Did you see the mug shot of the actual perpetrator? Very, very similar to Blake.
Manhandled? It was a textbook takedown of a suspected felon. No punching, kicking, choke hold. A sweep to the sidewalk of a 6'1 suspect.
Can't believe the officer didn't ID himself verbally but let's see how the investigation goes. An apology for the mistaken ID should have been in order right then and there.
That was not excessive force. Police business is a rough business. There's no "excuse me felon suspect but could you get on the ground so I may cuff you?"
Manhandled? It was a textbook takedown of a suspected felon. No punching, kicking, choke hold. A sweep to the sidewalk of a 6'1 suspect.
Can't believe the officer didn't ID himself verbally but let's see how the investigation goes. An apology for the mistaken ID should have been in order right then and there.
That was not excessive force. Police business is a rough business. There's no "excuse me felon suspect but could you get on the ground so I may cuff you?"
On his history he was a loose cannon waiting waiting to explode , obviously thought he was above the law to worry about protocol , that's what happens when they authorities don't take action the first time .. they just think it's all ok to this sort of crap ..
11
I have seen this video several times. I am the type of person who watches the landscape (whether urban or rural) and people. I do this not out of fear, but more out of interest and learning. When you watch the video, please take note of how many people DON'T even shoot a glance at the scene. All but one person looks. It is a woman, near the end of the video pointing behind the officer at (if I am not wrong) what appears to be his TASER he dropped. It is so ironic (and sickening at the same time) this is all anyone notices. I have lived here more than long enough (28 years) to have built the shell almost everyone has to live here. Everyone knows what I am writing about; the imaginary invisible wall which is your "space", whether walking on the street or sitting on the subway. It is disgusting to me NO ONE LOOKS, much less cares. They automatically assume (wrong!) the person is guilty. Isn't this what we have watched the past year (albeit with police shooting people without cause)?
8
NYPD should develope a test to weed out racist and unruly officers from the department and even better stop recruiting individuals like him into the force. Thr Police benevolent association should stop defending officers like him.
9
Before moving to France in 1994, I observed police violence wherever I had lived in the United States, from growing up in Los Angeles, to San Francisco, Houston and New York City. All these cop actions were COWARDLY; they involved cops taking advantage of the trust granted to them by society, and their power to beat or kill people, almost at will.
You know what folks? Just what a documentary in France (by Canal+) about how Americans denigrate the French for being effeminate, cowardly, dishonest (liars), corrupt and arrogant. In fact, that is the sort of hogwash most Americans are raised on.
But, as an American who knows both countries extremely well, I say that the biggest cowards, the most dishonest and the most arrogant of all are the American cops who mercilessly abuse citizens. And where is the COURAGE of the American people to put people like James Fracatore in their place (prison)?!
You know what folks? Just what a documentary in France (by Canal+) about how Americans denigrate the French for being effeminate, cowardly, dishonest (liars), corrupt and arrogant. In fact, that is the sort of hogwash most Americans are raised on.
But, as an American who knows both countries extremely well, I say that the biggest cowards, the most dishonest and the most arrogant of all are the American cops who mercilessly abuse citizens. And where is the COURAGE of the American people to put people like James Fracatore in their place (prison)?!
15
This is so sickening.
The only good thing is that now with CCTV, smartphones and video cams there is irrefutable evidence of this systematic police brutality.
I hope that James Blake pursues this vigorously and files criminal assault charges against the police officer and a massive claim for damages against NYPD.
This has to stop.
The only good thing is that now with CCTV, smartphones and video cams there is irrefutable evidence of this systematic police brutality.
I hope that James Blake pursues this vigorously and files criminal assault charges against the police officer and a massive claim for damages against NYPD.
This has to stop.
8
Why is it "textbook" to tackle a man suspected of credit card fraud? This officer might be a jerk, but I'm more concerned about the continuing policies that enable and encourage this kind of behavior. With all the complaints against him, how did his fellow officers not know what he was doing? And then the attempt to withhold documentation of the incident? This isn't an isolated incident. This is business as usual.
Why don't we hear of violent body slams happening on Wall Street of people accused of fraud there? The normality of abusing black and brown citizens in New York seems so systemic, it's hard to imagine it ever stopping.
Why don't we hear of violent body slams happening on Wall Street of people accused of fraud there? The normality of abusing black and brown citizens in New York seems so systemic, it's hard to imagine it ever stopping.
12
What a disgrace to the law enforcement of the whole United State of America.
This police officers should have been fired long time ago all the way from his Florida time. He doesn't fit to become a good "law enforcement".
This police officers should have been fired long time ago all the way from his Florida time. He doesn't fit to become a good "law enforcement".
5
Seems really simple. If you ever get charged or accused of being too rough, you should be transferred to a unit where you have to wear your uniform (plain clothes is a no-no) and you are required to wear a personal webcam so that there is adequate documentation to protect all parties.
Also based on Officer Frascatore's history of lying during official business, he should no longer be a police officer where he has the potential to send innocent people to jail based on his false testimonies. He should be tried and serve time for every assault. Just because you wear a badge doesn't mean you have a right to mistreat people, especially innocent people.
Also based on Officer Frascatore's history of lying during official business, he should no longer be a police officer where he has the potential to send innocent people to jail based on his false testimonies. He should be tried and serve time for every assault. Just because you wear a badge doesn't mean you have a right to mistreat people, especially innocent people.
6
Let's respond locally. New Yorkers, who do you think are worse? The unions and apparatus that support police officers (looking at you, Patrolmen's Benevolent Association), corrections officers, or public school teachers? Hmm... let's see... despite the "common sense" nature of their offenses, nobody. gets. fired. ever. That teacher that dragged that 4 year old by the hair is still. on. administrative. leave. Where else does this happen in the real world? What kind of system is that to have in place? Oh, and our tax dollars are supposed to support this? To support people placed on "administrative leave" when any taxpayer with common sense would know "uhh, maybe the wrong job for this person... maybe they should be doing something else..." How refreshing and effective it would be if Bratton and DeBlasio could say - "Fired him. We made a mistake. We're working on it. Next question?" but you know it's going to drag on forever in the courts or union negotiations. Sad. Sad. Sad. No amount of pointing at good people in these positions is ever going to negate the fact that people like Frascatore ever get fired. Ever. And because of what and whom?
4
Dear President Obama;
.
Please be warned, if you come to NYC, please don't wait outside of any establishment for any length of time, ESPECIALLY if you are dressed casually (not that this matters much)... it is highly possible for you to be body-slammed onto concrete and handcuffed by a 'roided-out, half-baked police officer who thinks all blacks look alike.
.
Regards,
Tony Paccione
.
Please be warned, if you come to NYC, please don't wait outside of any establishment for any length of time, ESPECIALLY if you are dressed casually (not that this matters much)... it is highly possible for you to be body-slammed onto concrete and handcuffed by a 'roided-out, half-baked police officer who thinks all blacks look alike.
.
Regards,
Tony Paccione
8
I think simply firing him, I believe Mr. Blakes suggestion, would be WAY too lenient. What would the charge be if someone not an officer attacked a citizen the way he did, grabbing him around the neck throwing him face down into the sidewalk, then kneeling into his back as he cuffed him? And he has a history of repeated aggressive attacks against people of color. Fire him, and then bring charges by both the city and Mr Blake. If Mr Blake had "just' been a person of color, not a celebrity, no doubt the city would have turned a blind eye again to his violent assaults.
9
One more fk faced COP, who should be REMOVED from the Force.. gets
DESK DUTY?.
The NYPD Police UNION should NEVER exist. They protect bad cops and wield too much power. The NYPD needs to hire MUCH better people to be cops.
DESK DUTY?.
The NYPD Police UNION should NEVER exist. They protect bad cops and wield too much power. The NYPD needs to hire MUCH better people to be cops.
10
Re: "Officer Who Arrested James Blake Has History of Complaints" reminds me of a legal concept I first heard about in the movie "Margaret" by Kenneth Lonergan. It comes up in relation to a fictional city bus driver who has a history of driving errors before he finally blows a red light and kills a pedestrian. Here is a more formal explanation by Rosanne Lienhard in Defense Counsel Journal (Vol. 63 No. 3 July 1996) found on the Internet. "Negligent hiring occurs when an employer places an unfit person in an employment situation that entails an unreasonable risk of harm to others. Negligent retention is closely related to negligent hiring, but these actions allege negligence after an employee is hired rather than at the time of hire."
8
This "cop" obviously enjoys brutalizing people
Any cop who has amaased the record he has needs
To be removed from being on the police force asap
But guess what? Because this time he attacked a
Celebrity whom he thought was committing a crime
Hopefully he has dug himself into a hole that he can't get out of
There are reports that he was a cop in Florida before
He joined the nypd I'll bet dollars to doughnuts that
He did the same things down there and was either
Asked to leave and or shoved off the job
Hopefully in the end he will wind up on the unployment line and should be barred in all
Fifty states from ever being a cop again
Any cop who has amaased the record he has needs
To be removed from being on the police force asap
But guess what? Because this time he attacked a
Celebrity whom he thought was committing a crime
Hopefully he has dug himself into a hole that he can't get out of
There are reports that he was a cop in Florida before
He joined the nypd I'll bet dollars to doughnuts that
He did the same things down there and was either
Asked to leave and or shoved off the job
Hopefully in the end he will wind up on the unployment line and should be barred in all
Fifty states from ever being a cop again
7
what most commenters here are missing is that if an officer "felt" threatened any use of force is ok ,unfortunately these types feel threatened every minute of every day..good to see that irrational fear of everyone not wearing a police uniform will not get him off the hook so easily this time
6
Never leave home without your camera. Surveillance systems are still fairly grainy and have limited range.
It seems to be insufficient to merely fire a cop. After all, wouldn't he just get a job with another police department? Aren't good cops sick and tired of being lumped in with this kind of behavior? Why don't they fight back to protect what little is left of public good will.
It seems to be insufficient to merely fire a cop. After all, wouldn't he just get a job with another police department? Aren't good cops sick and tired of being lumped in with this kind of behavior? Why don't they fight back to protect what little is left of public good will.
5
Where were the other officers on the scene here? If there was any belief whatsoever that this "suspect" was dangerous, why would a lone cop rush to tackle him alone?
It seems as if that photo of a "suspect" who was never a suspect seems phony. Now there is a passing mention that the man in the photo wasn't involved either. So where did that photo come from? Did the police find it after the fact in order to justify these actions? I wish reporters would ask more questions.
It seems as if that photo of a "suspect" who was never a suspect seems phony. Now there is a passing mention that the man in the photo wasn't involved either. So where did that photo come from? Did the police find it after the fact in order to justify these actions? I wish reporters would ask more questions.
7
I'm sick of the Fraternal Order of Police and other like associations who blindly and predictably defend the rotten apples among their ranks. I respect police officers for the job they do and as fellow human beings. But, just as in any other profession, you have bad performing individuals. Professional police officers should protect their reputation from being sullied by wacko officers. It's time to stop excusing officers like Frascatore and terminate them. Mr. Blake should sue and accept nothing less than Frascatore's termination. And don't stop there, clean the ranks from top to bottom. It's the American thing to do.
6
Why is it that many of the NYPD officers of Italian-American backgrounds, taunt black men and other minorities here? As a first generation Asian American, I did not come from affluence or stellar background but still, I never vented or acted out my own frustrations or anger by targeting people of a certain race. My own wrongdoings in life are my own mistakes. No one should have to be physically or emotionally traumatized for the sake on my own pathetic insecurities.
11
So Blake was mistaken for someone who was a running a credit card fraud scam. I'll give the police officer the benefit of the doubt on that point. But does that mean Frascatore used brutal force to take down Blake because he was afraid the suspect might pull out a lethal MasterCard to attack the police? ("Priceless"). If the officer believed he was "arresting" someone who steals identities, was Frascatore scared that his own identity would be stolen if he actually identified himself as NYPD? One last question: is it absurdly coincidental that the PBA President's last name is lynch?
12
Where are cops like Frascatore getting the idea that this is the way to do their job? Seriously. Why is this a thing? Are there emulating "tough guy" cops from movies and TV who routinely rough up suspects (It has happened with the mafia, why not the cops?)
Is it coming from police academy training?
Is it tradition on the force?
A serious attempt needs to be made to trace where these practices and attitudes are coming from. Clearly it's not an aberration.
Is it coming from police academy training?
Is it tradition on the force?
A serious attempt needs to be made to trace where these practices and attitudes are coming from. Clearly it's not an aberration.
10
Seems to be a rampant problem going on with pds across the nation, esp so down here in southeast florida...Steroid use by police officers... i've seen the "look" of users, and officer frascatore has it.. Larger problem is that much of it is legal dispensing by Drs whose careers are based on treating city workers. Until this is addressed this rage caused by steroids will surface again and again.
8
First and foremost, you never know what a potential suspect may do, so taking a person by surprise is actually the smarter thing to do rather than just walk up and chat, giving the (potential) suspect a chance to run, draw a weapon, grab a hostage, etc. Anyone here with any experience in Law Enforcement, security, or policing of any kind would understand exactly why he handled the situation with such assertiveness. You other boobs wouldn't understand until someones drawn a weapon on you, while doing exactly what Blake was doing right there. There is no such thing as a typical offender. Each crime has the capability for violence, and police officers should and WILL NOT take that chance, ESPECIALLY in a crowded area. Look at the other side, if this HAD been the suspect, and he decided he didn't want to go peacefully and whipped out a pistol or something, how many people, just passing in this video, do you think he could've taken out. Perspective is everything. Better to go one up and risk hurting one persons feelings and have to apologize/explain, then regret not doing enough and have groups of people get injured.
He likes doing that and he gets paid for that. Some just do. He should do something else.
5
I cannot imagine what day to day life of what a cop entails. I mean honestly you are probably seeing the worst society has to offer. But the job is not a draft, it is a choice. If I committed malfeasance at my place I would be disciplined or worst. The powers that be need to act aggressively to ensure the public that we can trust law enforcement. If you have no level of trust, this situation will continue to deteriorate.
8
Just about every male of color living in the inner cities of America or low/working class neighbors has a horror story to tell regarding an encounter with the police. From being strip search out in public to getting punched in the mouth, smashed in the head with a radio and even worse. One of my best friend was almost ran over by a cruiser, because they'd thought he was walking with a stolen circular saw. He wasn't. He had just retrieved it from his neighbor whom borrowed it earlier in the day. It's okay, because the whole world now knows what many of them are truly like, thanks to the internet and cell phone cameras. These stories all over the news overseas, in Europe, Japan and in Latin America. So, let them keep brutalizing us.
6
I understand the police had a picture of the suspect (which turned out to be incorrect) that resembled James Blake. I'd like to know how in a city of millions they suddenly thought they had their man. Are the police using facial recognition software to scan the public?
7
I find it to be a puzzling disconnect between the fact that the Mayor and police commissioner apologized for the cops behavior and the fact that he is still on the force. If this case is sufficiently prima fascia evident to be excessive force to warrant an apology from the mayor and the commissioner, then shouldn't there be more than sufficient reason to terminate the officer in question?
13
"CPR - Courtesy, Professionalism, Respect," are principles inscribed on every marked NYPD police car, principles NYPD is supposed to uphold. The officer(s) involved in the Blake fiasco, especialy PO Frascatore, did not adhere to any of those principles.
It is incumbent on the Mayor and the Police Commissioner to remove police officers, such as Frascatore, from the NYPD expeditiously using whatever powers that they have under their disposal. Failure to do so will not only sends the wrong message to the offending officers and the public, but it also sullies the good work done by the majority of the police officers.
It is incumbent on the Mayor and the Police Commissioner to remove police officers, such as Frascatore, from the NYPD expeditiously using whatever powers that they have under their disposal. Failure to do so will not only sends the wrong message to the offending officers and the public, but it also sullies the good work done by the majority of the police officers.
11
I'd sue the police department for every last penny if this happened to my son.
The police officer should have walked up to the man and asked him for his ID. But no, he wants to play 'pretend cops and robbers ', throw him down on a sidewalk yanking his arms behind him Ludicrous behavior .
The police officer should have walked up to the man and asked him for his ID. But no, he wants to play 'pretend cops and robbers ', throw him down on a sidewalk yanking his arms behind him Ludicrous behavior .
11
Well, and somebody - and it sounds like more than one person - is going to sue this guy and the city of NYC, and you know what? The city is going to pay out to settle the claims because they know they're in the wrong. And guess where that money is coming from? Mmmm, city taxes, maybe? And this guy's STILL going to have a job because of "the brotherhood" and "Benevolent Associations".
2
Why isn't there effective psychological screening that would weed out personalities like this before they graduate from the police academy? Seems like there's something seriously wrong with the process, and not just in New York City.
12
Because we live in a society where a police badge is seen as a license to act like a video-game version of a cowboy, and there aren't enough good cops in the system to fight back against this reality. You'd almost need an internal revolution to change this dynamic. Are the current crop of cops really up to the task? Current trends say "no"....
1
The real story here is illustrated by this sentence: "Again and again, residents said they were roughed up by Officer Frascatore with no explanation."
Certainly the officers who work with Frascatore knew of his repeated brutality. Certainly his chain of command knew. No doubt the PBA knew. No one in any of these groups are going to explain his actions to the victims; they're equally culpable.
Meanwhile, taxpayers are on the hook for a $29 million retraining "investment" that will continue to run into the infamous Blue wall of silence.
Until that wall is torn down, from within, nothing will change.
Certainly the officers who work with Frascatore knew of his repeated brutality. Certainly his chain of command knew. No doubt the PBA knew. No one in any of these groups are going to explain his actions to the victims; they're equally culpable.
Meanwhile, taxpayers are on the hook for a $29 million retraining "investment" that will continue to run into the infamous Blue wall of silence.
Until that wall is torn down, from within, nothing will change.
15
So nice and considerate of everyone to have rendered a final judgement regarding this incident before completion of the investigation. If the offender in question were not an officer, due diligence would take place. The fact that an officer is involved apparently allows for instant gratification for the posters.
Use your brain. We can all see the video. "Wait for the final investigation" is just code for I have no explanation so I'll act as if there is some secret info we can't all see in the video. Nah, bruh. It's what we see - a non violent unarmed crime suspect who is giving no sign of trying to flee being slammed to the ground in front of a midtown hotel. Then there's that whole he was innocent and the person he looks like turned out to be innocent part. Get your head out of your --- and stop being such a cop apologist.
4
Training cannot fix everything. In any line of work, rules need to be consistently enforced with appropriate consequences given. I imagine that most officers did not even need training as they already know how to act. Other officers could probably be trained ad nasuseam and never change their behavior. As with any job, expectations and values must be clear and enforced. Otherwise you end up with incompetent staff and deadwood.
6
Any officer who has had complaints filed against them should be the first to be retrained and given desk jobs while they are. There is a definite disconnection between the administration and precincts with the blatant atrocities occurring.
4
All officers w/ a record of complaints and an unwarranted violent arrest history should be pooled, put under investigation by an outside body, and suspended until the investigation generates results indicating how their behavior should be handled - again an outside body needs to legislate this process. Proper legal punishment should be meted out for those found guilty.
9
Hopefully, this incident will end Officer Frascatore's career as a police officer. I don't know if he can be charged with assault or whether his badge protects him.
The larger problem is this: how many other officers who act like Officer Frascatore are in the NYPD?
The larger problem is this: how many other officers who act like Officer Frascatore are in the NYPD?
14
Officer James Frascatore arrested someone whom he thought was connected to a crime based off of reasonably reliable information. So, it turns out that information was incorrect. But were Officer Frascatore's actions reasonable given the circumstances? I suppose this depends on how likely it is that a true criminal may run.
2
The officer didn't identify himself but ran up to Blake in a threatening manner. If Blake resists, thinking it's an attack of some kind and fights, the officer gets to use lethal force and say he was in danger. <--- Why we have to can't have cops throwing people to the ground, because they're afraid the person is gonna run, for a nonviolent crime like CC fraud. Just surround the guy. 4 previous excessive force complaints and now we have one on video? Do u have to kill someone unjustifiably to be fired as a cop? Oh wait, that doesn't happen either.
11
The crime he was investigating was credit card fraud. A non-violent offense. I suspect that the officer's training was to treat all criminals the same: tackle, club, shoot first...or be ready to, regardless of the situation or circumstances.
This is how police are trained to handle even the most mundane traffic stops: as something they need to be ready to use deadly force against. There's no middle ground...and innocent people get gunned down for nothing more than a busted tail light.
This is how police are trained to handle even the most mundane traffic stops: as something they need to be ready to use deadly force against. There's no middle ground...and innocent people get gunned down for nothing more than a busted tail light.
8
The officer's use of force was unreasonable under the circumstances, even if it turned out the suspect was guilty of credit card fraud. Nonviolent crimes do not warrant such a use of force. Can you imagine if someone pointed at you to an officer that had a dispute with you and that gave the officer the right to tackle you to the ground? What if that had been your wife?
2
Commissioner Bratton was very quick to say this was not racial, but of the people that have filed claims, were any of them other than black. If this officer was a policeman in Florida, was his methods different in the Sunshine State. Did NYC police check his record on Florida. After this Officer is finished with Modified duty will he black policing Black Folks. Commissioner Bratton and Mayor De Blasio were quick to apologize to Mr. Blake, what to all the other Citizens he assaulted, choked, called Racial epithet, then arrested.
9
This is another case where the police officer should be arrested and jailed. Instead, he is put on "reduced" duties and fellow officers try to justify his actions.
17
While the city is spending $29 million on retraining programs, cops with serious issues like James Frascatore and Daniel Pantaleo are still running the streets, ad libbing on law enforcement to the great danger of black people. When these cops commit crimes they are coddled, protected and given every opportunity to get back on the job, guns and everything, to keep doing what they were doing. These cops are incorrigible. Retraining them is a waste of time and money.
I hope De Blasio sits down with his black son again, to explain the dangerous reality of being black in America. I fantasize that De Blasio will do something to make his son's life safer.
I hope De Blasio sits down with his black son again, to explain the dangerous reality of being black in America. I fantasize that De Blasio will do something to make his son's life safer.
16
#CivilianLivesMatter
12
Perhaps New York could use a new, non-white, open minded police commissioner? This problem will only be solved with strong resolve from the top down.
12
Another member of the NYPD that's constantly accused of treating New Yorkers as if he's a loan shark enforcer a la Anthony Salerno, Anthony “The Ant” Spilotro, Fiore Buccieri, etc.
I reminded of a few years ago when I went to visit a buddy in Brooklyn. We sat on the stoop for several days. Cops drove by and there was never an issue; another person from the building decided to sit with us. Suddenly NYPD's finest were out of their car and hassling us and telling us we couldn't hang out on the stoop. The reason for the change in the cops behavior was immediately apparent to us; because the new member of the group happened to be African American; that's the reality of life in the City.
I reminded of a few years ago when I went to visit a buddy in Brooklyn. We sat on the stoop for several days. Cops drove by and there was never an issue; another person from the building decided to sit with us. Suddenly NYPD's finest were out of their car and hassling us and telling us we couldn't hang out on the stoop. The reason for the change in the cops behavior was immediately apparent to us; because the new member of the group happened to be African American; that's the reality of life in the City.
29
Corruption in police is the first step down the slippery slope to THIRD-WORLDNESS. Who knows, America may yet beat the Russian, the Pakitani, etc. in Police Corruption too.
8
Are we living in an alternate universe or what? What happened to "NYPD, put your hands up, you're under arrest?" This is the next thing to "shoot first and ask questions later." And if someone says "well, he could have had a gun," I'll, say, "thank you very much NRA, for bringing our once vaunted country of laws, not men, too this shameful place."
12
"The Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association said his arrest of Mr. Blake 'was made under fluid circumstances where the subject might have fled.'”
The Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association has obviously NOT seen the video of the incident.
Police unions. Pffft.
The Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association has obviously NOT seen the video of the incident.
Police unions. Pffft.
22
This begs the question - What type of training do police officers get? Some, like this guy approach any suspect with fists and feet pounding. Others, I hope, identify themselves, ask for identification, especially when the supposed crime is non-violent. NYPDs training and policies are obviously not uniform. These grown-ups act like adolescent bullies and practice their own version of law enforcement. As someone else pointed out, there should be higher standards and qualifications to hire police officers. Not just anyone with a high school diploma or a two year associates degree should be allowed to serve the public and carry lethal weapons. Doubt any change will come of it thought.
13
This is not just an individual officer or local force problem. It's an American problem. Where else in the western world do police have the authority to put their hands on citizens who are not an imminent threat, or who are to be questioned for non-violent crimes? I am white and grew up poor blue collar in New Orleans. I have never known a police officer, including friends and family, who didn't think he had the right to punch you in the mouth if he didn't like your attitude.
22
Too bad it took so long for this whack-job to come to the attention of his superiors.
15
Obviously, unless you are a celebrity or rich, your life or statements mean nothing.
2
There should be complete transparency--it should be mandatory that police officers wear video cameras through their shift.
9
Thank you to the NYT for stepping up and publishing this story; what it truly highlights is some peoples fundamental inability to summon critical thinking skills as reflected by the cries of foul against the NYPD employee. Although the video clearly demonstrates over the top physical knockdown of a citizen whose crime was standing outside the Grand Hyatt and looking like someone else.. There is this amazing knee jerk reaction from observers who simply dismiss what the video plainly demonstrates..
It is a textbook example of denial in spite of overwhelming video evidence to the contrary.
An employees true cost to an organization has to be measured in part by what they are co$ting the taxpayers in terms of payouts for lawsuits that stem from physically abusive behavior.
Commissioner Bratton would be well served by setting the example from the top... After all - that's how it works in functional organizations
It is a textbook example of denial in spite of overwhelming video evidence to the contrary.
An employees true cost to an organization has to be measured in part by what they are co$ting the taxpayers in terms of payouts for lawsuits that stem from physically abusive behavior.
Commissioner Bratton would be well served by setting the example from the top... After all - that's how it works in functional organizations
13
WHY does it take such extreme bad conduct to even get attention?
He should have been fired long ago, maybe charged with crimes. (The blue suit does NOT allow you to do any crime and get a pass.)
And it is an indictment of Comm. Bratton that no action was taken until now. (Well--not really any action yet except temporary assignment, with pay.)
NYPD is a disgrace, but we white middle-class get treated better--usually-- so no action is taken.
He should have been fired long ago, maybe charged with crimes. (The blue suit does NOT allow you to do any crime and get a pass.)
And it is an indictment of Comm. Bratton that no action was taken until now. (Well--not really any action yet except temporary assignment, with pay.)
NYPD is a disgrace, but we white middle-class get treated better--usually-- so no action is taken.
15
Who among us could have been as calm and restrained as James Blake in this case? As this police officer did not identify himself, I surely would have fought back.
20
The takedown "was made under fluid circumstances where the subject might have fled.” When will the police benevolent association ever not reflexively defend indefensible actions? The PABA's logic would allow cops to throw down and manhandle anyone they think is suspicious.
12
Maybe Frascatore should work for the mob, instead of the police ...
15
This is "policing" in the U.S. It is not at all about this particular officer. Tear down the institution and reimagine it. $29 million for retraining is a joke, and we all know it, including the cops.
14
Two years ago I European friend visited my family in Soho, NY. Not knowing it was against the law, he stuck his 1 inch business sticker on a lamp post covered with other materials. Out of nowhere, two undercover cops tackled him for this offense, threw him on the floor exactly like James Blake, at no point identifying themselves, handcuffed him, arrested him and threw him in a cell overnight. The man was terrified, had no idea who his 'assailants' were, thought he as being kidnapped, and his wife in her hotel never knew what happened until she saw him in court the next day. Both were just terrified throughout the entire process. I understand his 'offense' was against the law. But why use this kind of extreme force for such a minor issue? He could have been spoken to; as a tourist made to understand this was an unlawful act; taken the sticker down or even given a fine, whatever, but tackling him to the ground by two tough guys, and thrown in jail?! It gave me an up close sense of what is wrong with this type of police behavior. And it turned a tourist into a visitor never wanting to come back.
27
So, you can't stand outside the door of the Grand Hyatt Hotel, in NYC, and wait for a ride, without risking that you "may" look like another person, and be thrown to the ground, (face down on the sidewalk), handcuffed and arrested?
This is graphic evidence that, "eyewitness identification," is extremely flawed, almost to the point of unsuitability, by itself. It makes me wonder how many innocent people have been arrested or incarcerated for just looking like another human being.
This is graphic evidence that, "eyewitness identification," is extremely flawed, almost to the point of unsuitability, by itself. It makes me wonder how many innocent people have been arrested or incarcerated for just looking like another human being.
19
What is truly scary are the words of the city attorneys used to describe his actions in the prior event, so as to win a case against him, to stop the city having to make a settlement. Now that his behavior is on film, and the victim is someone of note, it is sad to say that the taxpayers should not have assume the responsiity for a police officer who's use of force is illegal and inappropriate. Use of force, in what is essentially a property crime, against a person who is not trying to flee, or resist, is illegal. The fact that this behavior was suspect prior to this, and nothing was done to stop him is wrong. Unless it was known and administrators were letting him go in the hopes that he would eventually do something that they could fire him for. That occurs chronically in many departments, even though it means someone else will have to be a victim, before administrators will do the work they are supposed to be doing routinely.
13
Nothing is going to change unless the pervasive "US & THEM" attitude of almost
all police departments is eradicated and this will never be accomplished because
those with power ultimately end up abusing it, since they answer to few if any.
A strict set of Federal Guidelines that set new standards for training and behavior
of all police forces and enforcement that is iron clad is the only real solution.
No person white, black or any other race is immune from being on the receiving
end of unwarranted injury or death at the hands of present day law enforcement.
And if your not rich or famous, good luck, because as this latest episode shows
the sorry lot in power only snap to attention when the gilded ones are attacked.
The poor people that got punched and verbally abused by this thug, never even
received an apology. WAKE UP AMERICA!
all police departments is eradicated and this will never be accomplished because
those with power ultimately end up abusing it, since they answer to few if any.
A strict set of Federal Guidelines that set new standards for training and behavior
of all police forces and enforcement that is iron clad is the only real solution.
No person white, black or any other race is immune from being on the receiving
end of unwarranted injury or death at the hands of present day law enforcement.
And if your not rich or famous, good luck, because as this latest episode shows
the sorry lot in power only snap to attention when the gilded ones are attacked.
The poor people that got punched and verbally abused by this thug, never even
received an apology. WAKE UP AMERICA!
