Look, James Blake is clearly in the wrong here for not being white. If he was, this would never have happened ... /s (in case it got missed as sarcasm).
37
Mr. Commissioner: It's swell that you were able to apologize to Mr. Blake, but where is the apology from Officer Frascatore? All we hear is that idiot, Pat Lynch, once again being blind to videotape and telling us that it's premature to take the officer off the street.
Moreover, Mr. Commissioner, where is the apology from you to the City of New York for the "above the law" culture that is prevalent in your department? There needs to be some real leadership from above and there needs to be real consequences for the abhorrent behavior exhibited by Officer Frascatore and others. You are a failure, sir, and should resign now. No need to wait until 2017.
Moreover, Mr. Commissioner, where is the apology from you to the City of New York for the "above the law" culture that is prevalent in your department? There needs to be some real leadership from above and there needs to be real consequences for the abhorrent behavior exhibited by Officer Frascatore and others. You are a failure, sir, and should resign now. No need to wait until 2017.
38
"The officers also had an Instagram photo of someone believed to be involved. That person, who Mr. Bratton said looked like Mr. Blake’s “twin brother,” turned out to have no role in the scheme."
So they mistook him for the wrong Black man -- who ALSO turned out to be the wrong Black man. New York's Finest. Way to go, boys in blue.
So they mistook him for the wrong Black man -- who ALSO turned out to be the wrong Black man. New York's Finest. Way to go, boys in blue.
43
Of course he was profiled,of course he was man handled,of course there's a race factor involved,of course this wasn't the cop's first force-related complaint,of course he didn't report it, and of course he's still employed and will continue his criminal behavior with impunity.
35
"Officer Frascatore, a four-year veteran of the force, made a “fast approach,” Mr. Bratton said." Looked more like a full frontal assault to me, based on the video. The thing is -- the police were not after a violent criminal. They were looking for a scam artist. So why shove poor Mr. Blake to the ground? Excessive force was not justified. Macho men are as passé as the Village People.
31
If a strange unidentified black or white person came barreling towards me aggressively I would run or strike out. Either way, I could end up dead in the NYC scenario. If this policeman's methods are standard operating procedure, regardless of color, it's sort of nutty to think it won't turn out bad for everyone involved. Really, standing outside the Grand Hyatt dressed for a corporate appearance warrants a body slam and a face-smashing? Reminds me of the old 'shoot first and let God sort 'em out' mentality.
51
I don't know how it was in pre civil rights days, and during Jim Crow. Obviously must have been much worse, but I was not around. But there is such a difference in reaction to this type of event from whites and non whites. Most whites are blasé, they know they will never be the victims of such brutish behavior by police. Some of them think they can understand what's going through a non white person's mind. But they don't, can't. Otoh, most non whites have a visceral fear. Regardless of how successful you are, how you dress, look, behave, how old, what sex, all of which mean nothing. You can be slammed, beaten, roughed up, arrested, handcuffed, on the street, in your house, when no one is around, in broad day light in front of every one with a hundred phone cameras rolling, does not matter. They know they will go free. The worst that can happen is a fake trial, and then nothing. If you kill someone else for absolutely no reason, and if you are not a cop, what's the worst punishment that can be given? Life in prison or even death by hanging? Well, if you are a cop and kill someone for no reason, the worst punishment even the prosecutor asks for, at the beginning of the trial, is a few years in prison, at worst. And almost hundred percent of the time, nothing happens and the cops go free.
Such is the society we live in, and the responsibility for this falls on cops and also all the white people who watch this silently. Just a total shame.
Such is the society we live in, and the responsibility for this falls on cops and also all the white people who watch this silently. Just a total shame.
35
Clearly, the officers knew Officer Frascatore used excessive force. They did not file that "void report". Shame. These kinds of police officers make it harder for the ones who are trying to serve the public. My desire to have confidence and trust in the police diminishes with every report. Just disgusting.
44
These cops are given their power to protect the citizens but are acting as if their primary duty is to lord over citizens and brutally take down anyone who would dare to oppose them. "Don't open your mouth" he said? Let me see. Some guy in street clothes (he was not in official dress) slams you down, and a few others there to help that guy. You are not supposed to resist, not fight back, both of which will most certainly lead to your death, and you can't even yell Help? And if you do, they become even more enraged and will maim you perhaps even kill you.
And then they go scot free.
We are in name a democracy, but it has become a disgusting police state. I wonder if citizens feel as fearful of police in China or Cuba. Can't be much worse.
And then they go scot free.
We are in name a democracy, but it has become a disgusting police state. I wonder if citizens feel as fearful of police in China or Cuba. Can't be much worse.
48
Hope he sues the entire department into oblivion.
23
"Hope he sues the entire department into oblivion."
Too bad he can't sue the individual cop(s) responsible for every penny they have or ever will have.
Too bad he can't sue the individual cop(s) responsible for every penny they have or ever will have.
19
If nothing else, I hope this incident will enlighten all of those who have smirked at the police brutality incidents (and accompanying protests) that have dominated the headlines this year. How many other James Blakes - innocent bystanders who were mistreated by the police - are out there who we haven't heard about because they are "nobodies". One nobody, minding his business, bothering no one - Eric Garner - died because of similar rough treatment. What may have saved Blake was his athleticism. I'd like it if the Mayor and the Commissioner invited Mr. Blake to speak with an audience of NYPD officers and detectives to talk about this event if only to help awaken the police to their policing tactics.
25
Commissioner Bratton's assertion that this incident was not "racial" is so far off the mark as to signal willful blindness. Yes, the detectives were looking for a black individual, and yes, the photograph in their possession may have closely resembled Mr. Blake. But the manner in which the detention was carried out was clearly race-related.
There were six detectives present (all white), investigating a white collar (not a violent) crime. It is not alleged that Mr. Blake's demeanor was even remotely threatening or suggestive of guilt. As a white professional, I am morally certain that in similar circumstances I would not have been thrown to the ground and handcuffed. Rather, one detective would have approached and asked to speak with me, while the others remained alert to potential flight. I would have explained who I was and produced proof of identity. The detectives would have either let me go, or risked making a false arrest. That a law-abiding citizen such as Mr. Blake was not afforded even superficial courtesy can only be ascribed to the color of his skin.
There were six detectives present (all white), investigating a white collar (not a violent) crime. It is not alleged that Mr. Blake's demeanor was even remotely threatening or suggestive of guilt. As a white professional, I am morally certain that in similar circumstances I would not have been thrown to the ground and handcuffed. Rather, one detective would have approached and asked to speak with me, while the others remained alert to potential flight. I would have explained who I was and produced proof of identity. The detectives would have either let me go, or risked making a false arrest. That a law-abiding citizen such as Mr. Blake was not afforded even superficial courtesy can only be ascribed to the color of his skin.
