life
The solution is a Nuremburg Trials for Conferedate Leaders to expose their crimes against humanity, and complete expungement of monuments, legacy and heritage of such criminals. The deep South has never owned up to the crime of slavery, and a bloody, treasonous war to protect slavery.
Until that happens, these incidents will continue to pervade southern life
185
Be sure to include George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, among many other Americans, who were willing slaveholders.
I guess the ultra smart people of the north will have to re-invade the south.
The Nuremburg trials commenced immediately following the cessation of hostilities. The conclusion of the War of Secession was over 150 years ago. You may not be aware of that.
I live in a mostly African American neighborhood. I am not African American. I am known as someone who will speak up and say something for someone who would feel much more heat for pointing out unfairness than I would, simply because I am not African American. Never, ever before have I had any trouble and have an ability to make the point clear but does not escalate the situation--for over 20 years. Take note: I pulled out my phone to record and identify an off duty cop who was acting as security guard at the only grocery store in a grocery desert, no other store for a radius of a couple of miles that was closing early on Christmas Eve with no notices on the doors except that they were taking applications for jobs. There was no shouting, scuffles or any other disturbance yet I was handcuffed and thrown up against a brick wall with enough force to cause bruising and abrasions on both arms, shoulders and forehead. Why? The cop/guard was infuriated by the possibility of evidence and being called on his actions. This same guard had appeared at the store the day after Furgeson in full SWAT gear replete with an obviously powerful gun. An older African American and a woman African American (neither are cops )who are also security at the store never carry weapons. I'm not saying don't do it, but be prepred when documenting. This was a rather minor incident. I left knowing had it been a bigger disturbance I may have been shot myself. Be careful out there, cop or not.
3
Let’s all take a deep breath. From the song on the frat bus to the unequal hiring and housing practices. To the substandard education to bulging prison population to little time for white collar, meaning white crime, crime. To the massive time for crack cocaine crime. To us worrying about heroin overdoses only when it happens to white kids. To the racist treatment of our president. To our Senator who has every right to support Israel but when our president alludes to the fact that he is a Blackman we cut him down with the he should be president to everyone and he is branded a racist.
We are a racist society and until we admit that we will never change. Really tired of hearing it’s about time we had a conversation on race. John Lewis was a young man on the bridge in Alabama now he is in his seventies. This is 2015 and this video is not even a week old. Talk is real cheap actions speak louder than words. Later this week someone else is going to meet his maker because we never really address what is really wrong with us. The election of the first black president has made it okay to be an overt racist. Now we use different code words but the still mean the N word. Real progress is now we say the N word instead the whole nasty word. Take our country back, the other, born in Kenya, must see birth certificate and Muslim are the new code words for that nasty N word.
We are a racist society and until we admit that we will never change. Really tired of hearing it’s about time we had a conversation on race. John Lewis was a young man on the bridge in Alabama now he is in his seventies. This is 2015 and this video is not even a week old. Talk is real cheap actions speak louder than words. Later this week someone else is going to meet his maker because we never really address what is really wrong with us. The election of the first black president has made it okay to be an overt racist. Now we use different code words but the still mean the N word. Real progress is now we say the N word instead the whole nasty word. Take our country back, the other, born in Kenya, must see birth certificate and Muslim are the new code words for that nasty N word.
2
I hate guns. I cry for our country!
15
A horrifying aspect of the video was to realize eight shots had been fired into the man, and after he was on the ground, the officer yelled at him, more than once, to put his hands behind his back. Dear god, the man was obviously either dead or nearly so, and to play games with handcuffs was grotesque. I kept watching in disbelief, what was happening? Was the man dead? The officer seemed leisurely, and then there was absolutely zero attempt to provide medical help till too much later!
This hidden police violence and killing mostly in black communities must be stopped. Militarization and secrecy are wrong, wrong, wrong. I say hidden because this would have been hidden behind lies and the blue wall were it not for the video.
Way beyond Black lives matter is Human lives matter, and the cops in this country better get with the program. The ones like this cop may be the exception, but when are the rest of the cops going to stand up for humanity?
This hidden police violence and killing mostly in black communities must be stopped. Militarization and secrecy are wrong, wrong, wrong. I say hidden because this would have been hidden behind lies and the blue wall were it not for the video.
Way beyond Black lives matter is Human lives matter, and the cops in this country better get with the program. The ones like this cop may be the exception, but when are the rest of the cops going to stand up for humanity?
275
The exception the copi is not?
I also found that grotesque. I love dogs so its hard for me to say Walter Scott was shot like a stray dog but however you want to describe it he was killed with less compunction than if he was an animal.
I was also disturbed by the lack of assistance offered by the second police officer ( was he black? I couldn't bear to watch it twice).
Americans, you have created a very sick society.
I was also disturbed by the lack of assistance offered by the second police officer ( was he black? I couldn't bear to watch it twice).
Americans, you have created a very sick society.
I agree. But what about the other two officers that swore they gave CPR? This was not just one bad apple, but that seems to be overlooked given the horror of this video.
Shooting to kill someone running away from a minor traffic matter - whether they were black, white, purple or chartreuse - is just madness. Focusing on the colour of the person shot misses the much larger issue. Police use of force must be proportional to the precipitating incident. Police use of a choke hold on a fellow selling cigarettes, or a kid walking down a street all falls into the same category. This is authority gone mad with power.
310
Perspectives differ of course, but I'd think race is a central issue, and the largest, as the "gone mad with power" only seems to happen to the minorities. I haven't seen much about white Americans being gunned down after traffic stops, or choked to death for selling contraband on the streets.
Sadly, I think this would be fixed much more quickly if it was equal-opportunity abuse of power across the color spectrum...
Sadly, I think this would be fixed much more quickly if it was equal-opportunity abuse of power across the color spectrum...
2
If this kind of thing happened to people of all ethnicities in equal numbers, then focusing on the person's colour might be missing the larger issue. The fact is, though, that the police don't treat *everybody* like this.
2
I agree with you, however the question in my mind is would any of these incidents have occurred if the victims were white?
1
Despicable. A 21st century lynching over a broken taillight.
29
"Shot in the back" says it all for me. The man was running away and it's not as if he had a bomb in his hands ready to toss at some innocent bystander and had to be stopped dead immediately at all costs. Shooting to wound is an option. Shoot one leg - that'll bring him down. Instead this officer chose to fire a barrage into the man's back and killed him. It seems to be the police mentality - that they're an occupying army, rulers of all they survey.
238
In general, I agree with you. But I think that many police may seem themselves as besieged and afraid rather than rulers of all they survey. And this fear may be more dangerous than if they thought they were in control.
No, shooting to wound is not an option. Just don't shoot.
"Shooting to wound" is a plot device in movies. Not practical in real life, and it only encourages shooting when you shouldn't be shooting. The officer can say "I only meant to wound him" when somebody dies.
Shoot when shooting is the only way to stop someone as he's about to cause potentially lethal or permanent harm to another human being. Otherwise, we're back to "I felt threatened" (then control your feelings) or "I thought he was about to … " (are you a mind reader?).
For instance, don't shoot somebody for shoplifting a six-pack and then running from the cops, even if he's shouting vile anti-cop insults and taunts. Don't shoot him in the leg or anywhere else. It is not commensurate with the crime.
"Shooting to wound" is a plot device in movies. Not practical in real life, and it only encourages shooting when you shouldn't be shooting. The officer can say "I only meant to wound him" when somebody dies.
Shoot when shooting is the only way to stop someone as he's about to cause potentially lethal or permanent harm to another human being. Otherwise, we're back to "I felt threatened" (then control your feelings) or "I thought he was about to … " (are you a mind reader?).
For instance, don't shoot somebody for shoplifting a six-pack and then running from the cops, even if he's shouting vile anti-cop insults and taunts. Don't shoot him in the leg or anywhere else. It is not commensurate with the crime.
If you are stopped for a traffic violation, turn your back and run for it. You may get away. Is this what we are saying to the public?
There was a time that lynching was the way black men were killed
And now the bigots found another way their blood is spilled
You shoot a man because there was a traffic violation
This mode of butchery is now applied throughout the Nation.
We're horrified and some of us are very much aghast
It's like the Jim Crow era that we thought was in the past.
We're riven and we're driven while this Land is torn apart
And White Police should speak out now, if they are really smart!
And now the bigots found another way their blood is spilled
You shoot a man because there was a traffic violation
This mode of butchery is now applied throughout the Nation.
We're horrified and some of us are very much aghast
It's like the Jim Crow era that we thought was in the past.
We're riven and we're driven while this Land is torn apart
And White Police should speak out now, if they are really smart!
41
Michelle Alexander is right. Our era is the New Jim Crow.
13
One of your best, Larry!
Yes, we need to transform the cultures. We can start by drawing down our military presence in the world and by becoming reluctant to use force to solve our problems. This, in turn, will help de-militarize the police, many of whom are combat veterans with serious violence issues. Finally, we need to work on the domestic problems of unemployment, drug use and imprisonment. If we don't solve our domestic problems, there won't be a country left to fight for overseas.
4
"And now is the time for not only considering the interplay of race and power in these cases, but also the ability to register and respect humanity itself. That requires a change of culture."
The cultural change Mr. Blow rightly posits goes beyond even the racial bias that seems so obvious in this and other recent cases of murder and abuse by police, with a complicit law enforcement and judicial system generally providing cover. The racial bias and criminal behavior of some law enforcement officers is only one element in the context of our country's adolescent obsession with power, weapons, "winning" at all costs, and the avoidance of inconvenient truths in virtually all areas of public policy. I sense that many police officers now have a militarized mindset (in addition to military weapons). That mindset also reflects the "take no prisoners" approach to governance by our political and policy leaders, their unwillingness to carry out their responsibilities with facts, wisdom and humility, and their focus on dividing our citizens against one another instead of working to unite the nation to understand real problems and build workable solutions.
A "change of culture" won't be possible without returning comity and respect to the public square. Other than the President, what political leader with ambitions to high office can you name who will lead the country down the path of cultural change necessary to address this or any other major issue that we face?
The cultural change Mr. Blow rightly posits goes beyond even the racial bias that seems so obvious in this and other recent cases of murder and abuse by police, with a complicit law enforcement and judicial system generally providing cover. The racial bias and criminal behavior of some law enforcement officers is only one element in the context of our country's adolescent obsession with power, weapons, "winning" at all costs, and the avoidance of inconvenient truths in virtually all areas of public policy. I sense that many police officers now have a militarized mindset (in addition to military weapons). That mindset also reflects the "take no prisoners" approach to governance by our political and policy leaders, their unwillingness to carry out their responsibilities with facts, wisdom and humility, and their focus on dividing our citizens against one another instead of working to unite the nation to understand real problems and build workable solutions.
A "change of culture" won't be possible without returning comity and respect to the public square. Other than the President, what political leader with ambitions to high office can you name who will lead the country down the path of cultural change necessary to address this or any other major issue that we face?
2
The President is not all powerful. He has no control of police and what they do all over the country. Even when a policeman was rude toward his friend at his own home all the President got from the police was grief was saying it was wrong that his friend was treated that way.
I would add to Mr. Blow's comments about the Blue Wall of Silence another element: Let's call it the Blue Union of Silence. It seems police unions have taken up the mantle of fiercely defending officers each and every time they do something heinous, or apparently heinous, before knowing more about the specific incident and whether the officer was right or wrong. It's not clear to me whether the North Charleston police union has commented -- or even if NC officers are represented by a union. But in many other cases of police killings of blacks, the unions or their allies, all too often reflexively defend the officer before a good understanding of the facts are known. And then suggest lenient punishment if the officer has done something wrong, regardless of the severity of that error.
2
Can someone please begin to do some scientific research into why so many of our nation's police officers think it is acceptable to kill human beings without cause? What evil cultural change has turned the police into the equivalent of a death squad? Is it necessary to relieve our police of their lethal weapons? I am certainly becoming inclined to think so. Certainly our advanced scientific technology can create some form of incapacitating non-lethal weaponry sufficiently effective to neutralize dangerous individuals without killing them.
In any case, I am no longer comfortable with police carrying fire arms. Recent events have provided clear evidence of their fatuous and improper use by law enforcement. If our police cannot be shown to use lethal force in a responsible manner, they must be made to perform their duty without it. The safety of our citizens demands this.
In any case, I am no longer comfortable with police carrying fire arms. Recent events have provided clear evidence of their fatuous and improper use by law enforcement. If our police cannot be shown to use lethal force in a responsible manner, they must be made to perform their duty without it. The safety of our citizens demands this.
11
A theory--many cops are from the demographic the Tea Party and the GOP loves to cater to. And they hate that a black man is president. Imagine you've been taught all your life that you will always be better and accomplish more than any non-white--and that blacks are essentially subhumans who can barely spell, much less have more than you. You've been getting away with abusing "them" all your life with no consequence--and you have no reason to think that will ever change. Suddenly, one of "them" is president--and there is nothing you can do about it (outside of voting.) But what you can do is take out your rage on those who look like him, and I would bet good money that is at the heart of all these shootings we're seeing.
It should be noted that cops have always been given to bad acts, it's the nature of a privileged character who can use force with impunity if he wishes. Reread Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath" if you need a reminder that this is not a new problem. Tough unions (which all workers deserve) compound the problem along with the blue code of silence,and racial division, which separates Americans into camps.
I've had a cop add evidence to a minor drug bust to make it out to be more than it was. I was appalled as he took pleasure in snarkily admitting it to me to my face when I confronted him one on one about it, outside the court, before going inside & pleading guilty to the minor offense.
Authority figures in uniforms need to be given serious scrutiny on a continuing basis and citizens complaints need to be taken seriously not ignored in favor of glorifying cops. Power corrupts!
I've had a cop add evidence to a minor drug bust to make it out to be more than it was. I was appalled as he took pleasure in snarkily admitting it to me to my face when I confronted him one on one about it, outside the court, before going inside & pleading guilty to the minor offense.
Authority figures in uniforms need to be given serious scrutiny on a continuing basis and citizens complaints need to be taken seriously not ignored in favor of glorifying cops. Power corrupts!
11
Why is it that in the United Kingdom there are so few incidents like this? The answer is in the attitude of the UK police who are trained to show much more respect, not just to minorities, but to all citizens. A UK police officer would have recorded the license number on the Mercedes, checked the computer records and his department would have sent a letter to the driver of the vehicle informing him that he must replace the broken light within 30 days or be fined. Seems like a logical way to handle the situation, doesn't it?
19
"A UK police officer would have recorded the license number on the Mercedes, checked the computer records and his department would have sent a letter to the driver of the vehicle informing him that he must replace the broken light within 30 days or be fined. Seems like a logical way to handle the situation, doesn't it?"
And if he doesn't replace it light, what is next, a summons? Are you allowed to ignore a summons in the UK? Many in this country feel you ought to be free to do so.
And if he doesn't replace it light, what is next, a summons? Are you allowed to ignore a summons in the UK? Many in this country feel you ought to be free to do so.
I agree with the sentiments expressed here, but Mr. Blow seems to have missed the central lesson provided by recent experience. A smartphone-toting public, YouTube and an engaged press can accomplish more in a year for social justice than working through legislative channels for a decade. Politicians will listen, express empathy, promise to do something, accept your vote, make a speech, then go on to the next issue.
Smartphone cameras are legal, peaceful, owned by millions and easily concealed. The videos are easily shared, make good evidence in court and present the intolerant City in a very bad light, both to existing residents and to outsiders thinking about moving there.
