New York authorities have suspended two police officers and are considering criminal charges after this video showed them assaulting a handcuffed man, Jonathan Baez, 28. The video shows Officer John Cicero, 28, hitting Baez. Officer William Green, 26, is also seen hitting and kicking Baez.
Before the beating, two officers were wounded by a ricocheting bullet fired by a third officer at a pit bull reportedly belonging to the drug suspect. During the chase, the dog had pounced on the officers.
Two sergeants – Junior Carela and Phillip Connor – were also present and did nothing to stop the abuse. They only received desk duty even though they were witnessing a crime by two officers and did nothing to stop it. That seems to warrant something a bit more significant than desk duty.
Once again, it is worth noting that this case probably would never have materialized if it were not for a citizen’s videotaping the attack. Yet, police in Boston and England are arresting people for filming them in public places, here.
Sounds like to me Justified Force. Oops United Force of Corruption, yeah that’s it.
Are we on the eve of destruction…….?
“This is not an isolated incident,” Emdin said. “We’re calling for the blue wall of silence to be broken down.” (Emdin is the lawyer for the handcuffed man. Refer to the following link:)
The citizen who filmed that attack reports that he was beaten, as well.
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/bronx/bronx_cops_beat_me_too_GRbukCFAzbS5aXiE7aCvyN#ixzz0dRimQJWG
_____
I’m seeing some terrible things in my own community — things seem to be getting worse. I hope that people keep filming these incidents. Having said this, I realize that it’s perilous to do so. I still have hope that good people will help to turn this country around.
This is going back to the post regarding the city of Chicago and it examination process.I know this is New York but it is something there that I read that should apply here or anywhere for that matter that something like this occurs.
“Police may scrap entrance exam ”
“”A background check and a psych [exam] alone will not eliminate some people who should not be there,” said Brad Woods, who ran the Personnel Division under former Chicago Police Superintendents Phil Cline and Terry Hillard.”
AY: Are we on the eve of destruction…….? (Great song.)
I think we are.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Zs2DCA9W7s
Thanks to Barry McGuire. (What happened to him?)
Since most Police Departments are hiring the “Ex” Servicemen and they are not skull-ed in constitutional rights but only obeying the commands of an officer you will get what you have.
The police departments for most parts are an extension of the FBI. I say that because regardless of what matter it is, if they get an inkling to take it over, they do and the local agency has not much to say as they generally have no clue of whats going on.
What about that thing call private militias….
anon nurse. I remember the song so I looked up Barry McGuire on wiki and it said he became a “born again christian”. I guess he found hope. lol
Thanks for the laugh and the info, Swarthmore mom! (I was going to embed the links to the songs, but I need to figure out how, first.)
AY, I agree. And in my opinion, the FBI is running COINTELPRO again big time.
I’m sure it isn’t lost on many who blog here that Blackwater (Xe) has trained many police officers in this country.
(Regarding “skull-ed”, AY: Very clever.)
These officers need to experience some time behind bars for these illegal actions and the sergeants need to join them. You will not gain control over the police forces without putting officers in jail for their abusive actions. That will take political will and guts, but these police forces seem to be out of control.
Anon Nurse and Swarthmore Mom,
The Barry McGuire song brought back many memories!
rafflaw wrote: “You will not gain control over the police forces without putting officers in jail for their abusive actions.”
Hear, hear.
Are we ever going to see people marching in the streets again, I wonder. I’d like to think so but, sadly, I rather doubt it.
anon nurse I think the tea baggers are the closest thing we will see to people marching in the street. Just my opinion.
anon nurse,
Are we ever going to see people marching in the streets again, I wonder. I’d like to think so but, sadly, I rather doubt it.
Not since the NSA, Homeland Security Administration, they can arrest you are you will have to take your chances in court and try you on a local level.
I ran across an article where, catch this a student at Michigan State University is being charged with a 20 year felony for setting off fireworks.
Student in E. Lansing fireworks incident to face trial
“The night of Nov. 1, Nikolai Wasielewski was in a car with three other Michigan State University freshmen when one of the students – not Wasielewski – opened the passenger side window and threw a golf-ball-sized firework into the front yard of 436 Grove St.”
NO DAMAGE AT ALL.
IF YOU WANT TO DELUGE THE PAPER AND COURT WITH PHONE CALLS TO TELL THEM HOW WRONG THIS IS. THIS CHILD NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT.