17
The police are forbidden to ticket a person for dog litter, unless they personally witness the act. But a courier (bona fides unknown) in a fraudulent credit card operation points his finger and a police officer throws a law-abiding citizen to the ground and handcuffs him, without stopping to identify himself or the victim. Makes me wonder whether the courier, for his own reasons, deliberately set up the officer, knowing his reputation as a coward and a bully and suspecting him of being a fool as well.
12
Why was James Blake assaulting the officer's fist with his head?
20
Considering the supposed suspect was just standing there obviously there had been no 6 block chase prior, wouldn't it be better for a cop to approach the supposed suspect and have a conversation first before just throwing someone around. I listened to Blake this morning and he said at no time did this guy identify himself as a police officer or why he was arresting Blake. That is over the top, it's proof that people of color are immediately considered guilty and must be dealt with aggressively. That they deserve no respect or decency even by being advised of the reason for the take down. What might have happened if Blake had thought this guy was the bad guy mugging him and going to rob him....and Blake would have fought back....he would probably be dead by now.
22
The most disturbing thing about the Blake incident is the incredibly swift and solicitous way both the mayor and police chief made their public apologies to Mr. Blake.
The mayor and chief know better than anyone the unprovoked violence Blake was subjected to is standard operating procedure for the city’s police in virtually all of their interactions with minorities and the poor.
The mayor and chief know better than anyone that these victims of police brutality never get an apology from anyone. Their complaints of abuse are met with instant hostility and reflexively denied and dismissed out of hand. (How many of the complaints reported in the article resulted in even the lightest censure? —hint: had there been any, the NYT surely would have told us.)
In making their apologies, the mayor and chief couldn’t even muster a lousy, “…and to anyone else who may have been treated similarly….”
Their feigned shock and outrage fooled no native New Yorkers. The cowardly and deceptive hypocrisy the mayor and police chief showed only served to highlight the utter disregard and extreme inequality of treatment that is the immutable fact of life for every minority and poor person in this city.
The mayor and chief know better than anyone the unprovoked violence Blake was subjected to is standard operating procedure for the city’s police in virtually all of their interactions with minorities and the poor.
The mayor and chief know better than anyone that these victims of police brutality never get an apology from anyone. Their complaints of abuse are met with instant hostility and reflexively denied and dismissed out of hand. (How many of the complaints reported in the article resulted in even the lightest censure? —hint: had there been any, the NYT surely would have told us.)
In making their apologies, the mayor and chief couldn’t even muster a lousy, “…and to anyone else who may have been treated similarly….”
Their feigned shock and outrage fooled no native New Yorkers. The cowardly and deceptive hypocrisy the mayor and police chief showed only served to highlight the utter disregard and extreme inequality of treatment that is the immutable fact of life for every minority and poor person in this city.
27
This video is quite disturbing, not least of all for the seeming indifference of people passing by without stopping.
11
It's more than telling that, in the video, a black man walks out of the hotel's revolving door, sees Blake face down on the sidewalk with the cop on top of him, then turns around and walks quickly back into the hotel.
Seems pretty obvious that the man sensed he was in peril due solely to the color of his skin, and instantly retreats to the relative safety of the hotel.
Seems pretty obvious that the man sensed he was in peril due solely to the color of his skin, and instantly retreats to the relative safety of the hotel.
22
I guess if the mayor's son was standing there he may have been tackled, thrown down, punched and arrested. I notice every complainant said Frascatore wrapped his arm around his neck. Isn't that the dreaded and deadly choke hold?
1
I wonder what the woman who approached the police officer on top of Blake, and pointed at them, say?
5
This incident is another example of the need for major police reform in NYC. If Commissioner Bratton can’t see that, then he’s not the man for the job. The Mayor should replace Bratton in addition to getting rid of officers like Frascatore who have had proven incidents of excessive force, racial profiling and flouting of department policies. Frascatore was not in uniform. He did not identify himself as a police officer before he attacked Mr. Blake. He used excessive force, told Mr. Blake not to speak so that Mr. Blake was not given an opportunity to know what was going on and to clear up the situation. Also, Frascatore did not file a report on the incident as he was required to do. If Frascatore could do all of this against a celebrity, in front of witnesses and on video and still remain on the payroll, just imagine what he could get away with on a dark, secluded street against a poor teenager who didn’t have connections and wasn’t famous. If there’s no justice in this easy case, there’s no way that Bratton will ever begin to repair the frayed trust between the NYPD and the minority communities.
19
Considering the fact that about a decade ago, James Blake suffered a serious injury to his neck (it was actually broken in a freak accident on a clay court, where he ran and slid into a netpost, breaking his neck), the fact that the officer grabbed him and held him around his neck seems especially reckless. He could have re-aggravated an existing injury and caused serious damage to Blake's neck.
16
The PBA acts as Mafia lawyers do: they know their client is a bad guy, but it's their job to get him off. In regard to the lawyers, yes, everyone is entitled to adequate legal representation. With Lynch's PBA--and Lynch is a very bad guy himself--it's less clear. Where there's lots and lots of smoke, it's not unreasonable to believe there may well be fire. This cop has a documented history--we don't know how many more instances haven't been documented--of abusive behavior. It will be interesting to learn why he left Florida. If he stays in NY, it should not be as a member of the NYPD.
11
If an officer is moving into arrest someone, he has the right to restrain the person, but he has to use the least amount of force to restrain as possible. Was it appropriate to take the man off his feet? That depends on the threat really, and the nature of the crime. When a policeman takes enforcement action, he's going to restrain someone. This was not a stop situation; this was an arrest. The crime was not a forcible theft, but we don't know if the suspect they were looking for had a violent past. All of those factors come into play. The individual has to make that call. Tackling is actually the least offensive way to capture a guy when it comes to physicality. This is not deadly physical force and no one wants to get into a foot pursuit. Blake’s race was apparently not a factor, but the 6-foot-1 tennis player’s athletic build might have been.
When you go in for an arrest, you have to size the guy up. If he looks lean and muscular and could run away pretty easily, you want to dust him and get him into custody pretty quickly.
When you go in for an arrest, you have to size the guy up. If he looks lean and muscular and could run away pretty easily, you want to dust him and get him into custody pretty quickly.
You are failing to mention the long established requirement that such action by a law enforcement requires a prima facie showing of reasonable probable cause. According to reports, the officer acted only on the dubious statements of a suspect in custody. There was no prior confirming observation or surveillance of the suspect to substaniate the in custody's suspect identification.
The officer failed to identify himself or attempt to independently ascertain who the person he was arresting. As shown in the video, the officer walks up and assualts the victim who at the time is simply standing in front of the hotel. Again, according to reports, another police officer in the capacity of hotel security confirmed the victim's identity to NYPD. After being relaesed the officer did not apologize or file the requist report of the incident.
The officer should be summarily dismissed from the NYPD. The victim should pursue a lawsuit against the officer and the NYPD.
The officer failed to identify himself or attempt to independently ascertain who the person he was arresting. As shown in the video, the officer walks up and assualts the victim who at the time is simply standing in front of the hotel. Again, according to reports, another police officer in the capacity of hotel security confirmed the victim's identity to NYPD. After being relaesed the officer did not apologize or file the requist report of the incident.
The officer should be summarily dismissed from the NYPD. The victim should pursue a lawsuit against the officer and the NYPD.
11
Wrong. Dead wrong, especially when Frascatore had backup in case the suspect fled. He also failed to ID himself as a cop, used excessive force AFTER the suspect was subdued.
2
Nonsense. The crime had not been a violent one and the reports I have seen in the paper about the real criminal indicated no violent background. Had the person assaulted by this officer been the real criminal rather than Mr. Blake, the officer's behavior would have been wrong. I heard the quick responses from the Police Dept. about the real criminal looking very much like Mr. Blake -- misses the point about the inappropriate behavior by the officer. I have personally seen officers do things like this in the past where my offer to testify in a complaint against the officers was rejected. The issue is one of power, control, and a culture enabling bad behavior with little chance of penalty. I hope this officer is thrown off the force and that this example is followed by more thorough investigations of CCRB complaints in the future.
And some think an independent inspector general was not needed ...
And some think an independent inspector general was not needed ...
4
Because of technology, Officer James Frascatore, and anyone with internet access, will be able to relive the moment his career ended, over and over, practically in perpetuity. That reality is something we should all come to terms with.
3
I won't believe his career is over til he's siting in a jail cell.
Lynch claimed Frascatore used proper procedure. And now he can't be reached for comment. Like, "how did you know what he did when it's obvious you didn't?"
Lynch claimed Frascatore used proper procedure. And now he can't be reached for comment. Like, "how did you know what he did when it's obvious you didn't?"
The video clearly shows that Mr. Blake did not resist the arrest; that the officer did not identify himself as required by law and that the officer's actions were not warranted. Maybe the NYPD should not only fire him but make sure he looses his police certification so that he will not become a police officer in another jurisdiction.
As to the Mayor and the police Commissioner calling Mr. Blake and apologising, it was probably done because of the high social profile of Mr. Blake and not necessarily because they felt sorry for him. I wonder if any of the previous victims of Frascatore were called also.
How was this guy hired? Where do they get the applicants? Do they get them in mental health facilities?
As to the Mayor and the police Commissioner calling Mr. Blake and apologising, it was probably done because of the high social profile of Mr. Blake and not necessarily because they felt sorry for him. I wonder if any of the previous victims of Frascatore were called also.
How was this guy hired? Where do they get the applicants? Do they get them in mental health facilities?
14
so, WHY was he still on the street ???
Thats the Bigger question ????
Thats the Bigger question ????
7
I would think police officers should be pretty angry about this thug in a uniform. His behavior- tackling, digging his knee in, taking his time with the cuffs and everything else undercuts the service of so many.
9
This police officer needs to be fired, charged if possible, and jailed if possible. But more importantly, police departments need to quit hiring THUGS to perform the public duties of policing. And maybe, just maybe, if he looks like a skinhead and behaves like a skinhead, he is a skinhead. The department should be charged with negligence after ignoring the obvious signs of racism here.
18
Silly commenters! You can't all be under the age of, say, 30. This is NORMAL for NY. It always has been. It has nothing to do with "militarization of police after 9/11" or any such nonsense.
The police and fire depts. in NY and its bucolic suburbs have always attracted the sort of working-class guys whose cousins went into organized crime or petty fraud. It was a way for the not-very-intelligent to achieve a solid middle-class lifestyle, retire in their forties and take easy second jobs while collecting gigantic pensions.
This is neither slur nor generalization. It is a generations-long reality. The cops and firemen live in an insulated universe where they have no social connections outside their little somewhat rivalrous but tight brotherhood. Their wives and girlfriends come from the same types of families and are often in uniform themselves. We are aliens to them.
Unless you break the power of their unions, which no one has been able to do and will not be able to do now or in the future, nothing will change. And that's just one of the reasons I am grateful to be an EX-Noo Yawka.
The police and fire depts. in NY and its bucolic suburbs have always attracted the sort of working-class guys whose cousins went into organized crime or petty fraud. It was a way for the not-very-intelligent to achieve a solid middle-class lifestyle, retire in their forties and take easy second jobs while collecting gigantic pensions.
This is neither slur nor generalization. It is a generations-long reality. The cops and firemen live in an insulated universe where they have no social connections outside their little somewhat rivalrous but tight brotherhood. Their wives and girlfriends come from the same types of families and are often in uniform themselves. We are aliens to them.
Unless you break the power of their unions, which no one has been able to do and will not be able to do now or in the future, nothing will change. And that's just one of the reasons I am grateful to be an EX-Noo Yawka.
40
Bravo it's about time someone told it like it is
2
Hooray thanks for telling it like it really is
2
Society takes young people (some of them highly aggressive athletes) with barely a high school education and gives them a gun and sky-high levels of power over others. What would we expect?
Once in a while, after a series of beatings and shootings are captured on video, police have to get "extra training" at additional cost to the public. Who knows what a wink-and-a-nod type of exercise that is. Maybe police departments pay their own people to tell cops to not get caught on video. Maybe the right kind of message isn't even part of the "training." We need to hire brighter, more accomplished people as cops, not just jocks.
Once in a while, after a series of beatings and shootings are captured on video, police have to get "extra training" at additional cost to the public. Who knows what a wink-and-a-nod type of exercise that is. Maybe police departments pay their own people to tell cops to not get caught on video. Maybe the right kind of message isn't even part of the "training." We need to hire brighter, more accomplished people as cops, not just jocks.
18
When one of these officers tackle a Donald Trump or a Cliven Bundy the way they treated Mr Diggs or a Tyrone or a Rahem, then we would have known lady justice really meant something in America.
7
The solution is actually quite simple: the police academy should stop graduating sadists.
11
Most troubling here is that on NYPD and, indeed, on many police forces across the country there exists a cadre of cowboys who seem to get pleasure from beating other people up, from abusing their responsibilities and inflicting punishment and pain for no reason other than they can.
And the PBA response is outrageous. Never ever ever are they willing to concede that an officer used excessive force. Never. How is that? How do they expect to be credible.
There was no excuse for this "officer" to effect this arrest in this way. Yet they will hide behind lame and incredible excuses about the threats they face in carrying out their jobs. In fact, this fellow and a too significant number of his colleagues were simply entertaining their sadistic urges.
It is just disgusting .
And the PBA response is outrageous. Never ever ever are they willing to concede that an officer used excessive force. Never. How is that? How do they expect to be credible.
There was no excuse for this "officer" to effect this arrest in this way. Yet they will hide behind lame and incredible excuses about the threats they face in carrying out their jobs. In fact, this fellow and a too significant number of his colleagues were simply entertaining their sadistic urges.
It is just disgusting .
18
How many more Frascatores are hiding in the NYPD, protected by criminally lax personnel policy -- and by their "benevolent" union that has the chutzpah to defend such a glaring abuse of power. Why is Frascatore still employed by the City of New York?
15
So when does the police brutality stop? When do we accept that the USA is a police state that oppresses citizens? When do we accept that we've turned into the USSR? We've lost our freedoms to a few sick individuals and our leaders are too cowardly to stand up to the thugs. Why isn't Officer Frascatore in jail?
8
The time has long passed for these overly aggressive cops to start doing some jail time for these assaults. Mr. DeBlasio campaigned for mayor saying he would do something about the criminally aggressive police, but when in office he appointed Mr. Bratton. Wrong move, Mr. Mayor. You let us down with this one. The police need to be prosecuted when they assault citizens. Their de facto immunity must end.
9
I find it terribly hypocritical that most people commenting here would be outraged when an outlet like Faux news posts all the details of a citizens past arrest record in an effort to show them in a bad light...yet nobody here has an issue with doing the exact same thing when the subject is a police officer. Your bias is very obvious, glad my parents didn't raise me that way.
1
Lots of similarities here to the clergy sex abuse crisis! This guy had a history of excessive use of force and yet was still on the police force. So apparently this was swept under the rug or brushed aside by people above him in the system. Those people need to be investigated and punished, too.
9
Surveillance video offered a "glimpse of the manhandling of a biracial sports star by a white plainclothes officer".
I wonder why the reporters describe Blake as "biracial." President Obama is too, but the media always says "black president".
I wonder why the reporters describe Blake as "biracial." President Obama is too, but the media always says "black president".
3
Commissioner William J Bratton assures us that race was not a factor in this disgusting incident. He insists that the incident resulted from mistaken identity, and that James Blake looks so much like the actual "perp" that they could be twins. Given what research has shown about the so-called "other race" effect on mistakes in facial identification, I'd be more ready to accept Bratton's claim if I could see side-by-side photos of Mr. Blake and his alleged look-alike near-twin, the "perp." How about it, Commissioner Bratton?
10
I agree. Bratton should show the photos side-by-side so that we can see whether or not he’s really saying “they all look alike to me”.
1
There is a strong resemblance, but that's entirely beside the point. Frascatore should have walkedupto the suspect who was not fleeing, IDed himself as a cop and demanded ID.
Turned out the "alleged look-alike" was not guilty either--just Black.
1
Does this Mr. Officer James Frascatore work for the New York Mafia or maybe Hells Angels?? Disgusting behaviour.
8
This guy is unfit to be a police officer. The PBA should not defend him. How many more incidents before he kills someone. He should be arrested for assault.
12
The apparent "behind" the scenes take on policing is pretty ugly. It's the techniques though that make it so. When we are basically relying on the ability of pit bulls to do take downs, then we are set up, totally, for the kind of problems that we are witnessing. A dart gun, would have been more humane, and potentially less harmful than a full body take down. At the same time, couldn't they have just sent someone up and asked him if he was the credit card thief?
1
This is not an isolated incident, and it happens everywhere. All of us lowly citizens know that.
8
There's a tacit denial across law enforcement (cops, correctional officers, Parole officers, et al) that there are people who wanted to be in law enforcement for all the wrong reasons, certainly not to protect and serve. They should be elimated as soon as they are discovered. Period.
7
It is a pity that such interlopers exist. And they on every police force. To make matters worse, it is almost impossible to get rid of them until they finally go too far. The honest cop has to keep one eye in front and another on his partner.
4
Frascatore must be fired and prosecuted. Enough looking for excuses when there are not. Bad policemen have no place among men and women that every day risk their lives to protect us.
2
This kind of work isn't for everyone.
1
I believe that it's time for the DOJ to place NYPD under federal monitoring for the next 20 years. It will take 20 yrs for the current force to retire and for the DOJ to train new recruits in 21st century policing.
If they can monitor a Podunk force like Ferguson then the NYPD should move to the top of their list.
Since the police union won't let any rouge cop be fired then Bratton can surely pull their Glocks and reassign them to the stables to shovel hay and other stuff.
If they can monitor a Podunk force like Ferguson then the NYPD should move to the top of their list.
Since the police union won't let any rouge cop be fired then Bratton can surely pull their Glocks and reassign them to the stables to shovel hay and other stuff.
9
It is too easy to get a badge. Any racist, thug, or mentally disturbed individual with a desire for officially sanctioned violence can get a badge and license to do whatever mayhem they wish. It is time we start carefully screening every applicant to the police force for psychopathic and racist tendencies. The burden should be on a police candidate to prove why they want to be a cop -- not on society to sacrifice our innocent citizens every day to flush out the bad cops.
6
This is a yet another misreading of the culture of policing in this country. No doubt there are hundreds of such comments here. It is sad that citizens actually believe the pronouncements of police apologists.
Bravo well said
Frascatore is the kind of cowboy cop who good police officers every where should condemn, insist be removed from duty and charged with assault. Good men and women are staying quiet while these fools damage their profession. Why are you doing this to yourselves?
10
Nope. Those good men and women know how policing works in the U.S. Intimidation and overt violence IS policing.
How do cops with "history" slip past the radar of an entire public-financed organization the sole function of which is to render just such bad guys hors de combat no matter where they may be?
Omerta?
Omerta?
5
They don't slip past. They are how the job gets done. How do people not know this? Take off the blinders. Stop believing the laughable PR.
Looking at the video of the attack by Frascatore I was immediately reminded of the attack and follow-on choke hold by the policeman on the man selling single cigarettes.
Both showed poor impulse control, poor situation assessment skills and a desire for physical contact/control that appears pathological. All NYPD police candidates are assessed by a written psychological test and oral interview with a psychologist. Who evaluates the written test and what sort of psychologist conducts the interview? Having anyone short of a clinical psychologist orally evaluate someone who will carry a gun as part of work and is supposed to protect citizens not attack them is...crazy.
Both showed poor impulse control, poor situation assessment skills and a desire for physical contact/control that appears pathological. All NYPD police candidates are assessed by a written psychological test and oral interview with a psychologist. Who evaluates the written test and what sort of psychologist conducts the interview? Having anyone short of a clinical psychologist orally evaluate someone who will carry a gun as part of work and is supposed to protect citizens not attack them is...crazy.
12
Your comment evidences a shocking lack of understanding of the institutional culture of policing in this country. Ask any big-city cop in a private conversation. Any of them can tell you what time it is.
A guy attacks you on the street, throws you down, and climbs on top of you. No uniform no ID, no explanation. Wouldn't you assume you were being mugged and struggle or fight back? I wish we could review every case in this country where a person is arrested for resisting arrest. Starting with ones where the arrested is African American while standing there.
8
Blake was at the entrance of a 4 star hotel. He knew there was no way this was a mugger.
Re : "He knew there was no way this was a mugger." And Jonah Falcon, you know Mr Blakes mind & thinking how ? And you think mugging don't happen at or near that Mid-town location ? Obviously you don't or are pretending not to know Mid-Town NYC and you don't have a clue about the stupid risky stuff criminals do -all the time .
Police state tactics, egregious, completely unjustified and only questioned now because of video documentation.
Whoever the next President is, whether Sanders or Clinton, they will have to give police and justicel system reform priority.
Whoever the next President is, whether Sanders or Clinton, they will have to give police and justicel system reform priority.
3
I am surprised President Obama was not interviewed for this article. He usually has a lot to say about any racial issue.
Maybe President Obama speaks out on racial issues because he has seen racism first-hand and finds it abhorrent.
Maybe, also, because he knows no Republican politician is likely to offend their base by speaking the truth about systematic racism in our country.
Maybe, also, because he knows no Republican politician is likely to offend their base by speaking the truth about systematic racism in our country.
2
Get a grip. It's obvious the black guy...well Blake...was making eye contact with his cell phone.
6
I have seen u.c. officers take down people on the streets of NYC, violently, for no more serious crime than selling bootleg Oakley sunglasses. Anyone acting like this is something strange and anomalous has not had much experience with the sidewalks of New York.
1
If a civilian had perpetrated such an act upon a plain clothed police officer, he would be jailed for so long that upon his release he could portray King Lear without needing makeup. Desk duty; the "punishment" for a thug with a badge and a gun?
9
Also equally culpable are the dozens of fellow officers that have most likely watched Frascatore commit crimes (that's right they are felonies, not "over-policing") and chose not to do the right thing.
The system is morally and legally corrupt from the bottom to the top, I doubt there is a cop working that has not witnessed a fellow office commit a crime and chose to do nothing about it. It is the unbreakable blue code. It is, in essence, organized crime.
The system is morally and legally corrupt from the bottom to the top, I doubt there is a cop working that has not witnessed a fellow office commit a crime and chose to do nothing about it. It is the unbreakable blue code. It is, in essence, organized crime.
13
Simply put, they're afraid to step up. Watch the movie Serpico sometime.
2
Officer Frascatore must and should be prosecuted and fired, to be blunt Frascatore is a thug and criminal himself, so why does the former Police Chief of LAPD and now NYPD not have the balls to prosecute these officers, or why does Bratton not review the records of all officers who have complaints filed and determine if there is a track record for these officers, and if there is then march them before a review board and give them warning and if they repeat their behavior fire them. One wonders why the public is totally distrusting of law enforcement, even though there is, the majority, good and decent police, but there are the rotten apples that tarnish the image of all police and until Mayor DeBlasio and Chief Bratton, or any police chief for that matter, they must confront this issue or the abuse and criminal behavior of police will continue.
4
The real problem the Blake incident underlines is not that Frascatore is a thug in a uniform but that his superiors and the PD's lawyers repeatedly ignored the pattern of behavior this incident revealed for all to see. The heads that should follow Frascatore's include his immediate superiors and those in the PD who had the responsibility to oversee them. After the PD, why not investigate those who defended Frascatore against his earlier, and now quite believable, actions as an officer. Should we be surprised if no one other than Frascatore pays for this system?
115
I'll wait for the facts to come out.
Most of these encounters had multiple officers involved .
Most of these encounters had multiple officers involved .
Why hasn't this policeman been arrested for assault? Why is he still a policeman after previous complaints, and settlements acknowledging wrongdoing?
The answer is that he got away with it because there is NO OVERSIGHT!!! Bratton must go, and a person of color appointed to the position of leadership.
The answer is that he got away with it because there is NO OVERSIGHT!!! Bratton must go, and a person of color appointed to the position of leadership.
6
Why is this guy still on the streets? Why he is not in jail for life? Is the PD waiting till he kills somebody??
8
How many personality transplants will $29,000,000.00 actually pay for?
The PBA is like the Republic Party. While the Republic Party believes everything Obama does is wrong, the PBA hasn't had an officer who has done wrong.
Never ever.
Blake's Life Matters
The PBA is like the Republic Party. While the Republic Party believes everything Obama does is wrong, the PBA hasn't had an officer who has done wrong.
Never ever.
Blake's Life Matters
5
Forget being fired. This guy clearly belongs in jail. Police officers are not above the law, which this guy clearly thinks he is.
8
It's not just that he has been accused multiple times for using excessive force, but he also apparently has perjured himself by filing charges that were subsequently dropped. We talk about incompetent teachers that can't be fired. But there is a bigger problem with not weeding out police officers who are lawbreakers.
10
perhaps we should get all his victims together, handcuff this poor excuse of a policeman, and let them return the favors.
How many times have individuals been abused by those holding a badge? Who listens to the public? These abuses have been going on for decades. Now, due to technology in every person's hands (phone cameras), abuses can be recorded and viewed. Otherwise, its simply an individuals account vs the policeman's account. I suspect we know who's account tends to be discredited.
Police behavior MUST change. They must understand they work FOR the public. They can no longer behave like idiots with a gun and a badge.
How many times have individuals been abused by those holding a badge? Who listens to the public? These abuses have been going on for decades. Now, due to technology in every person's hands (phone cameras), abuses can be recorded and viewed. Otherwise, its simply an individuals account vs the policeman's account. I suspect we know who's account tends to be discredited.
Police behavior MUST change. They must understand they work FOR the public. They can no longer behave like idiots with a gun and a badge.
8
Obviously some NYC cops still don't get it that agressive police is out now, we are no longer in the Giuliani or Bloomberg era!
5
Bratton is a tool and I have no idea how he sleeps at night. Don't even get me started on Lynch. Deblasio needs to act on behalf of the people who elected him and fire these two nut jobs.
5
So if I did that to someone wouldn't I be charged with assault at a minimum. Why isn't this guy a guest of the city waiting for a bail hearing?
4
Who does this man think he is to just walk up to someone and physically attack them? There is but one criminal in this video. A good police officer has to have some skills beyond pure aggression. He should be charged with assault, fired and the union should not defend him, unless they stand with him as a thug.
5
Many people have said it, but complaints of unwarranted violence by police officers must be reviewed by CIVILIAN oversight boards. The police are city employees - the city is going to defend them no matter what, unless, of course, a celebrity is involved. The civilian board has to have the power to suspend accused officers as well.
Nothing is going to change for ordinary people as long as the fox guards the henhouse.
Nothing is going to change for ordinary people as long as the fox guards the henhouse.
8
I can't stomach some of the idiotic comments on this article. Everyone seeing this video should be outraged. This is not Zimbabwe. Officer Frascatore is a criminal. Period. There is absolutely no justification for his conduct. And he is a serial criminal offender. He probably has treated pregnant women like this. He should be terminated immediately and Cy Vance should bring criminal charges in this case and explore criminal charges from the numerous other assaults committed by Frascatore. Similarly Preet Bharara should open an investigation for civil rights violations.
7
Hip hip hooray
the arrest was not rough, no excessive force. officer seems respectful to blake after he is handcuffed. the officer was being cautious to avoid a more dangerous resisting arrest scenario.
If a guy jumped you, didn't identify himself as a police officer, and threw you to the ground, what would you have done? If Blake had defended himself, he would have been resisting an arrest he didn't know he was under, as well as continued to be physically assaulted.
Given the officer's aggressiveness his victims relayed in this article, he seems far from a cautious individual.
Given the officer's aggressiveness his victims relayed in this article, he seems far from a cautious individual.
1
I suggest that you make an immediate appointment with an eye doctor on Monday.
1
Let's see if politicians have the courage to ask the police union to stop protecting bad cops. They have no problem asking that of teachers' unions, and teachers don't assault students or shoot them. And--speaking as a teacher myself--good teachers don't protect or make excuses for bad teachers.
9
Since this guy had several previous complaints against him -- and assuming that those complaints were not discredited -- why was he allowed to remain on the job?
5
They can train and retrain all they want... it's the attitudes that need to change. These guys act like musclemen for the city!
4
The statement I saw given by Police Commissioner Bratton on the James Blake assault and battery, was phony, arrogant, sarcastic, self serving.
To suggest that how Blake was attacked "might" have been excessive is chilling.
To tell the world he was "sorry" there was no racial motive is sick and his anger that he had to make a statement was palpable.
Bratton is a poor spokesman for the New York police and I hope not representative of New York City.
He acted like he was the one who had been attacked.
To suggest that how Blake was attacked "might" have been excessive is chilling.
To tell the world he was "sorry" there was no racial motive is sick and his anger that he had to make a statement was palpable.
Bratton is a poor spokesman for the New York police and I hope not representative of New York City.
He acted like he was the one who had been attacked.
6
All cops should have at least a 4 year degree, along with their normal police training and then 2 year's of training with another officer. And last but not least, a background check and psychological testing. Since 911 they have got or think they have, way too much power.
3
How many cops with a history similar to Frascatore are out there right now with a badge and a gun?
6
Many moons ago I used to be a cop. I served two tours of duty in Vietnam as an MP. I worked with rogue cops like officer Frascatore.
And I can tell you why such goons continue to litter the ranks of our police departments: FELLOW COPS! Fellow cops who fail to call out bad apples like officer Frascatore.
It is not easy to chastise a fellow cop, even a thug like officer Frascatore. Suddenly you are a pariah, a snitch. And it is crushing to know that in some warped way, fellow officers silently admire the way officer Frascatore dispenses justice.
As long as that silent majority of law enforcement remains silent, there will always be hooligans like Mr Frascatore on the force. It takes guts to be a cop. But it takes real guts to call out a bad cop!
And I can tell you why such goons continue to litter the ranks of our police departments: FELLOW COPS! Fellow cops who fail to call out bad apples like officer Frascatore.
It is not easy to chastise a fellow cop, even a thug like officer Frascatore. Suddenly you are a pariah, a snitch. And it is crushing to know that in some warped way, fellow officers silently admire the way officer Frascatore dispenses justice.
As long as that silent majority of law enforcement remains silent, there will always be hooligans like Mr Frascatore on the force. It takes guts to be a cop. But it takes real guts to call out a bad cop!
15
I wonder Bernie Madoff got the same physical treatment when he was arrested.
5
Whatever the case, you don't attack people who commit minor credit card fraud that way. James Blake I hope will bring suit.
4
It’s very disturbing stuff. Outrageous stuff. The cities of America are held hostage by the strong-arm tactics of savages wearing police uniforms. The man appears to be a racist and has no business in a police uuniform.
5
This is just a gut feeling - but I don't think Officer Frascatore can be sufficiently re-trained even if the NYPD used their whole $29 million budget for the effort. Have they checked his meds? Maybe he's overdoing the testosterone supplements. If the NYPD is really, really committed to keeping this man on the force (for reasons I don't want to imagine), he should not be allowed on the streets.