Any discouragement to economic activity in a community falls hardest on the owners of local businesses and property. They may not be socially conscious, but they're very conscious of a "don't live there" story running on the nightly news.
Smartphone cameras are legal, peaceful, owned by millions and easily concealed. The videos are easily shared, make good evidence in court and present the intolerant City in a very bad light, both to existing residents and to outsiders thinking about moving there.
Any discouragement to economic activity in a community falls hardest on the owners of local businesses and property. They may not be socially conscious, but they're very conscious of a "don't live there" story running on the nightly news.
4
Police departments need to start tracking data about violent encounters involving their officers. This would include shootings where someone is killed or injured or where no one is injured as well as uses of tazers and pepper spray. Only by collecting this data at a national level can policy makers and researchers compare departments in different municipalities and expand practices that lower levels of violence in departments with higher rates of violence. This work can't be done if this data isn't collected. It's also worth pointing out that the number of people killed by officers in most countries in Europe is in the low single digits. In the US police kill somewhere between 500 and 1,000 people each year. We have a lot work to do.
5
While I believe that a good deal of this episode has a "racial" element, I am concerned that it has a much, much deeper. I am thinking that the police no longer identify with the rest of us. To them we are all dangerous scum. That is not good.
I don't know if that is due to the militarization of the police, their reduced qualifications, or what, but I do know that I do not consider the police "my friends." "Thugs with Badges" comes to mind. This is not good.
I don't know if that is due to the militarization of the police, their reduced qualifications, or what, but I do know that I do not consider the police "my friends." "Thugs with Badges" comes to mind. This is not good.
27
You are onto something. I was harassed by a security guard at the US capitol building for wanting to keep my banana in my purse for an after-tour snack. He was armed and threatened to arrest me and have me thrown into jail unless I gave up my banana, and throw it in the trash, not leave it on a bench for a potentially hungry passerby to enjoy. My 19-year old son (white) is convinced the police ARE the enemy and his friends feel that way too. But still, the killings of black men trump all else right now and that is what must stop. Now. All else pales.
"But I would argue that the issue we are facing in these cases is not one of equipment, or even policy, but culture."
I don't think culture just changes with "good cops" all the sudden breaking the blue wall of silence and snitching on the bad cops. In order for culture to change there must be raw and severe punishment. Sadly, I don't see that happening unless and until more and more bad cops are caught red handed by citizens with video cameras--just like Slater was caught. "Good cops" can't be depended on. The racism in many areas is too ingrained, too pervasive for there to be a cultural sea change. Put cameras on the officers, in the cars, and in the hands of citizens. The rise of police corruption that has been caught is in direct correlation with the rise in cheap video cameras on cell phones. Initial cultural change must be forced and come from the outside in.
Some other ideas to force cultural change: punish captains for bad rank-and- file police work, reward citizens for video camera work that captures injustice, train police to deescalate through social skills rather than arrest first mentality, put more police on the beat, out of cars, to get to know the community, hire fairly from within the community so there is force that matches the racial demographics. Also, whenever a citizen is killed by a police officer there should be a mandated jury trial so the truth is upheld.
I don't think culture just changes with "good cops" all the sudden breaking the blue wall of silence and snitching on the bad cops. In order for culture to change there must be raw and severe punishment. Sadly, I don't see that happening unless and until more and more bad cops are caught red handed by citizens with video cameras--just like Slater was caught. "Good cops" can't be depended on. The racism in many areas is too ingrained, too pervasive for there to be a cultural sea change. Put cameras on the officers, in the cars, and in the hands of citizens. The rise of police corruption that has been caught is in direct correlation with the rise in cheap video cameras on cell phones. Initial cultural change must be forced and come from the outside in.
Some other ideas to force cultural change: punish captains for bad rank-and- file police work, reward citizens for video camera work that captures injustice, train police to deescalate through social skills rather than arrest first mentality, put more police on the beat, out of cars, to get to know the community, hire fairly from within the community so there is force that matches the racial demographics. Also, whenever a citizen is killed by a police officer there should be a mandated jury trial so the truth is upheld.
5
This is not just a problem with police officers and their conduct, it is a problem with our entire society and the underlying, unspoken attitudes we have about each other.
I have been in North Charleston during the years my daughter attended College of Charleston and the years since then during annual vacations in the area. I took to calling it the "bail bonds section" of town because one sees such operations in numerous storefronts throughout the area. Why? Obviously, so many people are arrested on a constant basis that bail bond places are more common than McDonald's.
Our entire criminal justice system is biased against blacks and biased against the poor of all races. Obviously, I can't cite enough information in this short forum to fully justify such a claim, but I base it on a lifetime of experience in covering news events, observing the courts occasionally and having spent many hours with police officers in the course of observing them doing their jobs.
Could North Charleston be another example of the "Ferguson syndrome", where police constantly stop, interrogate and issue citation to citizens, partly with the motive to collect money for the city? The comments contained in the Times articles on this event indicate the answer is yes. This leads to fear, confrontations and, in this case and probably others, death.
As crime rose throughout the late 20th century, police took on a siege mentality. It is time to step back, rethink and retrain everyone.
I have been in North Charleston during the years my daughter attended College of Charleston and the years since then during annual vacations in the area. I took to calling it the "bail bonds section" of town because one sees such operations in numerous storefronts throughout the area. Why? Obviously, so many people are arrested on a constant basis that bail bond places are more common than McDonald's.
Our entire criminal justice system is biased against blacks and biased against the poor of all races. Obviously, I can't cite enough information in this short forum to fully justify such a claim, but I base it on a lifetime of experience in covering news events, observing the courts occasionally and having spent many hours with police officers in the course of observing them doing their jobs.
Could North Charleston be another example of the "Ferguson syndrome", where police constantly stop, interrogate and issue citation to citizens, partly with the motive to collect money for the city? The comments contained in the Times articles on this event indicate the answer is yes. This leads to fear, confrontations and, in this case and probably others, death.
As crime rose throughout the late 20th century, police took on a siege mentality. It is time to step back, rethink and retrain everyone.
26
"Ferguson syndrome?" You mean where a police officer shoot and kills someone, and a grand jury looks at all the evidence and doesn't bring charges?
doug-- it's the 9/11 effect too. and the simultaneous glorification of the military which has been moved down to "first responders" as well. and to calling all of this ilk "heroes," no matter their acts or lack of action.
We have mostly failed as a civil society.
It is time to start over.
Everything is broken.
Badly broken.
From our two party system of government which presently seems destined to provide us the dynastic choice of a Bush or a Clinton, to the complete failure to put a dent in the historical scourge of slavery.
We do everything worn.
And don't expect the Judicial System to sort it out.
It,too, is in shambles.
It is time to start over.
Everything is broken.
Badly broken.
From our two party system of government which presently seems destined to provide us the dynastic choice of a Bush or a Clinton, to the complete failure to put a dent in the historical scourge of slavery.
We do everything worn.
And don't expect the Judicial System to sort it out.
It,too, is in shambles.
11
Our country is awash in guns and gun culture, from movies and vid games to our hyper macho policing and hyper macho neocons wanting to bomb everywhere rather than attempt diplomacy. We're in unending war in ME.
This has to be countered. It's become a cancer of violence infecting us, much pointed at black men.
Obama has tried to stand up against this, as has Holder. The problem is they are black men, which seems to have pushed this country into even more divisiveness. We who cried in joy at Obama's election could not have imagined the fury that was to be unleashed.
The culture of policing will change when they appreciate a common humanity in us all, which policemen used to be able to do even while dealing with crime. A shift in consciousness is needed.
Keep writing please. And draw the lines where coarse national rhetoric has metastasized into every area of our lives. Eric Garner and Walter Scott are hopefully contributing to a moment of reflection in all PDs. These are heinous crimes, committed by our protectors, who lied about it. I'm grateful S.C. immediately filed charges but that is so rare. But it's a start.
This has to be countered. It's become a cancer of violence infecting us, much pointed at black men.
Obama has tried to stand up against this, as has Holder. The problem is they are black men, which seems to have pushed this country into even more divisiveness. We who cried in joy at Obama's election could not have imagined the fury that was to be unleashed.
The culture of policing will change when they appreciate a common humanity in us all, which policemen used to be able to do even while dealing with crime. A shift in consciousness is needed.
Keep writing please. And draw the lines where coarse national rhetoric has metastasized into every area of our lives. Eric Garner and Walter Scott are hopefully contributing to a moment of reflection in all PDs. These are heinous crimes, committed by our protectors, who lied about it. I'm grateful S.C. immediately filed charges but that is so rare. But it's a start.
36
This is the truest of all the comments I've seen here. The proliferation of guns is a cancer on America. If only we could shut down the NRA. But if the horror of Sandy Hook could not accomplish even background checks, then I have no hope that anything will. Republicans seem to want violence everywhere in the world. That violence has worked its way down to nearly every community in this country.
This must change. We who are white must stand up for our brothers and sisters who are not. It will take a long time for this violent culture to subside, but if every one of us tries, perhaps it wll.
This must change. We who are white must stand up for our brothers and sisters who are not. It will take a long time for this violent culture to subside, but if every one of us tries, perhaps it wll.
After months of lies, false reports, violent protests, and over-reaction, the mainstream media finally finds a real case of police abuse leading to death.
The proper response is what is happening- a thorough investigation to determine the cause, and then punishment of the guilty and a thoughtful response to prevent future abuse.
Right now we don't know if this is a rogue cop or "systemic abuse," and we should not rush to judge an entire culture (which is what Charles Blow is doing). It is too early to say that anything is "horrifyingly familiar" to previous episodes, especially after so many false reports and lies of unfounded police violence and brutality (e.g. Michael Brown).
After all, the execution of innocent police by criminals still happens more often than horrible cases like this!
The proper response is what is happening- a thorough investigation to determine the cause, and then punishment of the guilty and a thoughtful response to prevent future abuse.
Right now we don't know if this is a rogue cop or "systemic abuse," and we should not rush to judge an entire culture (which is what Charles Blow is doing). It is too early to say that anything is "horrifyingly familiar" to previous episodes, especially after so many false reports and lies of unfounded police violence and brutality (e.g. Michael Brown).
After all, the execution of innocent police by criminals still happens more often than horrible cases like this!
6
I disagree with everything you have said. It is black men who are being killed by police from the Garner choke-hold to all the other times that the police are not acting like police but are acting like thugs and who are getting away with killing black people.
1
We do know it is systemic. There are records of many unexplained incidents in that jurisdiction in S.C., including a terrible story of police not getting proper medical care for a man they brutally beat who know had permanent and painful physical damage to his head.
This is the most insightful comment so far. We keep hearing how there is some kind of "epidemic" of police brutality and the targeting of black people. I think we can pretty much remove the Michael Brown case. What does that leave us with? Two, maybe three cases? Epidemic ...?
Go to South Chicago and you will find plenty of data to support the true definition of epidemic. Hundreds of black people being killed on a regular basis by other black people. NOT ONE WORD in all this commentary on THAT FACT.
Go to South Chicago and you will find plenty of data to support the true definition of epidemic. Hundreds of black people being killed on a regular basis by other black people. NOT ONE WORD in all this commentary on THAT FACT.
While all cases of police violence directed acutely at African-Americans are troubling, this case is particularly so.
It was murder plain and simple committed in broad daylight by someone who pledged to serve and protect the community.
The policeman involved had a history of racial violence. He shot the victim as casually and deliberately as if he were shooting at a target range. The victim had simply been pulled over for a traffic incident.
The worst part is that the police do not police themselves. They never have.
I expect they will not until the consequences for failing to protect the public - for lying and covering up for their colleagues - is treated the same way aiding, abetting and accessory charges are treated against common criminals.
Violent racist cops bring disgrace to their entire department and society at large.
It was murder plain and simple committed in broad daylight by someone who pledged to serve and protect the community.
The policeman involved had a history of racial violence. He shot the victim as casually and deliberately as if he were shooting at a target range. The victim had simply been pulled over for a traffic incident.
The worst part is that the police do not police themselves. They never have.
I expect they will not until the consequences for failing to protect the public - for lying and covering up for their colleagues - is treated the same way aiding, abetting and accessory charges are treated against common criminals.
Violent racist cops bring disgrace to their entire department and society at large.
50
Too bad so many police officers don't see it that way.
It is good that Mr. Blow returns to the battle for each of these with his best effort.
In this case, he needs to be cautious, we all do. It is not like the small boy shot in the field with a toy gun, nor the man in a store holding an item they were selling.
This man fought with a cop, a serious fight including shaking off a Taser, and then ran.
Under our laws, he did not deserve a bullet in the back. Cops can't just shoot someone for running, or for having fought.
However, what he did was wrong. It does quite legally get someone run down and beaten and held in jail then in prison for extra time.
That doesn't excuse shooting him in the back and lying about it. That's why I say we must be careful here. Two wrongs, the cop much worse than the guy he shot in the back, the that guy not quite a hero either.
Some of the other cases were much more clear cut. We should focus the fight on those cases. Don't let those who would justify cop abuses focus only on cases like this to pull the sting.
In this case, he needs to be cautious, we all do. It is not like the small boy shot in the field with a toy gun, nor the man in a store holding an item they were selling.
This man fought with a cop, a serious fight including shaking off a Taser, and then ran.
Under our laws, he did not deserve a bullet in the back. Cops can't just shoot someone for running, or for having fought.
However, what he did was wrong. It does quite legally get someone run down and beaten and held in jail then in prison for extra time.
That doesn't excuse shooting him in the back and lying about it. That's why I say we must be careful here. Two wrongs, the cop much worse than the guy he shot in the back, the that guy not quite a hero either.
Some of the other cases were much more clear cut. We should focus the fight on those cases. Don't let those who would justify cop abuses focus only on cases like this to pull the sting.
7
It seems to me that the victim was human; making a human mistake. His shooter was the inhuman one. While I agree that the victim might still alive if he had not run away; I totally understand a black man panicking and doing just that.
"This man fought with a cop, a serious fight including shaking off a Taser, and then ran."
The man fought with the cop? Says who? The cop who shot him?
If you've ever seen two adult men fighting, you know that they get winded very quickly and breathe heavily as adrenaline kicks in. Take another look at the video. The alleged perp, Slager, is cool and relaxed the entire time. He doesn't appear to be bruised, injured or short of breath. We already have good reason to think he's a liar. Why accept any part of his narrative at face value?
And even if it's true, the phrasing is a bit odd considering how we normally describe murders. The man fought with a cop? You mean, the victim struggled, valiantly but unsuccessfully, to escape the clutches of his cowardly murderer. That's how we usually describe these types of cold-blooded slayings, isn't it?
And, waiting for the perfect victim to rally behind, let's not do that. That's legitimizing the ongoing mistreatment of blacks everywhere at the hands of the law. We're all guilty of something. Having a busted taillight. Talking back. Furtive movements. Resisting. Fleeing. Entering our own homes. Funny-sounding names. Bad clothing choices. Being uppity. Guilty-looking skin. Something. There are no black heroes. Just "thugs," and black people whose characters have not been assassinated yet.
The man fought with the cop? Says who? The cop who shot him?
If you've ever seen two adult men fighting, you know that they get winded very quickly and breathe heavily as adrenaline kicks in. Take another look at the video. The alleged perp, Slager, is cool and relaxed the entire time. He doesn't appear to be bruised, injured or short of breath. We already have good reason to think he's a liar. Why accept any part of his narrative at face value?