57
lake must refuse any and all apologies. He must acknowledge and respect the fact that 99% of blacks would still be in jail under other trumped up charges. He must remove his cloak of celebrity, and stand for justice, not for the privileged, but for all. Since Bratton is the problem, Blake cannot let him Bratton define the solution.
12
"I don't believe at all that race was a factor."
A statement made by the Police Commissioner, apparently reading the mind of the police officer who arrested James Blake.
I have a suggestion: Why not just say you don't know when you don't know. The reflexive denial of racism, in the absence of any facts, does nothing but hurt the credibility of the Police Commissioner.
A statement made by the Police Commissioner, apparently reading the mind of the police officer who arrested James Blake.
I have a suggestion: Why not just say you don't know when you don't know. The reflexive denial of racism, in the absence of any facts, does nothing but hurt the credibility of the Police Commissioner.
40
Police no longer command the respect and credence required to function effectively as peace keepers. We don't need armed bullies with badges running our towns. The white public is starting to distrust police for what we see them doing in videos, while the black public already distrusted them from experiencing it firsthand. We need increased accountability and better qualified police in uniform. Sign the petition for change. https://secure.avaaz.org/en/petition/Police_can_be_improved_Stop_screeni...
20
This kind of police behaviors sicken me, and makes me ashamed to an American or a New Yorker (born near Rochester and lived there till I was nine, before moving to the great golden Cal.).
12
DeBlasio sent a text? The man is completely tone deaf.
18
He's fine, it's the NYPD that are the problem
10
Blakes' Life Matters
Yet again pink Americans get to see into the lives of black Americans.
Another Italian American is directly involved in brutality against a Black American. Fortunately Blake survived. Garner did not.
It certainly leaves one to wonder.
Yet again pink Americans get to see into the lives of black Americans.
Another Italian American is directly involved in brutality against a Black American. Fortunately Blake survived. Garner did not.
It certainly leaves one to wonder.
14
Mayor de Blasio could the police watch dog units please step it up. I am assuming they exist but not ubiquitous by any means. This country needs reliable enforcement of police protocol and standards and that requires someone watching--preferably not employed by police.
10
Who can deny that we seem to be living in a police state, where the color of your skin or the leftward lean of your politics may mean you are suspect, that your standing peacefully could be construed as loitering or subject to assault and tacle, or your peaceful assembly, exercising your constitutional rights, is accompanied by hoards of police, maybe even on horseback, as if you are an enemy of the state.
Through no fault of my own, I am white. But yes it's my fault that I choose to sympathize with the 99% or the right of minorities to share in the supposed freedom we seem to have been promised in the constitution, but which everyday events now contradict in city after city.
That the police too often wrongfully exercise their power these days is an atrocity and an affront to the rule of law. That police cover-ups, including the non-reporting of false arrests, the complicit lying of fellow officers and the roughing up of suspects (or the incarcerated) is such a common occurrence today - even if they haven't done it to me - that these abominations continue to occur... Who in their right mind is going to believe the police anymore? Why should their testimony be somehow more powerful than a citizen's? Why should they get special treatment, ever, under the law? Why should they be allowed to exempt me from their rough treatment, just because I am a white-haired, white-skinned old lady? And if I am exempt, the whole system is corrupt!
Through no fault of my own, I am white. But yes it's my fault that I choose to sympathize with the 99% or the right of minorities to share in the supposed freedom we seem to have been promised in the constitution, but which everyday events now contradict in city after city.
That the police too often wrongfully exercise their power these days is an atrocity and an affront to the rule of law. That police cover-ups, including the non-reporting of false arrests, the complicit lying of fellow officers and the roughing up of suspects (or the incarcerated) is such a common occurrence today - even if they haven't done it to me - that these abominations continue to occur... Who in their right mind is going to believe the police anymore? Why should their testimony be somehow more powerful than a citizen's? Why should they get special treatment, ever, under the law? Why should they be allowed to exempt me from their rough treatment, just because I am a white-haired, white-skinned old lady? And if I am exempt, the whole system is corrupt!
26
I used to believe that police misconduct was relatively rare. High profile cases such as this one, and, more importantly, civilians with cell-phone cameras, have convinced me that it's worse, much more pervasive and probably more racially driven than I ever imagined. The knee-jerk response of the police union simply underlines the problem of police abuse -- the guy wasn't being fired, just put on desk duty while the investigation (whitewash?) played out -- the union couldn't tolerate even that.
If the victim had some martial arts training, his reflex response to this unprovoked attack by an unidentified person would probably have led to him being shot. This was not an intervention to stop a violent crime in progress or to prevent a violent criminal escaping. There was no excuse for initiating police contact with a violent assault.
If the victim had some martial arts training, his reflex response to this unprovoked attack by an unidentified person would probably have led to him being shot. This was not an intervention to stop a violent crime in progress or to prevent a violent criminal escaping. There was no excuse for initiating police contact with a violent assault.
39
Toni Morrison mentioned the new reality of the police as cowards. She was not referencing the vast majority.She was mentioning that craven minority that shoots black people who are running away, guns down black twelve year olds, gathers in a Wolfe pack to beat unarmed black men to death, play bumper pool with a handcuffed black suspect in the back of a steel police van, arrest an unarmed bi-polar black woman for changing lanes on a deserted road which leads to her death, or shoot a black man to death for a faulty license plate.
The police have to accept the fact that they have racist cowards in their midst who must be excised.The recent remarks by Sheriff Hickman in Texas are the perfect metaphor for the problem.After the senseless murder of an officer he attempted to tie BLM to his tragic murder. This kind of institutional denial must end.Unfortunately his remarks reveal a pathology that is omnipresent in many police departments.
The sordid take down of James Blake and the recounting by Ta Nehisi Coates of the murder of Prince Jones by a black police officer, illustrate that education and economic class don't matter it's about race.Its positively chilling to dwell on the numbers of blacks needlessly murdered by the police before video, body cams and cell phones.
The police have to accept the fact that they have racist cowards in their midst who must be excised.The recent remarks by Sheriff Hickman in Texas are the perfect metaphor for the problem.After the senseless murder of an officer he attempted to tie BLM to his tragic murder. This kind of institutional denial must end.Unfortunately his remarks reveal a pathology that is omnipresent in many police departments.
The sordid take down of James Blake and the recounting by Ta Nehisi Coates of the murder of Prince Jones by a black police officer, illustrate that education and economic class don't matter it's about race.Its positively chilling to dwell on the numbers of blacks needlessly murdered by the police before video, body cams and cell phones.
26
I think it's very important to remain calm while dealing with the police as the situation can easily escalate with unfortunate results, never for the police.
All the undercover police on this detail should have been relieved of their guns and badges for failing to report the voided arrest, which they are required to do. They were willing to cover it up as if it didn't happen.
