Cop Tases handcuffed girl in back, now braindead.

[Ambriel]

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=187_1329389516
The Florida Highway Patrol have cleared 267-pound Trooper Daniel Cole of wrongdoing and have released a disturbing dash cam video that captured him tasing a 100 pound, 20 year old handcuffed girl in the back as she fled.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement determined Trooper Daniel Cole's "use of force" was justified when he tased the woman last September at the FHP Pinellas Park Substation and cleared him of wrongdoing.

The fleeing woman, Danielle Maudsley, 20, suffered severe brain damage after hitting her head on the concrete and has been in a persistent vegetative state ever since.

The video shows Maudsley fleeing a back door of the substation with Cole following closely behind.

Maudsley was arrested for her alleged involvement in two hit-and-run crashes and driving without a license.

Cole brought Maudsley to the substation to complete his paperwork before taking her to the Pinellas County Jail, according to FHP reports.

As she enters the parking lot, Cole deploys his taser and Maudsley hits the ground hard, with her head slamming into the asphalt.

"What were you thinking? What are you, stupid?," Cole can be heard asking Maudsley on the video.

"I can't get up," said Maudsley.

"I don't want you to get up," said Cole.

"I can't get up," Maudsley said again. The last words Maudsley has spoken since being tasered.

On the video, Maudsley loses consciousness about two minutes after hitting her head.

Maudsley's mother said the trooper should have used other means to stop her daughter from fleeing.

"He was right behind her. He could've reached out," Maudsley said. "It was unnecessary."

The mother hired defense attorney Kevin Haylsett, who put FHP on notice for a lawsuit.

Hayslett said Cole violated FHP's taser policy which states:

"Fleeing cannot be the sole reason for the deployment."

"When you shoot someone in the back, and they're running away, all that force -- as you saw when Danielle's head hit the concrete -- that's why they don't allow you to do that, because you can have horrible tragedies like this," Hayslett said.

With any rule, there is an exception.

An Office of Inspector General Investigation Unit report states: "Although the FHP policy on Electronic Control Devices states that a member should not use the device on a handcuffed prisoner, it also provides that there may be situations that conflict with this policy."

The report goes on to state: "In this situation, Maudsley ... removed one of her handcuffs while in the back of Cole's patrol car, and moved her handcuffs from behind her back, to in front of her body, as she attempted to flee the FHP Station. In addition, Maudsley was running towards US Highway 19 which is a high volume road."

According to the report, Maudsley had oxycodone and cocaine in her system at the time.

"The Florida Department of Law Enforcement conducted an independent review of the incident," FHP spokesperson Sgt. Steve Gaskins said. "Their investigation found that the trooper’s actions were legal and within the scope of his duties."

“He would’ve been better off to use his nightstick on her than he would a taser,” Hayslett said.

The attorney also pointed out that Maudsley only weighs about 100 pounds.

In the report, Cole said he chose to use the taser because he "felt she was more susceptible to being injured if he attempted to tackle her." Cole weighs approximately 267 pounds.

Hayslett called the dash cam video disturbing. "It’s one of those videos -- when you see it and you watch her head hit the pavement -- that it’s hard to get those images out of your head," he said.

Maudsley's mom said her daughter's prognosis is not good. She is likely to remain in a vegetative state.


Maudsley is now in a Ft. Lauderdale rehab center that specializes in severe brain injuries.

[Opt-Out!!]

I don't mean to appear insensitive but was she brain dead before the tazing?

She was already involved with 2 hit and runs. She had hard drugs in her system and ran from the police. How would we feel if they let her escape and she kills someone the next time she is on drugs and driving?

There are many cases where the police abuse innocent people but I don't feel this is one of them.

[Dig]

I don't mean to appear insensitive

Sounds like you may be about to say something highly insensitive.

but was she brain dead before the tazing?

It does not appear so from the article because she was able to speak like saying "I cannot get up" and she was able to move her legs and her arms. She probably also was able to breathe before the tasering incident (funny how the media highlights this one which caused a secondary near fatality because her head hit the floor when the taser weapon themselves have murdered thousands just by blowing up people's internal systems just as a bolt of electricity is expected to.).

She was already involved with 2 hit and runs.

Maybe in North Korea that would be true, but she was in the US where she was only "alleged" to have been in two hit and runs. After seeing the bogus charges put on thousands of people for an assortment of reasons, perhaps a fair trial could have substantiated those allegations.