And even if it's true, the phrasing is a bit odd considering how we normally describe murders. The man fought with a cop? You mean, the victim struggled, valiantly but unsuccessfully, to escape the clutches of his cowardly murderer. That's how we usually describe these types of cold-blooded slayings, isn't it?
And, waiting for the perfect victim to rally behind, let's not do that. That's legitimizing the ongoing mistreatment of blacks everywhere at the hands of the law. We're all guilty of something. Having a busted taillight. Talking back. Furtive movements. Resisting. Fleeing. Entering our own homes. Funny-sounding names. Bad clothing choices. Being uppity. Guilty-looking skin. Something. There are no black heroes. Just "thugs," and black people whose characters have not been assassinated yet.
But, Mark, it doesn't matter if a black person is perfect or a criminal. When this kind of judicial racism comes into play, _every_ black person is seen as a lawbreaker. The most trivial offenses get treated like major crimes--or at the worst, the police find an offense to pin on. That is why African-Americans are so angry and frustrated--it doesn't matter how good you are; it doesn't matter how many rule hoops you jump through; and it doesn't matter if you are a "solid citizen." If police see you as an automatic criminal, that counts for nothing.
1
It is not that blacks, of all ages, during every period of America's history have been victims--they have been targets. That what this video reveals subliminally. An officer draws, aims, and fires. Repeatedly. Bang, bang. Bang, bang, bang. Bang, bang. Bang.
A target first, by some narrative unspoken but not unseen--or felt. A narrative whose results are well known to many, denied by others; the narrative exists, cloaked in the dangers of the job, the stereotypes of individuals and communities, the denigration of victims, but the usual fixes of the shadows stepped into the harsh light in North Charleston, SC. Walter Scott wasn't a victim. He was a target.
He was methodically hunted down by bullets, striking him in his back, slowing his stride into a few last high steps, his final effort of life before he fell.
Target impact. One man dead. Justified by a cover-up quickly found out. Stop the target selection, change the narrative, before the violence spreads: school children, co-workers, wives and partners, young and old black men, prisoners. Too many targets are becoming victims.
A target first, by some narrative unspoken but not unseen--or felt. A narrative whose results are well known to many, denied by others; the narrative exists, cloaked in the dangers of the job, the stereotypes of individuals and communities, the denigration of victims, but the usual fixes of the shadows stepped into the harsh light in North Charleston, SC. Walter Scott wasn't a victim. He was a target.
He was methodically hunted down by bullets, striking him in his back, slowing his stride into a few last high steps, his final effort of life before he fell.
Target impact. One man dead. Justified by a cover-up quickly found out. Stop the target selection, change the narrative, before the violence spreads: school children, co-workers, wives and partners, young and old black men, prisoners. Too many targets are becoming victims.
140
It’s not just race – though that obviously a huge factor. And it's not just one policeman and one victim. It's a national culture of violence. You can hear it among our elected representatives whose idea of international diplomacy is force first, and in individuals who say the victim must have been doing something wrong and therefore was asking to be shot - a death sentence for a broken tail light. You can hear it also in the fearmongering of the firearms lobby. Not to exonerate any of the guilty cops, but you have to ask yourself this: when cops have to presume, day after day, that those they confront are armed, is it any wonder that some of them will snap and shoot as a first, rather than a last, resort?
And let's not forget violence of the tongue, which is on constant display in many of our federal and state legislative bodies. There is no longer any attempt to disguise sheer hatred as mere political differences.
Racism is America’s original sin and, sad to say, it will always survive just below the surface. When the culture turns violent, as is the case now, it will rear its head for all to see.
And let's not forget violence of the tongue, which is on constant display in many of our federal and state legislative bodies. There is no longer any attempt to disguise sheer hatred as mere political differences.
Racism is America’s original sin and, sad to say, it will always survive just below the surface. When the culture turns violent, as is the case now, it will rear its head for all to see.
89
The culture of violence is, as you point out, certainly to blame here. But even more specifically, it is the gun culture, to which you also refer, that acts as a catalyst. The culture of violence has an effect on other parts of the world also; what makes us unique is the addition of firearms.
The gun culture is also more amenable to control than that of violence and of racism. We, in spite of being in favor of gun control by a large majority, have not been able to persuade our lawmakers to take the necessary steps.
The gun culture is also more amenable to control than that of violence and of racism. We, in spite of being in favor of gun control by a large majority, have not been able to persuade our lawmakers to take the necessary steps.
1
Watching these videos of cops killing unarmed black men makes me wonder if that is just the tip of the iceberg. How many instances of cop-kills-unarmed-black-man are there really and have been successfully swept under the proverbial rug? And it seems that a good percentage of the victims were mentally disturbed, and had their backs towards the cops. A man killed for holding a spoon in his hand, or another because he was yelling "kill me now!".
We should be very very ashamed in front of the world to keep these unnecessary killings going on at a frightening pace. How come that other Western countries don't report a single (white) cop on (black) man shooting year after year? What makes us so indifferent to these murders, while other countries successfully subdue criminals without killing them? And, as has been proven now several times, the "Blue Wall Of Silence", and the manipulation of evidence to fit the cops' narrative of the situation is clearly a wide spread habit in law enforcement. No wonder they can't find enough black police men. Why would black men want to cover up the barbaric killings of their brothers, just to keep the white cop out of trouble or jail? It is beyond disgusting and tragic that we need to fear the very people whose job is to protect us.
We should be very very ashamed in front of the world to keep these unnecessary killings going on at a frightening pace. How come that other Western countries don't report a single (white) cop on (black) man shooting year after year? What makes us so indifferent to these murders, while other countries successfully subdue criminals without killing them? And, as has been proven now several times, the "Blue Wall Of Silence", and the manipulation of evidence to fit the cops' narrative of the situation is clearly a wide spread habit in law enforcement. No wonder they can't find enough black police men. Why would black men want to cover up the barbaric killings of their brothers, just to keep the white cop out of trouble or jail? It is beyond disgusting and tragic that we need to fear the very people whose job is to protect us.
108
Also makes you wonder about all the convictions of black males in prisons because of evidence provided by the police. No videos to exonerate them.
1
"How many instances of cop-kills-unarmed-black-man are there really and have been successfully swept under the proverbial rug?"
Heh. Talk to folks in any African-American community down South, and you'd hear more of these stories than you could bear.
Heh. Talk to folks in any African-American community down South, and you'd hear more of these stories than you could bear.
To become a cop, you have to pass a drug test. My very white son rejected that occupation because he smokes pot. He would make an excellent police officer, but because he uses a recreational drug (never on the job!) that is not legal like the much more pernicious alcohol, he is basically ineligible unless he wants to be someone he is not. How many young black men could pass a THC test? Tell me that is not THE major barrier to getting more black men on police forces.
The "code of silence" makes officers feel that they must not accuse bad apples of wrongdoing, and the result is that the entire profession is sullied not only by problem cops, but by their brethren who feel pressure not to speak out. If we can't depend on cops to police their own then some sort of video record must be kept. I would like to see a video image of what an officer's gun was pointing at whenever a shot was fired. The technology surely exists, and it would clearly show the circumstances of the firing. Was the person running away? Were they a danger to the officer? If the police can't police themselves, then we can't take their word for the circumstances under which deadly force was used.
130
it should rightly be called "code of dishonor"
gemli,
it goes well beyond a code of silence.
police unions have historically gone out of their way to fund the defense and if necessary, the appeals of truly despicable conduct.
It is another way in which cities and towns are cowed into compromises which preserve the status quo and return bad apples to the streets.
it goes well beyond a code of silence.
police unions have historically gone out of their way to fund the defense and if necessary, the appeals of truly despicable conduct.
It is another way in which cities and towns are cowed into compromises which preserve the status quo and return bad apples to the streets.
1
Lt us be vigilant, and insist that not only the shooter, but all te other responding officers who made false statements about CPR and finding the taser next to Scott's body are also punished. Fired, and prosecuted, if the facts warrant.
1
We are once again in a situation where the media is prejudging a violent encounter involving the police with a prejudice against the police officer, just as they did in Ferguson, Missouri. I readily concede that the video evidence suggests culpability on the part of the police officer, a suggestion that is reinforced by the police department's quick dismissal and charging of the officer in question. However, while the known facts seem to clearly indicate wrong-doing on the part of the police officer, it is unclear whether he murdered the slain man or not. What follows is a reasonable interpretation of the known facts. The officer and Mr. Scott struggled before the shooting, and during the struggle the officer's Taser was dislodged from his person. The officer believing that his Taser had been seized, which it may have been, reasonably believed that his own life was in danger, leading him to fire on the suspect. When the officer fired, the suspect was only 15 to 20 feet away, a distance that can be covered in about two seconds. If these are the facts, up to this point, the officer may have done nothing wrong. But then, when he realizes that the Taser fell or was dropped at the location of the struggle, he panics and moves the evidence. You might even say, "He made a 'bad decision.'" He may just be a very bad cop who shot someone in the back with whom he was angry, but I would like to know more facts before passing judgment.
31
"What follows is a reasonable interpretation of the known facts [...] during the struggle the officer's Taser was dislodged from his person. The officer believing that his Taser had been seized, which it may have been, reasonably believed that his own life was in danger, leading him to fire on the suspect."
Nothing in that sentence is a "known fact" that is you allowing your own biases to seep through, presenting the situation in a light most favorable to the police officer... your own eyes be damned.
Nothing in that sentence is a "known fact" that is you allowing your own biases to seep through, presenting the situation in a light most favorable to the police officer... your own eyes be damned.
40
Charles, you are really, really straining to justify a clear murder. I omit the "cold-blooded" because that's one thing the video suggests was not present. However, the planting of evidence (it's not credible there was any other object moved by the officer) is close to cold-blooded and raises the officer's culpability level, if that were possible.
35
You're the defense attorney, right?
3
We need to get the facts, but the video is pretty condeming. Based on that, I hope for a vigorous prosecution, including a demand for the death penalty, assuming SC allows it. That alone should put the fear of God and the full force of law into the heart of every police officer who pulls his gun from his holster.
One police officer fairly prosecuted, impartially found guilty, and dispassionately executed will end this gross abuse of state power by egomaniacal sadists wearing badges and carrying guns.
We all grow weary to our bones and to our souls of wanton storm-trooper black-shirt murder.
One police officer fairly prosecuted, impartially found guilty, and dispassionately executed will end this gross abuse of state power by egomaniacal sadists wearing badges and carrying guns.
We all grow weary to our bones and to our souls of wanton storm-trooper black-shirt murder.
27
For the death penalty wouldn't they have to prove it was premeditated? So unless they find a notebook at his home detailing his plans to take someone out, or his fellow officers testify that he was talking about his plans, I don't think it would happen.
...but WHY was he running away??
7
About as relevant as "WHY did he leave the house that morning? If only he'd stayed at home..."
34
Because he didn't want to get shot.
4
What matter? he was running AWAY! As you will probably read later on, he was running because he was short a few child support payments and he did not want to go to jail.
3
It's indisputable to me that in the long run, video of police interactions will serve to deter such conduct. And yet, the State of Texas is considering a bill to make citizen filming of police except at a distance a crime. http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2015/03/filming-cops-from-within-a-25...
44
That is unbelievable Alan. Thank you for sharing.
It probably happens to a great extent to people of color. However, I am reminder of the white camper in NM who was also shot in the back on camera for illegally camping and not putting away his camping knife. The police have a difficult job and I am very happy to have them around. That said there is a growing disregard for civilians and civilian rule in many areas of this country by police. On the other side there is a growing number of right wing anti government militia types taking aim at the police.
7
@Doug
The difference is that the mainstream media doesn't care when a white guy gets killed. After all, "black lives matter."
The difference is that the mainstream media doesn't care when a white guy gets killed. After all, "black lives matter."
I used to work with a retired cop. I go talk with him whenever these cases get to be too much. He said when he joined the department in the 80's, there was a different feel to the job. He said he could remember commendations given out for de-escalating difficult situations. Officers involved in shootings were often not viewed very favorably. Nowadays he thought there was almost the opposite opinion. And recruiting ads seemed to accentuate the military aspect, the swat team kind of action.
If I was ever in a tough situation, I'd want a cop with the world view that the last thing that had to happen is any kind of use of force. Lots of police go through 20 years on the street without firing their weapon.
Most important, if you were a mentally unstable, homeless guy camped on a hillside (like happened here last year) you'd want a cop like my retired friend to show up. He'd take charge and everybody would walk down off of that hill. There are a lot of those guys out there. They need to take back control and weed out the trigger-happy cowboys.
If I was ever in a tough situation, I'd want a cop with the world view that the last thing that had to happen is any kind of use of force. Lots of police go through 20 years on the street without firing their weapon.
Most important, if you were a mentally unstable, homeless guy camped on a hillside (like happened here last year) you'd want a cop like my retired friend to show up. He'd take charge and everybody would walk down off of that hill. There are a lot of those guys out there. They need to take back control and weed out the trigger-happy cowboys.
321
Yeah... It's the Wild West out their and Eric Holder is Wyatt Durp.
This gentleman who was shot was your real martyr. Unfortunately you choose the kid in STL. You already lost so many people on this argument because you choose the wrong martyr. What happened to this man should have been your poster case.
18
Translation: Doug can't be bothered to care about this murder because a guy in St. Louis was murdered by a cop and some details of that murder might not have been as they were originally depicted.
Why "your case"? Why "your martyr"? You on another side?
Doug, and the ten who've recommended his comment, pretend that the case against police violence requires a saint to die. This is not just "an argument" that chooses poster children, Doug. Lots of black people are suffering death without due process, and lots of uniformed people are claiming their shooting wildly at citizenry as above examination. No American should need a "poster case" to see that America needs a better code of accountability for police.
1
Here is a good example of bad cop culture.
Not long ago, I posted a comment about one the many cop killings. Don't remember which one as there has been so many lately. I got a reply from someone that must have been a New York City cop. He demeaned me and said something like that if I had to police 5 feet of NYC street, they would have to sweep what was left of me out of the cracks in the sidewalk.
He based his sissyfying of me on my command of the English language. Since I can write reasonably well, I must be a wimp and a sissy.
He projected an attitude, a culture, of the hyper-macho street thug. Cops don't need to be able to communicate. They don't need to understand. Just be so tough that all will tremble and submit at the mere sight of you.
That is exactly the kind of person that should never wear a badge, but too often do. This is exactly the kind of culture that drives thug cops to initiate confrontations over nothing. This is exactly the kind of culture that allows thug cops to pull the trigger.
Most cops aren't thugs. All the cops I have ever dealt with here in Kansas City have all been very professional and non-threatening. However, Charles Blow is correct when he asserts that good cops absolutely must put the hammer down on thug cops. Thug cops will ruin police work for all good cops.
Some serious house cleaning has to be done or else many more will end up in the sidewalk cracks.
Not long ago, I posted a comment about one the many cop killings. Don't remember which one as there has been so many lately. I got a reply from someone that must have been a New York City cop. He demeaned me and said something like that if I had to police 5 feet of NYC street, they would have to sweep what was left of me out of the cracks in the sidewalk.
He based his sissyfying of me on my command of the English language. Since I can write reasonably well, I must be a wimp and a sissy.
He projected an attitude, a culture, of the hyper-macho street thug. Cops don't need to be able to communicate. They don't need to understand. Just be so tough that all will tremble and submit at the mere sight of you.
That is exactly the kind of person that should never wear a badge, but too often do. This is exactly the kind of culture that drives thug cops to initiate confrontations over nothing. This is exactly the kind of culture that allows thug cops to pull the trigger.