100
Thank you! How about NYPD using some of that money to screen for mental health disorders in these officers with repeat complaints, and then getting them treatment. How often are mental health assessments done after they've been hired?
You can't retrain someone if that's thier natural trait .. regardless of how much money and training you throw at them .... and if you have to retrain people to do the right thing and follow protocl .. they are pretty well a lost cause
"Biracial?" Is it necessary to report that he is biracial? Most of the blacks in America since the beginning (the 17th century) are multi-racial and of many different hues -- many. And many are of much lighter hue than Blake. He is a black man, who self-identifies as black. This is the NYTimes, complicit with the rest of America, in denying its racist past. It's even infuriating.
4
I though NYT readers were supposed to be a cut above the rest intellectually, I thought wrong. Many commenters make blanket assumptions about "ALL", "MOST" cops based on the actions on very few. They are the very same commenters who who'd never say the same about a racial group based upon the actions of a few of that race. If the NYT wrote articles about all the positive, helpful and lifesaving actions cops did every day the paper would be 1,000 pages long. The misconduct pages would be wafer thin. However, articles about good cops, good arrests, good interactions don't sell papers.
Paul, I'll start believing in "all the Good Cops out there" when they start testifying against all the bad ones --until then they'll remain co-conspirators and accessories to the crimes.
2
Why hasn't this officer been arrested for assault? Why is he still walking around as a free man? Is the Police union so strong that it can keep criminal police out of jail? If so, then it is little more than an organized crime gang and should be prosecuted accordingly.
4
We're not to think that all officers seem ok as long as they don't get public attention.
2
Not just badge and gun--this thug needs to be stripped of his job and then prosecuted for assault and battery.
3
Why wasn't this thug fired years ago? PBA looks after their own, even their thugs.
5
There are lots of losers like this guy in police departments across the country. Time to root them out. All of them.
5
Besides the moral issue here, how do the citizens of New York feel about settling the lawsuits funded by their tax bucks?
9
Why is this guy still on the job? Because the Civilian Complaint Review Board never does anything. And even when they do, the decision to punish or fire a bad cop is up to other cops! The system is set up to allow cops to operate with impunity.
6
But the hero went home safe, right?
3
Police officers and their union have to earn respect from the public. So far they are failing miserably. When was the last time you heard the police union criticize one of its own? The story about the gentleman on his bicycle being stopped in his own driveway and assaulted, sprayed with mace, and charged with crimes gives me the chills.
Having a badge does not give you the right to beat the snot out of someone, and then have the audacity to charge them with resisting arrest to boot! Something is VERY, VERY WRONG with our system of justice. I'm glad crimes committed by thugs wearing badges are coming to light. Let's hope these thugs go to prison for their crimes.
Having a badge does not give you the right to beat the snot out of someone, and then have the audacity to charge them with resisting arrest to boot! Something is VERY, VERY WRONG with our system of justice. I'm glad crimes committed by thugs wearing badges are coming to light. Let's hope these thugs go to prison for their crimes.
6
This is outrageous! Bratton claims it had nothing to do with race--really?
Bratton is out of touch and should be replaced.
Does anyone honestly believe a white man would have been treated in the same manner?
I'm a middle aged, white male, raised on Long Island.
How many other times has Frascatore done this? This can't be his first attack.
What violent acts did he engage in as a cop in Florida? Fire Frascatore. Research his past.
The PBA's Patrick Lynch should be ashamed of himself for defending this cop-thug!
Bratton is out of touch and should be replaced.
Does anyone honestly believe a white man would have been treated in the same manner?
I'm a middle aged, white male, raised on Long Island.
How many other times has Frascatore done this? This can't be his first attack.
What violent acts did he engage in as a cop in Florida? Fire Frascatore. Research his past.
The PBA's Patrick Lynch should be ashamed of himself for defending this cop-thug!
4
A common thread connecting this and every other instance of police excess and/or misconduct? PBA union hack Patrick Lynch.
4
I guess the real issues is that we know about Mr. Blake. How many more don't we know about?
3
These are not bad eggs. It is a system. The NYPD is the sixth crime family in NYC. It is no wonder people shoot the police. It is, after all, their second amendment right to address tyranny. This paper published a story not long ago (http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/02/us/training-officers-to-shoot-first-an... which described the training police receive in which they are taught to shoot anyone, at any time without regard to an actual threat. The police are a threat to us all at every moment
3
Maybe it's time to fire Patrick Lynch of the PBA and get to the heart of the matter once and for all.
4
I used to think it was only the banksters that never went to jail . . .
2
Why is he being paid now?
3
and so much for this weeks installment of "Hate the cops first", see ya for next weeks installment. NYT, better start looking hard at the tens of thousands of cops nationwide for that bad apple to put on the front page, remember, "black lives matter" is counting on you!
This was a violent mugging by an out-of-control thug. The "perp" should be in jail. What's to debate?
3
"Mayor Bill de Blasio and Police Commissioner William J. Bratton, in a joint statement, noted the city’s $29 million investment in retraining police officers…"
Retraining is not the issue. The issue is putting people in positions of authority who should NEVER be in a position of authority. I wake up many mornings with the horror in my mind of the mistreatment of Sandra Bland and others. It is going to take a sea change to stop this sort of brutish behavior among the ranks of police officers. Good for Mr. Blake to commit to being a catalyst for change.
Retraining is not the issue. The issue is putting people in positions of authority who should NEVER be in a position of authority. I wake up many mornings with the horror in my mind of the mistreatment of Sandra Bland and others. It is going to take a sea change to stop this sort of brutish behavior among the ranks of police officers. Good for Mr. Blake to commit to being a catalyst for change.
6
“Mayor Bill de Blasio and Police Commissioner William J. Bratton, in a joint statement, noted the city’s $29 million investment in retraining police officers and pledged ‘“to vigorously implement these reforms that build trust and respect between police officers and the people they serve.”’
All well and good, but not especially relevant in cases like this where it is aparent that the offending officer is a serial physical abuser using his badge as a way to accumulate victims with impunity.
Multiple prior incidents should have been a glaring red flag that this officer was unstable and violence prone and should have been rigorously screened and then likely dismissed from the police force long before this encounter ever happened.
Surely there were psychologically stable officers who knew what was going on, but never did anything about this violent behavior.
A thug and a badge is a dangerous combination that retraining is very unlikely to resolve.
All well and good, but not especially relevant in cases like this where it is aparent that the offending officer is a serial physical abuser using his badge as a way to accumulate victims with impunity.
Multiple prior incidents should have been a glaring red flag that this officer was unstable and violence prone and should have been rigorously screened and then likely dismissed from the police force long before this encounter ever happened.
Surely there were psychologically stable officers who knew what was going on, but never did anything about this violent behavior.
A thug and a badge is a dangerous combination that retraining is very unlikely to resolve.
94
What if the psychologically stable officers who knew what was going on, but never did anything about this violent behavior, also partake in needless violence and it's merely part of the culture?
Or what if those officers who may not enjoy using race and class against a person/'subject' nonetheless fear for their jobs and their reputation if they report the offending officer's behavior?
Casual violence on the part of police officers is an offense to the citizens of New York City.
Or what if those officers who may not enjoy using race and class against a person/'subject' nonetheless fear for their jobs and their reputation if they report the offending officer's behavior?
Casual violence on the part of police officers is an offense to the citizens of New York City.
Another act of gratuitous violence. And had a savvy retired cop not been on hand to ID Blake, it might have escalated.
It's all been said, but it seems it cannot be said often enough--this is a disgrace. And the "few bad apples" gang are still at it. This miscreant white officer is defended by Pat Lynch, who represents over 30,000 officers. Lynch is a disgrace to the uniform and to the city of NY. I'm ashamed that Lynch represents the worst of Irish-Americanism. How many of the cops represented by Lynch value truth and honor more than their code of omerta?
It's all been said, but it seems it cannot be said often enough--this is a disgrace. And the "few bad apples" gang are still at it. This miscreant white officer is defended by Pat Lynch, who represents over 30,000 officers. Lynch is a disgrace to the uniform and to the city of NY. I'm ashamed that Lynch represents the worst of Irish-Americanism. How many of the cops represented by Lynch value truth and honor more than their code of omerta?
5
The media and watchdog groups need to do a better job of publicizing citizen complaints about excessive force. I'd like to suggest that the NYT publish a weekly report of citizen complaints. With increased scrutiny, sadistic, racist officers like Frascatore would be weeded out sooner. Maybe now the NYPD will start to do a better job of disciplining officers like him. And the City should pay compensation to the other victims reported in today's story.
5
Guarantee if you dig further into his Florida history, there are skeletons in the closet.
4
I am curious if the NYPD tests its officers for Steroid/PED use? We know the NJ State Police found that 40% of its officers used Steroids in 2012. There was whole ring of steroid users/dealers dealing right in the open in locker rooms. It seems so many of the cases like Blake's involve "temper issues". Am I wrong? Do they test?
5
Having heard on WNYC that they had a story last year on this officer's transgressions, why was he still on the force and how many officers like him are still on active duty?
7
So is Frascatore just dismissed and that's it? This guy (and perhaps the others in his group) should be charged with assault and battery. Where's the mouthy union chief now?
5
I am afraid of NYPD, very Afraid. there is a very bad pattern with this officer and the processes involved.
6
Now is the time to hear from James Frascatore; the first story is not always the last story. James Blake has told his story and we've actually,luckily, seen it acted out. We've seen, if you will, the video account. There must be something Frascatore can say in his defense. The union and the police department should let him speak. We've heard Blake, let's hear Frascatore.
You haven't followed any of the reports have you? The union HAS spoken out and issues the same boiler-plate it always has. "Officer a hero.... Blah blah blah.... Dangerous job .... Blah blah blah... Never do wrong... Blah blah blah"
1
Right or wrong this is a common technique in many police departments.Just watch an episode of ''Cops'' or one of those Chris Hansen 20/20 perv arrest videos.
2
You never see white collar (white) suspects, banksters and insider traders, getting slammed to the ground when they get arrested. Oh wait, they don't get arrested do they?
4
Cops have to put safety first. That suspect could have had a gun or a suicide vest or he could have made furtive movements at any time. It's a shame the NYPD will have lose a hero like this, but at least we know he'll be welcomed into some townie PD out on long Island, or in jersey, or upstate. I feel safer already.
4
Is that sarcasm? I can't tell and there are far too many people that actually believe what you wrote.
This situation between NYPD and minorities have been supported and escalated by the past two mayors. It got to the point where a comparison between apartheid in South Africa in the past century and Modern NYPD lt is not an exaggeration. Unfortunately, despite all the situation Mr. De Blasio has experienced himself with NYPD, his apology feels the same encouragement provided by the past two mayors when a violent NYPD becomes front page news. Punishment is the only way to gain control of the NYPD.
We can't also forget that racism has become part of American and Political culture. Nelson Mandela, it's a good example, even after have been recognized as a peaceful leader that united his country and put an end in the apartheid, he was listed as terrorist in USA and a huge article suggesting ties with terrorism was written in this very news paper. It seems, to the world of America, there is no good African American, despite on any world recognition and prizes.
We can't also forget that racism has become part of American and Political culture. Nelson Mandela, it's a good example, even after have been recognized as a peaceful leader that united his country and put an end in the apartheid, he was listed as terrorist in USA and a huge article suggesting ties with terrorism was written in this very news paper. It seems, to the world of America, there is no good African American, despite on any world recognition and prizes.
2
Finally, we all agree on something: Famous lives matter.
7
Is the NYPD going through its records--finding other police officers who have been involved in these incidents--and taking away their guns and badges, too? Or do we just wait until they happen to tackle someone who is famous?
6
You cannot be serious! The officer did not identify himself, rather he looked for all the world like a mugger in midtown. The officer was lucky that James Blake did not beat him to within an inch of his life although the officer would probably have drawn his service revolver and killed an innocent man as they do far too often.
6
This "cop"... sounds like a violent criminal to me. Reminds me of two notorious bullies I knew in High School. They were young thugs in high school and everyone was afraid of them (except very large football players and a few fellow thugs.) I came back to my town after my freshman year in college and found out: (a) one of them was in prison, and (b) the second one, who was the worst of them, became a cop.
7
The outrageous treatment of James Blake is appalling, but is even more so is that fact that this out-of-control policeman has committed numerous such acts in the past, and he's still on the force. Complaint after complaint of mistreatment, abuse, unjustified force and violence . . . and he's still a cop. Why? I wonder if there's a clue in the response of the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association, who predictably came to his defense with the lame excuse that "the circumstances were fluid" where "the subject might have fled." The Blue Wall of Silence is higher than ever. Apparently to the majority of police officers, "to protect and serve" means primarily "to protect and serve . . . EACH OTHER."
9
This individual is in the wrong profession.
4
Is this really how police officers interact with the public? How is a citizen expected to respond to being charged and grabbed by a stranger? We deserve better.
7
"Again and again, residents say they were roughed up by Officer Frascatore…"
No, they were beaten up, not roughed up. Quite a difference.
No, they were beaten up, not roughed up. Quite a difference.
5
Why do NYC police not wear body cameras?
4
Because "they are too expensive and we can't get grants"
But....
"We can buy all the cameras for the police cars for license plates and we can get those armored trucks for swat and the pepper spray canons and humvees with sound blasters"
It's just that the NYPD is cash strapped don'tcha know?
But....
"We can buy all the cameras for the police cars for license plates and we can get those armored trucks for swat and the pepper spray canons and humvees with sound blasters"
It's just that the NYPD is cash strapped don'tcha know?
2
All these incidents where people are charged with resisting arrest...
Like in the Sandra Bland case, what was the original charge they were being arrested for, that they resisted? Nobody's saying.
Like in the Sandra Bland case, what was the original charge they were being arrested for, that they resisted? Nobody's saying.
7
18K non-violent white collar crime? This is petty theft to a trillion dollar credit card industry. So why is NYPD allocating six (6) police officers to some credit card company's petty-to-them loss of 18k when the real white collar crime is occurring around the corner on Wall Street? Like to see officer Frascatore tackle that.
7
If the police want us to believe "it's just a few bad apples, most cops are good," then they've got to stop rallying around and defending the bad guys. The good police have to clean house and get rid of the bad guys, not defend them.
7
The real shame is that the NYPD didn't respond until the officer got caught manhandling a celebrity. There were past complaints (and probably others who didn't complain), but NYPD turned a blind eye.
5
This just does not look bad to me. It just looks like someone, who was definitely identified by a hotel employee, is getting arrested.
1
Maybe if you were the being slammed to the ground, not resisting arrest and having someone push your face into the pavement with a knee in your back, you'd know how bad it looks because you would feel it. Wake up.
2
Take away his pension. Dismiss him. He would make better bouncer.
6
If you fire them and take away their pensions this will go a long way to stopping this kind of behavior. The stripping of the pension is key.
5
Commissioner Bratton claimed that the undercover cops had a photo of the suspect that looked just like Blake. They have not released this photo, which makes me suspect Bratton was not telling the truth about it.
6
Why is he still working? Why isn't he in jail?
20
It appears from the video that Officer Frascatore actually has already modified his behaviour. According to the other complaintants, after he subdued the "perpetrators" his modus operandi was to then beat them. Hats off to the NYPD for this giant step forward. :-/
11
"might have acted too aggressively" ?
Cops, including Bratton, just don't get it ... why people are fed up with their behavior.
Cops, including Bratton, just don't get it ... why people are fed up with their behavior.
12
Why are so many cases of this aggressive policing ignored? It seems that the only cases that receive attention are those that have horrible endings (homicide) or as in this case, affects a famous person. Every case involving police aggression should receive more than cursory review.
12
There is not likely to be any justice in New York until the PBA is broken up. According to them, every officer is an angel and every black citizen, innocent or guilty, deserves to get beaten or killed by their officers.
This is a sick, lawless union that is allowing murderers to kill with impunity, as long as they're union members.
I believe in unions. I have always believed in unions. But the NYPD PBA makes it very difficult to maintain that support. Particularly when officers call their PBA reps, after shooting someone, rather than calling EMS, which they have done repeatedly. Perhaps they're hoping the victims will die so they can't testify against them?
This is a sick, lawless union that is allowing murderers to kill with impunity, as long as they're union members.
I believe in unions. I have always believed in unions. But the NYPD PBA makes it very difficult to maintain that support. Particularly when officers call their PBA reps, after shooting someone, rather than calling EMS, which they have done repeatedly. Perhaps they're hoping the victims will die so they can't testify against them?
10
Thugs with badges. Between that and Civil forfeiture abuse we are 'becoming' a police state. The 'law and order' crew have gone too far.
9
And the officer would have kept on beating up suspects, complaint after complaint, lawsuit after lawsuit until he hit an influential person. Why does it take that? Why wasn't he suspended after the 2nd complaint? How many complaints does it take to establish a pattern? What is wrong with our police department?
9
By most standards, that was a normal takedown without much ado.. If Blake claims he was mishandled, I'd have to disagree. That was a soft takedown and although it was embarrassing, a simple apology will suffice as long as the police officer seeks to protect the people around him. That was done, and Blake suffered not injury. I thought the guy jumped on him.. But that's a lie. The cop was gentle by any standard and Blake was compliant.. Nothing wrong there...
1
How is there nothing wrong in this situation? An innocent person was taken down because he "looked" like someone. There is nothing okay or right about this. I hope this is a satirical response on your part, but sadly I have seen enough comments like this to believe some people really do think this type of behavior is okay.
3
By most standards the absurdity of your comment reaches WWE depths.
1
Nobody is saying this takedown is non-standard. The problem is that no "takedown" of any sort should be standard for a non-violent, low flight risk suspect. Blake did suffer an injury, including a scratch to the elbow. Yes, this is a small injury, but the man is 100% innocent without a doubt, and he walked away from this with a bloody elbow. How is this okay?
2
It is way past time for the police to start policing themselves.
8
NYT. Why don't you actually do an investigation. Can you go through a number of police departments and tell us how many officers have repeat complaints of excessive force or unlawful detention against them. Then figure out what had been done by policy department to deal with this. I' tired of just hearing after someone is caught on video. Do some work and bring the full scope of the problem to light.
16
The Patrolmen Benevolent Association's statement sounds laughingly like the old comedic line, "Who are you going to believe, me, or your lying eyes?" It speaks volumes that they couldn't see the value in condemning this complaint-ridden officer's actions.
7
Just fired? The officer committed a crime of unprovoked assault and battery
(perhaps with a deadly weapon to boot). Jail time would be more appropriate.
(perhaps with a deadly weapon to boot). Jail time would be more appropriate.
11
Not fired!! He's on desk duty until they clear his name. Purely a PR move.
This is totally insane...what is wrong with our system? What the hell do they teach the police before they get their badges and guns. Frascatore should be off the force with no pension, nothing, especially with his history. Time has not changed since the lynchings.
And, the so called good cops are just as bad until they start braking the silence.
And, the so called good cops are just as bad until they start braking the silence.
8
the attempt by the cop(s) to cover up the reports initially on the incident speaks for itself
16
Three points:
This is a supervision and command problem that allows this culture. With all these incidents on the record they are complicit in his actions.
National media focuses on incidents around the country while probably the worst abuses happen everyday right under their noses in NYC.
This is what "tough on crime" looks like.
This is a supervision and command problem that allows this culture. With all these incidents on the record they are complicit in his actions.
National media focuses on incidents around the country while probably the worst abuses happen everyday right under their noses in NYC.
This is what "tough on crime" looks like.
12
I was standing outside a restaurant last night waiting for a seat at the bar while reading this article. The thought came to me of what if I looked like a credit card fraud suspect and a single undercover cop charged at me full speed and grabbed my neck and tried to force me to the ground. Or if one of my loved ones or good friends were in the same situation. Tackled to the ground with a knee in their back by a man who does not identify himself and is yelling at them.
You have to fully imagine what that would be like if it were you to understand just how wrong what that cop did was. I truly believe this cop should be fired and charged with assault and treated like any other citizen would be for jumping on another citizen.
You have to fully imagine what that would be like if it were you to understand just how wrong what that cop did was. I truly believe this cop should be fired and charged with assault and treated like any other citizen would be for jumping on another citizen.
21
sad that it takes another act of violent "law enforcement" - on a celebrity - to get this cretin stripped of his badge and gun. however the only thing that would matter to this guy is docking his pension.
11
This is a bad officer who somehow slipped through the selection process and should be immediately dismissed. One would think that the union would admit that his actions were wrong and that this mistaken arrest,in conjunction with his record, are enough grounds to remove him from the force. His actions are just what gives one of the finest police departments a bad reputation.
As a transplanted New Yorker I ashamed for my city.
As a transplanted New Yorker I ashamed for my city.
5
But it always seems that the union vigorously defends the officer, no matter how inappropriate his actions. Sad.
I understand, respect and support for the uniformed officers to need a union to speak on their behalf, but the comments by the Benevolent Association are beyond stupid and much of the reason the public continue to question the veracity of the police.
15
You are making a judgement with no facts
So you think the "arrest was made under fluid circumstances and the suspect [an innocent man] might have fled" is not a fact, other than being a quote from the BA's mouthpiece? And you also watched the video? Just want to be sure about that.
1
I can't even bear to watch the video.
But I'm glad that James Blake has spoken out about his cruel treatment by Officer Frascatore, a man who is the antithesis of a good cop.
As an Italian American who has cousins on the force, I am sickened to hear that yet another cop whose name ends in a vowel is responsible for brutal acts against people of color.
We'll just can add James Frascatore to the shameful list:
Justin Volpe (Abner Louima)
Daniel Pantaleo (Eric Garner)
But I'm glad that James Blake has spoken out about his cruel treatment by Officer Frascatore, a man who is the antithesis of a good cop.
As an Italian American who has cousins on the force, I am sickened to hear that yet another cop whose name ends in a vowel is responsible for brutal acts against people of color.
We'll just can add James Frascatore to the shameful list:
Justin Volpe (Abner Louima)
Daniel Pantaleo (Eric Garner)
13
The take-down was excessive because it was totally unnecessary. Blake wisely didn't try to resist or talk back to the cop. But what about all the people who walked by and looked at the scene as if they were watching an episode of Law and Order? I've done that presuming that the subject had done something wrong and deserved to be arrested. I wonder what the lady in the fuchsia top said? "Fluid circumstances". I can use that whenever I need a weaselly excuse.
8
I keep asking were you ther.
How can you say takedown unnecessary with zero facts?
How can you say takedown unnecessary with zero facts?
No apologies should be necessary, this officer needs to be thrown off the force. He has had several civilian complaints against him, what do we have to wait for him to kill someone?
DeBlasio and the Police Commissioner need to make the civilian complaints more transparent and open to the public. The sad thing is that there are many competent and ethical policemen on the force and this cop really tarnsihes that.
DeBlasio and the Police Commissioner need to make the civilian complaints more transparent and open to the public. The sad thing is that there are many competent and ethical policemen on the force and this cop really tarnsihes that.
8
"...many competent and ethical policemen on the force...". Competent yes, ethical no. It is not ethical to tolerate abusive, criminal behavior and that is what the rank and file are doing.
I read in another comment this cover up will continue until the millions of dollars that go to victims of police misconduct comes out of the police retirement funds. That will get the "ethical ones" to rat out the bad ones who are costing them money.
I read in another comment this cover up will continue until the millions of dollars that go to victims of police misconduct comes out of the police retirement funds. That will get the "ethical ones" to rat out the bad ones who are costing them money.
2
How could this thug be allowed to continue to possess a badge after the prior complaints? No doubt it required a conspiracy of silence among the many other officers who must have been aware of Frascatore's violent nature.
The problem is not just Frascatore, it's also the many other officers--sworn to uphold the law--who have looked the other way as he abused other people. With its code of silence, the brotherhood of cops is starting to look like a criminal street gang.
The problem is not just Frascatore, it's also the many other officers--sworn to uphold the law--who have looked the other way as he abused other people. With its code of silence, the brotherhood of cops is starting to look like a criminal street gang.
13
Officer Frascatore's conduct in this video, together with the numerous complaints of previous excessive and unwarranted force, not only speaks ill of Officer Frascatore, but also of his supervision. The fact that Officer Frascatore repeatedly engages in such behavior very strongly suggests that NYPD's chain of command actually condones and encourages such behavior, and does not discipline those who engage in such conduct.
Successful resolution of this matter will require not only that Officer Frascatore be held to account for his wanton actions, but also that his supervisors and his chain of command, presently unnamed, be held to public account for their failure to supervise and discipline Officer Frascatore.
There appears to be rot and corruption and complete lack of discipline all the way to the top of NYPD's chain of command, right up to Commissioner Bratton's desk. The Augean Stable needs a thorough cleansing, top to bottom.
Successful resolution of this matter will require not only that Officer Frascatore be held to account for his wanton actions, but also that his supervisors and his chain of command, presently unnamed, be held to public account for their failure to supervise and discipline Officer Frascatore.
There appears to be rot and corruption and complete lack of discipline all the way to the top of NYPD's chain of command, right up to Commissioner Bratton's desk. The Augean Stable needs a thorough cleansing, top to bottom.
29
If the cop was trained to handle suspects aggressively, then he was doing his job. I don't blame the cop if all the police are doing the same practice.
Well, Alex, on that specious theory if the cops were trained to use illegal choke holds would that make it right? Believing that the "mob theory" of policing, or any behavior in general, is an excuse for abusive behavior is not where you want to go.
2
Ah, so he was only following orders? Yes, that's what we should aspire to, and perhaps the uniform could take on a brown hue?
2
Really? So cops aren't able to think for themselves? Evenn more worrisome than bad supervision.
1
Brattton says this was not a result of racial profiling, but I find it extremely hard to believe that if James Blake was a white man he would have been tackled in the same way.
13
Obviously, the first incident was the fault of Mr. Frascatore. All the others are the fault of New York police department. This is a sickness in our society we have to eradicate. Men with badges who think they are unaccountable. Mr. Frascatore does not just deserve to be fired, he deserves to be in prison. He is nothing but a gang member with a badge which he apparently thinks makes him invincable. No, it doesn't.
19
Commissioner Bratton dismissing racism/racial profiling is very troubling, especially in light of this article. He had no idea of this officer's record in Florida or in NYC before he made that dismissive comment or he never would have made it. As with many such incidents there is a prior, underlying pattern of behavior where the police call it "aggressive policing" and the citizenry call it "abusive policing."
His Florida policing record and reasons for transferring to NYPD are going to become public shortly when reporters dig deeper, as I'm sure is already happening. The police always ask the public to wait for a thorough investigation, which is fair. Why then did Mr. Bratton dismiss racism as a possibility when he had not done that same investigation? Indeed, a very troubling double-standard that shows bias as well.
His Florida policing record and reasons for transferring to NYPD are going to become public shortly when reporters dig deeper, as I'm sure is already happening. The police always ask the public to wait for a thorough investigation, which is fair. Why then did Mr. Bratton dismiss racism as a possibility when he had not done that same investigation? Indeed, a very troubling double-standard that shows bias as well.
18
There is no doubt that the vast majority of police officers in this country are honest people trying to do the 'right' thing in law enforcement. But, it's this kind of situation where their representatives and the law enforcement establishment provide a knee-jerk defense of obvious misconduct where there is really NO defense.
With communication avenues so prolific today, we see more and more what passes for 'protection' and 'enforcement' that has been unseen in the past. These egregious acts have given rise to more distrust of the police, the 'Black Lives Matter' movement, and general fear of what was once a heralded and respected profession.
Until the police organizations themselves stop rationalizing that anything a policeman does is justified and start condemning disgusting and dangerous behavior by these rogues, the atmosphere will continue to be poisoned. There is a road back to respect and trust, but, the 'Benevolent' associations must lead, not obstruct.
With communication avenues so prolific today, we see more and more what passes for 'protection' and 'enforcement' that has been unseen in the past. These egregious acts have given rise to more distrust of the police, the 'Black Lives Matter' movement, and general fear of what was once a heralded and respected profession.
Until the police organizations themselves stop rationalizing that anything a policeman does is justified and start condemning disgusting and dangerous behavior by these rogues, the atmosphere will continue to be poisoned. There is a road back to respect and trust, but, the 'Benevolent' associations must lead, not obstruct.
90
How can the associations not see that they're knee-jerk responses only endanger all police?
1
This is a critical issue. One would hope that the police unions would be at the front of any effort to get rid of the bad apples. The fact that they do not do so unfortunately suggests that this is not a bad apple it is the tree. A sorry state of affairs.
1
As long as police officer continue to join and pay dues in support of their "Benevolent Associations" and Unions, I completely disagree with your premise "that the vast majority of police officers in this country are honest people trying to do the 'right' thing in law enforcement." It is this very contradiction of Police Officers empowering such organizations as cover for their very own illegal actions and abuses that poisons our consent to be policed and brings legitimate shame to each and every law enforcement official that silently accepts the "disgusting and dangerous behavior" by the rogues most everyone of them has become.
What's equally disturbing to me is the blasé attitude of the passers-by, as if this happens all the time in NYC. Look up from texting, "hmm, someone getting beat up or arrested", go back to texting. I just hope one of those folks was using their phone to call 911 if they felt unsafe to intervene personally.
3
The issue is the police union that should clear out the thugs, but instead s
They protect them and the rest are forced into silence. Blame the unions.
They protect them and the rest are forced into silence. Blame the unions.
4
We must not treat the issue of police misbehavior as a black or minority one. We all are threatened when we have police officers willing to treat ordinary citizens in this way, no matter what their color. That a disproportionate number of victims are black is indisputable but we should not kid ourselves that our lily white children or are immune.
We have a serious problem with our police, and not just in places such as New York and Baltimore and Ferguson. We need to raise the bar on when it is appropriate to use any force let alone when it is lethal. And police officers who think that they can't do their jobs under such rules (unlike police forces in just about every other advanced nation) should quit and find another career.
We have a serious problem with our police, and not just in places such as New York and Baltimore and Ferguson. We need to raise the bar on when it is appropriate to use any force let alone when it is lethal. And police officers who think that they can't do their jobs under such rules (unlike police forces in just about every other advanced nation) should quit and find another career.
8
I'm persuaded that all American law enforcement agencies are experiencing hysteria, with an attendant loss of rationality.
I crossed the Canadian border into the US the other day, and was appalled by the peculiar behavior of customs officers. They are behaving like the most aggressive TSA people in airports. When I last made this trip, one year ago, I also noticed the problem. But this year it is even worse. I can't help but think that police aggression may have been stimulated, rather than suppressed, by the train of events initiated in Ferguson last year.