She had hard drugs in her system

Besides the ones given to her for her near fatal head injury? Where was that mentioned?

and ran from the police.

Anyone who dashes from a cop should be tasered? Even law enforcement does not believe that, that is why in their own policy compliance training they clearly state that that fleeing on its own is never justification for tasering which has been known to kill people.

How would we feel if they let her escape and she kills someone the next time she is on drugs and driving?

I am not sure how we would feel, but using your system of logic, everyone should be in jail because anyone can get into an accident which may result in a vehicular homocide. If we bipass our judicial system and just randomly declare what alleged crimes deem someone available to be possibly murdered with electrical torture devices by a regional authority, then that can be centralized to a federal or international authority which is what we are now seeing with the NDAA and other anti-constitutional illegal pices of fake legislation.

There are many cases where the police abuse innocent people but I don't feel this is one of them.

That may be the case, and all cops have the same rights to a fair trial to find that out (that is the solidifying beauty of the US justice system, we are all innocent until proven guilty). But, your arguments does not assist in defending this officer. Your arguments actually a "guilty until proven innocent" system of justice and that would work against all of us, including law enforcement. That is (in my opinion) the purpose of the NDAA which likely will target local law enforcement with a system that suspends our 200+ year old system of government and hands a military system of "shoot first, ask later" controlled not even by the Pentagon but by NATO according to Article 5. I believe the Bilderberg media is now targeting local law enforcement because they are a major impedence to a military takeover, that is why there are thousands of anti-cop stories all over the MSM the past few years while the MSM is quiet about the Federal Reserve stealing over $100 Trillion, and the  illegal wars we are in.

[chris jones]

 Opt out.
 Please simplify this as to this reasoning for this Constable Of the Peace tazoring a 100 pound young woman who had been handcuffed.
 Had he chased her he would have worked up a sweat, perhaps smudged his uniform. Why go to all that trouble when all is needed is to inject the prisoner with high voltage and the end result being a life destroyed. It is obvious the higher ups are condoning this sadism.
 Her alleged crime was hit and run, there is no mention if she had hit a road barrier, cars, nothing to indicate she had driven over a few humans. I suggest this was a gal who who was under the influence and incapable of rational thought. She had no weapon, no threats were mentioned, she was simply intoxicated. Optout, there were many options this slob could have taken rather than risk this child's life..
 In all sincerity this is the sign of the times, police forces are now being given full reign, street justice is their call and they are backed by the superintendents ,mayors and a nod from the federal system.
 Had this been a life threatening situation I Would not respond in this manner.

 
 

[Georgiacopguy]

Fleeing is a different legal definition than escaping, which she was doing, after being placed in lawful arrest. While their policy addresses shooting a fleeing suspect, it will have a different view on an escaping subject. The lawsuit will probably be dismissed on that count.

Is it right? I don't know. I've has to Taser fleeing subjects before, and by my agencies policy at the time, (and still is if i hear correctly,) it was/is admissible. I took into account where they'd land, and waited until they would have a soft landing. But for the grace of God, I could have been in a situation where there was a possibility where there wouldn't have been a soft landing. I've also had to Taser subjects that would have been shot and killed otherwise, essentially saving their lives.

I always see everyone here taking a complete and utterly hateful stance against police. I often let it slide off my back, don't let it ruffle my feathers. Sometimes, cops are just doing their jobs, sometimes, in the course of that, accidents happen. And you always have all the time in the world to second guess moments in time that split decision choices had to be made. You then get all the time in the world to dissect the incident, analyze the side you prefer, give it your own personal angle, matching your agenda. Not every cop is pro NWO or part of the overall machine. Not everything they do is corrupt, our out of spite for their fellow man. You people always cite that every tool that a cop uses is hateful in its concept and deployment. But in the case of a Taser, it has a higher chance of survival in most instances, than a bullet to the cranial vault. Which has 100% mortality. So if you want to cry foul and demand that cops have fewer and fewer tools in their arsenal, just be wary of what you wish for. Because when we get our ultimate wish, and their is a changing of the guard to so speak, and we the people get to be in charge again, there will still have to be police.

[Ambriel]

I have known good cops and bad.  I have made bad choices in my youth and I served my time for it.  My problem is the police that I see today are nothing but bullies that think that they are the last absolute authority.