Most cops aren't thugs. All the cops I have ever dealt with here in Kansas City have all been very professional and non-threatening. However, Charles Blow is correct when he asserts that good cops absolutely must put the hammer down on thug cops. Thug cops will ruin police work for all good cops.
Some serious house cleaning has to be done or else many more will end up in the sidewalk cracks.
404
Look up the number of Kansas City police officers involved in violent and deadly confrontations. You may not have experienced it because you are white and middle class, but they happen. Years ago, I had a very shocking encounter with a KC Police officer on the Plaza. He reacted with threats of violence in a situation that required nothing but a calm request. I asked a police officer friend if I should file a report and he said, "This guy is a bad apple. He might come after you." So I did nothing. Years later, he was convicted of assaulting a handcuffed prisoner in a parking garage and removed from the force. But it should have happened much sooner. Citizens like me are justifiably afraid to make complaints against the police, as are some of the more conscientious members of the force.
5
Good cops will never blow the whistle on bad cops. This is at the root of the problem. Cops belong to a clan; they look out only for themselves. The fact that most cops in the USA traditionally have been Irish American only increases their clannishness, and their disregard for anyone outside the clan.
3
"Most cops aren't thugs."
I keep hearing people saying things like this but is there reason to believe this is actually true? In this video alone there was plenty of bad police behavior. There was the shooting but then there was the second cop who aided in planting evidence. In most of these videos there are other cops either aiding in the crimes these "bad cops" are committing or turning a blind eye to things that they know are wrong. Why are we supposed to continue on the assumption that this isn't a systemic issue of mostly bad cops collectively working to maintain a corrupt and dangerous system even if it's only a few who do the actual murder? I ask this seriously. From what I can tell the police limit our access to the data that we would need to actually assess this which only makes me more critical of this often stated idea that most cops aren't bad cops.
I keep hearing people saying things like this but is there reason to believe this is actually true? In this video alone there was plenty of bad police behavior. There was the shooting but then there was the second cop who aided in planting evidence. In most of these videos there are other cops either aiding in the crimes these "bad cops" are committing or turning a blind eye to things that they know are wrong. Why are we supposed to continue on the assumption that this isn't a systemic issue of mostly bad cops collectively working to maintain a corrupt and dangerous system even if it's only a few who do the actual murder? I ask this seriously. From what I can tell the police limit our access to the data that we would need to actually assess this which only makes me more critical of this often stated idea that most cops aren't bad cops.
2
What's really horrifying is to read the list of encounters between police and the people of North Charleston in which people are abused, threatened, beaten and more - it's been rampant in the police department there. We need an investigation of every police department in the US and the results need to be released to the public. And cameras - we can not trust fellow officers to do the right thing, obviously.
21
One of the things that becomes clear in many of these cases (including those involving the NYPD) is that rewarding an officer for how many arrests he makes and how much income he brings in is a recipe for abuse. Officers start to see the public as opportunities to "hit their numbers" and get a bonus, rather than as people to protect and serve. I suspect this is where racism factors in the most: when officers are rewarded for the sheer number of arrests they make, officers feel less guilty (and on safer ground) targeting people who don't look like them, and poor people who can't hire a good lawyer. Black people often fall into both categories.
That is part of what's systemic about this problem. I don't think it's just "bad cops," I think it's a system that rewards good people for behaving badly.
Imagine if we rewarded police officers based on how many people in the community they shook hands with, how many conversations they had, how many teenagers who were skipping school they drove back to high school? What would that world look like?
That is part of what's systemic about this problem. I don't think it's just "bad cops," I think it's a system that rewards good people for behaving badly.
Imagine if we rewarded police officers based on how many people in the community they shook hands with, how many conversations they had, how many teenagers who were skipping school they drove back to high school? What would that world look like?
44
Where is President Obama?
Where are the Congressional leaders?
Why the silence and so far only token reform?
And why not highlight the Supreme Courts role in creating this situation?
Where's Clarence Thomas-he was quick to interfere when his own family got in trouble with the cops-why the deafening silence now?
Are we just going to keep watching this happen day-after-day for the rest of your life?
So far the cops have killed more Americans in 2014 that Osama Bin Laden ever did.
Again where is Obama?
Where are the Congressional leaders?
Why the silence and so far only token reform?
And why not highlight the Supreme Courts role in creating this situation?
Where's Clarence Thomas-he was quick to interfere when his own family got in trouble with the cops-why the deafening silence now?
Are we just going to keep watching this happen day-after-day for the rest of your life?
So far the cops have killed more Americans in 2014 that Osama Bin Laden ever did.
Again where is Obama?
20
He wasted his "moral authority" defending in bully in Florida, a criminal in Missouri, and rioters and looters in Missouri. I couldn't possibly care less what Obama or Holder have to say about this. We know that Holder, especially, hates whites, and it's looking like Obama does too. This is what happens.
I suspect that police in the US did not indeed kill more than 3000 people in 2014--the number that died in the World Trade Center tragedy. Let's try to turn down the rhetorical excess.
What this officer did was clearly a crime, and he will be punished. However, unless there is a magic lasso available, I don't see how we can expect the officer, in boots and wearing many pounds of guns, radios, etc., to keep up with a fleeing criminal. Note that we may never know if Mr. Scott was indeed guilty of any criminal act. If every criminal chooses to run rather than be captured, and if the police are not able to use their weapons, then we've solved the jail capacity problem but allowed the fastest criminals to continue to commit crimes. That doesn't sound good to me. In addition to better police training, someone has to train the criminals to stop running away from an arrest. Do we have any volunteers?
It would be terrific if people would consider both sides of this problem and engage in constructive discourse rather than going off half-cocked and emotionally. We know there are two main problems: there are criminals and there are officers who through bias, poor training or poor selection do things at least as bad as what the criminals do. Society needs to be protected from both. There is so much to do, but, instead of doing it, we simply expel so much hot air in this type of discussion. Let's reduce the rhetoric and increase the thoughtful and mutually understanding dialogue.
What this officer did was clearly a crime, and he will be punished. However, unless there is a magic lasso available, I don't see how we can expect the officer, in boots and wearing many pounds of guns, radios, etc., to keep up with a fleeing criminal. Note that we may never know if Mr. Scott was indeed guilty of any criminal act. If every criminal chooses to run rather than be captured, and if the police are not able to use their weapons, then we've solved the jail capacity problem but allowed the fastest criminals to continue to commit crimes. That doesn't sound good to me. In addition to better police training, someone has to train the criminals to stop running away from an arrest. Do we have any volunteers?
It would be terrific if people would consider both sides of this problem and engage in constructive discourse rather than going off half-cocked and emotionally. We know there are two main problems: there are criminals and there are officers who through bias, poor training or poor selection do things at least as bad as what the criminals do. Society needs to be protected from both. There is so much to do, but, instead of doing it, we simply expel so much hot air in this type of discussion. Let's reduce the rhetoric and increase the thoughtful and mutually understanding dialogue.
Charles, if not you. who will write about these racist tragedies that are happening to Black men. My now thirty nine year old was assaulted and harrased by the police as a teenager. He was once stopping in a white neighborhood for 'driving too slow'. The cops searched his car and brought dogs in to look for drugs in his car. My son wrote letters complaining to the police department. They responded to him to say, 'The cops did everything correctly". We need you to make this known. I still hurt from the time the cops pulled a gun on him and said 'he looks like a suspect'. Being visible while being Black was his crime.
193
@Denise
So when will Charles Blow write about the violence that black men inflict on each other? That occur far to often, but seems to be overlooked by the mainstream media even though shootings and murders are rising in NYC.
So when will Charles Blow write about the violence that black men inflict on each other? That occur far to often, but seems to be overlooked by the mainstream media even though shootings and murders are rising in NYC.
Denise, I am a mom (white, with white kid) My heart breaks for you and your child, and I thank you for this honest post. Tears in my eyes are full of empathy.
Protect and Serve is no longer what anyone thinks of when police forces are mentioned. Between paramilitary gear and the complete lack of accountability (or even accounting-who know how many?) for police shooting citizens, the police are more of an occupying force than a public service.
Reduce the numbers of police, reduce the arms and armaments, and reconfigure training to eliminate the current mindset that citizens are the enemy.
Reduce the numbers of police, reduce the arms and armaments, and reconfigure training to eliminate the current mindset that citizens are the enemy.
54
you have to wonder what kind of confrontation took place before the shooting. A police officer is not someone whom you want to provoke. There has to be another way to solve an issue, not by running away. I feel sorry for both of the men, as it was a lose situation for either one.
8
Ridiculous claptrap... NOTHING justifies shooting a man four times in the back as he ran away. NOTHING! It doesn't matter what he did before, certainly not in this situation where he did no harm to the officer or other member of the public. A man is running away, you don't get to decide on the spot to be judge, jury and executioner, this is why we have the 8th Amendment's prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment.
Imagine this alternative situation.. Slager is having a bad day, encounters Scott and beats the crap out of without justification. Scott grabs Slagers gun, and Slager fearing for his life takes off running. Scott shoots the officer four times in the back, killing him. Would you then have any sympathy for Scott, having been assaulted by Slager in my hypothetical? Ask yourself that question and answer it honestlyu to yourself.
Imagine this alternative situation.. Slager is having a bad day, encounters Scott and beats the crap out of without justification. Scott grabs Slagers gun, and Slager fearing for his life takes off running. Scott shoots the officer four times in the back, killing him. Would you then have any sympathy for Scott, having been assaulted by Slager in my hypothetical? Ask yourself that question and answer it honestlyu to yourself.
21
The question isn't what took place, but what right does a police officer have to shoot someone in the BACK?
2
on the one side - a broken tail-light...on the other side - death
my sorrow tends to tilt in one direction
my sorrow tends to tilt in one direction
3
Across the country, the police treat African American men as enemies, not citizens. If we continue to permit this, we are endorsing and participating in the war on black men. We must demand civilian control of the police and confront disparities in law enforcement zealously. All communities deserve to be served, not terrorized be the police. We all have the responsibility to demand liberty and justice for all. It is the reason our nation came into existence.
54
Police are not the only ones who treat people of color as the enemy--just look at the Republican reaction to one of their own siding with immigration reform, even though they benefit immensely from having cheap labor that those people provide. As a society we continue to downgraded the contributions these hard working people make to us.
BLACK LIVES MATTER!
BLACK LIVES MATTER!
"Across the country, the police treat African American men as enemies, not citizens." Also, Across the country, African American men treat the police as enemies, not citizens. I have no idea which came first, and I do not believe either viewpoint is justified as both are judging an entire group by the actions of a few.
Until both of these viewpoints end, the war will continue. The problem is, I have no idea how to change either one, much less both.
Until both of these viewpoints end, the war will continue. The problem is, I have no idea how to change either one, much less both.
The time for outrage is past. Now we need to take action.
This killing would not have been nearly so outrageous had it not been caught on video. Because it was caught on video a cop has now been indicted. We must now wait to see what the jury does but that is an issue for another day.
There are two things we should take away from this. First, photographing and recording the police while they are in public should not be a crime, as they would like it to be. Confiscation of video and recording equipment should not be allowed, it happens frequently here in the US.
Body cameras which start at shift start and which CANNOT BE TURNED OFF IN THE FIELD should be required for all law enforcement agents. Preferably those body cameras should be equipped with audio.
I am white, female, older, reasonably respectable and law abiding, and I live in absolute fear of US law enforcement. This should not be. We need objective evidence to keep the police accountable to the citizens.
My most sincere condolences to the family of Walter Scott. Whatever he was, whatever he did, he most certainly did not deserve to be coldly gunned down in this manner. I am truly sorry.
This killing would not have been nearly so outrageous had it not been caught on video. Because it was caught on video a cop has now been indicted. We must now wait to see what the jury does but that is an issue for another day.
There are two things we should take away from this. First, photographing and recording the police while they are in public should not be a crime, as they would like it to be. Confiscation of video and recording equipment should not be allowed, it happens frequently here in the US.
Body cameras which start at shift start and which CANNOT BE TURNED OFF IN THE FIELD should be required for all law enforcement agents. Preferably those body cameras should be equipped with audio.
I am white, female, older, reasonably respectable and law abiding, and I live in absolute fear of US law enforcement. This should not be. We need objective evidence to keep the police accountable to the citizens.
My most sincere condolences to the family of Walter Scott. Whatever he was, whatever he did, he most certainly did not deserve to be coldly gunned down in this manner. I am truly sorry.
242
I too am an older white woman who fears the police who have shown unnecessary violence in my state. I join you in apologizing to Mr. Scott's family. I think if I had been born a black woman, I would be so angry that I would probably be in jail for civil disobedience. I don't know if I could take it.
1
"People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people." — V
1
This incident, and what it suggests about "off-camera" police conduct, would be appalling anywhere anytime, but we should all reflect carefully that this has happened after many months in which police shootings and policing practices in minority communities have been constantly in the news, provoking a national discussion: Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Tamir Rice, investigations in New Mexico, high profile incidents in several other states, and, of course, the lingering concerns and anger over the Trayvon Martin killing by a self-appointed police wannabe. After all of this, this incident takes place in Charleston, and comes to light only because it was filmed. Any reasonable observer would conclude that this suggests a pattern among significant numbers of police officers and departments of utter disregard and contempt for any oversight or questioning of police conduct. It is a combination of arrogance and brutality that is appalling and dangerous. The many police officers -- maybe the vast majority -- who are out there doing their important, demanding and dangerous work need to stand up and be counted, and be first in line to say and demonstrate that this kind of conduct is outrageous. Instead, by doing the stunts that the NYPD recently did, they are turning themselves into accomplices for the worst among them, and that will not make their jobs easier or safer, not by a long shot. Good for you, Mr. Blow, to shine a line on the Blue Wall of Silence.
77
Be afraid of the police, be VERY afraid. This is the reality in America today.
120
If you walk through any major city in the US, you will quickly learn to fear the criminals more than the police. The police must never have incidents like this, but it is easier to hold police accountable than it is to clamp down on all crime.
You can be afraid if you want, but I obey the law. That's the key. Obvey the law, and there'll be no reason for fear. What a concept!
One can't help wondering whether that police chief would "always look for the good in folks" if a black man had shot one of his officers in the back, or whether the mayor would call such a killing a "bad decision."
12
Why is there always a rush to condemn entire classes of people or professions for the stupidity of a few, and then demand "cultural change"? Do we blame all Muslims for the terrorist acts of a few radicals, and demand a culture change? What about Westboro Church wackos? Do they represent the entire Baptist Church faith and, therefore, must we "reform" Baptist believers?
This is indeed a tragic and sad event, but it is not representative of a systemic problem across all police departments and does not require the societal change Blow demands.
This is indeed a tragic and sad event, but it is not representative of a systemic problem across all police departments and does not require the societal change Blow demands.
5
Prove that there is not a systemic problem across all police departments. The evidence that there is, is widespread; that's one reason many people think this case is rare only in having been recorded on video.
2
Wrong. This IS representative of a systemic problem across most, if not all, police departments and it does require societal change-- perhaps not that which Blow "demands" but certainly a dramatic change in police behavior. Whatever happened to defusing a crisis? Why do policemen have to be so confrontational with everyone, especially people of color? What makes them think that crime is controlled by harassing people?
5
Steve, if police department suppress gathering statistics on who they are shooting and how often -- and they resist gathering or sharing this data across the country -- we have to accept that organizational culture and not individual malfeasance are a significant factor in killings by police officers. Let the police departments be transparent and show us that such killings are rarities and we can all adopt a "just a few bad apples" perspective.