The story of James Blake and Dr. Xi, which dominate today's news, seem to confirm that aggressive law enforcement is exploding in the USA.
The Canadians? No signs of hysteria.
I crossed the Canadian border into the US the other day, and was appalled by the peculiar behavior of customs officers. They are behaving like the most aggressive TSA people in airports. When I last made this trip, one year ago, I also noticed the problem. But this year it is even worse. I can't help but think that police aggression may have been stimulated, rather than suppressed, by the train of events initiated in Ferguson last year.
The story of James Blake and Dr. Xi, which dominate today's news, seem to confirm that aggressive law enforcement is exploding in the USA.
The Canadians? No signs of hysteria.
10
Obviously you hate authority
Great
Your will not be satisfied until you need a policeman then you will whine about them not being there for you.
Great
Your will not be satisfied until you need a policeman then you will whine about them not being there for you.
There is no way a single cop should ever attempt an arrest unless lives are in danger. For a criminal, there is very little reason not to run or resist arrest. Frascatore was lucky Mr. Blake did not resist.
I'm going to be flamed for this, but I think K-9 units should routinely be used for arrests. Having enough dogs would be expensive, but it would avoid other, more significant problems. Very few people would run or resist when faced with a 150 pound German Shepherd - good luck trying to outrun or outfight a well trained dog. Since many of the cases where police used excessive force involved someone resisting arrest, the use of dogs would make arrests less confrontational and more safe for everyone involved.
I'm going to be flamed for this, but I think K-9 units should routinely be used for arrests. Having enough dogs would be expensive, but it would avoid other, more significant problems. Very few people would run or resist when faced with a 150 pound German Shepherd - good luck trying to outrun or outfight a well trained dog. Since many of the cases where police used excessive force involved someone resisting arrest, the use of dogs would make arrests less confrontational and more safe for everyone involved.
1
Jim, the US imprisons by far more people than any nation on Earth —5 times more than any Western nation and, despite having less than a quarter of China’s population, we imprison almost twice as many people. So, I’m pretty sure catching people who commit crimes is not the problem.
And, given that policing is not among the most dangerous jobs, I’m pretty officer safety is not a problem either.
But, given that the US kills and brutalizes far and away more people than any developed nation, I’m pretty we need to make police less dangerous, not more so —for instance. Your dumb idea about giving police mutant 150 lb German Shepards (that normally weigh 85 lbs).
Jim, for starters, I’m thinking front line police need not carry guns and probably should not be permitted to touch a suspect unless in rare and extreme circumstances. Since you seem so concerned about getting this right, I hope you’re on board.
And, given that policing is not among the most dangerous jobs, I’m pretty officer safety is not a problem either.
But, given that the US kills and brutalizes far and away more people than any developed nation, I’m pretty we need to make police less dangerous, not more so —for instance. Your dumb idea about giving police mutant 150 lb German Shepards (that normally weigh 85 lbs).
Jim, for starters, I’m thinking front line police need not carry guns and probably should not be permitted to touch a suspect unless in rare and extreme circumstances. Since you seem so concerned about getting this right, I hope you’re on board.
2
"Since many of the cases where police used excessive force involved someone resisting arrest"
Well, that's what the police say, but really, is it believable? Not from many of the videos we have seen of police brutality/murder. They add "resisting arrest" to justify their criminality.
If de Blasio had any spine, he'd fire Bratton and call in the Justice Dept to investigate both the NYPD and their union, with RICO charges in mind. Otherwise things will never change. The PBA hates you already de Blasio, so why not give them a real reason, instead of continuing to bend over for their abuse.
Well, that's what the police say, but really, is it believable? Not from many of the videos we have seen of police brutality/murder. They add "resisting arrest" to justify their criminality.
If de Blasio had any spine, he'd fire Bratton and call in the Justice Dept to investigate both the NYPD and their union, with RICO charges in mind. Otherwise things will never change. The PBA hates you already de Blasio, so why not give them a real reason, instead of continuing to bend over for their abuse.
1
nope.
i certainly don't want every other cop armed with an attack dog.
if you think things are bad now....
i certainly don't want every other cop armed with an attack dog.
if you think things are bad now....
Watching the video, I was struck by the nonchalant manner in which people strolled by this event as it was unfolding. The officer was in plain clothes so it wasn't obviously an arrest.
9
Bratton needs to have some spine here, which he didn't in the Eric Garner case. The ubiquity of cameras shows us, that there are numerous police officers with serous anger management problems. The opportunity to be aggressive in policing is surely something attractive to such individuals. IT is time for the police unions as well to stop defending the bad apples in their ranks. And, finally, what the hell was this guy still doing on the job with such a litany of prior complaints against him? What happened to those complaints after they were filed?
Thank goodness for surveillance cameras!
Thank goodness for surveillance cameras!
11
No accountability here for a violent assault by a police officer. No statement under oath by the police officer, or questioning of his superiors as to his training, psychological make up, or why he remained on the job after repeated incidents. The police union seems to see their job as covering up any wrong doing by its members and avoiding any disciplinary action or prosecution.
9
@loveman0: "The police union seems to see their job as covering up any wrong doing by its members and avoiding any disciplinary action or prosecution."
Couldn't agree with you more.
And you have former Comm. Kelly shooting his mouth off once again. How dare civilians question the actions of those who's job it is to protect us! How dare anyone call into question the wisdom of "Stop and Frisk!"
It's all just par for the course. And it just makes you sick.
Couldn't agree with you more.
And you have former Comm. Kelly shooting his mouth off once again. How dare civilians question the actions of those who's job it is to protect us! How dare anyone call into question the wisdom of "Stop and Frisk!"
It's all just par for the course. And it just makes you sick.
2
The NYPD needs to get its act together instead of blaming critics for compromised officer safety, instead of turning their backs at funerals, instead of enacting a work slowdown, instead of suffocating an unarmed man to death, instead of ignoring complaints against their officers and putting them out on the streets. In short, the level of professionalism and discipline needs to increase dramatically within that organization to command the respect and cooperation of the general public.
11
In light of recent events, I would say, not only does the mandatory psychiatric evaluation need to be updated, but they should also require it to be retaken frequently!
6
I think your right
50% of police officers will go on full disability and we will not have anything but lawlessness
50% of police officers will go on full disability and we will not have anything but lawlessness
I haven't trusted cops since they threw billy clubs at me while peacefully protesting the Kent State murders by the National Guard. They were violent and confrontational then (just looking to bust some heads) and it's more so now. They will have to earn my respect, but until their behavior changes, I won't respect our so called heroes. However, I realize it's not entirely their fault. It's allowed to continue due to the fault of their leadership and our feckless politicians.
6
James Frascatore sounds like a mentally ill, violent person who should not be on the police force or any force, but behind bars, yet the larger issue of police brutality and violence against suspects, especially those who are not white, needs to be addressed, and not with apologies or weasel words, but with real action.
I think of the countless people who resemble James Blake (and the alleged suspect) who might have been taken down, choked to death like Eric Garner, and never gotten any justice or even official police response because they are not famous. You can list the names (Eleanor Bumpurs, Sean Bell, Freddie Gray, etc.) till you are blue in face, and this state violence keeps happening.
IT HAS GOT TO STOP! Police do not need to act this way. They don't!
I think of the countless people who resemble James Blake (and the alleged suspect) who might have been taken down, choked to death like Eric Garner, and never gotten any justice or even official police response because they are not famous. You can list the names (Eleanor Bumpurs, Sean Bell, Freddie Gray, etc.) till you are blue in face, and this state violence keeps happening.
IT HAS GOT TO STOP! Police do not need to act this way. They don't!
19
For credit card fraud? Would Officer Frascatore use same tactic executing arrest on Wall Street? Absolutely not; he would know better.
18
Another "bad apple?" This is not a "culture" problem. The fault lies exclusively with the NYPD for not quickly punishing and or firing thugs like this one. The message this sends to the rank and file is clear and unmistakable: We hire you to ride herd on the public and to instill fear in their hearts every time they see one of you. Do whatever you have to do. We will back you up.
The farce that is played out between NYPD brass and the PBA is entirely predictable and risible. There is no difference in their attitudes towards their employees/membership. They will both strive to maintain the status quo.
Whatever happens to this particular brute is almost unimportant. He simply had the bad luck to attack a well known person. Whether he is fired or fined some vacation days or sent for "re-training" there are plenty more out there to take his place.
By the way, did anyone else find it amusing to note that Blake was released only when an ex-cop working as a security guard at the hotel recognized him and told his former brother officers that they had goofed? They only listen to their own.
The farce that is played out between NYPD brass and the PBA is entirely predictable and risible. There is no difference in their attitudes towards their employees/membership. They will both strive to maintain the status quo.
Whatever happens to this particular brute is almost unimportant. He simply had the bad luck to attack a well known person. Whether he is fired or fined some vacation days or sent for "re-training" there are plenty more out there to take his place.
By the way, did anyone else find it amusing to note that Blake was released only when an ex-cop working as a security guard at the hotel recognized him and told his former brother officers that they had goofed? They only listen to their own.
19
This was an assault.
Blake was attacked by a man who did not identify himself as a cop.
No different than if I had attacked Blake.
Blake was attacked by a man who did not identify himself as a cop.
No different than if I had attacked Blake.
12
Agreed Pinin Farina! Horrifying to see only one person seemed to question what was going on.
1
Except that if YOU had attacked him, you might be in jail.
1
There is no sound with the video. How do you know that Frascatore did not advise Blake that he was being arrested? (Not defending the actions, just questioning your statement.)
Really for Bratton to say this is not about race is insulting. For the Mayor and Bratton to reach out and apologize to Mr. Blake makes the hairs on my back stand up. When Bratton can show us a video of the same technique used on the arrest of Mr. Blake being used on a white guy standing in front of the Grand Hyatt only then can we believe it was not about race. Mr. Blake had every right to defend himself against the attack by this unidentified officer. If he had of defended himself would he have been shot? For the Mayor and Bratton to reach out to Mr., Blake just tells the world that rich or famous black lives do matter. Trying to remember when these two guys last apologized to a non-famous person for a similar incident. If Mr. Blake had not have spoken up the whole incident would have been pushed under the rug. As a New Yorker I am embarrassed by this incident I can only hope the Mayor and Bratton are embarrassed more than I am. Mr. Bratton you must know that maybe you are in denial about if this was about race or not but you have to know the communities of color in this city know it was about race. If not for his celebrity we would not even be talking about it and that is the real shame of this whole thing.
13
There is a part to this that has been unspoken throughout. Mr Blake is self described as "biracial" his mother is a very light skinned blonde blue eyed Englishwoman. I have never seen a photo of Mr Blake's father but understand he is African American. Mr Blake has facial features that appear totally Caucasian. People claim Bratton's statement was racist when he said Blake and the actual perp looked like twins. Now look at a pic of the officer who took him down. He also has a shaved head, his facial features actually appear less Caucasian than Mr. Blake's. Their skin color appears about to be the same. How would anyone even know which one was Italian American and the other Biracial? If I had to guess each mans heritage from a lineup without knowing anything, my first guess looking at them, their facial features, their skin tone, I'd say Blake was white, and the officer, maybe Dominican or maybe Moroccan. That is a good reason why people reasonably say race had nothing to do with it. Google pics of both men and judge for yourself.
1
all I can say I Wow! Denial is not a river in Africa.
2
when a landlord steals your $10K security deposit (happens all the time) and you report it to the police, they do nothing. The Times had a story about a guy who stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from tourists pretending to rent them an apartment. The NYPD did zilch.
But an $18K credit card fraud operation, that they'll devote five cops and take down a tennis star for. And the banks aren't too powerful are they? Did Jamie Dimon and Bratton have lunch at 21? Next thing you know, James Blake is a victim because all black people look alike. Seriously, that was Bratton's excuse?
They did nothing when a friend of mine was attacked on the subway. Just a random event. No bank lost $18K. Bratton should resign. The entire force needs to be retrained.
But an $18K credit card fraud operation, that they'll devote five cops and take down a tennis star for. And the banks aren't too powerful are they? Did Jamie Dimon and Bratton have lunch at 21? Next thing you know, James Blake is a victim because all black people look alike. Seriously, that was Bratton's excuse?
They did nothing when a friend of mine was attacked on the subway. Just a random event. No bank lost $18K. Bratton should resign. The entire force needs to be retrained.
18
I'm glad the Times corrected its earlier story which only mentioned Frascatore's excellent police work and meritorious service. And the Commissioner should have known about Mr. Frascatore's record a long time ago and given him a desk job, if anything. Promises to reform the force are looking pretty thin right now.
17
What puzzles me is why Patrick Lynch and his police benevolent society is so quick to defend this cop. He has four prior complaints against him for using excessive force and was previously a policeman in Florida. Who knows why he left that job? Was he forced out because of his conduct? That wouldn't surprise me. The point is, most policemen are trying to do a good job, but there are rogue cops out there. To pretend, as Lynch does, that there was a rush to judgement to even put him on desk duty is doing a disservice not only to the victim, but to the other policemen and the residents of this city. If Blake sues, which I think he has a right to do, my tax dollars will go to paying his settlement, while the cop will pay nothing and if Lynch gets his way, the policeman and others of his ilk, will continue to assault people and get away with it. Instead of calling out this aberrant behavior, Lynch thinks we should support All NYC police officers, no matter what, even when video evidence shows they are nothing but thugs.
42
The PBA and Lynch's reflexive defense of any action by a police officer, even in the presence of overwhelming evidence (the video) and prior behavior of this officer is shameful. All NYC police officers should reject this response by the PBA. Lynch's actions explain why the NYPC have lost the trust of so many residents of NYC.
3
In France, subjects are always approached with THREE police officers from ALL angles so they can IDENTIFY THEMSELVES without risk of flight. How Blake controlled himself while some thug took him to the ground is just remarkable. Because you know that if he'd resisted AT ALL, he'd have gotten the ILLEGAL Garner chokehold or much, much worse. Bratton sounds a little iffy that there was even an issue here. Time to take back our MILITARY STATE.
49
When ugly things happen just draw a blue line around them and make it go away. Mr. Frascatore's fellow officers need the public's respect and cooperation, it's time they realize it's a two-way street.
7
Bad apples? How about rotten orchard watered by a fetid river?
As an ex-Noo Yawka, I lived through the major corruption scandals and subsequent "investigative commissions" that gave Hollywood so much juicy material in the 70s. Cleaning of Augean stables, etc. etc. etc.
And voila! Plus ca change...
This is the culture of NYC policing--now exported to many places in our fair land--and the Police Union ensures that nothing will ever be done about it. The city pays out massive settlements, the naughty cop keeps his pension and Patrick Lynch keeps getting re-elected...
As an ex-Noo Yawka, I lived through the major corruption scandals and subsequent "investigative commissions" that gave Hollywood so much juicy material in the 70s. Cleaning of Augean stables, etc. etc. etc.
And voila! Plus ca change...
This is the culture of NYC policing--now exported to many places in our fair land--and the Police Union ensures that nothing will ever be done about it. The city pays out massive settlements, the naughty cop keeps his pension and Patrick Lynch keeps getting re-elected...
10
Seems the cops who get "commendations for bravery" frequently are the one who abuse minorities and their "bravery' is just abuse of possible perpetrators until one eventually turns out to be like James Blake.
4
I'm so angry after reading this. Why was this man still on the force after all of these incidents? I think I know why. I can't be sure but it seems that they all involved poor, black accusers. If the officer were accused of these heinous acts by white folks with even a little bit of money (or perhaps anyone with some money) for a decent lawyer, there's no way he'd still be on the force. Sad. Just so sad. The police force, media, and American public now need to figuratively "hang him high," as they say.
13
All of the activity by the right to limit the powers of public sector unions, but never police unions. Continues the real racism of the far right and their law enforcement partners.
7
Why is all the attention focused on this officer and his record, and not some of it on his superiors who tolerated his unprofessional behavior? Does no one in the NYPD, the NYC council, or the Mayor's office understand chain of command, good order and discipline, and accountability? In this sense, Frascatore is less of a problem than a law enforcement leaderhsip which, by tolerating misconduct, ensure its more widespread continuance. The problem cannot be solved by merely punishing the Frascatores of the department.
20
Why has this officer not been arrested and charged with assault and battery? In light of the video, does probable cause not exist, or is there a peculiar NYC rule which would preclude this? Review inquiries and official investigations and "job modifications"/termination aside, why has this criminal not been made to enter the criminal justice system as he should have: on the other side of the bars? Lack of prosecutorial integrity, perhaps?
9
Based on common sense the cop was way out of line, it was a flagrant abuse of authority.
I'm sure an army of police union attorneys will get him off, though.
Sad that his fellow cops look the other way. Until cops with integrity, honor and professionalism - that don't condone a police state - fill the ranks, nothing will change.
I'm sure an army of police union attorneys will get him off, though.
Sad that his fellow cops look the other way. Until cops with integrity, honor and professionalism - that don't condone a police state - fill the ranks, nothing will change.
17
This is criminal behavior without punishment. It is in effect sanctioned by a system that gives these types of officers license to abuse the people they're supposed to protect.
Why? What is this supposed to accomplish?
Why? What is this supposed to accomplish?
14
James Blake handled this entire dreadful episode with grace. He demonstrated astounding self control and discipline. Impressive. A class act. And because of that. Because he didn't resist or fight back. And because he has clout. He will most likely be able to accomplish more regarding unfair brutal treatment by those in law enforcement who shouldn't be than anyone else.
19
I'm not exactly sure how this police business works but do officers generally tackle people standing or walking in public areas like sidewalks or hotel entrances? Are they not suppose to identify who they are and ask people to stop and put their hands up? Even if the announcement came, according to the video there seemed to be zero time for a person to cooperate before being thrown to the ground. I pass people on NYC streets frequently who look familiar or I think I've seen before. It's way too easy to mistake a face...And way too scary to have officers behaving like thugs or criminals.
18
Where are the "good cops" after such an in in incident? They should be front and center decrying this use of force. Alas, they forfeit another opportunity to gain community support by hiding behind the blue line. And yet they wonder why the diminishing respect for themselves and their brethren.
16
Bratton should resign. His reflexive statement that this has nothing to do with race is laughable. There are too many cops who target minorities and behave like thugs.
18
Yup, Thugs is the key word here
I watched the video. There doesn't seem to be any vicious or excessive force used in the take down. It was quick and smooth like it is supposed to be. It was an innocent mistake because they took down an innocent man, but the take down itself was nothing exceptional regardless of whether the cop had previous complaints or not.
1
The takedown was "quick and smooth like it is supposed to be"? You're ignoring the real question: why a takedown at all? (1) Non-violent crime being investigated. (2) "Suspect" was just standing there. (3) No attempt to get compliance before initiating takedown. (4) Identification was sketchy. In other words, the whole operation reflects poor judgment and temperament on the part of the officer, and thus brings into relevance previous complaints for similar behavior. Focusing on the takedown in isolation is myopic in the extreme. You a cop by any chance?
5
The issue isn't how efficient the takedown was, but rather the necessity of it at all. There were other officers around, and the "suspect " wasn't posing an imminent threat. Every police manual would verify that this was a completely unnecessary action. Not identifying yourself, or the reason he was being detained, and not allowing the suspect to confirm his identity are all violations of police procedure, and potentially an individual's civil rights. The constitution guards us against illegal search and seizure. Giving this particular officers past behavior, he deserves to be stripped of his gun.
4
Well-said. Additionally, officers are trained, whenever possible (and it was possible in this case as several others were present) to use backup and "overwhelming force" - that isn't what it sounds like as, in this case, several officers should have surrounded Mr. Blake, identified themselves and questioned him or taken him into custody peacefully. The violations of good procedure here are myriad. Where was the supervision?
It seems as if this officer was anxious for the arrest credit and is what other officers call a "hot dog", one who is willing to sacrifice procedure and safety for personal gain or credit. Maybe that's how they do it Florida, where he was before, but the NYPD is better trained than that and his actions, unfortunately, reflect poorly on all the NYPD cops who do it right every day.
It seems as if this officer was anxious for the arrest credit and is what other officers call a "hot dog", one who is willing to sacrifice procedure and safety for personal gain or credit. Maybe that's how they do it Florida, where he was before, but the NYPD is better trained than that and his actions, unfortunately, reflect poorly on all the NYPD cops who do it right every day.
2
What else is new? another dirty, mentally unfit cop. I can't seem to find
or trust any cop. I am sure there are some good cops out there, but the
unfit cops out number the good ones.
or trust any cop. I am sure there are some good cops out there, but the
unfit cops out number the good ones.
13
Care to back that baseless statement up? When all the media print are stories about alleged misconduct of course the public think ALL are bad.
@Charlie. "The unfit cops out number the good ones." The "unfit" get the media's attention because they are "exciting"; the "fit" are boring and don't get noticed. How can anyone rationally decide which out numbers which?
This is like the case in Mount Vernon, where the police chose to open fire in a residential neighborhood when they knew who the suspect was and with a minimum of proper police work could have found out who the other suspect was. Time after time the police seem to go to the max when they have everything they need to go out and arrest the lawbreaker. Don't these people ever watch Law and Order?
11
Everything the officer did appears to be unnecessary, everything! I'll note that a particular crime does not predict weather someone is a danger to the arresting officer i.e. credit card theft does not mean some will "come along peacefully." However, if this officer had approached Mr. Blake with other officers (in the event they were necessary) he could have conducted a brief interview to ascertain if Mr. Blake was in fact the suspect he was seeking. One last thing, Mr. Mueller and Mr. Schweber coauthored this story to include the embedded video - in the article they wrote that "he finished by digging his knee into Mr. Blake’s back." This never occurred - his knee was across Mr. Blake's buttocks and legs (we can see too). The officer was wrong - it is not necessary to embellish what actually happened; this calls in to question the journalistic integrity of the entire report.
6
You are right. I watched the video again and saw that the officer never dug his knee into Mr. Blake's back. Thank you for pointing this out.
Is there not enough evidence to prosecute this evil cop for assault and battery? He needs jail time, he needs to pay money, the PBA needs to pay money. This is an absolute disgrace for NYC and the US.
It is clear by looking at these photos and this video that this cop lives in some cinematic universe of Vin Diesal and is absolutely screaming mad crazy. He and those responsible for his employment owe big time to all the victims.
It is clear by looking at these photos and this video that this cop lives in some cinematic universe of Vin Diesal and is absolutely screaming mad crazy. He and those responsible for his employment owe big time to all the victims.
33
What about all the stuff that goes on that is not on camera nor is the person they are taking down famous? This is the tip of the iceberg, and every incident should be reported so that something will be done. The police are necessary and are here to protect us and most of them do but there are rogue cops out there and they have to be weeded out and given their walking papers.
23
The Lynch and the Patrolman's Benevolent Association needs to really get a grip on reality. They get into a defensive position over the slightest accusation. In this case, there was no reason for the attack on Blake. The suspect they were looking for was not violent or dangerous, and yet they are defending cops being bullies --again. At the end of the day, they are doing all patrolmen a disservice by defending those who bring shame to the department and city.
5
When reading accounts of this arrest, I expected to see the Rodney King beating all over again.
But, this video appears to depict a plainclothes officer using a reasonable means of incapacitating a suspect. James Blake was a suspect because another arrested suspect had identified him as such. This turned out not to be the truth. Suspects lie: who knew?
Police often deal with unpleasant and dangerous individuals when doing their jobs. They have to be given leeway to protect themselves.
I find the armchair quarterbacking, criticism and second guessing from the snowflake PC crowd to be absurd in this particular case.
There is no question in my mind that police officers in the USA abuse their powers of arrest and confinement on a daily basis, but the video proves that this arrest was not one of those incidents.
But, this video appears to depict a plainclothes officer using a reasonable means of incapacitating a suspect. James Blake was a suspect because another arrested suspect had identified him as such. This turned out not to be the truth. Suspects lie: who knew?
Police often deal with unpleasant and dangerous individuals when doing their jobs. They have to be given leeway to protect themselves.
I find the armchair quarterbacking, criticism and second guessing from the snowflake PC crowd to be absurd in this particular case.
There is no question in my mind that police officers in the USA abuse their powers of arrest and confinement on a daily basis, but the video proves that this arrest was not one of those incidents.
Well, about 700 commenters on this site disagree with you!
2
By your line of reasoning, if the person who incorrectly identified Mr. Blake as the suspect had also stated that he was armed and if Mr. Blake had the misfortune of having his hands in his pockets at the time, then the officer would be justified in shooting Blake because he "believed" his life "would have been" in danger otherwise.
Under this type of reasoning an officer can justify using any level of force they deem necessary if, AFTER THE FACT, they can construct a hypothetical scenario under which they felt "threatened".
This type of justification for the excessive use of force is incredibly convenient for the police and incredibly unfortunate for the rest of us.
Under this type of reasoning an officer can justify using any level of force they deem necessary if, AFTER THE FACT, they can construct a hypothetical scenario under which they felt "threatened".
This type of justification for the excessive use of force is incredibly convenient for the police and incredibly unfortunate for the rest of us.
2
There is the good old PBA again: No officer represented by them ever did any thing wrong. No matter how pathological the officer's pattern of behavior is, the PBA insists that there were extenuating circumstances.
The PBA needs to be sued by a battery of exceedingly good trial lawyers. And then sued again. And then sued again. Until they rethink their fundamental assumptions.
The PBA needs to be sued by a battery of exceedingly good trial lawyers. And then sued again. And then sued again. Until they rethink their fundamental assumptions.
9
It seems Officer Frascatones past examples of his actions are way out of bounds and for frivolous incidents. That my friends is how the job is. Produce arrests or lose your plainclothes assignment. Of course those were quality of life offenses.. Embarrassing to say the least. This particular take down seemed reasonable since the offense was a felony and the officer wanted to be quick and decisive and take no chances of losing his to be prisoner, abet wrong guy, but not in his eyes.
There was nothing reasonable about this "take down." It is beyond absurd to think that it is standard procedure for a single cop to rush a suspect, knock him down to the ground and handcuff him without saying a word. The Officer himself could have been killed if Mr. Blake had a friend nearby, and the firend reacted to the situation by shooting the cop.
2
The classy move for Blake would be to sue, negotiate a big settlement and then divvy the funds between the relatively voiceless people mentioned in this article as being roughed up by this officer in the past.
It's amazing to me that after the second or third citizen complaint that this officer was not scrutinized more closely by his department.
It's amazing to me that after the second or third citizen complaint that this officer was not scrutinized more closely by his department.
4
Commissioner William J. Bratton insists that there was no racial profiling in this incident. Instead, he assures us, the misidentification came because James Blake looked so much like the actual "perp" that, race quite aside, they could have been twins. If that's the case, side-by-side photos of the alleged near-twins would be reassuring. Commissioner?
5
The mission of American law enforcement has been blurred, like everything else in our culture, by the searing inequality that defines us.
Too many of these cops are not there to "protect and serve" ordinary citizens, but to protect the persons and property of the wealthiest among us. Toward that end they have been given carte blanche by leaders like Bratton to brutalize and intimidate those at the bottom of the ladder.
Add racial bigotry to the mix (the inability of supposedly trained police officers to distinguish between Black Man A and Black Man B is a feature, not a bug), along with a penchant for violence as the default mode rather than the last resort, and you've set the predicate for routine violence that is only interrupted--sometimes--by the testimony of a security camera or phone camera.
Lately, US police have resorted to the vile tactic of smearing Black Lives Matter in a shameless propaganda campaign, an attempt to distract the public from the horrid reality of contemporary policing. The case of Mr. Blake has thrown a hitch in their plans, although, alas, probably only a temporary hitch.
Mr. Blake is remarkable in responding to his own abuse by advocating not for himself, but for all the victims of police violence who, lacking wealth, position, and a Harvard degree, have been further brutalized, ignored or dismissed as liars and malcontents by our court system and our "liberal" press. I wish him luck. He's up against something truly ugly and quite chilling.
Too many of these cops are not there to "protect and serve" ordinary citizens, but to protect the persons and property of the wealthiest among us. Toward that end they have been given carte blanche by leaders like Bratton to brutalize and intimidate those at the bottom of the ladder.
Add racial bigotry to the mix (the inability of supposedly trained police officers to distinguish between Black Man A and Black Man B is a feature, not a bug), along with a penchant for violence as the default mode rather than the last resort, and you've set the predicate for routine violence that is only interrupted--sometimes--by the testimony of a security camera or phone camera.
Lately, US police have resorted to the vile tactic of smearing Black Lives Matter in a shameless propaganda campaign, an attempt to distract the public from the horrid reality of contemporary policing. The case of Mr. Blake has thrown a hitch in their plans, although, alas, probably only a temporary hitch.
Mr. Blake is remarkable in responding to his own abuse by advocating not for himself, but for all the victims of police violence who, lacking wealth, position, and a Harvard degree, have been further brutalized, ignored or dismissed as liars and malcontents by our court system and our "liberal" press. I wish him luck. He's up against something truly ugly and quite chilling.
12
Frascatore had three civilian complaints on record, and one can only assume there were probable more not filed… and an expose about these complaints nearly a year ago aired on WNYC. Disturbing to watch this video, he clearly felt no need to consider his actions against Mr. Blake while on one of the busiest streets in America's busiest city. Really sad that it took a celebrity complaint to bring this aggressor into question. An unknown man approaches Blake, shows no badge, and it seems fairly clear there were no miranda rights given, chokes Blake, throws him onto concrete, and puts his entire weight on Blake's backside…. for not being a police officer, this would be assault and Frascatore would already be locked up in jail where he belongs. Last time I checked, fraud was not a violent crime and poses no immediate threat to a person's body. It should also be pointed out that the person who Frascatore thought Blake was….. is also innocent.
Glad there was a security camera there, because no passerby seemed concerned enough to question what was happening of pull out there smart phone and take video. Sad.
I hope education, hiring practices, revised training, oversight and legitimate review boards can eventually make a difference. But trusting 'time will tell' has not been a progressive approach. Citizens and taxpayers need to stand up, be vocal, and pressure their local representatives in city/state levels to see that an officer is actually tried before a jury of peers.
Glad there was a security camera there, because no passerby seemed concerned enough to question what was happening of pull out there smart phone and take video. Sad.
I hope education, hiring practices, revised training, oversight and legitimate review boards can eventually make a difference. But trusting 'time will tell' has not been a progressive approach. Citizens and taxpayers need to stand up, be vocal, and pressure their local representatives in city/state levels to see that an officer is actually tried before a jury of peers.