From what I have been able to glean from other sources he is on the deans list. The three others in the car have all coward out and plead to misdemeanors.
Article link: http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20100123/NEWS01/1230315
Swarthmore mom: I think you’re right.
Thanks for the link, AY. According to the article, the young man probably won’t have to serve time. This said, I hate to think of him having a felony conviction… How about some serious community service.
What’s happened to common sense?
He was not the driver his only role was that of being a passenger in the vehicle.
The Prosecutor has made this the equated this with DRIVE BY SHOOTINGS…..
This is crap.
What these police officers did was wrong. They should be held accountable for their excessive use of force. However, there is a mitigating factor here. “During the chase, the dog has pounced on the officers.” I’m pretty sure that should just be “pounced”, but I’ll leave that for “Nal”. Since when does a Pit Bull pounce?
What I find disturbing is the immediate attribution to, and spiteful recognition of our military. Is this a view that is common among progressives, or is it just a point of view that is held by “the Turleys”? Either way, I find it disgusting. Which one of you have EVER put your life in harms way in defense of others?
To “Duh”: Don’t be so quick to judge.
You don’t know who we are, where we’ve been, what we’ve seen and/or what we’ve done in our lives.
AY: I agree. I skimmed and didn’t see that he was just a passenger. And you’re right — to liken it to a drive-by shooting is crazy.
I see a lot of familiar similarities between duh and Rumsfeld:
Don’t divide the world into “them” and “us.” Avoid infatuation with or resentment of the press, the Congress, rivals, or opponents. Accept them as facts. They have their jobs and you have yours.
Don’t necessarily avoid sharp edges. Occasionally they are necessary to leadership.
I can’t tell you if the use of force in Iraq today will last five days, five weeks or five months, but it won’t last any longer than that.
If you are not criticized, you may not be doing much.
Reduce the number of lawyers. They are like beavers – they get in the middle of the stream and dam it up.
and my favorite.
Secretary Powell and I agree on every single issue that has ever been before this administration except for those instances where Colin’s still learning.
You’re right Duh. Pit Bulls go immediately forward and low to latch onto an extended front leg (to break it outright), or the nose. They are definitely do not pounce like Shepherds and the Rottweilers that attacked me. I hope the defense brings in someone who knows this.
Love my grammar. Sorry.
AY,
Do you have any evidence of behavior like this being caused by hiring ex service members? Where these officers veterans?
http://www.wpxi.com/video/22317342/index.html
Student: ‘Beating So Bad Thought I Was Going To Die’
Updated: 7:24 pm EST January 22, 2010
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh police Chief Nate Harper said three plainclothes officers have been reassigned during an internal investigation into the beating of an 18-year-old student violinist from the city’s Creative and Performing Arts High School.
http://www.wpxi.com/news/22311848/detail.html
Chris AY is an Ex Attorney General he doesn’t need evidence.
anon nurse,
“Don’t be so quick to judge.”
I dont’ think my judgment was “quick”. I based it on many comments left over a relatively long period of time.
“You don’t know who we are, where we’ve been, what we’ve seen and/or what we’ve done in our lives.”
That would be correct, but it is hardly an excuse that would permit you to paint with a broad brush. If you have life experiences that would justify demeaning the police officers, or our military personnel, as a whole; please share those experiences.
“I’m sure it isn’t lost on many who blog here that Blackwater (Xe) has trained many police officers in this country.”
Many? Less than 1% is many?
bdaman,
AY never claimed to be an ex-attorney general. He stated that he was an investigator for the attorney general’s office.
Well Bdaman,
Now time for you to start with vowels. You have now used all of the constants that are generally recognized and acceptable first names..
bdaman:
Looking at that video throws evrything out of the window,you tell your kids to stay in school,watch who you hangout with,set a goal in your life and try to reach it by studying hard and carry your self in a respectful manner.
It seems as if that is the path that this young man was on,and something like that happens to him.It is beyond words but it happens,but it shouldn’t.
Duh:
“I’m sure it isn’t lost on many who blog here that Blackwater (Xe) has trained many police officers in this country.”
Many? Less than 1% is many?
Could you supply your source for the “less than 1%”?
eniobob
The old saying is
surround your self with good people and good things will happen to you.
surround your self with bad people and bad things will happen to you.