1
People of color are the canaries in the coalmine when it comes to police brutality, wrongful killings, and coverups. By the time the majority realizes this, it will have become a widespread fact that psychopathic cops can get away with killing anyone; white, black, Latino or Asian; fabricating a plausible story, and having that falsehood backed up by officers who know better but can't seem to do the right thing for fear of the impact on their own lives and safety. Yes, body cameras on cops would help. Yes, improved training methods would help. But what is also needed is a way to apply the "psychopath test" to weed out officers who should never have been hired and who should never be allowed to roam the populace with a gun. These officers pose a threat to civilians and the police force alike because they undermine confidence in the system and make it less safe for everyone. The thing that makes me shake with fear is the fact that without that video, this officer would probably have continued to patrol, making up stories about struggles with suspects and fearing for his life as he shot people calmly and deliberately planted evidence. I keep wondering whether he's done this before or whether this was the first time.
27
Yes, of course, Mr. Blow is exactly right: "Now is the time for fundamental change" and a "change of culture." We are experiencing a national tragedy as police continue to alienate the black community with actions that can only be characterized as racist, hostile and would not be condoned if taken against the white community.
But, the question is how can fundamental and cultural change be achieved? More stringent hiring qualifications, extensive training by recruits in race relations and aggressive prosecution of police who violate the law?
We have reached the tipping point in America on police and black interaction and confrontation. The status quo can no longer stand. One suggestion: A Presidential Commission with top police, lawyers, judges and criminal law experts to fully examine this tragic and toxic environment. Issue substantive recommendations and then look to Presidential and Congressional leadership to lead the way to effect real change. We can afford to do no less for our country and our basic humanity.
But, the question is how can fundamental and cultural change be achieved? More stringent hiring qualifications, extensive training by recruits in race relations and aggressive prosecution of police who violate the law?
We have reached the tipping point in America on police and black interaction and confrontation. The status quo can no longer stand. One suggestion: A Presidential Commission with top police, lawyers, judges and criminal law experts to fully examine this tragic and toxic environment. Issue substantive recommendations and then look to Presidential and Congressional leadership to lead the way to effect real change. We can afford to do no less for our country and our basic humanity.
2
The dangers, frustrations, and anxiety that must accompany street-level police work are no-doubt huge. To do the job well, officers must possess a wide array of physical, technical, psychological, and interpersonal skills. The average compensation for these talents and risks, is mediocre at best. I have to ask myself, - why would anyone want, or be attracted to such an occupation ? Should it come as any surprize, that departments might end up hiring individuals who harbor racist tendencies, or, are generally more prone to errors in judgement? In this case, it appears that this officer's "bad decision" will likely result in his incarceration. But by comparison, how many bank and stock broker CEOs went to jail after the 2008 financial collapse? The grief, hardship and heartbreak that those bad decisions created has been monumental. The consequences for the responsible CEOs (who were making a thousand times more than the average police officer) were pratically nil ! I believe this tragedy is just another manifestation of the gross injustice that has built up in our society since the early 80's.
6
I'm weary of the stories, too, but mostly because they go on and on with not even an eyebrow raised by our elected 'representatives.' Yes, the burden falls most heavily on people of color, but the larger issue is how our 'protect and serve' employees have been allowed to go on such a rampage.
16
Aside from the aspect of race, I have to note the other interesting characteristic of all these revelations--this is the first time where police officers are being held accountable for their actions. This is distinctly years later than when other governmental workers have had to prove their worth. Teachers comes predominantly to mind. Postal workers as well (every post office I visit is crumbling to the ground and miserably understaffed, meanwhile European post offices are efficient, well-funded, and even serve as non-rip off/credit union-like banks). Finally, I think of the national parks service, which was the first to receive the axe during the government shutdown.
I mean really, it's only time these militant super-troopers have had a microscope raised up to them. I'm not a gambling woman, but I'd bet we are going to see a whole string of similar racist incidents, as well as several misogynistic incidents sprinkled in there as well. The police are supposed to keep us safe, but in the meantime who will keep us (non-white men) safe from the police?
I mean really, it's only time these militant super-troopers have had a microscope raised up to them. I'm not a gambling woman, but I'd bet we are going to see a whole string of similar racist incidents, as well as several misogynistic incidents sprinkled in there as well. The police are supposed to keep us safe, but in the meantime who will keep us (non-white men) safe from the police?
10
The unequal treatment of minorities by law enforcement officials extends beyond racially based traffic stops and profiling. Minority citizens are also the prime victims of police brutality, corruption and murder. Such misconduct is unacceptable in any form, but it is doubly offensive when it flows from attitudes about race that are contrary to our commitment to equal justice and the rule of law. To quote Malcom X "I am for violence if non-violence means we continue postponing a solution to the American black man's problem just to avoid violence."
3
I am truly weary, deep in my bones, about news of unarmed black men who continue to resist arrest, scuffle with police, fight the police, reach for police officers weapon, and end up getting shot by white police officers.
Since when do people have a "right" to ignore the legal authority of law enforcement to stop and question them.
Since when do people have a "right" to ignore the legal authority of law enforcement to stop and question them.
7
Skip could say, "I am truly weary, deep in my bones, about news of unarmed black men who" are claimed by policemen, without evidence, to have resisted arrest, etc., etc.
The legal authority of law enforcement is not to stop and question anyone at all. That's a police state. And it's not to kill people who have a broken tail light. That's a terrorist state.
The legal authority of law enforcement is not to stop and question anyone at all. That's a police state. And it's not to kill people who have a broken tail light. That's a terrorist state.
6
Skip Fuller...Can't believe someone would write what you wrote. Scary!
7
Did it ever occur to you that the "resist arrest, scuffle with police, fight the police, reach for police officers weapon...." stories are lies cooked up by the police to justify their shooting an unarmed black man for twitching when he was ordered to stop? Lies cooked up by policemen who have to explain why they shot someone for no reason at all?
I have seen too many cases in which video proved a black man was shot by a policeman when he wasn't even moving to believe the lies policemen tell.
I have seen too many cases in which video proved a black man was shot by a policeman when he wasn't even moving to believe the lies policemen tell.
1
This is not just a “bad decision” on the part of the police officer, as Mayor Summey put it. This is a case of a police officer committing cold-blooded murder of a fellow human being for having a broken taillight and running away (NOT towards) from him for reasons the victim will take to his grave.
At what point did that officer decide he did not fire enough bullets into an unarmed man fleeing from him? Only after the eighth shot?
At what point do responsible individuals in the police force (I’d like to think there are some) look at this blatant abuse of the police shield and gun and say to themselves, “ENOUGH!”
At what point do elected officials of local, state and federal government decide there needs to be more civilian oversight of “law enforcement” officials so that they literally don’t get away with murder?
At what point does it dawn on the elected officials in states with “stand your ground” law that it was a bad idea?
That point has come and gone, but it is *never* too late to take action.
No more Treyvon Martins. No more Eric Garners. No more Tamir Rices. No more Walter Scotts.
No more.
At what point did that officer decide he did not fire enough bullets into an unarmed man fleeing from him? Only after the eighth shot?
At what point do responsible individuals in the police force (I’d like to think there are some) look at this blatant abuse of the police shield and gun and say to themselves, “ENOUGH!”
At what point do elected officials of local, state and federal government decide there needs to be more civilian oversight of “law enforcement” officials so that they literally don’t get away with murder?
At what point does it dawn on the elected officials in states with “stand your ground” law that it was a bad idea?
That point has come and gone, but it is *never* too late to take action.
No more Treyvon Martins. No more Eric Garners. No more Tamir Rices. No more Walter Scotts.
No more.
30
It is all about race and money. The 3 times I have been pulled over by a cop it has always been a stupid excuse and never given a ticket or even a citation. The cops are looking for something illegal so they can impound your car and generate some dollars for a Las Vegas trip with their precinct. In their mind, people of color are more likely to have something illegal with them and so higher chance of making some money. It is time to get rid of stupid laws and limits to the amount of money police can collect towards traffic violations. Police are meant to keep us safe not to collect taxes, legal or illiegal.
25
Of course, if the police didn't carry guns, they wouldn't be tempted to use them when they shouldn't. I grew up in England, where the police did not carry guns, and it is my understanding that normally they still don't (although they do in Northern Ireland). I can still remember how horrified I was, shortly after I moved to the US, when I saw a policeman walk into the restaurant where I was eating, wearing a gun.
17
And do you think the culture in most US cities is closer to London or to Northern Ireland?
Thankyou, Mr. Blow, your voice is sorely needed in these times. And I'm sure you would relish the luxury of writing on a topic other than persecution or murder of blacks and gays in our country.
I hope for your sake (and ours) that there is a week soon when you can write a "puff piece" due to a lack of recent atrocity... when a lack of the abuse of power comes as no surprise, to distort a borrowed phrase.
I hope for your sake (and ours) that there is a week soon when you can write a "puff piece" due to a lack of recent atrocity... when a lack of the abuse of power comes as no surprise, to distort a borrowed phrase.
8
Education and Awareness.
Among the issues are cultural, behavioral, and hormonal - I think police do not have enough awareness training of who they are, the effect of their words, their actions, and self-observance.
They are a control culture dealing too often with people who tend to be out of control or rebellious, and when control meets rebellion, bad things happen when officers go wild with control.
This was a traffic stop from which a man died. So what's the consequence if the man runs? I mean, big deal. Further, the officer could have trotted over and stopped the man.
Once again, why did this tragedy occur?
Lack of awareness, lack of training, and lack of police department psychologically and culturally screening their officers.
Among the issues are cultural, behavioral, and hormonal - I think police do not have enough awareness training of who they are, the effect of their words, their actions, and self-observance.
They are a control culture dealing too often with people who tend to be out of control or rebellious, and when control meets rebellion, bad things happen when officers go wild with control.
This was a traffic stop from which a man died. So what's the consequence if the man runs? I mean, big deal. Further, the officer could have trotted over and stopped the man.
Once again, why did this tragedy occur?
Lack of awareness, lack of training, and lack of police department psychologically and culturally screening their officers.
5
Instead of simply focusing upon the way that these encounters between unarmed Black males and uniformed armed badged law enforcement professionals end we need to start with how they begin and progress.
A 50 year old Black man named Walter Scott was profiled, stalked and stopped by a white cop for driving a Mercedes Benz with a bad taillight. Had it ended it there the impact of such an immoral and illegal injustice on Mr. Scott's emotional and mental state would have been his personal private problem.
Had Mr. Scott been physically touched by the cop and verbally excoriated then another violation of his civil, human and legal rights would have happened. With little or no notice.
If the only thing that happened to Mr. Scott was being Tasered by this cop then the emotional humiliation would have escalated into physical consequences. Without knowing his medical or health condition any additional danger or impact can not be ascertained.
What If Mr. Scott had been shot once and disabled but was alive. Or the cop shouted warnings and merely fired warning shots in the air and Mr. Scott were alive. Mr. Scott would have been left alone to deal with those outcomes.
But Mr. Scott was videoed being shot at as he ran away with his back turned and killed as the final act in this multi-act tragic injustice. From the beginning of these types of incidents to their end there are legions in America whom we never hear from nor see nor know. Mr. Scott's race was human. Never again? Right?
A 50 year old Black man named Walter Scott was profiled, stalked and stopped by a white cop for driving a Mercedes Benz with a bad taillight. Had it ended it there the impact of such an immoral and illegal injustice on Mr. Scott's emotional and mental state would have been his personal private problem.
Had Mr. Scott been physically touched by the cop and verbally excoriated then another violation of his civil, human and legal rights would have happened. With little or no notice.
If the only thing that happened to Mr. Scott was being Tasered by this cop then the emotional humiliation would have escalated into physical consequences. Without knowing his medical or health condition any additional danger or impact can not be ascertained.
What If Mr. Scott had been shot once and disabled but was alive. Or the cop shouted warnings and merely fired warning shots in the air and Mr. Scott were alive. Mr. Scott would have been left alone to deal with those outcomes.
But Mr. Scott was videoed being shot at as he ran away with his back turned and killed as the final act in this multi-act tragic injustice. From the beginning of these types of incidents to their end there are legions in America whom we never hear from nor see nor know. Mr. Scott's race was human. Never again? Right?
37
We don't know anything other than what we see happening on the video. Speculation about racial profiling may or may not be accurate, but that uncertainty is hardly helpful to the current narrative.
1
Recently, I have been sitting in on my local court in Washington State. I have seen minorities trying to pay off $350 tickets at $10 a month for such heinous crimes as illegal lane change, playing the car radio too loud, fishing without a license, etc. etc. etc. The County jail is known as one of the worst debtors prisons in the country because if they can't pay the money, that's where they go. I invite anyone who doubts that minorities are being targeted for fines for ridiculous petty crimes to go to court for a few days and see for themselves.
"Or the cop shouted warnings and merely fired warning shots in the air"
And what if one of those "warning" shots fired into the air came down and killed an innocent bystander.
And what if one of those "warning" shots fired into the air came down and killed an innocent bystander.
I agree with Mr. Blow. What's in that video seems like obvious murder. It doesn’t appear to require much comment. But I’d like to make this less obvious point:
I see this problem of increased “authorized” brutality as part of a more general pattern in our country. I see a parallel between increased unnecessary, excessive force in American police and in our military as well. I think BOTH the police and our soldiers have changed over the years, & our attitude toward "justified" use of force DOMESTICALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY has subtly altered, and for the worse.
I always respect our brave American soldiers for defending our freedoms and I still do, even in wars I don't agree with, but I've sensed a change in attitude over the years from the reluctant war-weary "citizen soldier" of WWII who bravely did what had to be done in a just & necessary war but took no enjoyment in killing others, to our present day/modern "American Sniper"/Abu Ghraib type macho, enthusiastic, volunteer service people who sometimes seem to take enjoyment in killing and the chickenhawk war profiteers who encourage them and start unnecessary "preemptive" "wars of choice". (If there was a choice that means it was NOT necessary.)
I know I’m generalizing & I think most American service people are decent people just like most of the police are. They both protect us. But in my opinion, America is in some ways becoming a perverse caricature of what it used to be & ought to be.
I see this problem of increased “authorized” brutality as part of a more general pattern in our country. I see a parallel between increased unnecessary, excessive force in American police and in our military as well. I think BOTH the police and our soldiers have changed over the years, & our attitude toward "justified" use of force DOMESTICALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY has subtly altered, and for the worse.
I always respect our brave American soldiers for defending our freedoms and I still do, even in wars I don't agree with, but I've sensed a change in attitude over the years from the reluctant war-weary "citizen soldier" of WWII who bravely did what had to be done in a just & necessary war but took no enjoyment in killing others, to our present day/modern "American Sniper"/Abu Ghraib type macho, enthusiastic, volunteer service people who sometimes seem to take enjoyment in killing and the chickenhawk war profiteers who encourage them and start unnecessary "preemptive" "wars of choice". (If there was a choice that means it was NOT necessary.)
I know I’m generalizing & I think most American service people are decent people just like most of the police are. They both protect us. But in my opinion, America is in some ways becoming a perverse caricature of what it used to be & ought to be.
90
JoJo, besides what you rightly said, don't forget that many of those macho murdering "soldiers" are private mercenaries (euphemistically called "contractors") hired at high cost to provide -- I'm not sure what they do better than real soldiers, possibly a private army for use by the leaders if necessary, but I am sure they are less controlled and have a worse attitude than the real soldiers -- on average. The same applies to the CIA's torturers; they are less under control because they are not soldiers.