10
I find it both interesting and extremely sad that the union decided to issue a statement that appears to excuse Mr. Frascatore's actions. That kind of mindless jumping into the fray to defend bad actions is one of the reasons the vast majority of Americans are sick and tired of unions. It often appears that the purpose of unions is no longer to stand up for all workers, but to stand up for those who abuse their positions for personal purposes.
6
Were any of us to be attacked by a stranger on the street in casual dress who was not visibly backed up by police in uniform and who did not identify himself as a law enforcement officer, we would be justified in responding with lethal force. I am not suggesting that Frascatore should have been killed. The fact that his homocide would have been deemed justified shows us how far it is removed from proper conduct by a police officer and how unjustified is his continuing as a police officer.
8
I propose a public demonstration in NYC to show the police force that we can't tell the difference between the good cops and bad cops and therefore trust none of them. That we find their abusive policing to be grotesque and criminal and tearing at the social fabric. That their blue wall of silence and cover ups implicates them all.
Everybody, when passing by a police officer, look them in the eye and put your hands up.
Everybody, when passing by a police officer, look them in the eye and put your hands up.
13
What is a disgrace to the city and the fine police officers served by it is to have a supercritical PBA president who races to defend one apparently incorrigible member without obviously having viewed a video of the incident for which he alone is responsible . Every officer is entitled to union representation but every one of the thousands of good officers need not be besmirched by a leader more interested in his own agenda of remaining in office than identifying member incidents meriting a presidential voice.
9
When is cop culture - across the nation - going to change? And why wasn't Frascatore fired before this? His treatment of Mr. Diggs is -- gosh, I can't even find a strong enough word -- unconscionable, deplorable, sub-human.
I promise you there is some Professional Development consultant out there who would be happy to take $ from Police Departments across the nation and teach them to think before brutalizing, and use a little sensitivity and common sense in non-violent situations, such as approaching a man standing outside the Hyatt, a woman just smoking a cigarette in her car, or a man standing outside a convenience store.
I promise you there is some Professional Development consultant out there who would be happy to take $ from Police Departments across the nation and teach them to think before brutalizing, and use a little sensitivity and common sense in non-violent situations, such as approaching a man standing outside the Hyatt, a woman just smoking a cigarette in her car, or a man standing outside a convenience store.
11
Well, no wonder Officer Frascatore acted that way, he was not fired for this type of completely unacceptable behavior in the past. For that matter, he still hadn't been fired. The blame for his repeated offenses goes much wider and higher than just Officer Frascatore.
25
How many other New Yorkers would've made futile complaints and accusations that go nowhere before this officer would be truly disciplined and held accountable? My guess is dozens.
If it hadn't been James Blake he'd tackled, if it had instead been Bob Smith or Jane Jones, or any other publicly anonymous person, we'd never know. The only difference here, it seems, is that his victim was someone with clout - quite unlike the previous individuals at the receiving end of his fists.
There is something screwy about a system in which repeated civilian complaints - very legitimate complaints, it appears - have no apparent impact on a cop's professional life or on how his precinct handles those complaints. It shouldn't take someone as well-known as Mr. Blake to change things.
If it hadn't been James Blake he'd tackled, if it had instead been Bob Smith or Jane Jones, or any other publicly anonymous person, we'd never know. The only difference here, it seems, is that his victim was someone with clout - quite unlike the previous individuals at the receiving end of his fists.
There is something screwy about a system in which repeated civilian complaints - very legitimate complaints, it appears - have no apparent impact on a cop's professional life or on how his precinct handles those complaints. It shouldn't take someone as well-known as Mr. Blake to change things.
32
What I see is an American Citizen standing, minding his own business. Out of nowhere a person in jeans and a t-shirt grabs him, slams him on the ground, rolls him over and, after kneeing him in the back, places handcuffs on him. Only one person does or says anything, and she only points, says something and walks away. And this incident was all the result of someone pointing the citizen out and saying they thought he was the guy they were looking to arrest.
Think about that. Think about it happening to you. Think about what it says both about our police and our society. The policeman didn't do any verification of identity. The policeman didn't identify himself. The Citizen displayed no hostility, even when being body slammed by a complete stranger out of the blue. Imagine what the policeman would have done if the Citizen had reacted with any degree of negativity.
We need to change the attitude and tactics of our police force toward the Citizens of the United States. It is no longer good enough to say it is just a few, when video after video surfaces. When the counted this year is at 815 citizens. We are citizens, not criminals. It is the job of the police to police their own.
Think about that. Think about it happening to you. Think about what it says both about our police and our society. The policeman didn't do any verification of identity. The policeman didn't identify himself. The Citizen displayed no hostility, even when being body slammed by a complete stranger out of the blue. Imagine what the policeman would have done if the Citizen had reacted with any degree of negativity.
We need to change the attitude and tactics of our police force toward the Citizens of the United States. It is no longer good enough to say it is just a few, when video after video surfaces. When the counted this year is at 815 citizens. We are citizens, not criminals. It is the job of the police to police their own.
48
I'm just absolutely flabbergasted that after that many serious complaints this guy is still working- maybe Bratton should apologize for that, because I doubt Frascatore will. What an absolute disgrace to the city and to his fine fellow officers.
78
You would be more flabbergasted to know that because of the police contract you can never find out about those serious complaints nor can you learn the disposition of those complaints. Nor can the NYPD just fire his guy merely for not following procedures. No accountability at all. This guy's past, apparently was only revealed when his victims stepped forward.
The reason the NYPD is a law unto itself? Just remember what happened when Di Blaso tried to stand up to the NYPD - they took him out to the woodshed.
The reason the NYPD is a law unto itself? Just remember what happened when Di Blaso tried to stand up to the NYPD - they took him out to the woodshed.
2
It is because of "leaders" like Bratton, who tend to support and defend these loser cops, that they go one to injure and kill innocent and unarmed civilians, whining all the while. The public has had enough of those loser cops, and enough of mouthpieces like Bratton.
1
Frascatore and his partners need (unpaid) retirement, not retraining.
How many others who weren't celebrities and weren't filmed have been harmed over the course of this criminal's career.
One thing we can be sure of: Frascatore will not be truly apologetic. He will however, be truly full of entitlement and "pride".
The NYPD needs to be culled of bad actors. We should start with this poor excuse for a public servant.
How many others who weren't celebrities and weren't filmed have been harmed over the course of this criminal's career.
One thing we can be sure of: Frascatore will not be truly apologetic. He will however, be truly full of entitlement and "pride".
The NYPD needs to be culled of bad actors. We should start with this poor excuse for a public servant.
21
Knowing what we now know about this officer, it begs the question: how many civilian complaints/lawsuits were quietly settled in Florida before he came here? And exactly what precipitated his joining this department? Ordinarily this wouldn't necessarily be a relevant issue, but given the situation he's in now, having already racked up a number of complaints against him here, it might be worth knowing.
20
"The Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association said his arrest of Mr. Blake 'was made under fluid circumstances where the subject might have fled.'”
Oh boy. They can't even consider the possibility that they may have a bad apple in their midst. I now have no choice but to assume that policemen regularly lie for themselves and each other. Policemen are probably less trustworthy than most people, and that should be taken into account when weighing their testimony in court. How sad.
Oh boy. They can't even consider the possibility that they may have a bad apple in their midst. I now have no choice but to assume that policemen regularly lie for themselves and each other. Policemen are probably less trustworthy than most people, and that should be taken into account when weighing their testimony in court. How sad.
33
Zero tolerance for cops that lie, cover up, or tamper or destroy evidence in police actions. The response should be certain and swift, temporary suspension without pay, and if facts warrant it, removal from office and criminal charges. If circumstances don't warrant it, full reinstatement and backpay.
Former Florida police officer in NYC having the time of his life. He punches a man in the mouth and then accuses him of biting when he cuts his hand on the man's teeth. It would be interesting to look at his Florida record. So I'm asking, is this man fairly representative of the typical NYC police officer?
23
Every police department in America has its Frascatore's and Pantaleo's (the NYPD punk who strangled Eric Gardner for selling loose cigarettes) and they do nothing to rid the ranks of them. Soon law schools will offer special courses on how to build a career and a fortune suing police depts and their municipalities. Now that there are cellphone videos to support the testimony of those whose word would previously never have been accepted over the lies of "a sworn officer of the peace," there is real seven-figures money in these cases.
Some day, municipalities will wise up and make it a discharge offense for an officer to conduct himself in any fashion that results in the City having to pay out damages to a citizen.
Some day, municipalities will wise up and make it a discharge offense for an officer to conduct himself in any fashion that results in the City having to pay out damages to a citizen.
Wow! Just another day on the streets of New York. Now Officer Frascator becomes the post boy for bad cops. But throwing him under bus won't solve the problem. The problem is at the top. It's an outlook, that is expressed in Ray Kelly's just published book about his years as NY police commissioner. Communities are targeted and classified as high crime. A cop goes to work everyday believing these are bad people. They are not concerned with the poverty or lack of resources or social conditions of the community. In many cases the cops are scared too, so they over react or presume the worst. In this case what would have happened if officer Frascator would have approached Mr Blake and asked for ID?
11
I hope he files assault charges. And since all of this happened to him without even knowing this was a copy, he probably thought he WAS being assaulted. If he'd done any self-defense moves to fight back or get away (which would have been logical), maybe he would have been shot or charged with resisting an arrest. The police force wants to be respected and hates the negative attention, but they don't do enough to clean their own house so this doesn't happen. With his history, he should have been off the force by now. With any luck, he will now face a criminal charge, at least.
27
If Mr. Blake had been in a vehicle at the time of this attack (let's call it what it was) and he attempted to escape it by driving away, it is likely that he would have been shot for 'trying to run over the officer' who never identified himself as such.
1
Ex-officer Frascatore has the type of personality that if he hadn't become a cop, he would have probably been a criminal. He may still turn out to be one yet unless he gets some help.
26
He IS a criminal.
1
Ahem. Frascatore is a criminal.
1
Let's hope he doesn't just move on to some other police department and terrorizes people there.
1
It is time to dissolve all police unions everywhere. Maybe Scott Walker can tackle that next, once he drops out of the Presidential race. He hates public unions, let him get rid of Wisconsin's police union. It will be a good start.
12
Dissolving all police unions is an irrational response that says more about the person hating unions than it does about unions. Yes, there is a big problem when unions seem to focus their attention on defending poor performers and I admit that I'm disgusted that the PBA jumped in to defend this policeman. The reality is, however, that police perform a necessary function in society and that they are often the objects of derision and abuse themselves. The individuals in the police need and deserve protections from the politics de jour and the attacks of those who want someone to blame for their own lack of community self-control.
Unions in general do a lot of good, but (as is the case here) they are at their worst when they over-reach in their zeal to protect their membership with no regard for morality/legality. Better than dissolving these entities, they should be culture-corrected (how???) to punish undue violence, racial intolerance and blanket unprofessionalism – while rewarding exemplary action. Good behavior needs to be modeled – and not with a wink while turning a blind eye towards indiscretion, nor by City 'management'. The PBA or something needs to be doing that kind of work – changing minds/culture from within (as a peer organization), from where the message will be understood and accepted.
The guy needs to not just lose his badge, but be prosecuted for assault. It is getting incredibly tiring reading these kind of articles.
37
Only someone from St.Louis would say that this brutality should be continued. You can get tired all you want because it's not happening to you. He should remain on the force? Really? So he can continue abusing the citizens whose taxes pay his salary? Really?
PBA continues to maintain its status as an irrelevant anachronism totally disinterested in any semblance of justice, morality, or public interest. Protecting the indefensilble actions of rogue, brutal actions of police officers.
22
And the infamous Blue Shield of the police union reflexively goes up to protect another bad cop. And the police as well as the unions wonder why respect for their institutions are dropping at a rapid pace?
45
I am glad the Times printed this article detailing Frascatore's troubled past. As awful as the treatment off Mr. Blake was, it is not an isolated event. My sense is that this sort of thuggery happens all too frequently in the precincts above 125th Street. I do hope Mr. Blake does indeed use his humiliating experience to shine a light on these abominable police tactics.
44
He needs to be fired, prosecuted on assault charges, sued for damages by victims (both him and the city for hiring such as he), and hopefully jailed in the meantime with a large bail!
Can't wait to hear how the police union portrays this one.
Can't wait to hear how the police union portrays this one.
48
America's police and criminal justice system is a reflection of a racist, primitive, and brutal society.
The rest of the world sees and laughs at the nation and all its hypocrisy of liberty and justice.
The rest of the world sees and laughs at the nation and all its hypocrisy of liberty and justice.
46
I have said it before in this comment section and will again, until the PBA is held financially responsible as well as the city when a court ordered judgement is handed down nothing will change.
When the honest good cops have to fork over money to their union to satisfy court awards you'll see the blue wall of silence develope holes like a wedge of Swiss cheese
When the honest good cops have to fork over money to their union to satisfy court awards you'll see the blue wall of silence develope holes like a wedge of Swiss cheese
76
Very simply:
1. I totally agree that the PBA has got to assume a good chunk of financial liability in cases where they defend the officer's conduct and the officer is found to have violated policy or law. The PBA cannot have it both ways where they blindly declare a member's innocence - something they do in all cases without exception - and wash their hands of the entire affair in cases where the officer is found to have violated policy or law.
2. With his record of violence against citizens, this officer should never wear a badge or a gun.
3. All supervisors who failed to hold this officer accountable in the current and past actions where a complaint was lodged against him should be stripped of all supervisory duties.
Until top city and county officials begin doing their job the problem of excessive force being used improperly will continue. Good and safe police work can be accomplished in compliance with policy and the law while treating all citizens with respect.
1. I totally agree that the PBA has got to assume a good chunk of financial liability in cases where they defend the officer's conduct and the officer is found to have violated policy or law. The PBA cannot have it both ways where they blindly declare a member's innocence - something they do in all cases without exception - and wash their hands of the entire affair in cases where the officer is found to have violated policy or law.
2. With his record of violence against citizens, this officer should never wear a badge or a gun.
3. All supervisors who failed to hold this officer accountable in the current and past actions where a complaint was lodged against him should be stripped of all supervisory duties.
Until top city and county officials begin doing their job the problem of excessive force being used improperly will continue. Good and safe police work can be accomplished in compliance with policy and the law while treating all citizens with respect.
5
Doug, this is the first time I've seen/heard/read that suggestion, which I think is eminently sensible --- especially given the PBA's irresponsible, inflammatory positions on issues, which persuade their members of their standing above the citizenry and above the law.
It's time to reassert, aggressively, that the police are not and cannot be a self-regulating entity; they need fair, impartial scrutiny, regulation, and, where appropriate, sanction and punishment. Frascatore's attempt to cover up his own illegal behavior --- which he couldn't get away with, thanks to Mr. Blake's celebrity --- is just the latest example of a police culture, in NYC and elsewhere, that is out of control and needs reining in. Now.
It's time to reassert, aggressively, that the police are not and cannot be a self-regulating entity; they need fair, impartial scrutiny, regulation, and, where appropriate, sanction and punishment. Frascatore's attempt to cover up his own illegal behavior --- which he couldn't get away with, thanks to Mr. Blake's celebrity --- is just the latest example of a police culture, in NYC and elsewhere, that is out of control and needs reining in. Now.
4
interesting suggestion
1
It is not about the bad cop. In all these stories, Officer Frascatore was not alone. Every officer he worked with either denied the wrong doing or was complicit in it. All participate and then the police union backs them up. Until the NYPD and other police departments are taken to court and lose, this behavior will continue. Mr. Blake and Mr. Sefolosha, who suffered a season ending broken leg, need to start a class action law suit. The time is now. The public has now seen the other side of the badge. We are ready to sit in the jury box.
30
Unfortunately, such a person as yourself would be excluded from the jury pool by very clever jury consultants paid for by the PBA, in exchange for enough suburban middle to upper middle class jurors who will sympathize with the 'tough job and difficult circumstances officers face'. A hung jury or an outright acquittal later and we are right back where we started.
2
I am such a juror. I am ready.
1
I can't think of any possible explanations that can make sense out of this incident. This would seem to add more credence to previous complaints against this officer. It is easy to say that Bratton needs to invest more in examining trends of complaints about officer performance. However, the fact is that many of those complaints are unfounded; made by people seeking a get out of jail free card or financial gain. This is most unfortunate because guys like the officer in question in this event have no business being on the street with a gun and a shield. Any attempts to improve this on-going dangerous embarrassment need to include education of both the police force and the community.
2
Just another day at the office for a NYC cop. This type of policing has been routine since the end of slavery. But thanks to ubiquitous video, our history now literallly flashes before our eyes on a seemingly daily basis. How long will it take for police chiefs and union officials to simply open their eyes?
3
Officers like this are the root cause of public distrust of the police. You have to give respect to get respect. The union rep says it was a "fluid" situation where Mr. Blake might have fled, the video puts lie to that claim, the fact that these officers failed to report the incident as required also opens doubt into the policeman's claims.
It would be nice to see this officers file from his Florida employer.
It would be nice to see this officers file from his Florida employer.
5
A profession such as police work where the use of force is sanctioned is going to attract its share of the power mad and violence prone. Screening these people out needs to be a priority.
7
The police are out of control.
First, they ought to be chosen by their local, communities.
Second, they need to undergo psychological testing on a regular basis.
Third, write it into their contracts: Three complaints and they are out.
First, they ought to be chosen by their local, communities.
Second, they need to undergo psychological testing on a regular basis.
Third, write it into their contracts: Three complaints and they are out.
3
The worst pat of this is the PBA's astonishing defense of the thug-cop. That sends a message to all police that they are free to do the same whenever the whim moves them.
I don't see specific evidence of racism in this. Jut plain police criminality, regardless of the color of the victim.
I don't see specific evidence of racism in this. Jut plain police criminality, regardless of the color of the victim.
4
There is something very wrong here. Media reported Friday that Frascatore was up for promotion to detective. How can a person with this history even be remotely considered for this. The comments by Lynch are even worse. Has he ever admitted that there is a possibility that a cop has made an error. The recruitment process seems flawed--what was this guy's record in Florida and why did he leave?
3
Oh come on. The criminal here is the guy who gave false information to the police and fingered Blake. Mr. Blake is a young large athletic man, the officer took control of the situation on the assumption he was involved and would take off running. That take down was text book, no excessive force at all.
1
So you would be OK if, due to a case of mistaken identity (by a courier, not a criminal), and your being in the wrong place at the wrong time, an NYC cop in plain clothes, with no warning, tackled you to the ground? Would you then feel it was not excessive force?
It sounds like Officer Frascatore is the wrong person to wear a badge and commenter Anne Harper wrote, "How many cases happen daily--and we never hear about them?"
There are most likely a large number of similar cases happening but suddenly these instances are becoming public and the changes are being made albeit slowly. The point is, the correction and repairs are beginning.
There are most likely a large number of similar cases happening but suddenly these instances are becoming public and the changes are being made albeit slowly. The point is, the correction and repairs are beginning.
3
The NYT should go dig out Frascatore's record as police officer in Florida. I am sure they will find more surprises. He had it coming to him. He has abused, with impunity, so many citizens. He ran out of luck when he tackled a celebrity. These "officers" should never become policemen in first place. It is not only their problem, but a problem with the way in which police officers are selected, recruited, and trained.
9
Where was the police chief when Mr. Frascatore manhandled the first complainant? How did he get hired? It seems to me that the selection screening for hiring police officers is way too porous. Mr. Frascatore appears to have issues with anger and aggressiveness, not to mention intelligence.
Police forces are just like other "men in groups", where loyalty to each other always trumps ethics and decency. The police chief deserves to be indicted along with Frascatore for unlawful assault on James Blake.
Police forces are just like other "men in groups", where loyalty to each other always trumps ethics and decency. The police chief deserves to be indicted along with Frascatore for unlawful assault on James Blake.
8
When I was a kid in the 70's my teacher told us American was going to turn into a police state like East Germany and Russia if we did not defend our freedom. At the time our enemies were mere caricatures, jack boot types drawn by propagandists. Now our enemy has a face and it is us.
3
In the long overdue move to community policing, officers with a record like this must change or be removed. This type of overly aggressive with possible racial issues do not work.
4
It is interesting to see how the entire incident played out in this case. I may be wrong, but in a linear fashion, I heard an "undercover officer" had done this; therefore no video could be released, as it would break his "cover". This seemed dubious to me, as the video could have digitally blurred out the officer's face; then film would speak for itself. Moving on, a rapid apology was given by NYPD Chief Bratton, immediately followed by a PBA spokesman. Nothing new there. I also heard the officer in question had done this once before. Next, it was released he had used excessive force twice. Finally, we have the video and officer's name released, plus the major fact he had several prior complaints filed against him, as are listed here. Who knows what his record was when he was an officer in Florida? Maybe none, maybe more. Objectively, there is a rush to judgment (before more than a few basic facts are released for the public), then a statement by the police, and another by the PBA. Let us not forget the victim. He releases a statement which (considering what we saw) was relatively not overblown. Too often a settlement is made, the officer is fired and that is the end of it. I hope a trial goes forth, and if the officer is found guilty, at least some potential good may come from it, such as a policy change is made by the NYPD. Please know I am the LAST person to defend this officer. On the contrary, I HAVE been punished; much too harshly by "the authorities" going way back.
2
Nothing will come of this. It never does. In a remarkably similar case, which created an international uproar, charges were brought against a policeman in a Huntsville, Ala., suburb who just as violently and without reason took down a visiting grandfather from India on suspicion that he was casing the neighborhood. Like this one, the case was captured on videotape or it would have gone unnoticed by the world. Even so, the case ended Friday in a hung jury. These things will keep happening as long as the public accepts bullying behavior by rogue cops.
16
The other day, I a professional African American man was standing up in a cafe after reading and had just put my backpack on. I was only slightly in the passageway and had my headphones on listening to some music. A rather large young white male barreled passed me pushing my backpack off with the momentum almost taking me down. I spoke to this man and asked him why his action and he very rudely replied that I had my headphones on and therefore he decided to push me out the way. Now this could have ended in several ways but I chose the peaceful way out. Many whites are under the very mistaken assumption that in any confrontation between black and white especially where one of the participant is a policeman, that the black person is the aggressor. This assumption could not be any further from the truth and I don't know how we change its ridiculous assumption.
12
It's ironic to me that an organization called the Police Benevolent Association would stand in support of the actions of a police officer who has repeatedly apparently been anything but benevolent in his actions on duty. Any individual or organization that defends the actions of soon-to-be-former officer Blake is as guilty, and as culpable, as Blake. Sue them all.
12
This abusive police officer may finally be stopped. It is so depressing to see that the complaints of ordinary non-famous citizens have been ignored over the years.
21
This officer represents the worst of the bad eggs sprinkled throughout police departments coast to coast. He's a bully and a thug with a badge enjoying the full protection of the PBA and unions. Thank god for surveillance cameras that corroborate claims like this.
23
As long as the NYPD, the City and the PBA protect bad cops, the reputation and effectiveness of policing will suffer. Stop protecting bad cops!
3
There is a law that protects the personal property of police who do this sort of thing. That law must be abolished. Citizens must be allowed to sue individual police officers who mistreat them. The police should be sued for all their personal property, homes, land, etc. if they are found to be abusive. Police organizations and government agencies must also be liable when a case clearly shows misconduct of a police officer. money should be taken from the pension plan, etc. The police must know that if they mistreat citizens, money will come from them personally may result in their retirement benefits being totally exhausted. This treatment will stop when it actually cost individual policeman.
4
I understand the need for plainclothes police work and have a real problem when these officers make arrests, especially when not identifying themselves. Without knowing one is an officer, the person being arrested might assume they're being robbed, kidnapped, about to be raped, etc. There is the inclination to defend yourself (leading to the resisting arrest charge).This is quite dangerous behavior. I don't think Andy Roddick or a suspect resembling him would be treated this way. Officer Frascatore has made too many mistakes.
2
We all witness cops routinely parking in restricted areas, ignoring speed laws, and playing favorites when enforcing traffic regulations. Their superiors rarely ever call them out about this behavior. Trivial? Of course, but it reinforces their belief that they are above the law. No wonder some will eventually abuse their authority in more serious ways as described by reporters Mueller and Schweber in this article.
6
I have a small shop that faces a busy intersection in Brooklyn. Every day I see cops driving by holding cell phones up to their ear and only slowing a bit before running red lights. The officer who lives across the street parks his jeep half on the sidewalk a few feet from a hydrant with his placard on the dash every day. I see other officers stop to ticket it, glance at the placard, and roll on
1
Absent from your column is the angry response Pat Lynch gave on behalf of this officer. It seems whatever a police officer does, whatever rights they violate , however they mistreat , humiliate and in some instances kill a civilian , Pat Lynch has an angry defense lined up and casts aspersion upon the general public. Apparently in the eyes of Pat Lynch the police can do no wrong and they are above the laws they are hired to enforce and owe no explanations to the citizens that pay their salaries. It is this attitude coming from the head of their union that encourages the attitude displayed by many officers today when they engage in encounters with the citizens that they serve. It is unacceptable, irresponsible and harmful. The vast majority of police officers are honorable, brave men who serve with distinction and valor. However, as with Justin Volpe their are renegades and bad men among them and when their actions violate the public trust and treat the citizens they serve with contempt and disrespect they must be sanctioned and terminated not defended. It is not against the law or anti police to voice criticism against an out of control officer or one who violates the rights of the very citizens they are hired to defend.
2
I'm a harmless-looking middle-aged white woman with no criminal history, living in a tame little suburb, and I feel very, very uneasy these days whenever a cop is in sight.
Can't even imagine the discomfort, distrust and fear that black people must feel when they see the badge and gun. It's obscene. As is the militarization of local police departments.
The whole notion of "protect and serve" has been perverted beyond recognition in this country, and mainly due to the insane, white-man-enriching "war on drugs." It and the resulting mindless zero tolerance mentality have caused more damage to the fiber of this nation than any issue aside from slavery.
Can't even imagine the discomfort, distrust and fear that black people must feel when they see the badge and gun. It's obscene. As is the militarization of local police departments.
The whole notion of "protect and serve" has been perverted beyond recognition in this country, and mainly due to the insane, white-man-enriching "war on drugs." It and the resulting mindless zero tolerance mentality have caused more damage to the fiber of this nation than any issue aside from slavery.
7
I simply don't understand why the three policemen on the scene couldn't have surrounded Mr. Blake if they thought he was the perpetrator. Two in front, one in back or the reverse and just say we are the police and would like to talk with you. This mean spirited take 'em down first and ask questions later is inappropriate for any citizen. Are the incoming police screened with psychological tests that can predict such anger or racism? It's shameful that the three citizens who were previously molested by the officer did not receive the same attention as Mr. Blake. Once again it takes a well known personality for this behavior to come to the attention of the public which then drives action.
3
I'm left wondering how many times an officer must be accused of brutality before the department actually takes action? Maybe the Times can launch an investigation of police records to see how many officers have multiple civilian complaints filed against them and what happened to those officers as a result. To me, this all sounds like the Department gives no credence to citizens' complaints and always assumes the officer's actions were correct. Since evidence from this and other videos shows the absurdity of such an assumption, what is the policy of the Department when an officer is the subject of multiple civilian complaints?
3
I am deeply saddened by the video of this incident because I believe that it depicts the behavior of a man, Mr. Blake, who has carefully considered the best way for a black man to survive an encounter with law enforcement. Watch closely. Mr. Blake, a powerful athlete, makes absolutely no move to resist or in any way defend himself. He goes completely limp and allows himself to be assaulted and manhandled, exhibiting an astonishing degree of restraint and control. I am sad because Mr. Blake would have been severely brutalized and possibly killed if he had not mentally rehearsed and successfully executed a plan of complete and utter submission to a policeman's aggression. I am sad because while goons like Frascatore seem as common as roaches in NYC, it takes the serenity, discipline and the turn-the-other-cheekness of Jesus himself, for a black man to survive an encounter with police.
13
This is a very elegant statement and sad too because I wonder if, in his exemplary life, James Blake rehearsed in his mind what he would be if confronted by a cop.
Maybe I am being overly optomystic, but perhaps, because it was James Blake who was assaulted, some positive action will come of this.
Maybe I am being overly optomystic, but perhaps, because it was James Blake who was assaulted, some positive action will come of this.
So finally in the twenty-first century what has been known for millennia is out in the open? Sort of, maybe, a lot of police are brutal jerks taking any and every opportunity to beat down on people because they enjoy it. And can we acknowledge that brutality, bullying, and authority is a large component of the police mindset, why these individuals become cops. That they think they have a right to hurt people. That they are brothers in arms and see their mission as a war, that it is them against the citizens. And finally that many of them lack the education, intelligence, courage, and generosity of spirit the job requires.
The other side of this is why do we have cops working for us who indiscriminately gun down the powerless for absolutely no justifiable reason and generally treat people like dirt just because they can?
The other side of this is why do we have cops working for us who indiscriminately gun down the powerless for absolutely no justifiable reason and generally treat people like dirt just because they can?
Many white PO in some departments across this country hold biases against non-whites an often use excessive violence and sometimes even deadly force to subdue unsuspecting minority citizens. The minority citizen doesn't necessary have to be breaking the law; he just has to be in the vicinity walking or driving. What is troubling is the PO departments top officers and union presidents seem to always come to the defense of the officers no matter how ridiculous the arrest were or blatantly obvious of the racial intent to deprive a minority citizen of their rights. Examples in the article point this out. There generally is no retribution or punishment giving to these wayward officers. And anytime any white officer is murdered in the line of duty and a minority is the suspect, these type of officers take it out on innocent minorities caught doing the most meniscal infraction. These frequent incidence of beatings, overkills, bad outcomes during unprovoked arrest has led to "Black Lives Matter". In this toxic atmosphere, several cops have been murdered in cold-blood. Only fair treatment of all citizens and zealously going after bad cops will ameliorate the mistrust and tensions in our society; or, it will continue to exacerbate.
3
Once again, we see that a violent and abusive officer with a series of racially charged citizen complaints has avoided being held accountable until he assaults a high profile person and his assault is caught on video.
And again we see the Policemen's Benevolent Association offering an absurd and demonstrably false excuse for an officer's abusive behavior despite video evidence of the officer's wrongdoing.
The police leadership have offered fine words about their intention to reform the department, but their continued refusal to instill a culture of accountability in their department for unjustified, violent behavior by their officers suggests that, at this point, those fine words have yet to be translated into needed reforms.
And again we see the Policemen's Benevolent Association offering an absurd and demonstrably false excuse for an officer's abusive behavior despite video evidence of the officer's wrongdoing.
The police leadership have offered fine words about their intention to reform the department, but their continued refusal to instill a culture of accountability in their department for unjustified, violent behavior by their officers suggests that, at this point, those fine words have yet to be translated into needed reforms.