We have the loudmouth Patrick Lynch stating that Bratton & De Blasio were too quick to apologize
Would Bratton and the Mayor have apologized if it was me, I don't think so. The police see black men and think criminal; this perception needs to stop.
It will be a challenge as it would seem the 6 on this detail were all willing to cover up the arrest.
All the undercover police on this detail should have been relieved of their guns and badges for failing to report the voided arrest, which they are required to do. They were willing to cover it up as if it didn't happen.
We have the loudmouth Patrick Lynch stating that Bratton & De Blasio were too quick to apologize
Would Bratton and the Mayor have apologized if it was me, I don't think so. The police see black men and think criminal; this perception needs to stop.
It will be a challenge as it would seem the 6 on this detail were all willing to cover up the arrest.
26
The 6 on the detail were willing to cover up the voided arrest. Were they there in hopes of getting in a little practice, similar to the guy selling cigarettes that ended up dead at the hands of a police pack?
7
The police will always be a necessary societal response to the evil that lurks in the heart of humans, especially in a gun crazy nation as ours. However, that doesn't mean they are free to do whatever they want and when they do their job badly, or stupidly or with malice that they will not be held to account. Not being held to account or for an officer of the law to simply say "I'm sorry, I made a mistake when I ...." is a large part of the policing mess we have today. That and our fear of each other, guns everywhere and failure of this nation to fairly distribute wealth. All empires eventually rot away from within. And so will ours. We might be worse when our time comes, but then again, we might be better for it.
14
You mean Bernie Madoff was not tackled, slammed to the ground and handcuffed by the NYPD? How could that not be?
40
Frankly, this is another case of special treatment of tv\movie stars, entertainers and sports stars, and they're treated volumes better than all other blacks. Yes, he was picked up and then laid on the ground. So? Really, the police made out like bandits with a simple apologies. One of which They refuse to offer, within the slightest, for all thpse men and women who's skin happens to also be black/brown, however these plain clothed every day workers or homemakers, are now very dead, permanently maimed or mentally harmed by these "police state" emloyees...almost all of which not only got away without an apologize for the thousands of atrocities they commit against persons of more than white skin color! Yes.he should say something, but he knew he'd get his apology and he knew his title would keep his life in tact and safe. The fact that he gets a fifteen minute street sit down versus being beat to death is a huge difference. The price state employees would have to go so much further fore to believe anything has changed. Never forget to fight for human rights in any situation, but I question the legitimacy of a cry from a special case of the entertainers cry or the special colored people of title and political positions!? Thanks for the thought though!
5
In NYC during the "stop & frisk" era over 750,000 most black and brown men were stopped by NYPD. Of those, how many were treated like Mr. Blake? A class action law suit stopped "stop & frisk." Here to hoping that Mr. Blake, along with Mr. Sefalosha who is currently fighting charges against him, take up the banner and see how many men will come forth with their untold stories of excessive force and brutality. This type of policing will change only when police are held accountable.
14
This a secondary concern, but an important one. When the police use unjustified force they put at risk not just the unjustly targeted person, but anyone else who happens to be nearby. Body-slamming someone on a busy midtown street creates a dangerous situation that can quickly ripple outward, out of control.
Force should be reserved solely for the rare occasions when it is absolutely necessary. I accept that there are borderline cases, when in the heat of the moment it isn't always clear what is what. But this is not one of those cases.
The cop used deplorable judgement. He should be fired.
Force should be reserved solely for the rare occasions when it is absolutely necessary. I accept that there are borderline cases, when in the heat of the moment it isn't always clear what is what. But this is not one of those cases.
The cop used deplorable judgement. He should be fired.
24
What people should find alarming about this incident is that it's probably indicative of behavior that happens routinely. Unfortunately, most black men who are the victims of excessive force or falsely accused aren't rich or well-known. Chances are had James Blake not been a professional athlete he may not have been released after 15 minutes, and been forced to post bail, plead out, or remain in jail pending a trial. Fortunately for Mr. Blake (and for the larger discussion) he's the elusive "perfect victim", a Harvard-educated, former pro athlete - well-to-do, no prior criminal record, attractive, and mild-mannered.
26
I hope the media follow this story to its conclusion.
Transferring Officer Frascatore to desk duty is insufficient punishment for excessive use of force and failure to report the incident to NYPD leadership via the "void arrest" form.
Given the circumstance and witnesses, NYPD should have announced an end date for this "inquiry." Too often, these open-ended "inquiries" are merely a delaying tactic to let public outrage die down. "Desk duty" sounds like the "time out" one might give a three-year-old for misbehavior.
In order to send the right message to other NYPD officers, I hope the media and James Blake's attorneys keep pressing for a complete investigation and punishment of all the officers involved in this case of police abuse.
Transferring Officer Frascatore to desk duty is insufficient punishment for excessive use of force and failure to report the incident to NYPD leadership via the "void arrest" form.
Given the circumstance and witnesses, NYPD should have announced an end date for this "inquiry." Too often, these open-ended "inquiries" are merely a delaying tactic to let public outrage die down. "Desk duty" sounds like the "time out" one might give a three-year-old for misbehavior.
In order to send the right message to other NYPD officers, I hope the media and James Blake's attorneys keep pressing for a complete investigation and punishment of all the officers involved in this case of police abuse.
27
Bratton said: “I don’t believe at all that race was a factor.”
This is a serious problem. He's made up his mind on this before the investigation. It's clear race has been a factor before in NY, very clear, but somehow it's not possible here? Nobody has said it was the only factor, but to reflexively deny race played any part suggests Bratton is part of the problem here.
This is a serious problem. He's made up his mind on this before the investigation. It's clear race has been a factor before in NY, very clear, but somehow it's not possible here? Nobody has said it was the only factor, but to reflexively deny race played any part suggests Bratton is part of the problem here.
22
Mr. Blake I recommend you sue the City of New York for the outrageous assault you endured. Mayor de Blasio and Commissioner Bratton see that officer James Frascatore is criminally charged with assault.
Further, in light of Frascatore's prior civilian complaint board record--lying under oath, determine if he was supposed to be working for the NYPD. If not hold him and those responsible for his employment, accountable.
Further, in light of Frascatore's prior civilian complaint board record--lying under oath, determine if he was supposed to be working for the NYPD. If not hold him and those responsible for his employment, accountable.
24
Harass and brutalize anyone of color who isn't famous and perhaps a political activist will write about it on a blog. Attack someone notable and Mr Bratton will be forced to strip the officer of their gun and badge...even if said officer had been accused multiple times prior. Yep, all is well in the world of Policing.
4
What a dichotomy of treatment between a celebrity and an ordinary citizen!
JPW
JPW
4
If Blake was not retired, he could have been injured seriously enough that he might not be able to play any longer. As it is, he could have rightfully thought that the man charging towards him was a lunatic out to kill him. What a terrifying ordeal and so unwarranted on him and the real "perp".