Of course there is always an exception to that when you grow up in a bad neighborhood.
Duh, thanks for the correction. He still doesn’t need any evidence, only assumptions.
http://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/index.php/mercenaries-training-us-local-police-a-new-trend
Mercenaries training U.S. local police a new trend
Jim Kouri – Aug 04, 09
http://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/mercenaries-training-us-local-police-a-new-trend
Houston Examiner
August 4, 2009
“I’m troubled by the use of military personnel — whether they be US soldiers or private mercenaries — performing a police or law enforcement function. While they may be experts in fighting wars, they are not constrained by the US Constitution as to how they operate as cops,” said former NYPD detective and owner of FLT Security Services, Sid Frances.
“Soldiers are soldiers and cops are cops. What’s next? Using smart bombs to crash into drug dens?” he asked.
“Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing ever happened.
Sir Winston Churchill (1874 – 1965)”
Speaking of Blackwater here’s the flip side.
On July 2nd, 2008, Obama spoke in Colorado Springs and hit themes of national service, foreign policy, and national security. In that vein, Obama proposed a rather extraordinary idea — that the US should spend as much money on a civilian national security force as it does on the military. His actual words were:
“We cannot continue to rely on our military in order to achieve the national security objectives we’ve set. We’ve got to have a civilian national security force that’s just as powerful, just as strong, just as well-funded.”
A recent study commissioned by the U.S. Army and written by the RAND Corporation calls for the creation of a “hybrid” military/law enforcement unit which could be put to use in the United States to take charge of riot control and SWAT duties, according to the authors.
Here’s the link to the PDF
http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/2009/RAND_MG819.pdf
“they are not constrained by the US Constitution as to how they operate as cops,” said former NYPD detective and owner of FLT Security Services, Sid Frances”
Thats quite a statement.
anon nurse,
For as far back as I can remember, police departments have been giving preference to hiring veterans. Every one of those departments have waived a college degree for those with military experience.
Since I don’t know anything about you (other than that you’re a nurse who chooses to remain anonymous), I’ll ask. What do you know about what military personnel are taught in boot camp, and what do you know about the education of police officers at the academy? How many hours of CON LAW do each receive?
anon nurse,
A couple more questions:
Why do you think police departments like to hire veterans? What traits do they bring to the department, that the department would find to be beneficial?
Duh, I think the answer is it depends on what they did in the military. If you were an MP then I would say they would much prefer that before say a KP. The MP or others in highly skilled areas of the military would be welcomed with open arms especially for tactical situations. The other thing would be the extensive handling of weapons along with the discipline of following orders. I know you asked anon nurse but I don’t think thats a fair question to someone who is trained to save a life vs. one trained to take a life.
“Duh”
And you’re a “Duh” who chooses to remain anonymous?
How many others who comment here do so anonymously? I do so for a very good reason that I need not disclose. I wish it were otherwise.
I don’t believe that I have ever said that police departments should not hire (and train) veterans. Perhaps an imprecise comment on my part?
I’m not bucking for any fights here. A good, healthy exchange of ideas is always a good thing.
anon nurse,
You took that in the wrong spirit. I pointed out that your choice to remain anonymous and your claim to be a nurse is all that I know about you. I wasn’t trying to attack you for doing so.
Duh
anon nurse,
“Don’t be so quick to judge.”
I dont’ think my judgment was “quick”. I based it on many comments left over a relatively long period of time.
“You don’t know who we are, where we’ve been, what we’ve seen and/or what we’ve done in our lives.”
That would be correct, but it is hardly an excuse that would permit you to paint with a broad brush. If you have life experiences that would justify demeaning the police officers, or our military personnel, as a whole; please share those experiences.
“I’m sure it isn’t lost on many who blog here that Blackwater (Xe) has trained many police officers in this country.”
Many? Less than 1% is many?
******************************************************
anon nurse
Duh:
“I’m sure it isn’t lost on many who blog here that Blackwater (Xe) has trained many police officers in this country.”
Many? Less than 1% is many?
Could you supply your source for the “less than 1%”?
=============================================================
I don’t have a dog in this exchange but I am waiting for the source that backs up the less than 1% claim.
I’ll be more precise in the future. I might better have said, ““I’m guessing that it isn’t lost on some who blog here that Blackwater (Xe) has trained police officers in this country.”