6
There is more to come. There had better be more to come as to what lead up to this horrific situation but going with the video to this point. The Cop went back to where the taser laid on the ground. He did not pull it out of his waistband and throw it beside the victim.
Therefore there was a tussle. The victim lost and started running away (not exactly with Bolt speed from what I have seen). Did he deserve six shots in the back? Of course not.
Why the Cop felt it necessary to overkill a runaway threat? That question has been asked many times. And not just in the United States.
Therefore there was a tussle. The victim lost and started running away (not exactly with Bolt speed from what I have seen). Did he deserve six shots in the back? Of course not.
Why the Cop felt it necessary to overkill a runaway threat? That question has been asked many times. And not just in the United States.
2
A police officer's job...to protect.
Michael T. Slager has betrayed his whole profession - in every state of the union and across the world. He has betrayed the human race in the world of supposed morality.
Now are we finally convinced there are issues so wrong and so deep that need to be fixed? If this isn't the epitome of cowardice I don't know what is.
Michael T. Slager has betrayed his whole profession - in every state of the union and across the world. He has betrayed the human race in the world of supposed morality.
Now are we finally convinced there are issues so wrong and so deep that need to be fixed? If this isn't the epitome of cowardice I don't know what is.
13
I suppose there is a lesson embedded somewhere in this sad report: When confronted by the police, anywhere, not just in the South Carolina, DO NOT RUN AWAY!!!!! No matter your race, no matter the race of the policeman.............They shoot, and then ask questions or cover-up for one of their own.
Outstanding work, per usual, Mr. Blow. This is one of the most chilling police confrontation/escalation videos any of us have seen in years, possibly ever. The chilling thing is how many people, perhaps more than the usual suspects, would have dismissed an eyewitness account of Officer Slager's reprehensible, murderous acts without video evidence. They would not have been believed a policeman capable of doing that. Or that he would so transparently work to falsify evidence at the scene of the crime. They also likely have never suffered the indignity of a traffic stop, like their Supreme Court justices.
I don't know how any police officer in that department could not "publicly and vociferously (chastise) and (condemn)" that man. The Blue Wall of Silence serves only to aid and abet criminals in situations like this, most of which are never publicized or even noticed. Police Chief Driggers has to willingly suspend his common sense to hope it was merely "a tragic set of events after a traffic stop." He has to do more; he has to acknowledge that the video makes his guy look horrible, trigger-happy and craven, to boot. And that any good work his department has done, is doing, or wishes to do will be severely marginalized by the sinister act of one of his officers. The officer is entitled to due process, which he took from Walter Scott (along with his life), and not one thing more.
I don't know how any police officer in that department could not "publicly and vociferously (chastise) and (condemn)" that man. The Blue Wall of Silence serves only to aid and abet criminals in situations like this, most of which are never publicized or even noticed. Police Chief Driggers has to willingly suspend his common sense to hope it was merely "a tragic set of events after a traffic stop." He has to do more; he has to acknowledge that the video makes his guy look horrible, trigger-happy and craven, to boot. And that any good work his department has done, is doing, or wishes to do will be severely marginalized by the sinister act of one of his officers. The officer is entitled to due process, which he took from Walter Scott (along with his life), and not one thing more.
17
I think of all the incidents caught with the prevalence of cameras today, I think of all those that are missed today. I can't imagine those missed in years gone by.
7
This particular officer appears to be a murderer hiding behind a badge. How absurd to describe this as a 'mistake." I predict his fellow officers will not protect or excuse him.
Police officers surely have a stressful job. But if a particular officer is not equipped for that work, as this man surely wasn't, he should have been dismissed before he was in a position to kill someone.
Police departments need to have protocols for making regular assessment of officers' fitness for duty. So do organizations that employ aircraft controllers, pilots,or surgeons, or others who have people's lives potentially in their hands.
Still, we cannot from his case legitimately make strong assumptions about other cases involving other officers, as these cases all have their own facts.
While people in all walks of life, from the street to the armchair, may lean, typically and too often dangerously, toward judgment by profile, the truth lies in the particulars for each situation.
Police officers surely have a stressful job. But if a particular officer is not equipped for that work, as this man surely wasn't, he should have been dismissed before he was in a position to kill someone.
Police departments need to have protocols for making regular assessment of officers' fitness for duty. So do organizations that employ aircraft controllers, pilots,or surgeons, or others who have people's lives potentially in their hands.
Still, we cannot from his case legitimately make strong assumptions about other cases involving other officers, as these cases all have their own facts.
While people in all walks of life, from the street to the armchair, may lean, typically and too often dangerously, toward judgment by profile, the truth lies in the particulars for each situation.
3
"Police departments need to have protocols for making regular assessment of officers' fitness for duty. So do organizations that employ aircraft controllers, pilots,or surgeons, or others who have people's lives potentially in their hands."
So should public schools for teachers.
So should public schools for teachers.
The hypocrisy is absurd and shameful. Many in the US demonize "developing" and formerly colonized countries and cultures for the very crimes that occur daily (and with greater frequency) here in the "land of the free and the home of the brave."
25
What really stands out is the depraved indifference of all the police involved.
Just like Eric Garner.
CPR was not even attempted.
Just like Eric Garner.
CPR was not even attempted.
113
The responding officers lied about THAT, too, for which they should also be discipline, maybe prosecuted and fired.
1
@craig geary: "CPR was not even attempted". Of course not! The purpose of the shooting was to kill him. And so when he did, why would the police officer try to save him?
We've crossed a line in our supposed exceptional country. We are no longer civilized. As someone else said, I am an older white woman and I am terrified of police in this country. My country. Our country. People of all colors and walks of life call America 'My Country'. But the people of color have to live their lives in fear. I do not understand the terrible stress it must cause a mother to say goodbye to her son each day, wondering if she'll see him again. It's all so tragic and horrible to have to live under that kind of daily tension. Will I see my son again? Just for being black, will he die today? I'm so sorry people have to live in such fear in Our Country.
We've crossed a line in our supposed exceptional country. We are no longer civilized. As someone else said, I am an older white woman and I am terrified of police in this country. My country. Our country. People of all colors and walks of life call America 'My Country'. But the people of color have to live their lives in fear. I do not understand the terrible stress it must cause a mother to say goodbye to her son each day, wondering if she'll see him again. It's all so tragic and horrible to have to live under that kind of daily tension. Will I see my son again? Just for being black, will he die today? I'm so sorry people have to live in such fear in Our Country.
But it was claimed to have been performed in the initial report filed by the officers.
1
Maybe I'm missing the point, but it seems like the process worked correctly in this case. It was obviously excessive force, and the cop has been charged with murder.
5
It worked because there was a video.
6
The process worked correctly only because of the video.
Before the video appeared... the cop was in the process of getting off for self-defense.
There have been some very suspicious killing by cops in this community including a 19 year who after a scuffle with an officer shot himself in the head! Seriously, how likely is it that a 19 year old commits suicide while engaging with a police officer..or is it more likely that the officer took the kids gun and shot him in the head? And then got off by blaming it on the kid's sudden urge to kill himself!
Very very scary.
Before the video appeared... the cop was in the process of getting off for self-defense.
There have been some very suspicious killing by cops in this community including a 19 year who after a scuffle with an officer shot himself in the head! Seriously, how likely is it that a 19 year old commits suicide while engaging with a police officer..or is it more likely that the officer took the kids gun and shot him in the head? And then got off by blaming it on the kid's sudden urge to kill himself!
Very very scary.
3
The only reason it worked was because a citizen with a smartphone exposed the lying liars of the North Charleston Police. If that person had not been there, Slager would still be on patrol, free to kill again.
6
We are fortunate to have the limited video we have, but unfortunate that ambiguity still remains about the confrontation: Why are they both nowhere near their cars? When we first see them, it appears that Mr. Scott had just thrown the taser at the bent-over officer (and missed) after taking it from his two hands. Why did Mr. Scott do that?
Video will never be able to discern whether the white cop was an evil racist in his heart, taking advantage of an opportunity when he (thought he) was alone to murder a black man, or whether their respective races were incidental to the circumstances of the confrontation and actions taken.
Though charges were filed and termination effected, a hung jury is still a very distinct possibility. The divide over specific real world examples like Mike Brown and Eric Garner will continue to exist, but the online discussion is necessary, and the best way to affect a change that needs to occur.
Video will never be able to discern whether the white cop was an evil racist in his heart, taking advantage of an opportunity when he (thought he) was alone to murder a black man, or whether their respective races were incidental to the circumstances of the confrontation and actions taken.
Though charges were filed and termination effected, a hung jury is still a very distinct possibility. The divide over specific real world examples like Mike Brown and Eric Garner will continue to exist, but the online discussion is necessary, and the best way to affect a change that needs to occur.
1
For the record, I am not weary as you describe, but aghast in reading these horror stories. These are the tales of the ultimate dehumanizing of men like Walter Scott and the now, countless others, shot by police officers.
To view the shooting of Scott and to see Officer Slager handcuffing the victim following the senseless killing revealed once again, how little respect there is for human life of this black man.
Following the death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, his body lay for hours in the street with no attempt to even cover the corpse. His presence was like those in the past who had been lynched and left to hang in degradation in the public square.
Esch case with the most recent killings by shooting or even the choke-hold, I believed justice would be served but learned again and again that justice delayed is justice denied,
Now as a citizen, I am both ashamed and sick at heart that America has lost its soul.
To view the shooting of Scott and to see Officer Slager handcuffing the victim following the senseless killing revealed once again, how little respect there is for human life of this black man.
Following the death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, his body lay for hours in the street with no attempt to even cover the corpse. His presence was like those in the past who had been lynched and left to hang in degradation in the public square.
Esch case with the most recent killings by shooting or even the choke-hold, I believed justice would be served but learned again and again that justice delayed is justice denied,
Now as a citizen, I am both ashamed and sick at heart that America has lost its soul.
332
Michael Brown was a criminal who had just robbed a store, assaulted an innocent man and then attacked an officer. It's his fault he died. And as for the body laying there for hours, that's the procedure for a crime scene. Finally, where is your outrage over the day to day killing of black men by other black men?
I am tired of hearing politicians, police and the aggrieved saying that they want a "conversation" about so many issues that are chronically problematic. Deadly force by police is one of them. There are so many best practices that could make the police more effective, more accountable and safer for citizens and for themselves. Why doesn't this happen?
According to an article by Nate Silver's 538.com, the bottom line of the percentage of black people (compared to others racial groups, mostly white people) killed by cops is about 30%. In some cases and some states much higher, in some much lower.
The country cannot have equitable statistics about everything, in fact not about anything. But in some states there are trends that can be assumed.
That said, there are problems everywhere, but most of the news and editorials and columns are about these latest police killings involving black men. Maybe if the press was as interested in other races as well, and reported with such fervor about ALL police killings, then something would be done that would positively impact black men in America. But I don't see that happening. I don't know why.
According to an article by Nate Silver's 538.com, the bottom line of the percentage of black people (compared to others racial groups, mostly white people) killed by cops is about 30%. In some cases and some states much higher, in some much lower.
The country cannot have equitable statistics about everything, in fact not about anything. But in some states there are trends that can be assumed.
That said, there are problems everywhere, but most of the news and editorials and columns are about these latest police killings involving black men. Maybe if the press was as interested in other races as well, and reported with such fervor about ALL police killings, then something would be done that would positively impact black men in America. But I don't see that happening. I don't know why.
i find all these senseless killings of black men extremely upsetting. The video in this case is utterly damning. The Torah says, "Justice, justice you shall pursue." Why does it say Justice twice, for great emphasis. In these cases there is not justice, only murder.
2
There was video evidence showing a New York City cop choking the life out of Eric Garner on Staten Island. A grand jury, in its wisdom, decided the video wasn’t sufficient to indict Officer Daniel Pantaleo for homicide. By an extremely fortuitous circumstance, a jumpy cell-phone video witnesses the deliberate execution of a black man in North Charleston, South Carolina. Walter Scott was targeted eight times as he ran from Officer Michael T. Slager, who shot at Mr. Scott’s back. In his initial report of the incident, Officer Slager claimed he struggled with Mr. Scott for possession of the officer’s taser, and “feared for his life,” justifying, he said, the use of deadly force. The police force in initially sided with the officer’s account until the video surfaced. Officer Slager is in jail (for now), but he must find comfort knowing there’s recent precedent for a jury forgiving a white policeman’s murder of a black man, even with video evidence. The “I feared for my life” excuse has a lot of moving parts. George Zimmerman used it and a jury let him go for killing Trayvon Martin. The Scott murder video is damning, but it by no means guarantees justice for the Scott family or, if you’re paying attention, the rest of us, black, white, or whatever.
24
How much longer are we going to tolerate such systemic racism within our police departments? By now we've heard of the many horror stories in Ferguson, Staten Island, and Cleveland. The list just goes on and on but many of us still fail to see the elephant in the room: lack of proper training and hiring within municipal police departments. Many of these people are psychologically unfit to serve as a police officer. Shame on these cities for failing to uncover prior records, employment history, and other background checks to vet these people before hiring them.
I also blame these tragedies on our gun-crazy culture, fostered by the NRA. This issue is exactly like school shootings. They will continue only until we realize that this needs to stop and do something about it through policy. Until then, all these protests will amount to nothing.
I also blame these tragedies on our gun-crazy culture, fostered by the NRA. This issue is exactly like school shootings. They will continue only until we realize that this needs to stop and do something about it through policy. Until then, all these protests will amount to nothing.
10
Too many of these killings have happened now. Something is rotten in the state of Denmark. I want to believe the best about the police, but I'm beginning to wonder about this pattern. Does it mean something that it is young white police officers shooting unarmed black men? There is something about the current culture that has encouraged this, whether it is the NRA, a militarization of the police or society, an us vs. them mentality, or just random incidents that coincidentally have the same end results. No doubt there will be a rush to condemn the victim as a black thug, to justify the circumstances that are clearly visible in the video, and to deny a racist component. Cameras help, but they also emphasize how there is an abuse of power and overreaction.
Walking home from a convenience store with candy, stealing a box of cigars, playing with a toy gun in a park, shopping at Walmart, and having a minor traffic violation should not result in execution by cop. The rise in this kind of hostility towards black men seems to also reflect the obsessive hatred some people have for the first black president.
It is tragic for the country and corrosive to society.
Walking home from a convenience store with candy, stealing a box of cigars, playing with a toy gun in a park, shopping at Walmart, and having a minor traffic violation should not result in execution by cop. The rise in this kind of hostility towards black men seems to also reflect the obsessive hatred some people have for the first black president.
It is tragic for the country and corrosive to society.
27
I agree with most of what you say. But, although it does seem to occur mostly with black victims, I find that all races are involved at one time or another. That does not excuse it, but only broadens whatever necessary inquiries will be generated.
To enable readers to consider the "interplay of race" and fatal police shootings, the New York Times should attempt to provide reliable statistics. A USA Today study conducted after the Michael Brown shooting revealed that on average white police officers each year kill about 400 people, including about 96 African Americans. This means that about 24 percent of those killed by white police officers are black, but it also means that about 76 percent of people killed by white police officers are not black. Blacks make up only about 13 percent of the U.S, so they make up a disproportionate number of police homicide victims. However, blacks also commit a disproportionate number of violent crimes. According to FBI Uniform Crime Report Data Table 43: Arrests), blacks made up 38.7 percent of those arrested for violent crimes in 2013, including 52.3 percent of those arrested for murder or manslaughter and 56.4 percent of those arrested for robbery. (The racial disparity in arrest rates correlate closely with the racial disparity in victim reports.) So it seems the racial disparity fatal police shootings might be smaller than one would expect, considering the racial disparity in violent crime.