The fact that he is so gracious after this incident says a lot about his character.
The fact that he is so gracious after this incident says a lot about his character.
50
Gracious, yes, he is; but he has hired a lawyer. I'm glad, and I hope he sues big time.
9
"The Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association said in a statement that it had been 'premature and unwarranted' to place him on desk duty."
By defending bad cops, the policemen's union brings disrepute both to the police and to unions in general. That hurts everyone. They should not do that.
By defending bad cops, the policemen's union brings disrepute both to the police and to unions in general. That hurts everyone. They should not do that.
29
They should fire him now
3
"Mr. Bratton, speaking at the news conference earlier in the day, was unequivocal in denying that race had played a role, saying, “I don’t believe at all that race was a factor.”
Well, Mr. Bratton, how about telling us what the races were of the two men who were actually charged with the crime, and then telling us if they were also slammed to the ground?
As for Lleyton Hewitt: disgusting. He should have been required to forfeit the match after such a racist statement.
Well, Mr. Bratton, how about telling us what the races were of the two men who were actually charged with the crime, and then telling us if they were also slammed to the ground?
As for Lleyton Hewitt: disgusting. He should have been required to forfeit the match after such a racist statement.
15
“I was standing there doing nothing — not running, not resisting, in fact smiling,” Mr. Blake said, explaining that he thought the man might have been an old friend. Then, he said, the officer “picked me up and body slammed me and put me on the ground and told me to turn over and shut my mouth, and put the cuffs on me”…”Mr. Blake said Officer Frascatore did not explain why he was being detained.”
--As I read it here, this event is an abuse of the police power of the state.
--Do they still read your “Miranda” rights to you when they arrest you? Was that done here?
--Who trained this cop? Who supervises this cop?
--Being white, this is a naïve question, but has this cop-stuff always been happening, or does it just seem like it is getting worse?
--This cop can’t continue in his job. He’s a danger to society.
--As I read it here, this event is an abuse of the police power of the state.
--Do they still read your “Miranda” rights to you when they arrest you? Was that done here?
--Who trained this cop? Who supervises this cop?
--Being white, this is a naïve question, but has this cop-stuff always been happening, or does it just seem like it is getting worse?
--This cop can’t continue in his job. He’s a danger to society.
29
A retired cop wrote that 15% of the cops are good guys who sincerely want to help people, 15% of the cops are thugs who just want to have power and push people around, and the other 70% will follow the lead of their partner.
The 15% of the cops who just want to push people around should be fired.
Every time a cop gets caught abusing an innocent civilian like this, it turns out that he has a long list of complaints that the civilian complaint board found were unsubstantiated. A cop will *never* find enough evidence to substantiate a complaint against a cop of police abuse of a civilian.
I can't imagine a private business that would keep an employee who had repeated incidents of serious customer complaints, much less violent assaults. I can't imagine a private business that would keep an employee who turned his back on the head of his company.
The first time a cop gets caught abusing a citizen, with violence or false charges, they should be told, "You can't do this job. Find another occupation." We can't afford to give him another chance where he might kill or injure somebody, and cost the city another $3 million legal settlement.
The 15% of the cops who just want to push people around should be fired.
Every time a cop gets caught abusing an innocent civilian like this, it turns out that he has a long list of complaints that the civilian complaint board found were unsubstantiated. A cop will *never* find enough evidence to substantiate a complaint against a cop of police abuse of a civilian.
I can't imagine a private business that would keep an employee who had repeated incidents of serious customer complaints, much less violent assaults. I can't imagine a private business that would keep an employee who turned his back on the head of his company.
The first time a cop gets caught abusing a citizen, with violence or false charges, they should be told, "You can't do this job. Find another occupation." We can't afford to give him another chance where he might kill or injure somebody, and cost the city another $3 million legal settlement.
82
Thanks for those stats. Would mean so much more if the officers would write this data in themselves. Yet, it's tragic when we can only count on only 15% of these legal officers to be human, behave with unbiased compassion! We should be seeing adult mature human beings in this field of the legal workers. But I do understand the hazing and fear mongering which takes place, but when we grow up, We do the right thing and treat all our neighbors with gentleness as we treat ourselves,and expect ourselves to be treated!
1
What ever happened to th police man who put a chock hold on the per on elling cigarettes downtown. The cigarette sllerer died. The staten island cop ???
2
@Norman: You may recall that this other story went national when it happened in July here in Massachusetts. It's taken several months just to get to a disciplinary hearing and he's still at home every day collecting money toward his pension.
As you will see, and apropos of your comment, he has a long-standing history of abusing citizens with his city and police chief doing nothing much about it:
http://medford.wickedlocal.com/article/20150820/NEWS/150829543/0/
As you will see, and apropos of your comment, he has a long-standing history of abusing citizens with his city and police chief doing nothing much about it:
http://medford.wickedlocal.com/article/20150820/NEWS/150829543/0/
3
Other than fulminate, what meaningful action will Commissioner Bratton take to correct the underlying problems that led to this false arrest? Mr. Bratton appears powerless to control his officers, and even unwilling to try. Mr. Bratton could not even bestir himself to seek out Mr. Blake and apologize in person, preferring to hide behind his telephone nonsense. There appears to be little discipline within the ranks of the NYPD, other than to enforce the Blue Wall of Silence.
It's time for Mr. Bratton to move on, and time for Mr. de Blasio to appoint a strong commissioner who can control and discipline the rogue NYPD.
It's time for Mr. Bratton to move on, and time for Mr. de Blasio to appoint a strong commissioner who can control and discipline the rogue NYPD.
27
Did they "throw down" and handcuff the other perp inside the hotel? Was the treatment equal?
27
Great question!
2
My question as well. The article states both were arrested
2
Did he tackle the other alleged perpetrators? Do most unarmed, static “perps” require a violent takedown? Is it exciting fun to take a participant in a non-violent felony down physically? Does it make these officers believe their jobs are more dangerous and adventuresome than they usually are?
It is not necessary to be violent to “get home safe.” Getting home safely is the new mantra and “to protect and serve" is out. Now it is choke and serve or shoot and serve, but whatever you do, don’t take a chance in the performance of your duty - all suspicious citizens are dangerous and it is essential to disable them - right? Of course, tackling someone on concrete isn’t safe either, but perhaps Mr. Blake cushioned the officer’s fall.
Bratton can say whatever he wants, but police training is inadequate and perhaps inappropriate. They can’t hit a valid target with gunfire and they use the maximum force unnecessary to make a subject “compliant.” Perhaps Office Frascatore got his previous citations because his superiors approved of these same “aggressive” tactics. The reality of policing is making it very difficult to enjoy "Blue Bloods" which is appearing to be, more and more, fantasy policing.