4
Whoever allowed him to keep his job after all the complaints should be fired. No demotion should be used. This behavior is a clear abuse of power. The hiring manager should also be demoted or fired. His current manager ought to be demoted or fired as well.
Individuals need to be held accountable.
Also, unions that choose to protect jobs instead of just worker rights need to be destroyed. Unions should not be protecting bad workers.
Individuals need to be held accountable.
Also, unions that choose to protect jobs instead of just worker rights need to be destroyed. Unions should not be protecting bad workers.
4
Individual police officers and their unions are responsible for the squeeze they find themselves in, as situations like this come to light. Many individual officers have been running amok since the 1960s, and there has been minimal push back by the highly paid officers that are hired to provide proper management - except in the wrong direction. Police commanders and prosecuting attorneys, in their own efforts to ensure they are "tough on crime", have allowed, even encouraged, the uncalled for performance issues described here. Will it get fixed? Highly unlikely. Don't bet on it.
1
As a 24-year veteran in law enforcement, I wouldn't focus so much on the physical attributes of the takedown itself, which by most standards, doesn't bring a lot into question based on the video but instead focus on the following:
a) Why the immediate aggressive posture? Was the "intel" here indicating a potential violent subject?
b) If that was the case, why was the officer alone? Not even the good folks of NYC (with the exception of an elderly lady) acknowledged the fact there was a scuffle taking place.
c) The source of the intelligence should also be called into question as well as communication (if any) the officer had for verification before going hands-on.
d) Plainclothes works for surveillance, undercover, or detective work. You go in at Defcon 10 to arrest someone by force, you need to be equipped and prepared for a fight. Should he have worn visible identification? A vest? I didn't even see a firearm in the event the "violent" subject was armed. Were there exigent circumstances based on the intelligence or information?
As cops, we never want to Monday morning quarterback. After all, there but for the grace of God...but in this day and age, I preach verbal judo before jui-jitsu. Yeah, the bad guy can get away. Oh, well. But you can go home at the end of the day knowing you can rest your head on your pillow with a calm and clear conscience.
Policing has changed. Living in a fish bowl at first, we're now under the microscope. We need to get used to it. Now.
a) Why the immediate aggressive posture? Was the "intel" here indicating a potential violent subject?
b) If that was the case, why was the officer alone? Not even the good folks of NYC (with the exception of an elderly lady) acknowledged the fact there was a scuffle taking place.
c) The source of the intelligence should also be called into question as well as communication (if any) the officer had for verification before going hands-on.
d) Plainclothes works for surveillance, undercover, or detective work. You go in at Defcon 10 to arrest someone by force, you need to be equipped and prepared for a fight. Should he have worn visible identification? A vest? I didn't even see a firearm in the event the "violent" subject was armed. Were there exigent circumstances based on the intelligence or information?
As cops, we never want to Monday morning quarterback. After all, there but for the grace of God...but in this day and age, I preach verbal judo before jui-jitsu. Yeah, the bad guy can get away. Oh, well. But you can go home at the end of the day knowing you can rest your head on your pillow with a calm and clear conscience.
Policing has changed. Living in a fish bowl at first, we're now under the microscope. We need to get used to it. Now.
119
You serve a high calling.
All respect to you.
The shameful critics would never put on the blue and put their lives on the line every day.
Yes, there are bad people out there. Some in positions of authority.
We can weed them out and still respect the ones called to duty.
God bless you
All respect to you.
The shameful critics would never put on the blue and put their lives on the line every day.
Yes, there are bad people out there. Some in positions of authority.
We can weed them out and still respect the ones called to duty.
God bless you
Here's some intel: If you don't identify yourself, you're not a cop. Lucky James Blake wasn't armed. He'd have had every right to defend himself against an attacker.
Yes, it was remarkable (and shocking) how many people walked past the scene without even batting an eye.
What is very interesting here is the near unanimity of the opinions being expressed by the readers which I am sure goes far beyond racial divides. In that sense, this was not racism on the part of the police per se. So many of them are pieces of slime whether dealing with white people, black people, or any other kind of people. And we are not hearing from the police apologists as we did with the Eric Garner murder, you know the garbage that it was a legal arrest, Garner was resisting yada yada yada. The only reason the same fate did not befall Mr. Blake is that he is in good health.
No policeman should have the right to lay a finger on any innocent person unless he has a weapon or at the very least till he has made an effort to detain said individual in a non forcible manner. Can you imagine this happening in a civilized place like London? Or any other civilized place in the world? Not only should this low life policeman lose his job, a grand jury should be convened to charge him with criminal assault. Once we begin to show some of these people that there could be consequences for abusing their authority, perhaps then there will be a stop to it. But certainly the message must be delivered that police are no better than the rest of us which they seem to think they are. So many of them are just plain sicko that it is stomach churning and scary for all citizens no matter their race.
No policeman should have the right to lay a finger on any innocent person unless he has a weapon or at the very least till he has made an effort to detain said individual in a non forcible manner. Can you imagine this happening in a civilized place like London? Or any other civilized place in the world? Not only should this low life policeman lose his job, a grand jury should be convened to charge him with criminal assault. Once we begin to show some of these people that there could be consequences for abusing their authority, perhaps then there will be a stop to it. But certainly the message must be delivered that police are no better than the rest of us which they seem to think they are. So many of them are just plain sicko that it is stomach churning and scary for all citizens no matter their race.
19
Patrick Lynch, head of the police union, said the officer believed he was arresting a person who had committed a crime.
"The apprehension was made under fluid circumstances where the subject might have fled and the officer did a professional job of bringing the individual to the ground to prevent that occurrence," Lynch said in a statement. "It is truly unfortunate that the arrest was a result of mistaken identity by the complainant in the case and we regret any embarrassment or injury suffered by Mr. Blake as a result."
The crime that the officer "believed" Blake to have committed was a non-violent crime and the excessive use of force should not have been deemed necessary nor defended by the very people sworn to protect and serve.
"The apprehension was made under fluid circumstances where the subject might have fled and the officer did a professional job of bringing the individual to the ground to prevent that occurrence," Lynch said in a statement. "It is truly unfortunate that the arrest was a result of mistaken identity by the complainant in the case and we regret any embarrassment or injury suffered by Mr. Blake as a result."
The crime that the officer "believed" Blake to have committed was a non-violent crime and the excessive use of force should not have been deemed necessary nor defended by the very people sworn to protect and serve.
14
A database compiled by The Guardian newspaper revealed that there were more fatal police shootings in the US in the first 24 days of 2015 (59) than in the last 24 years in England (55). While in Scotland recently I, and several friends, observed Scottish police working in a crowd of drunken revelers outside a pub near the British Open. The officers were unarmed, respectful and calm while dealing with obviously drunken patrons. They managed to keep the situation calm, no one was thrown to the ground or hauled away in handcuffs. We Americans commented amongst ourselves that we could not imagine that occurring in the US. The professionalism of the Scottish police allowed the patrons to continue to enjoy themselves drunk as they were so long as they didn't create a disturbance. Although each of us was from a different section of the US none of us could see our local police acting so tolerantly and remaining calm. It is this tendency toward violent response that must be questioned, Why, in so many of these brutality situations that have occurred in the past year, was it the police themselves who ratchet up the violence. Perhaps, for all our vaunted freedom, we Americans fear individualistic behavior and are secretly happier with repression. If we are not, then we need to take our representatives in hand and demand change, as is our right as free citizens of this nation which is sadly drifting toward totalitarianism.
20
This is what you get when you glorify a profession (yes a profession) and put it on pedestal.
16
From the photo of the officer and the accounts given of his behavior, it seems obvious to me that this man has anger-management issues (or maybe 'roid-rage'). Doesn't the NYPD screen for individuals with these tendencies? Someone like him should never be in a position of power or authority, and how after the other incidents he remained an officer baffles me!
14
@vesper,Apparently they select For this "tendency".
Really that James Blake is a lucky guy and a clever one too because if he tried to resist those officers they would shoot him to death on the spot evidently.
7
Looks like the cop did this to the wrong person this time. No trumped up bogus charges as in the past but now the tax payer gets stuck with the bill, which will be large when added to the previous complaints, which will now see the light of day and justice. Pathetic. This guy should be serving time, not "serving" the public.
11
There are just a few bad cops and the good cops wouldn't allow this to happen again, and again, and again...
9
It really is time for the police union to step up and protect its officer by discontinuing the automatic practice of pulling up the blue shield, defending bad cops who undermine public respect in the entire department. It's a risky, self-serving strategy that will end up hurting the membership much more than it helps.
17
Fire him. Then charge him with felonious assault under cover of authority. Make an example of him. Send a message to all the others like him who think this is the way to do police work, that there are no consequences for misconduct, that if you make a mistake or misbehave you can just lie your way out of it.
23
Many are talking about poor police training, but respectfully, while this incident does appear to point to poor training of this particular officer, it also points to what appears to be a larger problem of oversight by the NYPD. Why does it take 4-5 incidents, including the mistreatment of a celebrity before this officer is taken off the street? How many incidents, in just a brief four-year career are necessary before his superiors within the departmnt realize that there might be a particular issue with this one officer? This appears to be the real problem with the NYPD, bad apples aside, the failure of the department to adequately punish, remove or otherwise reign in problem officers points to a larger intransigence when it comes to adapting its policing tactics.
22
This is what bothers me and frightens me also. An officer like this can humiliate another individual and no one seems to be able to keep him in line. One cannot be allowed to inflict such indignities without some form of penalty. This is a key principle of a civilized society.
32
Is this normal police practice in New York City when arresting an "identity theft" suspect?? Gharge an unknowing individual, wrestle him to the ground, mash his face into the sidewalk and cuffing him?
10
Yes, especially if he is black
even if this had been the actual suspect I have not heard anyone mention that the police need a warrant to arrest someone unless he is in the course of committing the crime or it is shortly thereafter. what this cop did would have been illegal even if this had been the actual suspect. even if he had a warrant his behavior would have been a civil rights violation. if this had been the actual suspect and they had a warrant, assuming using cops in plain clothes was necessary several officers should have approached him, shown their badges and taken him into custody. if he had tried to flee they could have used appropriate force to prevent him from doing so.
14
I wonder what would have happened if Mr. Blake fearing for his life decided to defend himself. Would this have turned into a deadly confrontation?
This also proves that it does not matter if you are rich and famous if you are Black. Mr. Blake could never be called a "thug". He was not committing a crime. Yet here he is being thrown to the ground by a plainclothes officer because of being mistaken for a suspect guilty of credit card fraud. Even if Mr. Blake was the suspect, was this the proper procedure for apprehension?
Everything in this picture is wrong.
This is the police culture of policing Blacks going all the way back to the slave patrols, through Jim Crow and right up to today. Yet many Americans do not believe this is racial. Thank God for the videos changing minds to the truth; the relation between the police and Blacks has a long and ugly history of mistreatment.
This also proves that it does not matter if you are rich and famous if you are Black. Mr. Blake could never be called a "thug". He was not committing a crime. Yet here he is being thrown to the ground by a plainclothes officer because of being mistaken for a suspect guilty of credit card fraud. Even if Mr. Blake was the suspect, was this the proper procedure for apprehension?
Everything in this picture is wrong.
This is the police culture of policing Blacks going all the way back to the slave patrols, through Jim Crow and right up to today. Yet many Americans do not believe this is racial. Thank God for the videos changing minds to the truth; the relation between the police and Blacks has a long and ugly history of mistreatment.
31
Not mistaken for a suspect "guilty" of credit card fraud. Just a suspect.
Fire him...or remove the officer from contact with the public. No discussion.
12
Get rid of these bad apples.
14
Where are the mythical 'good apples' that everyone keeps talking about. If they actually would they not step up and protect an serve as they are sworn to do, even when or perhaps especially when it means going up against 'bad apples' with guns and badges. Because in the final analysis it seems that the so-called 'bad apples' are contributing to an environment which makes things unsafe for both citizens and police alike.
76
1. A person's accusation is not an evidence.
2. Leaning on a column with hands out in plain view is not a imminent threat.
3. Peddling stolen phones is not a violent crime
4. The first line of restraint and accountability for cop's actions must be his fellow cops. There are cameras everywhere so hiding persistent problem will not work for long.
5. Tax payers paying millions for police misconduct hurts who?
6. Nobody should be roughed up or shot if they are not holding a gun or actively causing bodily harm to someone. That's a CIVIL RIGHT!
2. Leaning on a column with hands out in plain view is not a imminent threat.
3. Peddling stolen phones is not a violent crime
4. The first line of restraint and accountability for cop's actions must be his fellow cops. There are cameras everywhere so hiding persistent problem will not work for long.
5. Tax payers paying millions for police misconduct hurts who?
6. Nobody should be roughed up or shot if they are not holding a gun or actively causing bodily harm to someone. That's a CIVIL RIGHT!
18
Some disrespectin must have been goin on
2
The police need to get rid of these bad apples. Until they do, I don't want to hear any more cops whining that they are not respected. If the police do not clean this mess up then they do not deserve respect - and that includes the many cops who would never behave like this themselves. You are not a good cop if you do not ACTIVELY stop this brutality! Every officer there should be on desk duty because they acquiesced in the brutality!
22
"Mayor Bill de Blasio and Police Commissioner William J. Bratton, in a joint statement, noted the city’s $29 million investment in retraining police officers"
_________________
That training should happen in prison while the thug officers serve their sentences. That is the only way they will learn.
_________________
That training should happen in prison while the thug officers serve their sentences. That is the only way they will learn.
11
Independent of the serious issue of racism, this most recent incident again exemplifies the terrible police work, bad police training now endemic to the US.
18
The [PBA] said his arrest of Mr. Blake “was made under fluid circumstances where the subject might have fled.”
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Concerns were raised about “the inappropriateness of the amount of force that was used ... Bratton said.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PBA president Patrick Lynch does great harm with his police can do no wrong attitude. He his responsible for increasing the distrust between citizens - especially blacks - and the police. He is part of the problem.
Bratton says race was not an issue but based on the officer's past abusing blacks without cause, that seems unlikely.
There was no need to use any force investigating a non-violent crime. Two officers could have identified themselves when they approached him, asked for ID, and asked him to turn around and cuff him if necessary.
It's telling that Frascatore used to work in Florida, known for it's lax treatment of criminal officers. He should be arrested for assault.
The question is, why was he allowed to get away with assaulting innocent people. Why was he protected? Until the police agree to police their own, nothing will improve.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Concerns were raised about “the inappropriateness of the amount of force that was used ... Bratton said.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PBA president Patrick Lynch does great harm with his police can do no wrong attitude. He his responsible for increasing the distrust between citizens - especially blacks - and the police. He is part of the problem.
Bratton says race was not an issue but based on the officer's past abusing blacks without cause, that seems unlikely.
There was no need to use any force investigating a non-violent crime. Two officers could have identified themselves when they approached him, asked for ID, and asked him to turn around and cuff him if necessary.
It's telling that Frascatore used to work in Florida, known for it's lax treatment of criminal officers. He should be arrested for assault.
The question is, why was he allowed to get away with assaulting innocent people. Why was he protected? Until the police agree to police their own, nothing will improve.
17
It is time that contracts between cities and police unions include clauses making the entire union financially responsible for this kind of misconduct and criminal conduct with assessments against police pension funds contributed to settlements between the cities and the victims of police abuse and criminal violence.
If Mr. Black chooses to sue the city will no doubt enter a multi-million dollars settlement. If cops had to pay a big part of those settlements, if they knew that their pensions and union treasuries were on the line, they might start to police their own.
Any officer dismissed from the police force for such abuse as this one should be, should be personally on the line for a share of the cost to the taxpayers. If that means he loses his pension contributions, right to a pension, forfeits his home and any savings he has, then so be it.
Because, clearly, this stuff won't end until it has a cost to police in both criminal sentences and real financial penalties.
If Mr. Black chooses to sue the city will no doubt enter a multi-million dollars settlement. If cops had to pay a big part of those settlements, if they knew that their pensions and union treasuries were on the line, they might start to police their own.
Any officer dismissed from the police force for such abuse as this one should be, should be personally on the line for a share of the cost to the taxpayers. If that means he loses his pension contributions, right to a pension, forfeits his home and any savings he has, then so be it.
Because, clearly, this stuff won't end until it has a cost to police in both criminal sentences and real financial penalties.
14
I wholeheartedly agree with your commentary. It "is" time to hit cops and police unions where it hurts the most (their wallets and pensions), as well as keeping in play, the real possibility of doing "real" time for such offenses. Side note...it's Mr Blake not "Black".
What's equally upsetting are the passersby in the surveillance video who calmly walk by, in most cases not even glancing at the killer kop's actions. Imagine if a crowd had formed ...
5
Nobody in NYC is going to interfere in any police-style takedown because you'd be putting yourself in immediate danger of a beating and arrest. Also, who's to know that was an innocent dude mistakenly identified as a non violent criminal? It could just as easily have been a murder suspect from the view of passers by.
Somehow I can't see this happening to Jamie Dimon.
22
Or Andy Roddick.
Our honorable police commissioner should be held responsible for the actions and behaviors of EVERY police officer--Period.
11
It's a mistake to focus on this particular officer's pattern of misconduct as if he's some sort of anomaly. Thousands of lawsuits are brought against members of the NYPD each year; most of these involve excessive use of force; most are settled by the city for millions of dollars (over $200,000 million in 2014). The CCRB receive thousands of complaints each year as well, the majority involving excessive use of force.
Officer Frascatore isn't a lone bad apple. He's just one of an enormous bunch.
Officer Frascatore isn't a lone bad apple. He's just one of an enormous bunch.
15
Giuliani Time. It never seems to end.
1
I am extremely embarrassed for New York City. Bratton's arrogance is infuriating. His comment that the suspect could have been Blake's twin very racist. It seems like there is no control over the police department. Everyone, including the politicians, are afraid of them
5
What ever happened to innocent until proved guilty?
3
Benevolent - adjective: bə-ˈnev-lənt,
: kind and generous
: organized to do good things for other
Spiteful - adjective: ˈspīt-fəl having or showing a desire to harm, anger, or defeat someone
Mayor de Blasio and Police Commissioner need to pull it together, very quickly. The behaviors of some law enforcement officers ruin the job for so many others, and destroy the faith of many, who need help. Police Officer Frascatore should face multiple criminal charges, immediately.
: kind and generous
: organized to do good things for other
Spiteful - adjective: ˈspīt-fəl having or showing a desire to harm, anger, or defeat someone
Mayor de Blasio and Police Commissioner need to pull it together, very quickly. The behaviors of some law enforcement officers ruin the job for so many others, and destroy the faith of many, who need help. Police Officer Frascatore should face multiple criminal charges, immediately.
3
Why is this fellow still working for the NYPD? If the PBA won't let the Commissioner fire him, then he should at least be put into the equivalent of the "rubber room" where bad teachers are taken out of the line of duty.
4
Frascatore seems to be another sadistic or very frightened individual, who should never have been allowed to be a police officer or to continue on the job until he had successfully completed therapy. However, the surveillance video seems to show something even more important. Frascatore was not in uniform. So, this incident must have looked like an assault to the spineless citizens who hurried away without lifting a finger or uttering a word to help. Once more, we get what we deserve!
7
In the past, when the NYT has published articles about police brutality against citizens of color, commenters said things like, "Well, if he/she didn't resist, they wouldn't be dead." or "If you're not guilty, why did you run?"
In those instances, I guess there wasn't a video to corrobate the "suspects" side of the story, but only the officer's side of the story. "He/she was resisting and therefore I shot him/her. "
Where are those readers' comments now?
In those instances, I guess there wasn't a video to corrobate the "suspects" side of the story, but only the officer's side of the story. "He/she was resisting and therefore I shot him/her. "
Where are those readers' comments now?
16
Once again it is the video that takes this from he said, he said to almost complete clarity. All police should have body cameras required to perform their jobs. Especially if they are trained to react violently in making arrests. Cameras should be as much a part of their uniforms as their guns are. The camera will either exonerate police actions definitively or make police accountable for them.
4
Those of us of a certain age will recall the recently deceased Martin Milner in Adam-12 calmly and professionally identifying himself as a policeman and reading the suspect their Miranda rights.
Alas, fiction.
Alas, fiction.
8
Today's NY Times also features a story on the wrongful arrest of a Chinese-American scientist by the FBI. Is there a very broad pattern here at all levels of American government? If we're not white Christians, we're targets of unlawful "law enforcement".
6
That's it - for me - I'm done with NYC. I used to enjoy coming for weekends to enjoy dinner and friends - but I won't be back. When even a liberal mayor runs a armed gang for a police force, it really isn't worth the risk, and I don't want to contribute tax dollars to what are just a bunch of roving criminals in badges.
4
As we reflect on 9/11, we have to come to terms that bad cops that act this way (and good cops that shield and protect them) are engaging in another form of terrorism upon innocent Americans.
No; they do not have Arab names or fly passenger planes into buildings. But, as in this case, they harass, intimidate and assault innocent Americans (often with complete impunity) all across the country with New York City being among the worst examples of this in the entire nation. Worst of all (and just like the terrorists of 9/11), they kill innocent Americans and would have killed Blake had he fought back and attempted to defend himself against someone that was a complete stranger who never identified himself.
If we are to honor the victims of 9/11, we have to root out all terrorism...no matter what job title the terrorist has or what he looks like or what religion or nation he belongs too...including our own...and even if the terrorist has a government badge.
No; they do not have Arab names or fly passenger planes into buildings. But, as in this case, they harass, intimidate and assault innocent Americans (often with complete impunity) all across the country with New York City being among the worst examples of this in the entire nation. Worst of all (and just like the terrorists of 9/11), they kill innocent Americans and would have killed Blake had he fought back and attempted to defend himself against someone that was a complete stranger who never identified himself.
If we are to honor the victims of 9/11, we have to root out all terrorism...no matter what job title the terrorist has or what he looks like or what religion or nation he belongs too...including our own...and even if the terrorist has a government badge.
10
Supposing you were walking up to your son, meeting him for lunch, and you saw Frascatore charge him, throw him to the ground and beat him. I'd say you would have every right to take whatever steps needed to protect your son. Whether or not Frascatore was wearing a uniform. But you can bet the chances would be high of your being killed by the armed Frascatore or other police coming to assist him. I'd very much like to know what Mayor Bill de Blasio and Police Commissioner William J. Bratton would advise. If someone intervenes seeing a cop shooting someone running from him in the back several times, wouldn't the person be justified, even morally required, to intervene? It frightens me to think what I might do.
11
So when will we be hearing about the arrest of Officer Frascatore??
6
Isn't anybody going to stand up for the cop? No? Ok.
The Police Union will, because they promote this behavior and have come to the defense of all of the other policemen over the years who before the video camera and smartphone murdered in "self-defense". I know some policemen, and their games with disability and theft is sickening.
2
I wish it were hard to believe this story is true. James Frascatore is a disgrace. So, it would seem, is the PBA.
12
Sadism is alive and well. Sadly, this violence seems to be either on increase or increased media coverage. As in baseball umpires..."Throw the bums out". Seriously.
1
How many NYPD officers have lists of complaints against them as long as or longer than Frascatore's?
If he is the exception, let us know of it.
If he is just one of thousands or hundreds who have many unaddressed complaints of unwarranted violence and of abuse against NYC's residents, then we should know that and we should have no delusions about the NYPD's ability to "police" itself.
If he is the exception, let us know of it.
If he is just one of thousands or hundreds who have many unaddressed complaints of unwarranted violence and of abuse against NYC's residents, then we should know that and we should have no delusions about the NYPD's ability to "police" itself.
8
He is the subject if this incident thus we are speaking of his record. The number of complaints in comparison to other officers has little bearing. Plenty of bad cops never get complaints or beat the ones they do get. Can you tell which previous complaints were legit but got by and which ones were frivolous? The point in discussing them here is how similar those complaints are which were filed by completely disconnected people.
Since when did suspected white collar criminals get slammed to the ground and handcuffed? Did Bernie Madoff get this treatment; after swindling millions from so many? The answer is no. Only people of color are treated this way. Did you notice, that the only passerby to say something to the cop, was a little old lady? Good for her. At least she had some compassion for the situation. Everyone else just looked and walked away. If this should happen to someone that you know, will anyone help; or will they just keep on going?
14
Shocking, but also, not shocking.
3
Shocking not surprising?
the levels of violence and rapid escalation in force by the police against individuals going about their day os so extreme and out of control and everyone I know is terrified of the cops, including me.
8 huge members of NY's Finest beat my 60 year old cousin into a bloody pulp and discussed a variety of charges they could file against him, like attacking the head cop who stood a foot taler and out weighs him by at least 100 pounds.. while they waited in the hospital for him to receive treatment. His crime? crossing the street..
Pre Guiliani, I was always friendly to beat cops and and remember some nice exchanges.. now? I turn my eye to the street lest I provoke them..they don't care whether I live or die..and that is certain.
Why are these guys always throwing (not "bringing") people to the ground face first? Is that their only tool? breaking someone's face and back, and then sitting on them like they bagged a trophy?
8 huge members of NY's Finest beat my 60 year old cousin into a bloody pulp and discussed a variety of charges they could file against him, like attacking the head cop who stood a foot taler and out weighs him by at least 100 pounds.. while they waited in the hospital for him to receive treatment. His crime? crossing the street..
Pre Guiliani, I was always friendly to beat cops and and remember some nice exchanges.. now? I turn my eye to the street lest I provoke them..they don't care whether I live or die..and that is certain.
Why are these guys always throwing (not "bringing") people to the ground face first? Is that their only tool? breaking someone's face and back, and then sitting on them like they bagged a trophy?
38
No lives matter.
16
I think the NYPD's story still sounds suspicious. The photo they released that resembled James Blake is now shown to be fake. Yet they released it to pretend that there was a reason for this lone policeman's attack on Mr. Blake. Then, the question is where are all the other cops? If this cop was truly in pursuit of a suspect so dangerous that he had to be thrown face first onto the ground, kneed violently in the back, and cuffed, despite not once resisting arrest, then where were the cop's back-ups?
Why are newspapers so gullible? How about some real reporting, NY Times? When the story doesn't add up, you should be asking more questions.
Why are newspapers so gullible? How about some real reporting, NY Times? When the story doesn't add up, you should be asking more questions.
30
What is wrong with the NYPD that this guy still works on the force? Why do the tax payers and citizens of NYC have to put up with this menace? Everyone loves to complain about bad teachers and unions. Where's the outrage over keeping horrible cops on the force?
41
Oh come on..that was a civilized take down....everyone is so oversensitive..this is ridiculous. Let the police do their job and apologies for the mistaken identity should suffice. More important topics to debate in NYC. Our cops are the best. Haters go away and work for de Balsio, Charlene, and Sharpton.
2
This is exactly why everyone is sick of cops, because they are emboldened by apologists like yourself who never can admit there is a problem with police behaving in an appropriate way. I suspect it will get worse before the shoe drops that leads to this getting better. I feel a large proportion of cops feel they are entitled to act as they want (they feel they are above the law) and that the Constitution of the United States doesn't apply to their interaction with the general public. In dealing with them, a large proportion of police claim they are afraid all the time to justify this kind of bad behavior. If they are so afraid all the time, they should seek other employment. The slightest perceived disrespecting of their little prominence by the public is seen by them as an excuse to escalate a situation and hurt people or humiliate them.
This was a completely unnecessary and unjustified take down. This could have been handled non-violently.
I wonder how many people who think this assault is nothing to be concerned about, would volunteer to play a perp for training purposes so the police can practice their civilized take down techniques?
I wonder how many people who think this assault is nothing to be concerned about, would volunteer to play a perp for training purposes so the police can practice their civilized take down techniques?
1
It was only civilized because there was zero resistance. Impressive for someone with nothing to be arrested for. Having the mind of an elite athlete apparently helps when being taken down by a thug.
1
The news leads me to think and feel hat the difference between the jailers and the jailed is a badge.
30
Obviously Mr. Blake should go to jail! The charge? Totally innocent person being unjustly brutalized and arrested for no reason. Guilty!
10
Open book test: Describe what is wrong with this picture.
4
The picture does not tell the whole story. We now know that at least six "bystanders and/or passers-by" were cops.
1
Police all over the country are out of control and have been displaying criminal behavior for some time. This cop should be fired. Mr. Blake is lucky they did not shoot him, break his neck or kill him.
24
Mr. Blake is indeed fortunate that that rough handling didn't cause serious injuries. Maybe because he's in athletic condition. If that'd happened to someone like me, a person in good shape for an 80-year old, it would have done serious and permanent damage.
That cop is a serious, racist menace.
That cop is a serious, racist menace.
I do not think there is a "they" here Officer Frascatore seems to be doing this alone according to the video.
Wow.
And most of the passers by don't even look at the scene! Just walk on by.
You all know what and where that is similar to, right? America, you have lost it. The Stasi is here and their target all of us.
And most of the passers by don't even look at the scene! Just walk on by.
You all know what and where that is similar to, right? America, you have lost it. The Stasi is here and their target all of us.
24
All of us? Blake looks Black! Cops don't ask Black guys for their DNA profiles before they slam them.
@C Morris,
You Make me smile. It has been like that in metropolis since WWII at least. When one is living ones life in a place with so many people whee gangs like Fagan's band of pickpockets commonly operate the things others do are of little importance to anyone living their own life. It is called having personal boundaries.
Unless something is clearly outrageous (you have no idea what people see everyday in NY or other cities) there is no point or reason to get involved. It could be passersby understood it was none of their business or they figured it may be a setup to suck them in to get them off guard to be robbed or whatever. I'm sure some assumed it was a cop taking someone down.
You Make me smile. It has been like that in metropolis since WWII at least. When one is living ones life in a place with so many people whee gangs like Fagan's band of pickpockets commonly operate the things others do are of little importance to anyone living their own life. It is called having personal boundaries.
Unless something is clearly outrageous (you have no idea what people see everyday in NY or other cities) there is no point or reason to get involved. It could be passersby understood it was none of their business or they figured it may be a setup to suck them in to get them off guard to be robbed or whatever. I'm sure some assumed it was a cop taking someone down.
"In 2012, a Queens man said, Officer James Frascatore pulled him over for a broken taillight, opened his car door and punched him three times in the mouth, unprovoked."
We all know that isn't right. And it doesn't make any kind of sense. If someone even tries to keep this monster on the force....we are losing our way.
We all know that isn't right. And it doesn't make any kind of sense. If someone even tries to keep this monster on the force....we are losing our way.
17
Did this man receive any training at all?
27
What in the name of you know who is wrong with cops? What makes them think they can do this? Who do they think they are?