13
Mr. Case, you lie with statistics. What violent crimes were Michael Brown, Eric Garner, and Walter Scott engaged in when they were shot? The point, in case it escaped you, is that black people are shot with no possible justification, and then after the fact, some "I was afraid" is invoked.
17
Please, don't confuse this issue with "facts". There's a narrative here that needs to be protected. But then again is it possible most people understand this? That this is why "cultural change" isn't occurring? That "cultural change" is a two-way street?
2
The Fatal Encounters Database, started to try to collect as full an accounting as possible of police shootings in the absence of public record keeping, shows that off the total deaths by police shooting since 2003, the total number of black and hispanic deaths combined significantly exceeds that of whites killed in police encounters, with about 25% of victim race information simply unavailable. Black shooting deaths were 43% of combined black and white deaths.
Furthermore, there is no evidence to show that police shootings are closely correlated with violent crime -- certainly a broken tail light doesn't fall in the category. You are looking for a way to explain away minority deaths that might be valid but for which you are not presenting any data.
Furthermore, there is no evidence to show that police shootings are closely correlated with violent crime -- certainly a broken tail light doesn't fall in the category. You are looking for a way to explain away minority deaths that might be valid but for which you are not presenting any data.
5
Liberals seem to have a general inclination to ban guns and I've always said I would support such an initiative as long as the gun ban starts with the *police*.
The conversation usually stops there...
The conversation usually stops there...
2
I would hazard a guess that the conversation stops there because the person you are talking with realizes that there is absolutely no use in continuing the discussion with you. You've laid your biases on the table, and there's no reason to waste one's breath. I could demolish your gambit in a nanosecond, but won't bother because you won't hear it.
8
Seems to me the police, especially, should be banned from having guns.
3
As Chairman Mao said, "power comes out of the barrel of a gun". Liberals worship their great god government and want it to have all possible power and no power to "ordinary people.
1
Police who kill unarmed people of color always claim their victim "went for the officer's weapon" or "the officer feared for his life," exactly as in this case and, by the way, in the Darren Wilson case. In the absence of witness video an "internal investigation" always exonerates the shooter. How gullible do police departments think the American public are? How gullible ARE the American public?
Police violence begins with who is recruited to be a cop and how police are trained. Combat veterans recruited to be cops should work for several years in administrative jobs under close supervision, including periodic psychological review to assess whether they can be trusted with weapons on the streets.
Police training should emphasize deescalation and teach alternatives to force; for example, as in the Darren Wilson case, retreating and calling for backup, and in this case letting the subject run only to use license plate information to visut him at his home, calmly, later.
American police seem to be taught always to assert authority and control, especially in nonviolent situations where negotiation and discussion are more aporopriate. Here in Canada police violence has increased alarmingly in recent years, but it is still the rule in the overwhelming number of cases that stand-offs are resolved successfully without violence.
Police violence begins with who is recruited to be a cop and how police are trained. Combat veterans recruited to be cops should work for several years in administrative jobs under close supervision, including periodic psychological review to assess whether they can be trusted with weapons on the streets.
Police training should emphasize deescalation and teach alternatives to force; for example, as in the Darren Wilson case, retreating and calling for backup, and in this case letting the subject run only to use license plate information to visut him at his home, calmly, later.
American police seem to be taught always to assert authority and control, especially in nonviolent situations where negotiation and discussion are more aporopriate. Here in Canada police violence has increased alarmingly in recent years, but it is still the rule in the overwhelming number of cases that stand-offs are resolved successfully without violence.
99
Blow is right. The culture started changing several decades ago, with the militarization of our domestic police forces, and fueled by the irrational war on drugs which makes so many normal people attractive "targets". The Supreme Court enhanced this culture change by eliminating Constitutional rights Americans once took for granted, and the for-profit police/prison industrial complex then became firmly established in our once-free society. The root cause of the problem is corrupt and incompetent politicians who sanctioned and supported these changes with taxpayer dollars. People will have to become much more involved in the political process in order to change this entrenched culture back to what we had before.
147
Another Southern lynching. You don't need to be hanged to be lynched. Getting shot in the back, unarmed, by a "law enforcement" officer qualifies, too.
372
This problem is hardly confined to southern states.
South Carolina will prosecute this officer. What of the officers in Cleveland, Staten Island, or any of the other northern states where murders committed by police have been captured on video?
South Carolina will prosecute this officer. What of the officers in Cleveland, Staten Island, or any of the other northern states where murders committed by police have been captured on video?
13
Agreed, and what is the message of a lynching? It is "My kind is in control here, not your kind!"
5
I agree. And it has the same purpose as lynching. To marginalize and terrorize blacks in America.
7
Charles, please stop. There is no "these cases," there is just "this case."
In Ferguson, reasonable people waited for the evidence to be known. When it was, the forensic evidence showed that Officer Wilson's account was extremely accurate and the shooting of Michael Brown was very, very likely justified.
In this case, anyone who watched the video could see that the killing was at best needless and at worst sadistic; plus the officer can be seen tampering with evidence. The response has been quick and unequivocal, and the officer is already charged with murder.
These cases are not part of a pattern. We will never be beyond racist stereotypes until commentators like you start to look at each case on its merits.
In Ferguson, reasonable people waited for the evidence to be known. When it was, the forensic evidence showed that Officer Wilson's account was extremely accurate and the shooting of Michael Brown was very, very likely justified.
In this case, anyone who watched the video could see that the killing was at best needless and at worst sadistic; plus the officer can be seen tampering with evidence. The response has been quick and unequivocal, and the officer is already charged with murder.
These cases are not part of a pattern. We will never be beyond racist stereotypes until commentators like you start to look at each case on its merits.
18
Amen.
1
This is exactly, precisely the sort of response I was afraid would take root when I saw this story - laser-like focusing on "this case" (one of perhaps several hundred, or maybe at most a 4-figure number of police killings a year, in a nation of 300 million), in order to take a brave stand against cops being proven to be shooting unambiguously unarmed + fleeing persons in the back, while declaring that, basically, it was a one-off, which is technically true, but obscures the broader truth.
Why do you think this sort of thing has such a huge and visceral response, especially among the black community? Yes, it's sadly sensational, but also, it is just the most dramatic instance of the criminal justice system's institutional war against those prejudged to be "super-predator" level dangerous - lower-class minorities in particular. In the age of the ubiquitous cell phone camera it's the most visible and dramatic aspect of that war, and thus the most effective rallying point against it.
The less visible figure is that ~50% of black men have been arrested/imprisoned (with all of the loss of earning/social potential that entails) at some point. Unless we think that half of this very large and diverse population is actually criminal in nature, this is a huge and ongoing problem. THAT is "part of a pattern" that results from and also further engenders "racist stereotypes", not the pointing out of the pattern, as your all-too-typical Orwellian inversion would have it.
Why do you think this sort of thing has such a huge and visceral response, especially among the black community? Yes, it's sadly sensational, but also, it is just the most dramatic instance of the criminal justice system's institutional war against those prejudged to be "super-predator" level dangerous - lower-class minorities in particular. In the age of the ubiquitous cell phone camera it's the most visible and dramatic aspect of that war, and thus the most effective rallying point against it.
The less visible figure is that ~50% of black men have been arrested/imprisoned (with all of the loss of earning/social potential that entails) at some point. Unless we think that half of this very large and diverse population is actually criminal in nature, this is a huge and ongoing problem. THAT is "part of a pattern" that results from and also further engenders "racist stereotypes", not the pointing out of the pattern, as your all-too-typical Orwellian inversion would have it.
18
It's quite a bit more than just one case, just as it was quite a bit more than just one little bombing run on Pearl Harbor. Refusing to recognize the clear pattern of police escalation of violence to assert dominance over the underprivileged is not a valid argument, it's just how you personally feel, without any factual basis.
19
I prefer the "change the culture" of policing approach to reform to the "good cops" riding herd on the "bad cops" approach to reform. "Good cops" saying nothing critical about "bad cops" may be "good cops" but are they good cops? It seems to me that they are playing a role in a "bad" script, that they are part of a system that perpetuates the problem and hence are contributing to it. So I am not sure I would emphasize a "good cop speaking out against bad cop" aspect of reform, because I would fear we would get hollow words, like those empty apologies we often hear through the media from politicians and celebrities to try to limit damage without admitting wrongdoing. I think an approach seeking to change the culture of policing and giving everybody new roles in a new script would have a greater likelihood of producing sustained, real improvement. The silence is terrible but my question is what is the most effective way of making it not an option?
7
I'm sure we all remember those silly "Law and Order" series with those "cop killers" getting their just deserts.
Now the police unions can do themselves a big favor and stop the PR stunts with all the cops turning out when a cop gets killed. You would think that cops are forced to take on their job. We all know that policing is one of the least dangerous professions. But the unions use it as excuse to blackmail politicians into giving them outrageous salaries and pensions.
Well, now we've got "killer cops." A dirty little secret that nobody knows anything about, least of all the police unions.
So let's get real, and deal with the real problem.
Now the police unions can do themselves a big favor and stop the PR stunts with all the cops turning out when a cop gets killed. You would think that cops are forced to take on their job. We all know that policing is one of the least dangerous professions. But the unions use it as excuse to blackmail politicians into giving them outrageous salaries and pensions.
Well, now we've got "killer cops." A dirty little secret that nobody knows anything about, least of all the police unions.
So let's get real, and deal with the real problem.
37
" We all know that policing is one of the least dangerous professionsBut the unions use it as excuse to blackmail politicians into giving them outrageous salaries and pensions."
In NYC, a sanitation man has a greater chance of being killed on the job than does a policeman.
In NYC, a sanitation man has a greater chance of being killed on the job than does a policeman.
10
This officer will, one hopes, be found guilty and sentenced accordingly. However, policing as one of the least dangerous professions? How often do you hear about accountants being gunned down outside of their office? Insurance salesmen being shot while talking to clients? Telemarketers being killed for their job (although that might not be so bad, I admit). It may not be the most dangerous occupation, but it is certainly not in the lower quadrille.
1
A cop in San Jose was killed in the line of duty-- apparently a good man, for which I am sorry. Cops came by the thousands from all over the country to attend the funeral. Who paid for that? who covered the cops shifts while they were grandstanding? What about the people stuck in that funeral traffic jam?Two years ago a CHP officer was killed during a traffic stop outside walnut creek-- truly sad, awful. The CHP shut down the whole freeway, both directions for hours. They put lives in danger (anyone needing to take their BP med or get an insulin injection for instance); stopping the engine of commerce; leaving kids stranded at schools and daycare, etc. This must stop, and cops need to be viewed as what they are-- ordinary and often very flawed human beings. When a roofer falls off a roof and dies, does anyone notice? Does the economy come to a shutdown? Do the roofers for miles around stop roofing?
2
Charles,
Put those body cams on the police and watch the culture change.
This is how cultures change -- it always starts with a change in habit. Those body cams will force a change in policemen's habits -- they will be cognizant that they are being watched. In time, policemen will forget how they used to behave before the body cams. And a new culture would have taken root.
Put those body cams on the police and watch the culture change.
This is how cultures change -- it always starts with a change in habit. Those body cams will force a change in policemen's habits -- they will be cognizant that they are being watched. In time, policemen will forget how they used to behave before the body cams. And a new culture would have taken root.
57
Yes, body cams turned on during all duty hours, with those who don't keep them turned on fired.
3
Watch the culture change? More like watch police department budgets include acting lessons and watch the mysterious disappearance of video.
3
Miss Abc....you may be right. Once body cameras become the usual, behavior may change, and also attitudes. But it will take time. May be necessary but not enough. I was thinking that in the unarmed Garner choking death by 6 armed cops, even video didn't get an indictment of even 1 of the perp police.
3
President Clinton set forth the hiring of 100,000 additional police in America.
President Obama promised to put forth the hiring of another 100,000 police.
Congress legislated the most extreme unconstitutional surveillance powers against Americans and legislated the donations of massive amounts of military armaments to the nations police forces.
The Federal Government is preparing for an American Revolution.
God Bless it.
President Obama promised to put forth the hiring of another 100,000 police.
Congress legislated the most extreme unconstitutional surveillance powers against Americans and legislated the donations of massive amounts of military armaments to the nations police forces.
The Federal Government is preparing for an American Revolution.
God Bless it.
16
@Patrick: "The Federal Government is preparing for an American Revolution". I agree. At some point people will rise up. The beating down, the pushing back will not be pretty. Nationally our police departments have SWATTED UP, militarized themselves and are learning that it is US against THEM and they will take that mindset into this pushing back of the people demanding change. We are already living in a Police State. We're just not calling it that yet. We're still calling it a democracy (yes, yes...a republic). But it is a Police State. By the time the people push back, it will be too late, I fear.
I agree with Mr. Blow and support his suggestions. I would add more.
I am a white, middle class, senior citizen. After months (years actually) of these reports, I am torn between declaring genocide or declaring the dystopia is upon us.
Genocide is easy. White police officers killing black men for what? Stealing cigars? A child with a toy gun? A traffic violation? These are not capital offenses. What else could it be other than genocide?
The answer is that these actions reflect the larger gun-violence-aggression-military society in which we live. Congratulations. After 70 years as the post WWII 'police officer' of the world we believe that we can kill anyone anytime and have been doing it for 70 years. We live in a dystopic society.
At the individual level, there are 300 million guns in the land. Many gun owners believe, with the law backing them up, that they can kill anyone anytime in some form of self defense. At the police level, probably over thirty years of training has resulted in a police force that believes it can kill anyone anytime. At the national level, the US is of course in the process of genocidal madness in the Middle East killing Muslims with impunity.
Dystopic American is the most violent nation in the world. And what can we do about it? Probably nothing. Suggestions?
I am a white, middle class, senior citizen. After months (years actually) of these reports, I am torn between declaring genocide or declaring the dystopia is upon us.
Genocide is easy. White police officers killing black men for what? Stealing cigars? A child with a toy gun? A traffic violation? These are not capital offenses. What else could it be other than genocide?
The answer is that these actions reflect the larger gun-violence-aggression-military society in which we live. Congratulations. After 70 years as the post WWII 'police officer' of the world we believe that we can kill anyone anytime and have been doing it for 70 years. We live in a dystopic society.
At the individual level, there are 300 million guns in the land. Many gun owners believe, with the law backing them up, that they can kill anyone anytime in some form of self defense. At the police level, probably over thirty years of training has resulted in a police force that believes it can kill anyone anytime. At the national level, the US is of course in the process of genocidal madness in the Middle East killing Muslims with impunity.
Dystopic American is the most violent nation in the world. And what can we do about it? Probably nothing. Suggestions?
334
Agree with your thoughts about dystopia in America and posture in foreign policy as justifying policing in the broad sense...not so sure about the genocide in your analysis
As to suggestions , I think the jury will be out figuratively on this case and the charge of murder though we can see with our eyes what is senseless killing.
What strikes me with North Charleston is the immediacy of actions and a clear statement from law enforcement about the disgust and the termination of this officer. If more police leadership would react this way instead of hiding behind the shield, I would be more hopeful about change.
As to suggestions , I think the jury will be out figuratively on this case and the charge of murder though we can see with our eyes what is senseless killing.