It is not necessary to be violent to “get home safe.” Getting home safely is the new mantra and “to protect and serve" is out. Now it is choke and serve or shoot and serve, but whatever you do, don’t take a chance in the performance of your duty - all suspicious citizens are dangerous and it is essential to disable them - right? Of course, tackling someone on concrete isn’t safe either, but perhaps Mr. Blake cushioned the officer’s fall.
Bratton can say whatever he wants, but police training is inadequate and perhaps inappropriate. They can’t hit a valid target with gunfire and they use the maximum force unnecessary to make a subject “compliant.” Perhaps Office Frascatore got his previous citations because his superiors approved of these same “aggressive” tactics. The reality of policing is making it very difficult to enjoy "Blue Bloods" which is appearing to be, more and more, fantasy policing.
24
A police mistake is chump change. Trying to cover it up is a PR disaster for the NYPD.
19
It was not a mistake (he did it on purpose) and it was not chump change.
7
"Efforts to reach Officer Frascatore on Thursday night were unsuccessful. The Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association said in a statement that it had been “premature and unwarranted” to place him on desk duty."
No surprise there. If the same officer used a machine gun to kill 100 New Yorkers, with hundreds of witnesses, Patrick Lynch and the PBA would STILL say it's "premature and unwarranted" to place the accused cop on desk duty.
If I was a NYC cop, I'd ask the PBA to take responsibility and admit fault. They represent the whole force and the whole force looks STUPID when they're unwilling to admit fault and accept blame.
No surprise there. If the same officer used a machine gun to kill 100 New Yorkers, with hundreds of witnesses, Patrick Lynch and the PBA would STILL say it's "premature and unwarranted" to place the accused cop on desk duty.
If I was a NYC cop, I'd ask the PBA to take responsibility and admit fault. They represent the whole force and the whole force looks STUPID when they're unwilling to admit fault and accept blame.
48
I have to disagree. Union bosses ALWAYS take the side of members unless someone goes completely postal. In a way, they're like defense lawyers -- it's their job.
1
"The Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association said in a statement that it had been “premature and unwarranted” to place him on desk duty."
It was unwarranted to put him on desk duty, he should have lost his job and his pension as soon as details of his misconduct became known. I am sure that there are lots of people who would like to have his job and pension.
It was unwarranted to put him on desk duty, he should have lost his job and his pension as soon as details of his misconduct became known. I am sure that there are lots of people who would like to have his job and pension.
5
Truth be told-- if you look at how and why policing came into existence (and where it first came into existence) then the officer acted exactly as he should have.
2
The apologies are appropriate.
It's startling to me that this kind of encounter keeps happening -- as though police officers aren't reading the papers or it hasn't registered with them that the nation has entered a new era -- and I wonder how many such incidents go unreported.
While I'm grateful to police officers for the challenges and dangers they face daily, they can't stop learning. They need to constantly measure their behavior against the task and find new means for their interactions. A gentle word here would have spared everyone.
It's startling to me that this kind of encounter keeps happening -- as though police officers aren't reading the papers or it hasn't registered with them that the nation has entered a new era -- and I wonder how many such incidents go unreported.
While I'm grateful to police officers for the challenges and dangers they face daily, they can't stop learning. They need to constantly measure their behavior against the task and find new means for their interactions. A gentle word here would have spared everyone.
27
Got to wonder if Blake was john Q public if the apology would have come and that fast. I understand the police have a difficult job. One has to ask oneself why was Blake bum rushed shoved to the ground? Did he make a move that seemed threatning? The Department has to come to grip with the fact that there is a Us against them Mentatily that needs to be addressed or this will continue to happen again.
2
Sunlight is one of the best disinfectants. The more high profile cases shine the light in NYPD us vs. them reality, the sooner the behavior can be adjusted.
New Yorkers are the employers of NYPD, not the enemy.
New Yorkers are the employers of NYPD, not the enemy.
33
'The Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association said in a statement that it had been “premature and unwarranted” to place him on desk duty.'
Quite. After all, Frascatore hadn't shot Mr Blake, had he? And Frascatore was probably 'in fear of his life' as he ran towards Mr Blake, don't you think?
It's long past time that we realised that it was a major mistake to let the police form unions, which are used to protect the many policemen who brutalise citizens.
Quite. After all, Frascatore hadn't shot Mr Blake, had he? And Frascatore was probably 'in fear of his life' as he ran towards Mr Blake, don't you think?
It's long past time that we realised that it was a major mistake to let the police form unions, which are used to protect the many policemen who brutalise citizens.
28
The only reason for the apologies is that they know they messed with the wrong guy. Good luck if it happened to you or me, especially if our skin tinge is a bit off.
36
Shame on the NYPD
24
How could these officers not report the mistaken arrest. Not only are they required to but haven't cops learned that the cover-up truly can be worse than the crime? Not only was that a dumb move but it ensured that they will progress from the bow and arrow squad to unemployment when this.
This cop should have been apologizing to Mr. Blake right away, explaining what happened and begging forgiveness. Instead he played it dumb and arrogant from start to finish and is justifiably feeling the weight of the NYPD. No compassion on this one, especially after Eric Garner.
This cop should have been apologizing to Mr. Blake right away, explaining what happened and begging forgiveness. Instead he played it dumb and arrogant from start to finish and is justifiably feeling the weight of the NYPD. No compassion on this one, especially after Eric Garner.
37
Why are brutal and sadistic police officers just given "desk duty"? I hope after the proper procedures etc. Officer Frascatore is fired and relieved of his pension. His behaviour -- not only the other day but for the past few years, according to the records -- is inexcusable and sickening. When is enough enough?
25
Desk duty is the police equivalent of the teachers' "rubber room." It's putting him the corner until an investigation determines whether or not his actions merit his being fired.
As a non-New Yorker who occasionally visits, I do not find Mr. Bratton's remark that "I don't believe at all that race was a factor" very reassuring. It tells me that, should I visit there again, I must always remain alert to the possibility that, while standing in a public place and minding my own business, there is always a chance that some plain-clothes police officer will tackle me out of the clear blue, shove me to the ground and handcuff me with no attempt to determine my identity beforehand. This is what passes for due process for suspected non-violent offenses in your town? No wonder you folks are so chronically afraid of each other in public.
Members of a well-paid, professional police force will never lose sight of the fact that necessity is the first test when deciding the level of force necessary in a situation. The fact that the mayor and Mr. Bratton are both taking prompt action on this matter is what is actually reassuring. The NYPD has not done itself many favors recently with the seemingly steady reports of killing people over a few cigarettes, letting inmates die from neglect, racial and religious profiling, and then an almost childlike petulance over a perceived lack of total, blind and unquestioning support from the mayor and the public. Changing this police culture is going to be very difficult, but the cost of not changing it will be an increasingly alienated public.