My problem is that alot are combat vets and will kill you at the drop of a hat.  My problem is that most are msm brainwashed sheep and the training they receive teaches them that the public is the enemy.  just look at the former MIAC report or any of the other recent FED memos.

My problem is that they are feeling the pinch too and having to do things off the books to make ends meet, and although it doesn't help when you have a society on the brink and everyone is pissed of and just a circumstance away from going off the wall ballistic.

I don't want to see anyone get hurt on either side.

Maybe as a side note we should employ in shape officers so that the urge to shoot, taser, or w/e over having to run their fat and out of shape asses after someone should be thought about.

face it, the police are just as scared as the rest of us right now, but they are supposed to be the ones who uphold and protect.  they go through all kinds of psychological training.


the line needs to be drawn and we need to feel comfortable knowing that they are on our side.

[Jordan]

She was already involved with 2 hit and runs. She had hard drugs in her system and ran from the police.

In today's world I don't know if you can believe anything the authorities say. Especially since you are more likely to be assaulted or raped by a cop then a citizen and that is a fact you can look up.

Plus she was handcuffed (hands behind back) how far do you think she would have been able to drive a car in that position? Was the punishment fitting for the crime she committed and was she tried and found guilty of any crime to begin with?

What if that was your daughter or son or you? Did the cop do everything he could to stop her before he used lethal force? If you, not being a cop,  had done that would you be free of committing any crimes?

Maybe it's time to retire if you can't catch a handcuffed girl running away from you without shooting her.

How would we feel if they let her escape and she kills someone the next time she is on drugs and driving?

How would we feel if we executed her based on a "what if" before she actually committed any crime? Should we execute or jail people based on what we think they might do in the future?

[Georgiacopguy]

I have known good cops and bad.  I have made bad choices in my youth and I served my time for it.  My problem is the police that I see today are nothing but bullies that think that they are the last absolute authority.

My problem is that a lot are combat vets and will kill you at the drop of a hat.  My problem is that most are msm brainwashed sheep and the training they receive teaches them that the public is the enemy.  just look at the former MIAC report or any of the other recent FED memos.

My problem is that they are feeling the pinch too and having to do things off the books to make ends meet, and although it doesn't help when you have a society on the brink and everyone is pissed of and just a circumstance away from going off the wall ballistic.

I don't want to see anyone get hurt on either side.

Maybe as a side note we should employ in shape officers so that the urge to shoot, taser, or w/e over having to run their fat and out of shape asses after someone should be thought about.

face it, the police are just as scared as the rest of us right now, but they are supposed to be the ones who uphold and protect.  they go through all kinds of psychological training.

In today's world I don't know if you can believe anything the authorities say. Especially since you are more likely to be assaulted or raped by a cop then a citizen and that is a fact you can look up.

Plus she was handcuffed (hands behind back) how far do you think she would have been able to drive a car in that position? Was the punishment fitting for the crime she committed and was she tried and found guilty of any crime to begin with?

What if that was your daughter or son or you? Did the cop do everything he could to stop her before he used lethal force? If you, not being a cop,  had done that would you be free of committing any crimes?

Maybe it's time to retire if you can't catch a handcuffed girl running away from you without shooting her.


How would we feel if we executed her based on a "what if" before she actually committed any crime? Should we execute or jail people based on what we think they might do in the future?

the line needs to be drawn and we need to feel comfortable knowing that they are on our side.

You already see them as opposition. People already hate and loath them simply for the fact they enforce laws people don't want to obey. And those are just the legal just laws that make for a civilized society. They stereotype the officers, make fun off them, develop negative opinions of them, their physical prowess, see them as part of an overall conspiracy, why would they like or trust the public? You spend enough time doing traffic stops, wondering what the person in the car will do next, and you do get suspicious, you do learn to distrust people. And yes, there are a great deal of people out there who will do harm to officers, for whatever their motivation is. If they work out, stay fit, they are seen as being too military-esque. If they are a normal sized build, they are criticized for their lack of prowess.

As for a Taser being lethal force, it has not and is not listed as lethal force. Accidents happen, and if he had tackled the woman wrong and she struck her head, with ya'lls distrust and dislike of police in general, I surmise we would be having the same discourse. "Oh my, he tackled her too hard, she was handcuffed, he could have simply tagged her out." Yes, handcuff the police at every turn, then wonder why nothing gets accomplished, excellent choice.