What strikes me with North Charleston is the immediacy of actions and a clear statement from law enforcement about the disgust and the termination of this officer. If more police leadership would react this way instead of hiding behind the shield, I would be more hopeful about change.
2
I recommended this comment. I have one idea I am excited about. I would like to require all police officers to study the Japanese martial art of Aikido. I did for 9 years, almost achieving a black belt-- twice. The modern version of ancient jujitsu, teaches the attacked, to disarm the attacker without necessarily harming them. It is actually Asian magic, for disarming an armed attacker, without necessarily maiming them.
from my blog, LindsayOnVietnam.wordpress.com
from my blog, LindsayOnVietnam.wordpress.com
4
Our preference for violence is deep in our culture. The most popular movies have marketing posters showing the lead actor aiming a gun. Action movies proliferate, and action means guns. The bigger the better. Of course little boys are given plastic guns to brandish, just as soon as they can walk. Then they mature into the video games that feature, what else, death and destruction! And we call it entertainment.
7
Mr. Blow:
thank you for providing us with your column this day…
it must have been exceedingly difficult to prepare and publish…
as once was stated, has now come-back:
from:
Pogo:
We have met the Enemy,
and he is Us.
again
sadly
peace will be very difficult to elicit in this very difficult situation,
but it remains the only long-time, viable solution.
10
If we wanted to be euphemistic, we could call this type of police action "lynching by other means."
In retrospect, I'm surprised that Henry Louis Gates, Jr. wasn't shot when he was bullied by Cambridge, MA police, considering that he refused to act subserviently during the incident.
In retrospect, I'm surprised that Henry Louis Gates, Jr. wasn't shot when he was bullied by Cambridge, MA police, considering that he refused to act subserviently during the incident.
81
What was done to Professor Gates was a travesty. Thank God nothing really bad happened. But it was awful to see a picture of the elegant Gates with his mouth open in protest.
11
@Larry Bole: Your comment about Prof. Gates makes me think that if it happened today he WOULD be shot down for trying to get into his own house. Something really has changed in this country. We are no longer a civilized country.
7
Obviously, the cops think this is their job-- to harass and kill black men -- for jaywalking, selling loosies, walking up a stairwell, picking up a toy gun in a toy store, having a busted tail light. They say it's a dangerous job.
173
It's time for a whole new paradigm in America.
2
Something has been happening with our police, particularly in the last 10 or 15 years, and that is the militarization of our police departments Nationwide.
I have a relative who was a policeman in a large California city.....a smart young man.... but older than his contemporaries on the force by at least 10 years. While you would automatically think that his maturity would be an asset and somewhat respected by his peers, unfortunately he was roundly criticized and ultimately ostracized by his younger peers for his lack of "aggressiveness" in dealing with assorted suspects....particularly minorities. Consequently, he quit the force in disgust.
Is this the new norm? Have we created an armed force in the post 9/11 period where many of the younger generation, already brought up on violent video games and (in some cases) fresh from the military & the streets of Baghdad, are given weapons and asked to patrol our neighborhoods?
This despicable act of murder and then concealment of the crime by the very people we expect to uphold the law is yet another extreme example of the downward spiral that our Police departments have created for themselves.
Quick and decisive corrective action needs to be taken before another life is needlessly lost and before it becomes too late to reverse this volatile and destructive trend in our Nation.
I have a relative who was a policeman in a large California city.....a smart young man.... but older than his contemporaries on the force by at least 10 years. While you would automatically think that his maturity would be an asset and somewhat respected by his peers, unfortunately he was roundly criticized and ultimately ostracized by his younger peers for his lack of "aggressiveness" in dealing with assorted suspects....particularly minorities. Consequently, he quit the force in disgust.
Is this the new norm? Have we created an armed force in the post 9/11 period where many of the younger generation, already brought up on violent video games and (in some cases) fresh from the military & the streets of Baghdad, are given weapons and asked to patrol our neighborhoods?
This despicable act of murder and then concealment of the crime by the very people we expect to uphold the law is yet another extreme example of the downward spiral that our Police departments have created for themselves.
Quick and decisive corrective action needs to be taken before another life is needlessly lost and before it becomes too late to reverse this volatile and destructive trend in our Nation.
226
I think the constant post 9/11 fear mongering that has been going on for nearly 14 years is at least partially responsible.
In addition to killing our American Exceptionalism, the part of us that always knew we could accomplish anything we set out to do, it appears to have instilled terror in average citizens and in the police force we have carelessly militarized.
It has to stop.
In addition to killing our American Exceptionalism, the part of us that always knew we could accomplish anything we set out to do, it appears to have instilled terror in average citizens and in the police force we have carelessly militarized.
It has to stop.
7
3 of 3
After the Eric Garner grand jury decision was rendered, Jeffrey Toobin wrote a piece in the New Yorker about should investigate police. I blogged about it in "Answering Jeffrey Toobin":
"The very nature and purpose of policing must be reevaluated and defined anew. Explicit bias must be rooted out and awareness of everyone’s implicit bias must be effectively conveyed. New rules of engagement need to be laid down and enforced faithfully. Compassion and humanity must taught and continuously reinforced.
Hiring practices need to be examined in police departments big and small, all around the nation. Policies that are in place to disqualify potential recruits with an IQ higher than 125 should be made illegal by an act of Congress. Incredibly, such a policy was deemed legal by the judges of Connecticut’s Second Circuit Court of Appeals in the year 2000."
http://tinyurl.com/lvq8gbt
So far, we're hearing about police misconduct, not thanks to dashcams and lapel-cams, but thanks to the courageous actions of witnesses with phones. I've wondered to what extent performance bonuses and incentives are a cause of over-policing. Some jobs shouldn't have financial incentives attached to them. Two that come to mind are policing and teaching.
Charles is absolutely right in stressing the need for a change in attitudes, rather than echoing many other commentators' calls for more technology. It's not a lack of technology that's the problem, but what is inside all of us.
After the Eric Garner grand jury decision was rendered, Jeffrey Toobin wrote a piece in the New Yorker about should investigate police. I blogged about it in "Answering Jeffrey Toobin":
"The very nature and purpose of policing must be reevaluated and defined anew. Explicit bias must be rooted out and awareness of everyone’s implicit bias must be effectively conveyed. New rules of engagement need to be laid down and enforced faithfully. Compassion and humanity must taught and continuously reinforced.
Hiring practices need to be examined in police departments big and small, all around the nation. Policies that are in place to disqualify potential recruits with an IQ higher than 125 should be made illegal by an act of Congress. Incredibly, such a policy was deemed legal by the judges of Connecticut’s Second Circuit Court of Appeals in the year 2000."
http://tinyurl.com/lvq8gbt
So far, we're hearing about police misconduct, not thanks to dashcams and lapel-cams, but thanks to the courageous actions of witnesses with phones. I've wondered to what extent performance bonuses and incentives are a cause of over-policing. Some jobs shouldn't have financial incentives attached to them. Two that come to mind are policing and teaching.
Charles is absolutely right in stressing the need for a change in attitudes, rather than echoing many other commentators' calls for more technology. It's not a lack of technology that's the problem, but what is inside all of us.
31
2 of 3
There isn't a public speaking occasion when politicians and pundits don't bend over backwards to preface comments with lengthy, overly deferential praise of police. That practice needs to stop. Employees in any setting are thanked through their pay, and the awards, raises, and promotions they are given, There is nothing more special about policing than there is about excellence in road maintenance, or teaching. Yet, we heap constant praise and at a time when constant scrutiny is the more appropriate action.
This brings me to the portion of Charles' op-ed about the "thin blue line" and the tradition in policing that is preventing decent officers from speaking out about bad policing they see around them. That tradition must be denounced, discouraged, rooted out and dismantled. Police departments aren't clubs or cliques above the rest of the citizenry. Oversight of police needs to be by the community a department serves. Self-investigation of police must end. The powers we have conferred upon them are what has contributed to the police state. We must take back what we have given. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.
The reign of terror of the police state we've allowed to grow must be put to an end by all of us. Join a movement. Act! Demonstrate in your city. And, please, vote!
--
White attitudes on police
http://tinyurl.com/ly3a89q
Brutality in one photo
http://tinyurl.com/kucdgxj
Hakeem Kuta's death
http://tinyurl.com/mlhche7
Justus Howell
http://t.co/kIsSEaMMbE
There isn't a public speaking occasion when politicians and pundits don't bend over backwards to preface comments with lengthy, overly deferential praise of police. That practice needs to stop. Employees in any setting are thanked through their pay, and the awards, raises, and promotions they are given, There is nothing more special about policing than there is about excellence in road maintenance, or teaching. Yet, we heap constant praise and at a time when constant scrutiny is the more appropriate action.
This brings me to the portion of Charles' op-ed about the "thin blue line" and the tradition in policing that is preventing decent officers from speaking out about bad policing they see around them. That tradition must be denounced, discouraged, rooted out and dismantled. Police departments aren't clubs or cliques above the rest of the citizenry. Oversight of police needs to be by the community a department serves. Self-investigation of police must end. The powers we have conferred upon them are what has contributed to the police state. We must take back what we have given. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.
The reign of terror of the police state we've allowed to grow must be put to an end by all of us. Join a movement. Act! Demonstrate in your city. And, please, vote!
--
White attitudes on police
http://tinyurl.com/ly3a89q
Brutality in one photo
http://tinyurl.com/kucdgxj
Hakeem Kuta's death
http://tinyurl.com/mlhche7
Justus Howell
http://t.co/kIsSEaMMbE
38
"There is nothing more special about policing than there is about excellence in road maintenance, or teaching".
The police officer's actions were absolutely wrong in this case and murder is the correct charge. However, policing may not be MORE special than what you list, but it certainly is special. Road maintenance, for the most part does not require split second decisions in dangerous circumstances or a lot of interaction with the body politic. Policing certainly does. People do not depend on road maintenance workers to maintain safety and public order no matter the circumstances, rioting, terrorist attacks, gang violence included (though exceptional, thank goodness).
On another note, yes, there are big problems with policing in America but conflating it with a police state is overstatement that doesn't help. Police states, for one thing, don't have editorials or comment columns.
The police officer's actions were absolutely wrong in this case and murder is the correct charge. However, policing may not be MORE special than what you list, but it certainly is special. Road maintenance, for the most part does not require split second decisions in dangerous circumstances or a lot of interaction with the body politic. Policing certainly does. People do not depend on road maintenance workers to maintain safety and public order no matter the circumstances, rioting, terrorist attacks, gang violence included (though exceptional, thank goodness).
On another note, yes, there are big problems with policing in America but conflating it with a police state is overstatement that doesn't help. Police states, for one thing, don't have editorials or comment columns.
4
Bob,
The police state is all kinds of things together, including an authoritarian, paternalistic bent.
Community policing isn't separate from all the other kinds of policing. We don't talk about Edward Snowden very much anymore, but we should! Mother Jones has an excellent article about yet another aspect of our police state.
How Drug War Surveillance Turned Into Terrorism Surveillance http://fb.me/2RJapJLIM
The police state is all kinds of things together, including an authoritarian, paternalistic bent.
Community policing isn't separate from all the other kinds of policing. We don't talk about Edward Snowden very much anymore, but we should! Mother Jones has an excellent article about yet another aspect of our police state.
How Drug War Surveillance Turned Into Terrorism Surveillance http://fb.me/2RJapJLIM
10
In any encounter between civilians and cops it is civilians who need and deserve the benefit of any and every moral, legal and professional presumption in their favor.
Along with the badge, uniform, gun and their license to deprive us of our life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness comes the expectation of the utmost in moral, legal and professional judgment, competence, wisdom, empathy and humility by our law enforcement professionals.
Beyond the racial profiling, stalking and stopping my law enforcement professional family and friends see gross incompetence and unprofessional and unethical behavior no matter the motivation.
Along with the badge, uniform, gun and their license to deprive us of our life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness comes the expectation of the utmost in moral, legal and professional judgment, competence, wisdom, empathy and humility by our law enforcement professionals.
Beyond the racial profiling, stalking and stopping my law enforcement professional family and friends see gross incompetence and unprofessional and unethical behavior no matter the motivation.
12
We cannot allow ourselves to become weary - not us, and not you, Charles. I am thankful that you continue writing columns like these, though I miss the variety of your visual op-eds.
People are dying. Black people - men and women - are dying violent and unjust deaths. People with disabilities are also being killed, when they should be cared for. Children, teens, are being incarcerated when they should be rehabilitated. Your columns shine a much needed bright spotlight on all kinds of injustices that, by now, should be plain and intolerable to all.
The consciousness of whites needs to be awakened. We need to do a better job of informing them of daily abuse and killings. The last four years' worth of police brutality should be as alarming and intolerable to everyone, equally.
Absent from most police brutality discussions are reminders of when officers are allowed to fire a weapon. While mention is always made of imminent danger, we don't define what that doesn't include and it thus becomes a nebulous term.
We need to remind people who it is police are supposed to serve. We need to keep defining what the function of policing is and isn't, in the wider context of the justice system as a whole. All too often, both in TV commentary by experts and in comment sections, widespread erroneous beliefs are used as a springboard to sanction punitive actions on the part of police, when they have no such mandate.
----
1 of 3
People are dying. Black people - men and women - are dying violent and unjust deaths. People with disabilities are also being killed, when they should be cared for. Children, teens, are being incarcerated when they should be rehabilitated. Your columns shine a much needed bright spotlight on all kinds of injustices that, by now, should be plain and intolerable to all.
The consciousness of whites needs to be awakened. We need to do a better job of informing them of daily abuse and killings. The last four years' worth of police brutality should be as alarming and intolerable to everyone, equally.
Absent from most police brutality discussions are reminders of when officers are allowed to fire a weapon. While mention is always made of imminent danger, we don't define what that doesn't include and it thus becomes a nebulous term.
We need to remind people who it is police are supposed to serve. We need to keep defining what the function of policing is and isn't, in the wider context of the justice system as a whole. All too often, both in TV commentary by experts and in comment sections, widespread erroneous beliefs are used as a springboard to sanction punitive actions on the part of police, when they have no such mandate.
----
1 of 3
46
"Black people - men and women - are dying violent and unjust deaths."
But far more, probably several orders of magnitude more, black people are killed by other black people than are killed by the police and yet this never makes the front page.
But far more, probably several orders of magnitude more, black people are killed by other black people than are killed by the police and yet this never makes the front page.
8
Charles,
It is the hallmark of today's conservatives to immediately point to Black on Black crime when the conversation turns to police brutality, the police regime they've established or to the disproportionate inequality suffered by minorities.
There is always money for wars, equipping police with military equipment, hiring way more police than is necessary and never any talk about how we begin improving the lives of those who are being policed.
Why is that, Charles?
Deflecting attention is old hat. Trot it out only if you are prepared to answer for the underlying reasons for crime in areas that are economically starved by conservative policies of the likes of former (racist) mayor Giuliani, the officials in cities like Ferguson, and many others around the country.
It is the hallmark of today's conservatives to immediately point to Black on Black crime when the conversation turns to police brutality, the police regime they've established or to the disproportionate inequality suffered by minorities.
There is always money for wars, equipping police with military equipment, hiring way more police than is necessary and never any talk about how we begin improving the lives of those who are being policed.
Why is that, Charles?
Deflecting attention is old hat. Trot it out only if you are prepared to answer for the underlying reasons for crime in areas that are economically starved by conservative policies of the likes of former (racist) mayor Giuliani, the officials in cities like Ferguson, and many others around the country.
65
What does that have to do with this man shot in the back? That justifies what happened?
19