If cops don't want to be called pigs they should not behave like this. In fact no self-respecting pig -- pigs being highly intelligent animals -- would do this.
And the PBA? Just once it needs to hand up a cop who has done something as evil, rotten, racist and abusive of my rights, or your rights, of everyone's rights -- just once admit that one of yours is a no good you know what who deserves no defense.
Maybe this ends, will end when they pass a law that says oh by the way cops, when you do things like this and the city gets sued and winds up with multi-million dollar settlements to be paid by the taxpayers it is coming out of your hides, your contracts, your salaries and your pensions.
Why should taxpayers be liable. Make the cops liable. Put it in their contracts and then they will behave like peace officers and not like the Gestapo.
Then it will stop.
Meanwhile as to this cop. Fire him right now, fight that out in court but get rid of him right now; find a criminal law that he violated in doing this, prosecute him and send him to prison.
Sign me fed up with self-entitled, self-righteous cops.
If cops don't want to be called pigs they should not behave like this. In fact no self-respecting pig -- pigs being highly intelligent animals -- would do this.
And the PBA? Just once it needs to hand up a cop who has done something as evil, rotten, racist and abusive of my rights, or your rights, of everyone's rights -- just once admit that one of yours is a no good you know what who deserves no defense.
Maybe this ends, will end when they pass a law that says oh by the way cops, when you do things like this and the city gets sued and winds up with multi-million dollar settlements to be paid by the taxpayers it is coming out of your hides, your contracts, your salaries and your pensions.
Why should taxpayers be liable. Make the cops liable. Put it in their contracts and then they will behave like peace officers and not like the Gestapo.
Then it will stop.
Meanwhile as to this cop. Fire him right now, fight that out in court but get rid of him right now; find a criminal law that he violated in doing this, prosecute him and send him to prison.
Sign me fed up with self-entitled, self-righteous cops.
157
I'm guessing being head of the PBA pays pretty well and being an elected position you get to keep the position by supporting your membership no matter what. I dare say the solution lies elsewhere.
1
The PBA is taken as seriously as a lawyer with a microphone in his face who says: "my client is totally innocent", when everyone knows he's as guilty as they come.
Why waste the ink to print either that type lawyer's words or the PBA's? Notafan is correct.
Why waste the ink to print either that type lawyer's words or the PBA's? Notafan is correct.
Think of the sheer number of active duty police in the U.S. And then, think of the number of police involved in questionable situations. I am in no way excusing police who overstep their bounds with violence, mistreat people due to their race and just plain lie about their involvement with these horrid behaviors. But, in all fairness to those who do serve and protect, realize they are in the vast majority and the media plays no small part in insuring you only hear about the bad apples over and over again insuring your overreaching negative responses.
It would be interesting to know how far back Frascatore's history of violence goes back. I'm guessing he was a bully in high school and junior high school and has found the NYPD the perfect cover.
134
2013. I listened to a WNYC report which contained audio from the suspect tackled in his driveway with a bicycle by James Frascatore. At a certain point, the wife of the "suspect asks for the name of the officer and he never responds
The aggressivity by the police can be heard as well as the couples' young children crying in the background.
Look it up. It's awful and heart wrenching to listen to.
The aggressivity by the police can be heard as well as the couples' young children crying in the background.
Look it up. It's awful and heart wrenching to listen to.
1
Yes,mane it is entirely possible that he could move on to a third police department and terrorize citizens there.
Button mushroom syndrome.
Did he identify himself as a police officer first? Credit to Blake. Anyone else might have said what the hell and tried to resist. Could have been shot.
51
No the he did not ID himself as a cop . Too bad Blake wasn't some off duty Navy Seal or FBI who might have been able to defend himself from an unknown street aggressor , who turned out to be a cop .
1
This is the most troublesome and overlooked issue. The Peace Officer not identifying himself; dressed in undercover clothing and using excessive force. White officers often use the above while in minority communities mingling in the crowds. When they pounce on someone the suspect does not know it is a PO because often times the PO will not identify themselves while they are pummeling and using excessive force. A person will normally resist anyone that randomly selects them to jump on. If you resist they will tazer or shoot you excessively. During the investigation, they will tell their department heads they identified themselves and read the person their rights before the arrest which is all a big lie. The constitutional rights of blacks are being trammeled on and the majority white population is fine with this. However, very soon, they will be taking your rights away too. This is how this works. Earlier this Spring a white suspect in California who stole a horse is his attempt to evade arrest was caught, and beat by a gang of officers mercifully despite being video by a news helicopter which showed it to the nation. You got it: They said the beating was justified even though the video showed non resistance.
Typical. And the apology is just half-hearted. Looks just like a third world banana republic. Pardon me - we are.
78
No, I have lived in three developing ("Third World") countries, and felt FAR safer in each than I ever felt while living in New York.
1
Fortunately, the policeman didn't reinjure James Blake's neck, although that
knee in the back must have hurt.
http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20147699,00.html
knee in the back must have hurt.
http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20147699,00.html
14
This is what happens when you employ cowards as peace officers. So glad I don't live in New York!
29
You mean this doesn't happen anywhere else in the USA? Just watch the nightly news...
21
You mean Police in Eugene don't rape prostitutes? O attack and taze protesters for being present then claim they were "in the street"? Or abuse homeless people because they are unsightly and cannot deal with the thoughts and imaginings they have when they see them? Or shoot unarmed people having an episode of mental illness or PTSD because they just don't want to spend the time to let them wind down? Or profile people based on their appearance?
Or any number of other crimes police in Eugene OR have committed in the last decade?
Or any number of other crimes police in Eugene OR have committed in the last decade?
Straight Knowledge, this is ubiquitous in America.
The insanity just doesn't stop. While PBS airs the 25th anniversary showing of "the civil war"... glorifying the "cause of the south"... "and I may not make it to the promised land, But I have seen it" Now 50 years later it doesn't look like I'll see it either.
15
The promised land is not a place where all human frailty is gone. It is a place where most of the time most of us can expect equal treatment and more importantly get a fair hearing of what we have to say when we point out that someone has been unfair and abridged our rights. The knee jerk reaction in most that says anyone claiming abuse is lying or worse is something that won't be nearly as common. That reaction of automatic disbelief does a lot to let abused people feel powerless and resentful of society and abusive people like Officer Frascatore go on behaving the way he has.
Maybe its Bratton who needs to be fired. If can't see brutality in this video, he is obviously blind.
98
Bratton saw the brutality. You're a bit to quick on the trigger yourself. It's Lynch who needs to be fired. Remember, hundreds of his supporters turned their backs on the mayor, our elected mayor, their employers' elected mayor, with impunity.
1
In addition to commenting here, it is possible to write a note to the mayor suggesting this. We need a real reformer, not some veteran and former beat cop who is too sympathetic to whatever this goon's excuse will be.
Fired from what. Try wearing glasses. If somewhat rushed me out of no where and try to shove me, I would fight like a banshee. The young man (Blake) showed remarkable restraint.
As a plain clothes officer you don't aggressively attack a suspect for a non-violent offense. What kind of training do they have at NYPD these days? Blake might have thought he was being attacked by a stranger and this illegal confrontation could have ended tragically for someone.
71
'I've got a badge and license to tackle, shoot, and kill.'
18
Blake could have been another Eric Garner and if it did turn out that way, the NYPD, with Bratton at its helm would have somehow justified it. De Blasio needs to resign. He can't or won't reign in the NYPD thugs-at-large. So much for campaign promises. Promises, promises. Even if every person of color, even white folks, were to get choke hold to death, or criminally attacked by cops, the NYPD, and their union along with Bratton and De Blasio will somehow justify it all.... When will it all end?
26
I agree but must point out - no one has control over the police union. They are the real culprits - and they fight to protect their members. That's why even Bratton can't do much. Please don't blame the mayor - he is sympathetic to the cause against police brutality. This also began with Giuliani - he who demonized criminals.
As an attorney (and assuming Mr. Blake engages legal counsel) I would meet with Messr. Bratton (the officer "may have used excessive force") and NYC counsel and simply state the following: "the number is $100,000 per day from this day forward that you don't settle...and Mr. Blake will be donating the settlement amount to a charitable cause...and I will waive my legal fee as well...and further, the office in question will never interact with the public again."
50
The HUGE elephant in the room will be the UNION. THEY are the ultimate culprits - they have the power to get charges dismissed. The mayor has no control over this - look how they were allowed to treat him. Until the UNION is brought under control, this will continue to happen. They have lobbyists who advocate for laws that protect the police. We've not seen this for a long time (until cameras sprouted everywhere) so they have had a long time to become entrenched.
1
Not too much concern by anyone who happened by!
26
I know that area well. I would like to think I would have stopped and watched from a safer distance in my older white woman persona. You would only have seen me walking out of the video.
Amazing how routine it seems to passerby.
Well, since these days you can be arrested and shot for the crime of "appearing to glance at a police officer" who can blame the passers-by?
Blakes' Life Matters
Welcome to the Black experience of police encounters: brutality, administrative cover ups.
Think that if Blake wasn't a celebrity it would have gone differently? Wow an apology.
Did Blake be selling looseys? Did he lower his head and charge like a bull? Did he have a toy gun? Was he in Wal*Mart purchasing a bb gun? Was he fleeing because of outstanding child support orders?
Guess all fraudulent credit card suspects look alike.
Welcome to the Black experience of police encounters: brutality, administrative cover ups.
Think that if Blake wasn't a celebrity it would have gone differently? Wow an apology.
Did Blake be selling looseys? Did he lower his head and charge like a bull? Did he have a toy gun? Was he in Wal*Mart purchasing a bb gun? Was he fleeing because of outstanding child support orders?
Guess all fraudulent credit card suspects look alike.
82
Officer Frascatore is a disgrace to the badge and the department & city he purports to serve.
121
What's the MAXIMUM a human being could get for doing that to a cop? That's the MINIMUM a cop MUST get for doing that to a human being. Crimes by criminals with badges are worse, same as armed robbery is worse than shoplifting something of equal value. Cops are armed and dangerous and have a big weapon: All the cops that would rush in if a human being dared to fight back. It is often illegal to fight back, and they sure do enforce that law.
Cops must be convicted, too. Guilty until proven innocent, because they control the collection of evidence. The cop that worked the toilet plunger up Abner Louima's butt got the conviction overturned for lack of evidence, and how was Louima supposed to collect evidence in a spot off limits to spectators in a police station? If a victim cannot remember which cop beat her up, they all did, except the ones that can prove otherwise.
Cops must be convicted, too. Guilty until proven innocent, because they control the collection of evidence. The cop that worked the toilet plunger up Abner Louima's butt got the conviction overturned for lack of evidence, and how was Louima supposed to collect evidence in a spot off limits to spectators in a police station? If a victim cannot remember which cop beat her up, they all did, except the ones that can prove otherwise.
72
Thanks for reminds us about those 2 atrocities, those people were only guilty for being African American. Now, I wonder if it was the reverse: Let's say, an African American cop have done something like this to let's say Peter Sampras? What would be the tone ?
Right, and the cop didn't even identify himself as a police officer.
This for credit-card fraud?
49
I'm a Latino and have been harassed without justification by NYPD officers in the past. I am tired of hearing half-apologies from Mr. Bratton and his police department when instances like this are brought to light. How many others are not brought to light? This has got to stop. Immediately.
75
I'm so glad Mr. Blake is using his high profile as a platform to shine a light on police brutality of people of color and not just the injustice done to him!
30
Than the officer should have a desk job or something not dealing with the public..
2
Frascatore isn't fit to be a cop or to have any public service type job. Looks like NYPD is handing out guns and badges to disco bouncers.
1
He should have to report to a desk job in a 6'x4' closet, alone, for the rest of his career.
1
How about firing him?
what happened to innocent until proven guilty?
Credit card fraud? Means someone should be thrown to the ground and handcuffed? When you don't; even know who the person is who you are throwing to the ground. He could have been badly injured to say nothing of the assault on someone's sense of safety.
Credit card fraud? Means someone should be thrown to the ground and handcuffed? When you don't; even know who the person is who you are throwing to the ground. He could have been badly injured to say nothing of the assault on someone's sense of safety.
26
In view of his awful record, what will other officers conclude if Frascatore is fired or disciplined in this case? I know what I would think in their place: make sure the guy you're bringing the hammer down on isn't a celebrity.
14
How about first showing your badge and informing the suspect why you are interested in him? Next how about bringing along backup so that you don't need to tackle the suspect before he even has a chance to comply? Did Commissioner Bratton discuss whether Frascatore's actions followed department policies when encountering a suspect accused of credit-card fraud?
If you do something like this in most jobs, you get fired. Bratton totally backs his officer and totally abandons the citizens and visitors of and to NYC. Oh, but these are the police and they NEVER do anything wrong. It is pretty much by definition.
46
There's driving while Black.
There's looking at the police and looking away while Black (as happened in Newton, MA).
There's breathing while Black.
Now there's the crime of standing outside a hotel and minding your business while Black.
Why don't the police drop all pretenses and lobby for a law to just make it illegal to be Black?
There's looking at the police and looking away while Black (as happened in Newton, MA).
There's breathing while Black.
Now there's the crime of standing outside a hotel and minding your business while Black.
Why don't the police drop all pretenses and lobby for a law to just make it illegal to be Black?
88
They apparently don't need an actual law.
I hope James Blake hires a mad dog attorney to sue the city for big bucks and that cop loses his badge.
20
What are the chances Frascatore will be criminally charged with assault & battery? We all know the answer to that one.
18
That's completely insane.
6
Where are the so-called good apples? I'm tired of hearing about the bad ones.
16
You are so right. We need to create positive examples for law enforcement. How about the NYT starting a blog that showcases the amazing work of law enforcement officers. Can we sell good news? Yes, with creativity, we can.
Thankfully Mr. Blake is a conscientious citizen who will use his fame to publicize this all- too- common act. Obviously, PO Frascatore is a thug, and Lynch is beyond irresponsible. The city would be better off without them.
14
this officer is a liability to the nypd. ifr they keep him on as a police officer the tax payers need to sue3 the nypd,
10
Does anyone actually believe policemen go around slamming people to the ground for no reason. I predict credit card fraud in NYC is about to soar.
They need to approach a suspect as a team. An officer on either side. Then ask for identification. Hard to flee from a law enforcement team. This is the United States of America. Even if we don't always achieve it, we have higher ideals and values. There are better ways to get a job done. And we need to put our money where our mouth is.
It looks like maybe the police do that very thing.
Any fines or settlements should come out of the police and not taxpayers. Take it out of the pension these meatheads love to pad.
Better yet, fire entire NYPD and start over.
Better yet, fire entire NYPD and start over.
24
Yes to both.
Police union needs to pay the fines and the fines need to be huge. Maybe if union members are slapped with a few thousand dollars a year in special dues assessments (via mandatory payroll deduction) they'll start policing their colleagues for a change.
Police union needs to pay the fines and the fines need to be huge. Maybe if union members are slapped with a few thousand dollars a year in special dues assessments (via mandatory payroll deduction) they'll start policing their colleagues for a change.
If you're skin colour isn't quite right law enforcement in 2015 America still boils down to the golden oldie, 'shoot first, ask questions later'.
11
Actually he has a history of force complaints against blacks.
I think the police chief needs some retraining about shooting off his mouth about how this wasn't racial.
I think the police chief needs some retraining about shooting off his mouth about how this wasn't racial.
26
Pumped up cops with violent tendencies. Hmmm - maybe they need to start testing for steroid use/abuse.
22
Test police for steroids to weed out overly aggressive cops http://www.syracuse.com/opinion/index.ssf/2015/04/doctor_test_police_for...
Cops & Steroids : A Problem hidden in plain view : Even the DOJ Knows : Steroid Abuse by Law Enforcement http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubs/brochures/steroids/lawenforcement/
Cops & Steroids : A Problem hidden in plain view : Even the DOJ Knows : Steroid Abuse by Law Enforcement http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubs/brochures/steroids/lawenforcement/
Perhaps a stiff jail sentence and several huge, successful lawsuits can stop this kind of behavior by the police.
11
Don't you love the irony? All these security cameras were supposed to help deter crime. Sure enough they are exposing criminals, only many of them have a badge.
41
They should remove the words "courtesy, professionalism, respect" from EVERY police vehicle in NYC, because the police increasingly behave exactly the opposite of those words.
Mr. Blake was "lucky" that there is clear video of what Frascatore did - but very unlucky to have been subjected to this astonishingly sadistic take-down.
I was raised to respect the police, but now I feel that too many NYPD officers are out-of-control, that too many are overbearing jerks on a power trip, just waiting for any chance to beat someone up or worse. The police academy needs to do some stringent psychiatric screening - not just of recruits, but of those who graduate & are on the force now.
Even as a white person, I feel afraid of the police these days. I feel that any innocent action could be "re-framed" by an officer to make me or anyone else look like a criminal. My reaction to someone tackling me the way Frascatore tackled Mr. Blake would have been to think I was being assaulted with intent to be killed or kidnapped - and you can be very sure I would have fought back with all my might (otherwise known to NYPD as "resisting arrest") - that part is just instinct, but it would likely get me maimed or killed. If I were wounded, they'd probably throw me in a jail cell and ignore my situation.
Who has control of the NYPD's officers? NO ONE does, apparently.
Mr. Blake was "lucky" that there is clear video of what Frascatore did - but very unlucky to have been subjected to this astonishingly sadistic take-down.
I was raised to respect the police, but now I feel that too many NYPD officers are out-of-control, that too many are overbearing jerks on a power trip, just waiting for any chance to beat someone up or worse. The police academy needs to do some stringent psychiatric screening - not just of recruits, but of those who graduate & are on the force now.
Even as a white person, I feel afraid of the police these days. I feel that any innocent action could be "re-framed" by an officer to make me or anyone else look like a criminal. My reaction to someone tackling me the way Frascatore tackled Mr. Blake would have been to think I was being assaulted with intent to be killed or kidnapped - and you can be very sure I would have fought back with all my might (otherwise known to NYPD as "resisting arrest") - that part is just instinct, but it would likely get me maimed or killed. If I were wounded, they'd probably throw me in a jail cell and ignore my situation.
Who has control of the NYPD's officers? NO ONE does, apparently.
27
If Bratton and De Blasio seriously want to "vigorously implement these reforms that build trust and respect between police officers and the people they serve", they should FIRE Frascatore, as ridiculously belated as that would be. Why are criminal cops, like the one shown in the mug shot here, allowed to keep their jobs?? Wouldn't a good way to deal with the "small proportion" of "bad cops" be to expunge them from the ranks as soon as they commit these brutal acts? Yes, of course it would, and no, Bratton and De Blasio are not serious. So readers, especially black men, beware. The cops are totally untrustworthy.
20
In CA law enforcement agencies there is the dreaded "psyche test" which almost every recruit police officer FAILS- some repeatedly- before being accepted to an academy. Potential bad apples simply re-take the test until they pass. Seems this would be a good starting point for positive reform.
5
So is the police union going to turn its back on our elected representatives again this time? Police are here primarily to serve the community and make it better. Not be some kind of movie Rambo-cop.
10
There's the the race issue. There's the police brutality issue. There are now political issues around these kinds of incidents - and candidates need to address what is happening.
But, after watching this video, there is one clear truth. Officer Frascatore is a punk and coward, with impunity. Bratton, this is one you if this guy doesn't get fired and prosecuted.
But, after watching this video, there is one clear truth. Officer Frascatore is a punk and coward, with impunity. Bratton, this is one you if this guy doesn't get fired and prosecuted.
8
Every police department in America has a Frascatore on their force and because of their unions the cities can't get rid of them and end up paying millions in lawsuits
6
See what happens when the supposedly adults do not discipline a bully?
8
I don't believe this example represents racism, but rather the consequences of the PBA viewing members of the general public as "Enemy Combatants".
8
Police officers are just like the rest of the population.. there are good ones and bad ones. The bad ones make the rest look bad. One big difference with police officers in places like New York, as compared to the South, is in the South this guy would have been fired a couple of years ago. Officers serve at the 'pleasure' of the sheriff or the chief.. and when they make the dept look bad, they're gone. In places like NY, the unions protect these bad seeds and refuse to let the depts fire them. Maybe a little desk duty at most. Maybe one day the population will figure why these guys are still working..
2
I would launch a civil suit against this clown. Cops think they can basically do anything these days, and I don't understand how this is not illegal as well. If I was being attacked on the street like that, and had a permit to carry a concealed weapon, guess what I would have done. Oops, sorry!
3
Frascatore's history suggests what he did to Blake was not out of character, except in this instance he abused someone who was somebody. The question is why did his superiors and the city's lawyers fail to see a pattern that the Times richly documents here? Frascatore is finished as a police officer in New York, but if De Blasio and his police chief really want to do more than offer a nostra culpa and mouth platitudes about spending $29 million on retraining the city's police, they must do something about Frascatore's superiors who turned a blind eye and the city's legal staff that relied on that indifference. If just Frascatore goes, this is a waste of time.
16
I am a 70 year old white guy who was brought up to believe the policeman was "your friend" and it seemed so in the small Midwestern town where I grew up. Then I went to a university near Chicago where I learned the off-duty policeman who the frat hired to guard the door was our friend because that enabled underage partiers to drink without fear of being arrested. I also learned to wrap my drivers license in a $20 bill to avoid a ticket and the policeman was still my friend. But then when I reached my fifties times had changed. I received a speeding ticket or two when I wasn't speeding and my mind about my "friend" changed. I also saw policemen who considered their badge as a get out of jail free card for any misbehavior.
Now I see the news and I cringe - because I see someone who has a badge and gun who sees fit to do as they want, right or wrong. Incidents like the Blake example show a police department out of control. Right now the focus is on examples of injustices on or to black citizens but how long until the "we are the cops and we can do what we want" attitude extend to all of us?
Now I see the news and I cringe - because I see someone who has a badge and gun who sees fit to do as they want, right or wrong. Incidents like the Blake example show a police department out of control. Right now the focus is on examples of injustices on or to black citizens but how long until the "we are the cops and we can do what we want" attitude extend to all of us?
13
It's sad the system is designed to protect these criminals after they've committed the crimes. He sexually assaulted a woman and the charges were dropped against her. He punched a man and the biting charge was dropped against him. He maced a man in his walkway in front of his wife and children and the charges were dropped against the victim. Key word: against. Crazy.
11
I have known many nyc cops in my life and they are all good men who do their job well. But none of them would ever report misbehavior by their co-worker who is akin to this clown. The testosterone express needs to be derailed. Is professionalism too much to ask? Seriously?
16
Too much of the NYPD is terrible. They behave like they are above the law they are supposed to enforce. They drive thru lights pretending to be in pursuit of what... A donut? They turn their lights on and move traffic out of the way for no reason, just so they don't have to wait in traffic like the rest of us mortals. I block them now and am in no rush to get out of the way. They are rude, inconsiderate, and all too often not worthy of our respect. Shameful what they did to this man, shameful what they do to too many people that we don't see. This is one case where the union is also shameful as that's the only thing protecting these bad apples. In any other company they would be fired. I wish all the good cops told these idiots to find another career. Shameful to be on the same team.
21
So, a string of complaints but not until there is a very clear video of this cop attacking a prominent individual who very clearly has done absolutely nothing is anything done - and I have to wonder if they are just waiting until the dust settles to set that cop free to terrorize people again.
That aside, I see a whole crowd of people going by, even someone telling the cop he dropped something - but not one person asks this guy if he has some form of identification and/or authority for what he is doing. That could have been a kidnapping for all anyone knew.
That aside, I see a whole crowd of people going by, even someone telling the cop he dropped something - but not one person asks this guy if he has some form of identification and/or authority for what he is doing. That could have been a kidnapping for all anyone knew.
15
If you go further back into the Officer's history, you'll almost certainly find that he was a bully in high school. Bullies love to become cops after they graduate from high school, since it lets them continue to wield arbitrary power over people. It's only in the past year that we have seen the use of video expose these guys as thugs, no different from many of the people they are assaulting. I still have a fear reflex when I am alone and see a cop, but I now know that there is a good chance that we are under surveillance.
10
I've played in mens ice hockey leagues for 30 years and theres always one constant: the team made up of cops are always the dirtiest, the least talented and lead the league in penalty minutes. The teams names are usually "the Enforcers"," the Blue Line", "The Badgers".
They seem to think that it's okay to cheat, play unnecessarily rough and start fights. They act like the cop in every video you have ever seen. Basic bullies who never grew up.
The second worst team in the league is always made up of firemen.
They seem to think that it's okay to cheat, play unnecessarily rough and start fights. They act like the cop in every video you have ever seen. Basic bullies who never grew up.
The second worst team in the league is always made up of firemen.
12
For black people america has always been a police state. White americans have condoned this behavior toward us since the beginning. It is so funny that they now seem surprised at the level of brutality inflicted on us, as if it were something new. The cop was doing what he was trained to do. It was the behavior that is expected from police toward black people. He is a good american - just ask Pat Lynch. The cop is a minuscule version of Donald Trump.
6
Five apprehensions all possibly involving the use of excessive force and the result, one person pleads guilty to driving with a broken taillight. In three other cases the charges are dropped and in the Blake case he's not only the wrong guy, the guy he was mistaken for was also the wrong guy. Wow.
6
Blake is in a unique position to leverage his celebrity to affect real lasting change in police conduct and review. His legacy in police reform could and should outlast and outshine his legacy in tennis. He should consider this opportunity as a long term endeavor, teaming up with like minded individuals and organizations on the matter of black lives, like President Obama and his Foundation (reported to have some some place at Columbia).
7
I'll tell you what really bothers me: It must be crystal clear by now that every police officer at least knows of, if not personally, the existence of rogue cops who rough people up because they want to, use pre-emptive overwhelming force and then justify it later; make up charges to give pretext to their own actions.
Such a culture of quiet acceptance of rogue behavior should not be. The Thin Blue Line should not be used to protect corrupt cops from justice.
But what's most disturbing is that many of those who keep quiet do so not out of fear or loyalty but because they too believe such force, or the threat of it, is essential to keeping the peace.
This cop did what he did in broad daylight, surrounded by no doubt hundreds of onlookers, and saw nothing wrong with it.
That sort of tells us a lot.
Such a culture of quiet acceptance of rogue behavior should not be. The Thin Blue Line should not be used to protect corrupt cops from justice.
But what's most disturbing is that many of those who keep quiet do so not out of fear or loyalty but because they too believe such force, or the threat of it, is essential to keeping the peace.
This cop did what he did in broad daylight, surrounded by no doubt hundreds of onlookers, and saw nothing wrong with it.
That sort of tells us a lot.
2
Something is broken in American life and no matter how often the knowledge is rejected and denied by too much of our population, the injury is deeply rooted in the fact that America once viewed black human beings as the portable property of privileged white people.
The wound was closed several times but it is still infected and has never healed. And its poison just keeps making us sick. Those of us who are white like me are fond of the notion that we aren't racists because we keep our vile poisonous thoughts private. But we are racists. We are sick.
Why then do we feign surprise when yet again a white cop brutalizes a black man?
Why?
Because if we admit that white cops are racists then we might need admit that we are too. Racism is destroying us and we are too afraid to take necessary measures to end it.
The wound was closed several times but it is still infected and has never healed. And its poison just keeps making us sick. Those of us who are white like me are fond of the notion that we aren't racists because we keep our vile poisonous thoughts private. But we are racists. We are sick.
Why then do we feign surprise when yet again a white cop brutalizes a black man?
Why?
Because if we admit that white cops are racists then we might need admit that we are too. Racism is destroying us and we are too afraid to take necessary measures to end it.
3
A good number of officers are good people doing good work amid difficult situations. However, there is a significant number of police officers are bad people, who themselves would have been criminals if it is not for the badge or the uniform.
I have seen on few occasions how badly police officers conduct themselves while dealing with people. The problem is not training but education and character. Frascatore is bad character and should never have been considered for police force. If not for uniform and the badge, he would be in jail for some criminal conduct, which comes so naturally to him.
At 20% of NYPD are bad apples.
I have seen on few occasions how badly police officers conduct themselves while dealing with people. The problem is not training but education and character. Frascatore is bad character and should never have been considered for police force. If not for uniform and the badge, he would be in jail for some criminal conduct, which comes so naturally to him.
At 20% of NYPD are bad apples.
3
If Mr. Blake looked so similar to the real suspect then I see officer Frascatore's actions justified. If you consider that officer was, in his mind, arresting a real suspect then this video footage is hardly aggressive. I think other incidents which involve use of aggressive force by Frascatore are much more concerning to me than his arrest of Mr. Blake. In all other complaints against him mentioned in the article there seems to have been cases where officer was acting in bad intent. If anything, his badge should have been taken for all those other unjustified instances then this one.
Don't you think Frascatore needed to at least show his badge before tackling someone standing outside a hotel? Blake had the good sense and good fortune not to fight back. Not everyone would be so passive when assaulted by some random person. What happens then? Most likely the suspect would be arrested for, at a minimum, assaulting an officer. At worst, the officer over-reacts and shoots the suspect "in self-defense."
We were having some issues with our 18 year old son and asked the local NJ suburban police if they could talk to him and address some of it. The officer I spoke to said "We don't do that sort of thing; we're in the punishment business."
I was aghast. Indeed, they should do more outreach. And my impression is punishment is what most police think they are supposed/allowed to do.
They need tremendous re-training: the Judicial branch is in the punishment 'business'; the police are the Executive branch which executes the law/arresting only, not punishment.
They have a fundamental misunderstanding of their constitutional role in America.
I was aghast. Indeed, they should do more outreach. And my impression is punishment is what most police think they are supposed/allowed to do.
They need tremendous re-training: the Judicial branch is in the punishment 'business'; the police are the Executive branch which executes the law/arresting only, not punishment.
They have a fundamental misunderstanding of their constitutional role in America.
6
I read through many of the comments and I am very moved that people are starting to understand police brutality. When these stories first started surfacing people frequently blamed the victim. But as more and more videos become available -- and we have near perfect individuals like Mr. Blake -- it is undeniably a police officer problem. No way to blame Blake for what happened. What will it take to get accountability from the police force? The Police union will always support its members even when they are wrong. I usually support unions - but not this one.
4
Have numeerous commentors already made the point that the other officers on the scene did not report the incident? I gather that kind of collusion is commonplace and has been for decades. Every policeman on the scene who failed to report what occurred deserves to be punished.
7
These incidents where police officers harass, assault, and even murder citizens are so common that they actually represent a crisis in the criminal justice system in America.
Citizens serving on juries now must listen to police officers' testimony with a very great degree of skepticism. Given the dozens of instances of police abuse, lying, and covering-up, to assume that officers are telling the truth would be naive. It's become a situation where it seems better to assume that they are not telling the truth, unless proven otherwise.