Having said this, from where I’m sitting, even “less than 1%” is troubling. Still, I’ll look forward to the number/s — I’d like to know.
I just googled what percent of police officers are trained by blackwater. I don’t know the source but here are a few stories related to that querry.
http://www.newswithviews.com/NWV-News/news37.htm
http://www.canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/2549
Note: I have not read the articles just posting links, food for thought.
Blouise,
We have about 800,000 law enforcement officers in the U.S. The largest police department to receive training from Blackwater would be the New York City Police Department. Though that department employs nearly 40,000 officers, only a small percentage of those officers receive the special tactical training that Blackwater provides. These officers would be those attached to S.W.A.T. and anti-terrorism task forces. That would account for less than 500 in NYC. Given that NYC would be one of the largest departments, and Blackwater is known to have provided training for about 50 departments, that would result in about 25,000 officers who received Blackwater training.
If anyone has numbers that depart from my estimates, I welcome them.
I got distracted and didn’t take the numbers to a logical conclusion.
With NYC being the largest and having less than 500 officers trained, and many of the departments having most likely less than 25 officers trained, The average number of officers trained per department would probably be less than 100. 100 (I think is a reasonable average) times 50, is 5000. That is less than 1%.
Duh,
Thanks for the additional information. We’ll see how it all works out in the end.
bdaman — I’ll take a look at the links you’ve supplied. Thanks.
Off Topic sort of but this is just to good not to post.
Full Screen and volume cranked for maximum effect.
The Worlds Police
bdaman,
Is that the new boat for the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society?
http://jonathanturley.org/2010/01/06/japanese-whaling-ship-cuts-off-bow-of-greenpeace-ship/
If so, I predict a shortage of blubber.
I’d just like to jump in here and say it’s not so much an issue of police dept’s hiring veterans but of the militarization of the police.
I’ve read several stories about returning veterans being hassled and assaulted by police. The vets didn’t go all Con Air on them either.
Cops nowdays are mostly tax-collectors and thugs who buy young, black honor students houses for their mothers.
Duh,
Thanks
Pinandpuller:
“…who buy young, black honor students houses for their mothers.”
I’m missing something… Could you (or someone) elaborate?
U.S. will appeal Blackwater case
http://www.politico.com/politico44/perm/0110/vpotus_in_baghdad_fa94a019-0385-403b-b599-675d2fba04ed.html
In other news
The Justice Department has announced the release from Gitmo of a terrorist who conspired to bomb Los Angeles International Airport in the 2000 Millennium plot. Hassan Zumiri, who was part of an al-Qaeda affiliated terror cell in Montreal, has been repatriated to his native Algeria — a country so rife with terrorists that it was recently placed on the list of 14 countries whose travelers warrant enhanced screening at airports. Worse, the Justice Department won’t say whether the terrorist, Hassan Zumiri, and another Gitmo detainee who was also sent to Algeria will be in custody there. They may be free and clear.
http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=YmFlMTdjNzVlOWFhMjY0NGViOWY0YWEzZjUzYWQ2MTg=
I hate to say it but this is why the general public has such distrust for this administration.
Prosecute are own, free the terrorist.
Don’t get me wrong the Blackwater men commited a crime but the general population IMO doesn’t look at it that way.
Just like the prosecution of the men who gave an Iraqi a bloody lip when arrested for his involvement in the bridge hanging and mutilation of U.S. citizens.
Trying to do the right thing in this society is sometimes very difficult. As what is the right thing is hard to tell. You have so many that don’t want to rock the boat that they do whatever they can to stay afloat.
anon nurse
The professor posted the story about the 18 year old honor student beaten by police in Philedelphia. I had seen the story on other sites.
The comment was a little bit of artistic license on my part. IOW it was a smart ass prediction of the outcome. This kid should get a lot of money and the cops should get fired and charged.
Pinandpuller
Thanks for the clarification.
why do police departments hire ex servicemen? Servicemen are trained to kill the enemy.
Too often We citizens are often looked upon as the enemy by the police. Police are suposed to be public servants. Do we live in ancient Rome, In fact, even in Roman time the Roman guards repescted the honored citizens.
Our Police departments must change their mind set. Instead of producing police department to assert their control of the honored citizens of the USA that pay their salaries, the police should provide a presence of support of the citizens.