Police officer suspended for slapping citizen for refusing a warrantless search
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This story demonstrates why it is becoming essential for every citizen to begin recording their interactions with the police every single time.
Yesterday police were contacted in regard to a video posted online which appeared to show an inappropriate interaction between an on-duty member of the Sheriff’s Office and a civilian, resulting from a suspicious vehicle complaint in the Town of Halfmoon.
The Sheriff’s Office has identified and interviewed all parties involved in the interaction and as a result, the police officer has been suspended without pay effective immediately, pending the outcome of the investigation and possible disciplinary action.
Make sure you watch the video. It is very clear that the officer did not know he was being recorded. It is also clear to me that his behavior in this situation was not unusual, that this police officer is quite used to using violence to get his way, regardless of the law. Had the recording not existed, however, he would not have been suspended, and would not be likely to lose his job.
The recording did exist, however, which has forced the Saratoga police force to take action.
Please consider donating to Behind the Black, by giving either a one-time contribution or a regular subscription, as outlined in the tip jar to the right or below. Your support will allow me to continue covering science and culture as I have for the past twenty years, independent and free from any outside influence.
This story demonstrates why it is becoming essential for every citizen to begin recording their interactions with the police every single time.
Yesterday police were contacted in regard to a video posted online which appeared to show an inappropriate interaction between an on-duty member of the Sheriff’s Office and a civilian, resulting from a suspicious vehicle complaint in the Town of Halfmoon.
The Sheriff’s Office has identified and interviewed all parties involved in the interaction and as a result, the police officer has been suspended without pay effective immediately, pending the outcome of the investigation and possible disciplinary action.
Make sure you watch the video. It is very clear that the officer did not know he was being recorded. It is also clear to me that his behavior in this situation was not unusual, that this police officer is quite used to using violence to get his way, regardless of the law. Had the recording not existed, however, he would not have been suspended, and would not be likely to lose his job.
The recording did exist, however, which has forced the Saratoga police force to take action.
I’m glad they suspended him, and look forward to seeing what happens in the end.
The same officer has already cost his employers, the taxpayers, $6m in a settlement that arose from his 1996 head-on crash into the car of a 45-year old man, leaving that man paralyzed. http://alb.merlinone.net/mweb/wmsql.wm.request?oneimage&imageid=5948373
Sorry, I just realized that there’s a gap here; the article Bob links doesn’t give the officer’s name, but this article gives his name and some additional info, including his statement that he’d do the same thing again http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2014/11/09/saratoga_country_officer_appears_to_slap_man_who_didn_t_want_car_searched.html
He wanted to search the car because he could see a 22 caliber rifle in the back seat.
If he could see a rifle in the back seat then he didn’t need any more reason to search the car.
More than likely its presence in the back seat was in violation of the states firearms transportation rules.
Most states require firearms to be locked up and or secured in someway. Like in the trunk or locked in a rifle bag.
Basically some way to keep it from being instantly used.
That could be true; if so, it provides even more reason why the officer should have acted more professionally.