Members of a well-paid, professional police force will never lose sight of the fact that necessity is the first test when deciding the level of force necessary in a situation. The fact that the mayor and Mr. Bratton are both taking prompt action on this matter is what is actually reassuring. The NYPD has not done itself many favors recently with the seemingly steady reports of killing people over a few cigarettes, letting inmates die from neglect, racial and religious profiling, and then an almost childlike petulance over a perceived lack of total, blind and unquestioning support from the mayor and the public. Changing this police culture is going to be very difficult, but the cost of not changing it will be an increasingly alienated public.
84
Anyone whose had experience with the NYC Police isn't surprised by this. This is one of the times they got caught. Was it racial? Anyone whose had experience...
16
so so terrifying. a natural response to being attacked by an unidentified man without provocation might be to strike out. if mr blake did that, he might be dead now.
the police seem to lack any tools to assure their safety other than violence. thus they often feel that there are no alternatives. a cooperative woman corralled behind a barricade might turn combative so there is no choice but to mace her. a man complying with an order to withdraw his hand from a pocket might be holding a weapon and there is no option but to shoot him. a fleeing man might be armed and might turn and attack so there is no choice but to shoot him in the back. a suspect might be armed and might resist arrest or flee so there is no choice but to preemptively tackle him. a suspect on the ground might get up so there is no choice but to beat him senseless with batons.
so citizens, if you are attacked, go limp. do not attempt any defense and pray that the assailant is not a cop.
the police seem to lack any tools to assure their safety other than violence. thus they often feel that there are no alternatives. a cooperative woman corralled behind a barricade might turn combative so there is no choice but to mace her. a man complying with an order to withdraw his hand from a pocket might be holding a weapon and there is no option but to shoot him. a fleeing man might be armed and might turn and attack so there is no choice but to shoot him in the back. a suspect might be armed and might resist arrest or flee so there is no choice but to preemptively tackle him. a suspect on the ground might get up so there is no choice but to beat him senseless with batons.
so citizens, if you are attacked, go limp. do not attempt any defense and pray that the assailant is not a cop.
33
So, they used excessive force to take down a suspect in a fraud scheme involving $18,000?
Why hasn't excessive force been used to take down any of the perpetrators in the financial meltdown of 2008? Is it because that involved merely billions of dollars in taxpayers' money?
Our country has its priorities screwed up. Start profiling the real criminals, you know the white guys in suits.
Why hasn't excessive force been used to take down any of the perpetrators in the financial meltdown of 2008? Is it because that involved merely billions of dollars in taxpayers' money?
Our country has its priorities screwed up. Start profiling the real criminals, you know the white guys in suits.
139
Racist for sure! Another example of law enforcement being out of control with rush to judgement, excessive force, misuse and abuse of power. Disgraceful.
Tennis is a black sport! Check out the US Open and Venus and Serena. The sport is no longer controlled by a small group of white, elite, Country Club Types.
It is being dominated by two beautiful black women who learned to play on a tennis court surrounded by traffic in the heart of the hood in CA. Deal with it.
It is also an international sport.
Tennis is a black sport! Check out the US Open and Venus and Serena. The sport is no longer controlled by a small group of white, elite, Country Club Types.
It is being dominated by two beautiful black women who learned to play on a tennis court surrounded by traffic in the heart of the hood in CA. Deal with it.
It is also an international sport.
10
What is the basis for Mr. Bratton's unequivocal certainty that race did not play a role in the officers' actions?
36
I wonder what the racial identities of the two correctly arrested individuals were and whether they were also slammed to the ground.
My money is on Eastern European.
Of course this encounter with the police was racially motivated. Every encounter with the police and a minority member is racial. This is indicative of the total disregard that police men have for minorities. It's almost inbred in them and the present Commish doesn't seen capable of doing anything about it. Furthermore the Police Benevolent Assoc . seem to foster this attitude.
20
Why throw him to the ground? Why not approach him, identify yourself as a police officer and go from there?
33
Why doesn't the article mention the officer's other misconduct complaints? It only mentions his honors? He has been accused of mistreating citizens several times before. Officers with issues of excessive force need to be cut loose, and the fact the PBA stands behind excessive force says a lot about them.
40
The NYPD fosters a culture of impunity and righteousness.
We are patrolled by them, but who patrols them?
We are patrolled by them, but who patrols them?
25
Who guards the guards?
2
I would say Mr. Blake is lucky they did not shoot him dead. The police in the United States our out of control.
43
In the back.
it is easy to imagine how this situation becomes much worse every day. If an unidentified man not wearing a badge in street clothes suddenly physically attacks you, a normal reaction would be to fight back. Now a convergence of other aggressive policemen are going to pound that victim and say he was resisting arrest. I am sure this happens everyday.
43
When people approach a friend or acquaintance in public and find it's not who we expected (doppelganger / person viewed from behind), the natural response is "I'm sorry, I thought you were someone else".
Why wouldn't Officer Frascatore offer the same (and medical assistance) to a man he's mistakenly slammed to the ground, injured, cuffed and arrested? A sincere apology and explanation would diffuse the situation. So would handling Mr. Blake more professionally and viewing his ID.
This officer (whose employment should be reconsidered) has once again cost the city by fracturing the fragile NYPD-community relationship, our trust, and perhaps soon more settlement money.
Why wouldn't Officer Frascatore offer the same (and medical assistance) to a man he's mistakenly slammed to the ground, injured, cuffed and arrested? A sincere apology and explanation would diffuse the situation. So would handling Mr. Blake more professionally and viewing his ID.
This officer (whose employment should be reconsidered) has once again cost the city by fracturing the fragile NYPD-community relationship, our trust, and perhaps soon more settlement money.
29
Mr. Blake's racial makeup or his star status should not be a factor in this case. The officer would still be wrong if he displayed the same behavior towards another citizen. The officer's behavior is what should be discussed and nothing else.
12
The point of Mr. Blake's status as a renowned tennis player is that he was quickly released and apologies flowed. Had he been "joe public," you'd have never heard about this and he would have been treated much worse because he wouldn't have been released right away.
1
Mr. Myles,
I have to respectfully disagree with you on this. There is growing body of evidence that police "implicit" bias shapes how they interact with different segments of society.
In the past year we have seen a black man shot to death for approaching police officers after a motor vehicle incident. Contrast that with the "Christian" family band in Nevada who fought with police for 10 minutes and only after one of the members took an officer's gun and shot the officer in the leg; the police finally used lethal force.
While these are just two examples there are plenty of incidents to give merit to the "implicit" bias in police forces. This bias can also be attributed to minority officers as well.
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/video-shows-walmart-brawl-christia...
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/07/us/dashboard-camera-video-is-released-...
I have to respectfully disagree with you on this. There is growing body of evidence that police "implicit" bias shapes how they interact with different segments of society.