[Jordan]

the line needs to be drawn and we need to feel comfortable knowing that they are on our side.


You already see them as opposition. People already hate and loath them simply for the fact they enforce laws people don't want to obey. And those are just the legal just laws that make for a civilized society. They stereotype the officers, make fun off them, develop negative opinions of them, their physical prowess, see them as part of an overall conspiracy, why would they like or trust the public? You spend enough time doing traffic stops, wondering what the person in the car will do next, and you do get suspicious, you do learn to distrust people. And yes, there are a great deal of people out there who will do harm to officers, for whatever their motivation is. If they work out, stay fit, they are seen as being too military-esque. If they are a normal sized build, they are criticized for their lack of prowess.

As for a Taser being lethal force, it has not and is not listed as lethal force. Accidents happen, and if he had tackled the woman wrong and she struck her head, with ya'lls distrust and dislike of police in general, I surmise we would be having the same discourse. "Oh my, he tackled her too hard, she was handcuffed, he could have simply tagged her out." Yes, handcuff the police at every turn, then wonder why nothing gets accomplished, excellent choice.

I have several friends that are troopers and locals. We've had similar conversations it's not an easy thing or a black and white issue to be sure.

One thing is for sure, they do what they are told by their superiors no matter what that is. That's the bottom line in all the conversations we've had. So right or wrong they do what they are told to do and then if there is a problem - they were told to do it - just doing what I was told.

There HAS to be laws and law enforcement, I don't think anyone would disagree but, those laws have to apply to law enforcement and to all other citizens equally and if it does not then the distrust develops.

It also teaches law enforcement that they can get away with things, the laws don't apply to them and promotes unhealthy attitudes of superiority.

I don't see law enforcement as opposition I just think it's time they stand up for either the people they are sworn to protect and serve OR do what they are told even if that means hurting innocent people and breaking the law themselves. Right? If they don't follow the bill of rights are they really upholding the law? If so whos law?

I get the part about tasers but I think the same can be said about baseball bats - they can be lethal and have killed people in the past so "less then lethal " is a misnomer, don't you think?

Not that I don't understand your point of view GC - these guys risk their lives everyday not knowing what car they pull over will be the end. I have a family member that happened to - pulled over a guy and the guy just opened up on him, lost his spleen and for no reason at all. That messes with your head.

I just think these things are happening so much now it can no longer be ignored. Imagine if every law enforcement agent stop breaking the law, none of us would have anything to worry about and this video might be taken in a different light and rightfully so. But as it stands now, you are in more danger when confronted from law enforcement then criminals - because you can legally (in most cases) defend yourself from them, but don't try defending yourself from law enforcement --

I don't think people have these points of view unjustly, legalized crime is on the rise, and who is there to protect us? So what is your solution to these problems?

When I talk to these same friends about this same type of information I always ask them what they do or could do to help educate other law enforcement officers on these things - few if any will listen to them. What do you think about that personally?

[MonkeyPuppet]

If the cop had tackled her instead of tasing her, perhaps she may have suffered a broken bone or two.  That's a far cry from turning her into a vegetable.

Cops are given far too much leeway, as evidenced by zero consequence for this decision.  I don't think it unfair to have this ONE cop removed from duty permanently.  He ruined her life... it's quite fair that his career should be over.  In addition, I don't think it a stretch to expect a serious review of department policy with regard to situations like this.  Non-violent offenders, especially those in custody for alleged crimes, should never be subjected to potentially lethal actions by police.

What would be better as a result of this situation... a young woman's life completely destroyed, or for her to suffer a broken bone and the cop get a slap on the wrist in his permanent file after the department gets sued for it?

Hell, I'd say let her run... it's not like she'd be a fugitive for very long since they have her name and all that.  She was a suspect, not even yet a "felon" as the only firm infraction was a civil violation (driving without a license).  For that, she's now a vegetable... there is simply no justifying that.

[kerrymti]

Georgiacopguy - I hear the frustration.  I was married to a trooper for 10 years.  I honestly go back and forth with my own thoughts on the matter (the 'matter' being my 'siding' with the police or with the individual).  Every case is different and has to be looked at individually.  Every police officer is different, some 'good' some 'bad'. 