Citizens serving on juries now must listen to police officers' testimony with a very great degree of skepticism. Given the dozens of instances of police abuse, lying, and covering-up, to assume that officers are telling the truth would be naive. It's become a situation where it seems better to assume that they are not telling the truth, unless proven otherwise.
2
this officer needs to be reprimanded fully. he needs to be punished. he is using his police badge to project his aggression with impunity on the general public. there were several instances where this behavior should have raised red flags and led to punishment but the police department has again condoned officer violence. only because this instance happened to be video-tapped and the victim is famous has this dangerous officer been finally exposed for such a reckless and lawless individual he is. punish him and punish every lawless officer like him. he is an embarrassment and a danger to the law-abiding public.
1
In a police state, citizens exist to serve the state, or the elites who control the state. And the police use violence and imprisonment to enforce the status quo.
The US is not a police state, certainly not for the vast majority of Whites. And probably not for most Blacks or Native Americans. But the arc of civil rights for all has been bent in the wrong direction.
Mostly by the "conservative" perversion of the party of Lincoln.
The US is not a police state, certainly not for the vast majority of Whites. And probably not for most Blacks or Native Americans. But the arc of civil rights for all has been bent in the wrong direction.
Mostly by the "conservative" perversion of the party of Lincoln.
1
What do we want from policemen? On one hand we
want somebody who can make the kinds of snap judgements that make us all feel safe. On the other hand, we do not want someone who punches black men and post hoc create a rationale for abusive behavior under the color of authority. This officer and his conduct were probably well known to his superiors and fellow officers. I would guess that more than one of his colleagues asked superiors that they not be assigned to work with him. Thus enters
The code of silence.
Simply stated that rule requires that officers not report aggression and violence outside of what
the circumstance required. The implicit thought is
once officers begin reporting on one another the unit cohesion needed to deal with potentially violent circumstances will evaporate with the best "snitches"
retaining their jobs while perfectly competent ones
get demoted or lose theirs.
A review of the psychological testing taken by this officer probably identifies him as exceptionally angry and aggressive.
If you rule out individuals such as this officer and hire the "nicer people" Ben Jealous has asked for
we may have thoughtful policemen who are are less impulsively aggressive in their behavior but are also
more likely to be injured or killed in the line of duty.
Good luck to all of us in resolving the issue of police aggression, particularly when we need those officers to be violently aggressive.
want somebody who can make the kinds of snap judgements that make us all feel safe. On the other hand, we do not want someone who punches black men and post hoc create a rationale for abusive behavior under the color of authority. This officer and his conduct were probably well known to his superiors and fellow officers. I would guess that more than one of his colleagues asked superiors that they not be assigned to work with him. Thus enters
The code of silence.
Simply stated that rule requires that officers not report aggression and violence outside of what
the circumstance required. The implicit thought is
once officers begin reporting on one another the unit cohesion needed to deal with potentially violent circumstances will evaporate with the best "snitches"
retaining their jobs while perfectly competent ones
get demoted or lose theirs.
A review of the psychological testing taken by this officer probably identifies him as exceptionally angry and aggressive.
If you rule out individuals such as this officer and hire the "nicer people" Ben Jealous has asked for
we may have thoughtful policemen who are are less impulsively aggressive in their behavior but are also
more likely to be injured or killed in the line of duty.
Good luck to all of us in resolving the issue of police aggression, particularly when we need those officers to be violently aggressive.
1
It is time for police departments to understand that 'arrests; are not the way to rate their officers, but rather by how well a precinct's personnel get along with their community and what has happened to the precinct's crime rate. If, in the case of two negatives, total reconsideration of policy is obviously to be implemented, in one negative trend, serious social science is needed, to even begin to form a palliative policy. It seems officer Frascatore is at the negative extreme on both counts. I bet he doesn't feel that his behavior has in any way led to the police animosity that caused someone to gun down a Texas lawman at a gas station without provocation.
3
I personally know of two women who were murdered by their boyfriends who were cops in different parts of our nation.
One of the victims was my sister-in-law, another was an old friend.
In both cases these women planned to blow the whistle on 'over the top' police corruption in their respective locales, and the forensics in both murders were expertly destroyed up by fellow officers these killers. Google 'crooked sheriff commits murder'. There are 606,000 results.
Departments are recruiting losers, abusers and criminals to be cops, and our 'law and order' hungry nation has devolved to the Wild West where lawmen routinely shook people down for cash, sex, etc., while also stealing and confiscating property under the color of authority.
America needs a Federalized Knapp Commission to stop this madness.
One of the victims was my sister-in-law, another was an old friend.
In both cases these women planned to blow the whistle on 'over the top' police corruption in their respective locales, and the forensics in both murders were expertly destroyed up by fellow officers these killers. Google 'crooked sheriff commits murder'. There are 606,000 results.
Departments are recruiting losers, abusers and criminals to be cops, and our 'law and order' hungry nation has devolved to the Wild West where lawmen routinely shook people down for cash, sex, etc., while also stealing and confiscating property under the color of authority.
America needs a Federalized Knapp Commission to stop this madness.
7
As with so many of these embarrassing incidences, this "officer" displays a clear lack of both tactical and psychological training. Why aren't these guys better educated? It takes longer to earn a degree in business than to become a cop. One of the most recent officers in the news was a mentally unstable hair stylist, a failed web entrepreneur, and then a cop.
I guess, when all else fails...
I guess, when all else fails...
4
The reason Officer Frascatore hadn't already been fired is because the police union is so strong. I remember the Diggs case, he was stopped by police for riding his bicycle on the sidewalk. It was very well publicized even though Mr. Diggs wasn't a celebrated athlete.
http://www.wnyc.org/story/cops-complaints-and-one-ugly-altercation-caugh...
I have never voted Republican in my life and never will, but its position against public employee unions is not unjustified. In protecting members who are also rogue employees, the unions are working against the public their members are charged with serving. The public always loses.
http://www.wnyc.org/story/cops-complaints-and-one-ugly-altercation-caugh...
I have never voted Republican in my life and never will, but its position against public employee unions is not unjustified. In protecting members who are also rogue employees, the unions are working against the public their members are charged with serving. The public always loses.
8
Agreed, unions that protect bad members, because they can, need to stop the practice or be disbanded. As far as Republicans getting anything right, think again. Republicans are Ok with police unions. Maybe because they tend to vote for them. When Scott Walker talks about his union busting, he fails to mention not touching the unions for policemen and firemen. When Kasich in Ohio included the "popular" unions in his attempt to break the unions, he was shut down.
Ever notice that the same bad apples turn up repeatedly in these cases? As pointed out in a recent article in 'Mother Jones', the vast majority of the abuse cases involve a small but miserable minority of genuinely "crummy cops" (Their expression, making perfect sense) who will keep this up until our legislatures force prosecutors to actually start prosecuting ALL violent lawbreakers, including the ones with badges who've turned the great law-abiding majority of cops into walking targets. Just what do we elect these people for, anyway? To actually serve and protect, or to just try to further their political careers by going for the 'big cases' involving the big money or publicity, and to hell with the rest? The law is something we all must obey, and good cops know this as well as anyone else. It's time to make the few but dangerous bad ones aware of this fact, as well. Long past time.
3
Before we invent self driving cars we should invent robots that can take over police work. Yes, robots won't be perfect either, but the same phrase Elon Musk used for cars could be applied to the police. Humans are just not fit for police work. The sooner we can replace them with robots, the better it will be for everybody.
5
Even the majority of the public that are pro-police would have to agree that this incident was the furthest possible deviation from normal police procedure. IMO this cop basically bent the rules and used the badge he didn't initially show as his empowerment to assault James Blake.
I have met James and one of things that initially impressed me the most about him when he had just entered pro-tennis, was unlike the typical entitled attitude of many athletes, he had a great deal of respect for the average person outside the sport who were younger then him or even those who were not doing as well as himself. I witnessed him treat servers bringing him food who were 3-4 years younger than him at a players and sponsors party, with as much (if not more) respect as he had for the people who had written the prize checks. Anyone with that general attitude towards average people performing their job is respectful to everyone and doesn't deserve to be thrown to the ground because an out of control cop thinks he has a license to do whatever he feels like.
It disgusts me that cops like this abuse their power in this manner and sully the reputation of the vast majority of good Police Officers. It is sort of ironic that with all the attention given to altercations between good cops that properly do their jobs and sketchy characters, that the really bad actors among police who can't properly interact with innocent citizens, have not been identified first and already swept out the door.
I have met James and one of things that initially impressed me the most about him when he had just entered pro-tennis, was unlike the typical entitled attitude of many athletes, he had a great deal of respect for the average person outside the sport who were younger then him or even those who were not doing as well as himself. I witnessed him treat servers bringing him food who were 3-4 years younger than him at a players and sponsors party, with as much (if not more) respect as he had for the people who had written the prize checks. Anyone with that general attitude towards average people performing their job is respectful to everyone and doesn't deserve to be thrown to the ground because an out of control cop thinks he has a license to do whatever he feels like.
It disgusts me that cops like this abuse their power in this manner and sully the reputation of the vast majority of good Police Officers. It is sort of ironic that with all the attention given to altercations between good cops that properly do their jobs and sketchy characters, that the really bad actors among police who can't properly interact with innocent citizens, have not been identified first and already swept out the door.
6
For those who insist that most cops are good and there are just a few bad apples, this is what is so infuriating to the public and black Americans in particular. Why do police departments keep defending and covering up for the bad apples rather than fire them. It's the lack of accountability that makes the black lives matter movement so essential. The fact is institutional racism is content to let punk abusive cops run unchecked so long as his victims are those people.
14
The police union contract and the weak civilian complaint board work to hide the bad apples. It is almost impossible to discover complaints and there disposition until some whacko cop ends up on the front page. The police brass have given up the supervision of cops in exchange for peace with the union. Just the usual NYC corrupt bargain where one hand washes the other and the public be damned.
22
As long as these cops aren't punished for this criminal behavior with serious fines and /or jail time they will continue doing it. As long as police departments aren't punished this will continue. Training shmaining these cops like doing this stuff; it gives them a high, with no downside, i.e. no punishment. The key word here is impunity.
63
Just fire them without pensions.
1
The indifference of bystanders is a gobsmacker.
25
They'd have been shot or beaten up. NY policemen are thugs.
10
People in New York see police apprehend suspects all the time.
You don't know what they did when they were off camera.
White and outraged. Fire this bum, then try him and put him in jail with his own kind. And by the way, offer apologies (and settlements) to all the others who have been victims of "officer" Frascatore.
54
This is so incredibly scary. Anyone in that circumstance would think they are being attacked by a criminal since the officer was in plain clothes. Why didn't he simply approach and question him? Disgusting behavior. I hope Mr. Blake recovers well from this psychological trauma.
45
He needs to be fired, and charged with assault. There is no excuse for this.
50
The PBA's statement, " ..... the arrest of Mr. Blake was made under fluid circumstances where the subject may have fled", is an example of how to speak English while saying nothing.
Until our cities start hiring "Public Safety Officers" with a proviso to exclude those who have been in the military, these sorts of "incidents" will continue.
Until our cities start hiring "Public Safety Officers" with a proviso to exclude those who have been in the military, these sorts of "incidents" will continue.
27
I agree with you, Beatrice, but I doubt a military background is to blame. I've read responses from former soldiers who state that they would not behave this way in combat, so I hesitate to confound ex-military as the new breed of policemen. We need a system whereby taxpayers do not foot the bill for the excesses and boils of the police department. Half of their pension should go to pay out these civil lawsuits.
1
A $29 million investment in retraining police officers? Are those from my tax dollars? I want a refund!!!
29
can't add much that hasn't been said here except to say it's great that cameras are documenting these cases that would have NEVER seen the light of day. Cops have been getting away with this forever. Yes, cops do lie.
69
Clearly, this officer is unhinged. Best to strip him of his badge, firearm, and support of the law enforcement community. Honestly, Bratton needs to make an example of this goon and really lay the wood to him.
46
First, Frascatore committed criminal assault and needs to be indicted and tried for his crime.
Second, Bratton has to go. The buck stops with the Commissioner... not once has he indicated that the incredibly unprofessional thuggery violated police professional codes of conduct. Even if Frascatore had fingered the correct suspect, there is no reason for this open thuggery.
Out of control cops start with bad commanders and commissioners. Time to make examples of the rotten apples... right up to the top of the department. That's the only way that civilian authorities can take control of police departments.
Second, Bratton has to go. The buck stops with the Commissioner... not once has he indicated that the incredibly unprofessional thuggery violated police professional codes of conduct. Even if Frascatore had fingered the correct suspect, there is no reason for this open thuggery.
Out of control cops start with bad commanders and commissioners. Time to make examples of the rotten apples... right up to the top of the department. That's the only way that civilian authorities can take control of police departments.
84
Furthermore, out of control cops continue with the support and protection of the system, including local prosecutors, grand juries, and legislators that define a different set of laws for cops that permit them to escape punishment for offenses that would get anybody else harsh legal treatment. The whole system needs reform.
1
Perfect example of police failure to Keep The Peace. Nope. We've got a police force that has been trained to Enforce the Law, whether it's being broken or not. It really doesn't matter who you are, and the darker your skin is the less it matters.
23
Well, well, well. The worm is beginning to turn. Ubiquitous video - cell phone, security, dash cam, officer-worn, whatever, is changing the game. It will take some time for offenders (both police and otherwise) to wise up, but they'll eventually get it. And behavior will be changed.
11
It's not about this police officer. It's about a public policy that puts the safety of police officers above the rights of it's citizens. To think of all of the sacrifices made throughout our history; by men, who gave their lives; by women, who sacrificed their sons on the alter of liberty. That we have become a society that believes that those who serve in enforcing our laws, should be awarded special rights to strip our citizens of their security and dignity, in the name of protecting themselves from potential harm, is the greatest assault on the principles and ideals upon which this nation was founded. When the security of our public officials trumps our own, freedom and liberty are no more.
23
The only thing different about this incident is the fact that it has been exposed for the world to see. This stuff has been going on for YEARS, particularly in poor and minority communities. It appears that slowly, at long last, these power-abusers are being called to account and just maybe, a change is gonna come. Kudos to Mr. Blake for helping draw attention to this incident on behalf of the myriad multitudes who have experienced this type of treatment (and worse) at the hands of these bullies with badges. Enough!
22
The arrest looked proper to me, and I'm not a big fan of these things. The general rule is to take control of the subject, who in this case is a big guy. Had the subject resisted, then we might have some violence, as it was, nothing, aside from the indignity.
1
Except it was the wrong suspect! The cop just went forth on one tip. But no chance the tip could be wrong, right?
James Blake is not a big guy. He's tennis-player fit, which is to say he's lean but not in any way bulky.
So the self-evident and unprovoked assault and battery by the cop somehow doesn't count as violence for you? Is that something like the distinction between "real" rape and some other kind?
He looked just like the suspect! It was an honest mistake!
He makes less than 1/2 the salary! These are all dodges that somehow are supposed to give one a "pass" for confronting the 800 pound Gorilla: The cop has a patterned record of issues with excessive force; resultant lawsuits; and not surprisingly to anyone; will likely cost taxpayers real dollars to settle some of these lawsuits. In this day of video capture; problematic employees in all walks of employment don't get a pass on there behavior. Finally, to those who jump to the officers defense; citing his salary? The true cost of his salaried position is his salary plus his benefits package; plus the payout to settle lawsuits - healthy organizations take a top down view of what any single individual is costing the department relative to their peer group. And when their numbers are skewing far out of the norm as compared to their group, smart organizations terminate the employment agreement.
He makes less than 1/2 the salary! These are all dodges that somehow are supposed to give one a "pass" for confronting the 800 pound Gorilla: The cop has a patterned record of issues with excessive force; resultant lawsuits; and not surprisingly to anyone; will likely cost taxpayers real dollars to settle some of these lawsuits. In this day of video capture; problematic employees in all walks of employment don't get a pass on there behavior. Finally, to those who jump to the officers defense; citing his salary? The true cost of his salaried position is his salary plus his benefits package; plus the payout to settle lawsuits - healthy organizations take a top down view of what any single individual is costing the department relative to their peer group. And when their numbers are skewing far out of the norm as compared to their group, smart organizations terminate the employment agreement.
23
It's an ongoing national disgrace that violent sociopaths like James Frascatore can "act out" and feel confident that a police badge will provide protection and legitimacy for their criminal behavior.
32
Maybe if the millions of dollars the City spends on settling excessive force lawsuits were taken directly out of the police pension fund, the PBA would be a little less likely to jump to a knee-jerk defense of what is clearly intolerably incompetent, and likely implicitly racist, policing tactics.
33
That's actually a really good idea. Of course, it will never happen.
2
I sincerely think that's a brilliant idea.
2
This is a great and logical idea!
When someone with this officer's record is left on the streets and they continue behaving like this, it runs the risk of looking like it's by design -- that is, he's out there doing those things because NYPD wants him out there doing those things. It takes a video capturing him roughing up a somewhat famous person to force the department to act. I'm sure it's just a misunderstanding on my part -- they really did think they'd corrected this behavior, but this guy kept pulling the wool over their eyes.
The cynic in me thinks that the training they will get will revolve around how to detect when you're being videotaped, and how to behave under those circumstances, vs how to behave the rest of the time. Again, I'm sure it's just my misunderstanding of the deep commitment NYPD has to ensuring its officers aren't treating (dark) people like scumbags first, asking questions later. When it's caught on camera.
The cynic in me thinks that the training they will get will revolve around how to detect when you're being videotaped, and how to behave under those circumstances, vs how to behave the rest of the time. Again, I'm sure it's just my misunderstanding of the deep commitment NYPD has to ensuring its officers aren't treating (dark) people like scumbags first, asking questions later. When it's caught on camera.
30
This will not stop until charges are brought up against officials that let cops such as this remain in the force.
22
Police unions are the main reason why we have police brutality. They will back the bad cops when they do really bad things. And they have the politicians in their pocket who will siphon taxpayer dollars as fat salaries, benefits and pensions. This must stop - we need to ban police unions.
25
There were several guys from my highschool class who went on to become police officers, with a few exceptions they were under-educated bullies who liked to try to dominate and abuse weaker students. I can only image what they're like as police officers with badges and guns.
46
Years ago it was maybe 1 out of 10 cops that was a bad apple.
Today it's the complete opposite. 90% are bad and only 10% are truly decent.
Cops are scary. Some are very dangerous, psychopathically ill people.
Most of them would be common criminals if they weren't wearing a badge. Matter of fact its getting harder to separate the two.
Today it's the complete opposite. 90% are bad and only 10% are truly decent.
Cops are scary. Some are very dangerous, psychopathically ill people.
Most of them would be common criminals if they weren't wearing a badge. Matter of fact its getting harder to separate the two.
46
Your comment is part of the problem. 90% of cops are bad? Are you kidding me? Most police officers just want to do their job and go home at the end of the night. You should meet some, talk to them about what they deal with on a daily basis and then comment instead of spouting off about something you don't know anything about.
Doesnt matter in the least. The police are a power unto themselves and they have powerful public unions to protect themselves. Also they know the tax payers will be forced to foot the bill for their crimes against the citizenry. The US is a police state. Get use to this it is the new normal.
36
Even if he had the right guy, there was no justification for tackling him violently which could have caused serious physical injury.
I hope he sues the cop, his boss, the police chief, the mayor and the city for vast amounts of money. I know I would.
I hope he sues the cop, his boss, the police chief, the mayor and the city for vast amounts of money. I know I would.
54
Exactly. This is a credit card sting? Let's turn this policeman loose on Wall Street, see how many bankers he smashes to the ground!
The disconcerting part of this is that their apology was pretty much "sorry, if we knew he was famous, we wouldn't have done it". Accordingly, they still think there would have been nothing if he wasn't famous.
64
I follow professional tennis, but, I have to admit that I would recognize his name, but not him in the situation on the video. Conclusion, a delude 'eyewitness' pointed to the nearest black man in sight, and because of the color of Mr. blake's skin assumed it was gospel. Has ANYBODY watched "12 Angry Men" and its destruction of so-called 'eye-witness' testimony. Real forensic science and, now CCTV, have shown that 'eyewitness' is a recount of the witness' perception, which may or may not reflect the actual passage of events. So, how did a grand jury in staten Island disregard video, that showed a choke-hold, against NYPD 'policy", being used against Rodney King. I'm from apartheid South Africa and 'white'. I became a citizen of this country because its laws promised equal treatment under said law. I'm still here, but disappointed is a mild word to use about how the general populace of the US has lived up to its ideals. Aside from this story, I will add my total disgust at a government official using said government position to refuse to grant marriage licenses to people because of their sexual orientation, on the basis of her 'freedom of religion'. How hypocritical can one get? If, in a government position, one uses it to impose one's religious convictions on others, how is that NOT a violation of the establishment clause. I am male, married to a female for 44+ years and white. I came to the US from S.Africa as a college freshman in 1962,
I get all the complaints about Commissioner Bratton saying Frascatore " 'might' have acted too aggressively". It's pretty obvious from the video that there is no question but what Frascatore was completely too aggressive. But Bratton's job makes him the judge of the appropriate disciplinary action. So he needed to lean over backwards to avoid the appearance of having jumped to conclusions. He made this statement very soon after the James Blake first went public.
By the way, if you want an interesting thought experiment, just imagine how much Bratton must be itching to make an example of this Frascatore.
By the way, if you want an interesting thought experiment, just imagine how much Bratton must be itching to make an example of this Frascatore.
3
Mistaken arrest or not, this police was unnecessarily violent. Exactly what police protocol justifies this method of arrest? Perhaps NYPD and other police departments across the country should hire more intelligent, impartial individuals.
35
Reminds me of the Eric Garner take down. What a shame, they have no respect for citizens or being humane.
They always trot out standard excuses when caught "feared for my life" "was about to grab my gun" etc.
I wish the prosecutor tosses this cop in jail
They always trot out standard excuses when caught "feared for my life" "was about to grab my gun" etc.
I wish the prosecutor tosses this cop in jail
39
doesn't the police department do any psychological screening to weed out these sadistic bullies who think they are above the law? enough is enough already. i just pity all the many other people who aren't famous and whose arrests aren't caught on video who have suffered at the hands of the police. im in my 60's and have been hearing stories like this all my life. when is this criminal behavior by the police going to stop?
55
No. If you get a reccomendation, and are a family member, you are in like flint.
Any stories about psychological testing are so much cheap, homemade speed and about as good for you.
There is no testing for psychological fitness of cops. If your daddy or brother wore one or you were in the Army-you can wear NYC police blue. No more tedious questions asked.
Any stories about psychological testing are so much cheap, homemade speed and about as good for you.
There is no testing for psychological fitness of cops. If your daddy or brother wore one or you were in the Army-you can wear NYC police blue. No more tedious questions asked.
Real reform can't come soon enough. Apologizing isn't enough. Frascatore and other thug cops like him need jail time and the people responsible for allowing him to continue for so long need to go as well. If Frascatore's bosses are the ones responsible for implementing reform it won't happen.
51
Mr. Bratton should resign or should be fired. This terrible incidents and likely many others are happened and happing while his he is saying excessive force might have been used.
27
It's not only being black that makes you a target for some (thankfully not all) police to treat you like you have no right to decent treatment, but rather the kind of uncivilized treatment that James Blake suffered.
My own brother-in-law, a well-known scholar and calligrapher - 65 years-old and almost totally blind (no vision in his left eye and 25% left in his right) was beaten, kicked and bitten by two young whites, each with a dog, because he, trying to pass them when they were standing in the middle of the sidewalk, bumped into one of the dogs. They hit him, bit him and punched him so savagely that his injuries were clear in the Chinese papers over the next few days.
The police took the statements of the two young people, but didn't take his because they didn't call one of the many Chinese-speaking officers from the 109 precinct to travel the 1/2 mile to let him tell his side of the story. They cuffed, booked, and charged him with beating up the two young people. It didn't matter that he is a well-respected member of the Chinese community, a father and grandfather. He wouldn't have been treated that way had he been white!
Fortunately, the judge - 6 months later - threw out the charges, saying that the case should never have been brought in the first place.
It's not just blacks who suffer at the hands of a small, but dangerous, minority of our police. People passed James Blake by because they, too, were afraid what might have happened had they said anything.
My own brother-in-law, a well-known scholar and calligrapher - 65 years-old and almost totally blind (no vision in his left eye and 25% left in his right) was beaten, kicked and bitten by two young whites, each with a dog, because he, trying to pass them when they were standing in the middle of the sidewalk, bumped into one of the dogs. They hit him, bit him and punched him so savagely that his injuries were clear in the Chinese papers over the next few days.
The police took the statements of the two young people, but didn't take his because they didn't call one of the many Chinese-speaking officers from the 109 precinct to travel the 1/2 mile to let him tell his side of the story. They cuffed, booked, and charged him with beating up the two young people. It didn't matter that he is a well-respected member of the Chinese community, a father and grandfather. He wouldn't have been treated that way had he been white!
Fortunately, the judge - 6 months later - threw out the charges, saying that the case should never have been brought in the first place.
It's not just blacks who suffer at the hands of a small, but dangerous, minority of our police. People passed James Blake by because they, too, were afraid what might have happened had they said anything.
42
Well said! I totally understand and can relate to your experience.
1
When will the vast majority of police realize that they can't let the bad apples is their departments hide behind the "blue wall of silence"? It makes it so the society can't trust any cop or believe that there is any real justice in this county.
Cops shielding bad cops makes all cops bad.
Cops shielding bad cops makes all cops bad.
93
ALl cops ARE bad. I don't like it anymore than another white man but there is a disease of whites minds that says-"We own this town and nation" We are best at crime, we ought to have trhe money-blacks are stealing our women, blacks don't deserve. . .
The point is that cops -white cops- have allowed themselves to become a bleached skin reflection of the worst aspects of black-anti-white culture. There is no doubt that rap lysrics stir up trouble and all the songs about cappin cops are sickeniong, but this too will pass. They(white cops) beat up any white guy with long hair and often would buzz cut it off for fun. They supported the Vietnam war though almost none ever served because NY police have total and permanent draft exemptions. Some had been there but most ended up in SP, MP or office-clerical and driver jobs,none few real combat rifle work and all vets were far and few between.
Cops liked to stay in NYC and beat up dangerous commie hippies and any blacks they could get their hands on. None ever saw cocaine coming, and cops were among the biggest buyers and users of coke-it wasn't tested for as an illegal drug for the early 70's in the PD.
Cops still think they are a separate species. They're not. They get addicted to booze worse than any drug users. Police just cover up for one another and do what they can to prevent anyone from finding out. Most are brutal liars
The point is that cops -white cops- have allowed themselves to become a bleached skin reflection of the worst aspects of black-anti-white culture. There is no doubt that rap lysrics stir up trouble and all the songs about cappin cops are sickeniong, but this too will pass. They(white cops) beat up any white guy with long hair and often would buzz cut it off for fun. They supported the Vietnam war though almost none ever served because NY police have total and permanent draft exemptions. Some had been there but most ended up in SP, MP or office-clerical and driver jobs,none few real combat rifle work and all vets were far and few between.
Cops liked to stay in NYC and beat up dangerous commie hippies and any blacks they could get their hands on. None ever saw cocaine coming, and cops were among the biggest buyers and users of coke-it wasn't tested for as an illegal drug for the early 70's in the PD.
Cops still think they are a separate species. They're not. They get addicted to booze worse than any drug users. Police just cover up for one another and do what they can to prevent anyone from finding out. Most are brutal liars
7
Someone needs to take this personally to Officer Frascatore. A lawsuit against NYPD will not teach him the valuable lesson that he needs to take away. The injured parties describe here should file a direct lawsuit against Frascatore, and/or the City of New York should sue him to recover the funds they will lose due to the pending lawsuits.
36
Hey, NY Times, why does it matter that James Blake was "Harvard educated"? Oh, the ordinary slobs on the street, well, you never know about those types? Maybe they deserve to be treated to thugism?
I have a close family member who was mistaken for a murder suspect when at a McDonald's years ago with his children. Out came the big guns and he was treated like a common criminal. Oh, he's a professor and a noted author of academic oriented books, but that shouldn't matter.
Of course, mistaken identity can occur and police can be forgiven for occasional mistakes, but not tackling peaceful people, regardless of their college, going about their ordinary business. Violence should never be used against citizens when there is little or no violent threat presented.
Of all of those who might read this who have never had any encounters with police officers and who feel safe around them, here's the deal: 90+% of the time, whatever the police say happened, happened. Many will lie outright on their reports, they will be backed up by other officers and they can always trot out the "resisting arrest" charge, which means whatever the officers and prosecutors want it to mean. Oh, you were bending a suspect's arm almost to the breaking point? What else was he supposed to do, say, please, go ahead and break it?
We have no rights as citizens if our right to go peacefully about our lives can be interrupted with violence at any moment by the police. We have no rights at all.
I have a close family member who was mistaken for a murder suspect when at a McDonald's years ago with his children. Out came the big guns and he was treated like a common criminal. Oh, he's a professor and a noted author of academic oriented books, but that shouldn't matter.
Of course, mistaken identity can occur and police can be forgiven for occasional mistakes, but not tackling peaceful people, regardless of their college, going about their ordinary business. Violence should never be used against citizens when there is little or no violent threat presented.
Of all of those who might read this who have never had any encounters with police officers and who feel safe around them, here's the deal: 90+% of the time, whatever the police say happened, happened. Many will lie outright on their reports, they will be backed up by other officers and they can always trot out the "resisting arrest" charge, which means whatever the officers and prosecutors want it to mean. Oh, you were bending a suspect's arm almost to the breaking point? What else was he supposed to do, say, please, go ahead and break it?
We have no rights as citizens if our right to go peacefully about our lives can be interrupted with violence at any moment by the police. We have no rights at all.
88
Excellent comment. Coverage seems to imply that if instead of Blake the celebrity any other civilian should have expected to be mugged by a psycho-cop.
Bratton also implies the take-down of Blake is standard procedure... they just miscalculated in fingering a high profile individual. Instead of one of us ordinary citizens.
Bratton also implies the take-down of Blake is standard procedure... they just miscalculated in fingering a high profile individual. Instead of one of us ordinary citizens.
1
Frascatore is guilty - no doubt about it. If it wasn't a clear cut case they wouldn't have taken a badge away. My concern is the other officers that
saw this use of excessive force and stood silent. They also need to be held accountable.
saw this use of excessive force and stood silent. They also need to be held accountable.
93
See this as a perfect example:http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/7582374