In the past year we have seen a black man shot to death for approaching police officers after a motor vehicle incident. Contrast that with the "Christian" family band in Nevada who fought with police for 10 minutes and only after one of the members took an officer's gun and shot the officer in the leg; the police finally used lethal force.
While these are just two examples there are plenty of incidents to give merit to the "implicit" bias in police forces. This bias can also be attributed to minority officers as well.
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/video-shows-walmart-brawl-christia...
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/07/us/dashboard-camera-video-is-released-...
3
Why? Because you say so?
How about not telling others what should and should not be discussed.
How about not telling others what should and should not be discussed.
3
Have you ever been stopped by police in a case of mistaken identity? If you have not, you may not realize the implications of the matter.
Some years ago I was stopped in a hospital doorway because I fit the description of someone who had robbed a liquor store. The cop told me that I fit that description. I asked for the description - "Brown hair, brown shirt, and a bandage on the left hand."
I was not handcuffed. I was not thrown to the ground.
After a few minutes the cop said I could go. I did - relieved.
Some years ago I was stopped in a hospital doorway because I fit the description of someone who had robbed a liquor store. The cop told me that I fit that description. I asked for the description - "Brown hair, brown shirt, and a bandage on the left hand."
I was not handcuffed. I was not thrown to the ground.
After a few minutes the cop said I could go. I did - relieved.
14
It may not have been racially motivated, but it seems as if it was excessive use of force. All the officers involved knew this or they would have filed an incident report. Bratton knows this as well.
26
When will all those anti-union folks have the courage to take on the most powerful and corrupting union in the country, the PBA.
17
Why would the apprehending of a nonviolent suspect of a nonviolent crime in front of a luxury hotel in the middle of Manhattan in the afternoon ever require or deserve this treatment? Part two of the question, can anyone imagine a white man in a suit in the same situation being handled this way? If this isn't racial profiling (and police brutality) what is? This is utterly disgraceful. FYI I am white and disgusted.
64
Simple truth is that too many cops are meatheads looking for an excuse to rough someone up, or worse. The culture of the "force" is that of quasi-military wannabes instead of the community servants that they are (and should be).
And don't kid me about race. If the suspect looked like Roger Federer, would the cop have tackled a lookalike white man to the ground without any provocation whatsoever? Even if the answer is yes (which it's not), it's still unnecessary force.
And don't kid me about race. If the suspect looked like Roger Federer, would the cop have tackled a lookalike white man to the ground without any provocation whatsoever? Even if the answer is yes (which it's not), it's still unnecessary force.
51
The most disturbing part of this article is the reaction of the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association. It is this type of knee jerk reaction which tarnishes the reputation of police officers who do them jobs correctly and risk their lives to protect all of us. If these police can not reign in the dogmatic denials by their representatives, respect for all police is diminished, and inappropriate justification is given to those who would harm innocent officers doing their duties. To keep their reputation and authority, the majority need to censure their own colleagues' failings.
74
Very sorry this happened. But this point to a larger issue about how the police treat minorities. James Blake is a great guy. He has handled this whole thing extremely well.
24
It's not that Blake is "biracial" that caused the police officer to treat him callously. It was that he was sufficiently of color, or of African ancestry, as it were, that this cop saw him both as a threat and as an inferior person - if indeed he was even seen as a person - who did not deserve to be treated with any level of basic human respect. The fact that one of Blake's parents is white and the other is black is irrelevant. The fact that one of his parents is of African ancestry, and that Blake reflects that in his phenotype, is all that matters in this case.
72
Good start. Now apologize to the HALF MILLION annual stop and frisk victims of police abuse.
53
Long overdue, we're waiting Bratton.
1
Here we go again - who is telling cops physical assault is okay as a routine tactic? Do they really want ordinary citizens to perceive that their safety, even their lives, are in danger anytime a cop gets within 100 feet of them?
This is, and continues to be, just crazy. And apparently no one is doing remotely enough to deal with this insane situation.
This is, and continues to be, just crazy. And apparently no one is doing remotely enough to deal with this insane situation.
57
Even if Mr. Blake WERE the person that the police were seeking, what justifies the tackle and bodyslam? They were confronting an alleged suspect accused of a non-violent crime, in Midtown, in broad daylight. He was just standing there.
91
Exactly my thought. How frantic could the situation be? Could not Frascatore show a badge? I don't know what Frascatore ought to have done after showing his badge, but surely his violent behavior was unprovoked and shameful.
1
We all know that every organization has a "few rotten apples" in it.
The problem with police departments is that the rotten apples are never removed. They just continue to rot and stink.
And the politicians are all too ready to bite into this rotten fruit and proclaim how delicious it its.
The problem with police departments is that the rotten apples are never removed. They just continue to rot and stink.
And the politicians are all too ready to bite into this rotten fruit and proclaim how delicious it its.
48
I don't think it was racial just like I don't think the similar and much more tragic attack on Eric Garner was either. Proof? Think of the elderly Chinese gentleman on the upper west side last year who was attacked in a similar manner over a jay walking summons. Had Mr. Blake been white, I believe the same thing would have happened.
Of course much of this is the attitude installed on members of NYPD and other cops throughout the land that they are something special; better than the rest of us. And so many use this as justification for the bogus arrest, summonses and the like that are issued to thousands of New Yorkers daily both as a power play on their little minds and as a way of raising revenue to appease people like Bloomberg and DeBlasio. We all know it and it is quite sickening.
This poor excuse for a human being, Officer Frascatore, just like the piece of slime who killed Eric Garner and the other so called guardian of the peace who attacked, for no reason, the Chinese 80 year old on the UWS, all should be fired forthwith and the word put out that members of the public are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law and no officer has the right or should have the right to lay a finger on any member of the public except in the most dangerous of situations which all three of these obviously weren't. And may I remind everybody that according to an article in the Daily News, some training officer defended the cop's actions. How sickening.
Of course much of this is the attitude installed on members of NYPD and other cops throughout the land that they are something special; better than the rest of us. And so many use this as justification for the bogus arrest, summonses and the like that are issued to thousands of New Yorkers daily both as a power play on their little minds and as a way of raising revenue to appease people like Bloomberg and DeBlasio. We all know it and it is quite sickening.
This poor excuse for a human being, Officer Frascatore, just like the piece of slime who killed Eric Garner and the other so called guardian of the peace who attacked, for no reason, the Chinese 80 year old on the UWS, all should be fired forthwith and the word put out that members of the public are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law and no officer has the right or should have the right to lay a finger on any member of the public except in the most dangerous of situations which all three of these obviously weren't. And may I remind everybody that according to an article in the Daily News, some training officer defended the cop's actions. How sickening.
18
"Had Mr. Blake been white, I believe the same thing would have happened."
Really? You really think so? I smell denial about how people of different races are treated. We are not an equal society.
Really? You really think so? I smell denial about how people of different races are treated. We are not an equal society.