However, I have come to the conclusion that the police departments, as a whole, are shifting to hiring dumber less educated officers...but, that is not even the most disturbing part, they seem to also be shifting to hiring a certain personality of officers.  I don't even know 'what' that personality is, I just know they tend to have a chip on their shoulder, be less caring and have a slight 'god complex' (well, some not so slight!).  Police today ARE NOT like they were 20 years ago, for the most part.  Surely, there were 'bad' cops back then too, but you didn't see them very often and when they did something insanely stupid, they would get canned, instead of promoted.  Back then, they truly were commissioned 'to serve', which included protecting citizens (and non citizens), now, it seems their goal has nothing to do with 'serving' the public, but harassing them, making their quota, generating revenue...

Anyway, just my thoughts.  I do struggle with this issue.

[Jordan]

Georgiacopguy - I hear the frustration.  I was married to a trooper for 10 years.  I honestly go back and forth with my own thoughts on the matter (the 'matter' being my 'siding' with the police or with the individual).  Every case is different and has to be looked at individually.  Every police officer is different, some 'good' some 'bad'. 

However, I have come to the conclusion that the police departments, as a whole, are shifting to hiring dumber less educated officers...but, that is not even the most disturbing part, they seem to also be shifting to hiring a certain personality of officers.  I don't even know 'what' that personality is, I just know they tend to have a chip on their shoulder, be less caring and have a slight 'god complex' (well, some not so slight!).  Police today ARE NOT like they were 20 years ago, for the most part.  Surely, there were 'bad' cops back then too, but you didn't see them very often and when they did something insanely stupid, they would get canned, instead of promoted.  Back then, they truly were commissioned 'to serve', which included protecting citizens (and non citizens), now, it seems their goal has nothing to do with 'serving' the public, but harassing them, making their quota, generating revenue...

Anyway, just my thoughts.  I do struggle with this issue.

Man it's a hard subject - Things are not always black and white. I know GC is and was a good one. I'm not suggesting all cops are bad in anyway. I have family and friends that are law enforcement, but things are changing quickly, very quickly. The ones I know have told me on the personal level when things hit the fan they are going home to protect their families and they wont be out busting any heads or helping people for anything.

I really would like to hear GC's thoughts.

[chris jones]

 Hi G.
  This story is sketchy, lets be on the dime on this. Was this gal within reach of the officer, did she remained cuffed, no backup was initiated suggesting no imminent danger to the cop or public.
  The street is not a walk in the park, there are some true sold out psychos running around, we know that and of course a tazer despite the rhetoric could be used in cases of  aggressiveness, no guy in the blues wants to end up in the hospital, a self defense, OK, violent and uncontrollable subjects. I get it, though we didn't have these many moons ago and some rather difficult situations ended up in wrestling bouts.
 I can only say that if I found a kid high, I'd have a nice talk if possible, the old timers had a great handle on talking down guys under the influence, sometimes it didn't work out well, But I recommend a a real cool down to earth conversation rather than pouncing first. This guy just may have scared this girl by size alone provoking a reaction of this nature, fear... Going by the book, well there is no law against talking a suspect down a tad, I know its all conjecture, but do we know the whole deal, NOPE>
 G, things have changed, I get what your saying, but just in my opinion, today's standards are being applied and condoned by the pols seem to be extreme.
 Yes we need law enforcement, you know this as well as any citizen does, I can remember guys that would run a par with Manson, this drugged up youngster was not this level. What got me after she was zapped and cracked her head open is his statement, are you stupid. Honestly it doesn't fit in .
 I did a stint in a slum, high visibility was a very good deterant to violence. I'm at a loss as to how things are on the street today. /This cop went over the edge, she did a runner in cuffs, she wouldn't get far.
 

[bento]

In all fairness the cop was probably to fat(267 lbs.) and stupid (tazer an unarmed and handcuffed girl in the back) to chase after her. Probably made him feel like a real man for the fist time in ages.

[Opt-Out!!]

I knew I would be flamed for making my original post but I feel it had to be said.
I think the big question is why did she feel she had to run? None of us were there and maybe the cop was abusive and she felt that she needed to run to avoid some imminent danger. But I can tell you that I was arrested multiple times in my younger years. That being said I’ve grown to be a productive member of society.
I’ve made mistakes but the one mistake I never made was attempting to run from a police officer. I think it’s a pretty straight forward to most people that if you run you increase the odds of having serious injury caused to yourself or the officer. This cannot possibly lead to a positive result.