3
From the article:
A delivery of high-end designer shoes was arranged for Wednesday, at the Hyatt’s concierge desk.
"One of the buyers, a British man, James Short, 27, who was in New York on a student visa, met the courier and was immediately arrested. The courier then pointed to Mr. Blake from eight feet away, Chief Boyce said, identifying the tennis star as someone who had also bought items using false credit card information."
A delivery of high-end designer shoes was arranged for Wednesday, at the Hyatt’s concierge desk.
"One of the buyers, a British man, James Short, 27, who was in New York on a student visa, met the courier and was immediately arrested. The courier then pointed to Mr. Blake from eight feet away, Chief Boyce said, identifying the tennis star as someone who had also bought items using false credit card information."
Did the police tackle the white man that was arrested first? I haven't read any details about his arrest in other reports. If they police used excessive force on the first man arrested, I would agree with you that race was probably not the primary factor for the use of force. If the white man was simply cuffed, then it is more probable than not that the excessive force was employed in large part because of Mr. Blake's skin tone.
6
"The Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association said in a statement that it had been 'premature and unwarranted' to place [Frascatore] on desk duty."
Of course they did -- because the PBA always gives knee-jerk backing to any cop every time, no matter what he did or what the merits of the case. Frascatore could torn off Blake's head and eaten it just for looking at him cross-eyed, and the PBA would've said the same thing.
Of course they did -- because the PBA always gives knee-jerk backing to any cop every time, no matter what he did or what the merits of the case. Frascatore could torn off Blake's head and eaten it just for looking at him cross-eyed, and the PBA would've said the same thing.
76
I propose to change the name to, "Patrolmen's Malevolent Association." That is what they are famous for. Malicious altering of the facts; it is pretty much like a crime syndicate!
1
Why isn't the officer being charged with assault?
88
We all know the answer to that question.
The race question is not about the misidentification. The race question is this: if the suspect had been white, would Frascatore have used so much force to take him down?
85
You would think after all of the wretched press that the cops would be a little more prudent - especially when dealing with a non-violent crime.
62
They can't help themselves. THIS is how they operate.
2
"The Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association said in a statement that it had been “premature and unwarranted” to place him on desk duty." The cop should be fired and why isn't the PBA helping putting a stop to this behavior? It's not a mistake it's a way of life. I have a hard time discerning which police are the bigger thugs, LA or NY!
47
It would be interesting to see a picture of the men that were actually involved, to see if they remotely resemble Mr Blake.
But regardless of that issue, something is wrong with police procedure if an innocent man can be tackled for no reason whatsoever. Police are supposed to use minimum necessary force to do their job, and that means that if somebody is not resisting at all (which nobody disputes in this case) they are not supposed to use any force whatsoever.
When you screw up as a cop (and I fully expect that to happen sometimes), the right procedure is:
1. Admit your mistake. Apologize.
2. Do whatever you can to reduce the damage to the victims of your mistake.
3. Report it as required up the chain of command.
One of the big reasons that the Tamir Rice shooting was such an outrage here in Cleveland was that after the officers in question realized they had shot an innocent kid, instead of trying to save his life or show any kind of remorse they decided to tackle and detain his sister (who had come running to Tamir's aid). They didn't even let his sister hold her brother in her arms as he died. And then lied and falsified reports about what had happened. That reaction turned what might have plausibly been a terrible mistake into a very legitimate condemnation of an entire police department.
But regardless of that issue, something is wrong with police procedure if an innocent man can be tackled for no reason whatsoever. Police are supposed to use minimum necessary force to do their job, and that means that if somebody is not resisting at all (which nobody disputes in this case) they are not supposed to use any force whatsoever.
When you screw up as a cop (and I fully expect that to happen sometimes), the right procedure is:
1. Admit your mistake. Apologize.
2. Do whatever you can to reduce the damage to the victims of your mistake.
3. Report it as required up the chain of command.
One of the big reasons that the Tamir Rice shooting was such an outrage here in Cleveland was that after the officers in question realized they had shot an innocent kid, instead of trying to save his life or show any kind of remorse they decided to tackle and detain his sister (who had come running to Tamir's aid). They didn't even let his sister hold her brother in her arms as he died. And then lied and falsified reports about what had happened. That reaction turned what might have plausibly been a terrible mistake into a very legitimate condemnation of an entire police department.
122
Re: "It would be interesting to see a picture of the men that were actually involved, to see if they remotely resemble Mr. Blake."
There was a remarkable resemblance in the photos of the two men shown on Good Morning America today.
I agree with you about using minimum force.
There was a remarkable resemblance in the photos of the two men shown on Good Morning America today.
I agree with you about using minimum force.
1
The police never admit their mistakes. Instead of doing whatever they can do to reduce the damage of any mistake, they instantly scour every resource they have to paint the wronged victim in the worst possible light. Instead of of reporting it up the chain of command, they don't mention it or outright lie. Many of them treat 'civilians' like farm animals. They love to complain about how little respect they get and how dangerous their job is as a dozen of them swarm some teenager for not having a headlight on his bicycle.
Pathetic bullies and cowards.
Pathetic bullies and cowards.
7
That's the big question: WHY WON'T BRATTON RELEASE THE PHOTO OF THE REAL PERP??? The guy was caught and arrested, so it should be public domain anyway. Until he does, this incident will not go away. I generally support the police, but this is very, very strange.
1
Some will make a correlation between historically reduced crime rates and the need for police brutality. They believe excessive force reduces crime!
I have two thoughts: Clearly (I hope), we know that correlation does not imply causation. This phrase is used in statistics to emphasize that a correlation between two variables does not necessarily imply that one causes the other. Secondly, if crime’s downward trend line is indeed caused, or influenced by police brutality, this only points to failed police policies specifically and an anxious society in general. In other words, when a society or government adopts brutalization as a “strategy” it becomes a criminal!
Question: Is institutionalized brutality a civilized and effective way to control crime?
We can do better!
I have two thoughts: Clearly (I hope), we know that correlation does not imply causation. This phrase is used in statistics to emphasize that a correlation between two variables does not necessarily imply that one causes the other. Secondly, if crime’s downward trend line is indeed caused, or influenced by police brutality, this only points to failed police policies specifically and an anxious society in general. In other words, when a society or government adopts brutalization as a “strategy” it becomes a criminal!
Question: Is institutionalized brutality a civilized and effective way to control crime?
We can do better!
41
Sounds like the police used too much force on the wrong guy and go from there. The fact that the victim had a white mother and a black father is nothing more than fueling racial tension and unnecessary in the report.
10
A) Police have a tendency to use too much force generally.
B) Police have a tendency to use too much force more so on black/brown people.
How idyllic Philadelphia must be.
B) Police have a tendency to use too much force more so on black/brown people.
How idyllic Philadelphia must be.
8