[kmman1987]

I think the big question is why did she feel she had to run?

Its the most simple basic animal instinct, fight, or flight.

[pipeliner]

Here is how we were sold on tazers years ago; less than lethal, as in I was going to shoot you but instead, I will incapacitate you with electricity. Win win, right? Fast forward to today. You will be tazered as a means of pain compliance. Behave or get shocked. For me the litmus test is lethal force. If lethal force would have been justified the tazer may be substituted. Any other use (pain compliance) is torture. So, all you cops need to keep your old fashioned cop skills sharp. The tazer is second to last line of options. Get it? Tazering people to make your job easier is going to get you a bad rap with the people. Just my $0.02

[pipeliner]

@Dig- excellent argument. Big ups.

[Ambriel]

Maybe if the yell "PIIIIIKAAAAAAACHUUUUU" when they are going to tazer you - wouldn't that just make the police seem a little more awesome.

*end sarcasm*

[kerrymti]

Maybe if the yell "PIIIIIKAAAAAAACHUUUUU" when they are going to tazer you - wouldn't that just make the police seem a little more awesome.

*end sarcasm*

HAHAHAHA!!!  My 18 year old STILL plays pokemon! 

[Georgiacopguy]

Man it's a hard subject - Things are not always black and white. I know GC is and was a good one. I'm not suggesting all cops are bad in anyway. I have family and friends that are law enforcement, but things are changing quickly, very quickly. The ones I know have told me on the personal level when things hit the fan they are going home to protect their families and they wont be out busting any heads or helping people for anything.

I really would like to hear GC's thoughts.

Ya'll don't want or need my thoughts or interpretation on this. Ya'll have already made up your minds. Bento's post is a prime example of what these threads degenerate into around here. I said my peace on the subject. Things are not in black and white, but around here, they get the hard black or hard white brush, and gray never enters the equation.

[bento]

Hey we might have a spishak hat hat for you.... but then again it is reasonable to tazer people in the back. Just like it was completely "legal" for Hitler to do what he did too. Then abuse of power has always been human. I guess all the other cop abuse's didn't happen, and they defiantly aren't getting worse move along now nothing to see. Our society has way to much deferment to authority to question any of this. Check out the Stanford prison experiment, Milgrams experiment, Pavlov, etc... The human race is just screwed. Our own military is using the SS flag for a banner, somehow it all makes sense.

[bento]

The Wind That Shakes the Barley

    I sat within a valley green
    I sat me with my true love
    My sad heart strove to choose between
    The old love and the new love
    The old for her, the new that made
    Me think on Ireland dearly
    While soft the wind blew down the glade
    And shook the golden barley

    Twas hard the woeful words to frame
    To break the ties that bound us
    But harder still to bear the shame
    Of foreign chains around us
    And so I said, "The mountain glen
    I'll seek at morning early
    And join the bold United Men
    While soft winds shake the barley"

    While sad I kissed away her tears
    My fond arms 'round her flinging
    The foeman's shot burst on our ears
    From out the wildwood ringing
    A bullet pierced my true love's side
    In life's young spring so early
    And on my breast in blood she died
    While soft winds shook the barley

    I bore her to some mountain stream
    And many's the summer blossom
    I placed with branches soft and green
    About her gore-stained bosom
    I wept and kissed her clay-cold corpse
    Then rushed o'er vale and valley
    My vengeance on the foe to wreak
    While soft winds shook the barley

    But blood for blood without remorse
    I've taken at Oulart Hollow
    And laid my true love's clay-cold corpse
    Where I full soon may follow
    As 'round her grave I wander drear
    Noon, night and morning early
    With breaking heart when e'er I hear
    The wind that shakes the barley

[chris jones]

the line needs to be drawn and we need to feel comfortable knowing that they are on our side.


You already see them as opposition. People already hate and loath them simply for the fact they enforce laws people don't want to obey. And those are just the legal just laws that make for a civilized society. They stereotype the officers, make fun off them, develop negative opinions of them, their physical prowess, see them as part of an overall conspiracy, why would they like or trust the public? You spend enough time doing traffic stops, wondering what the person in the car will do next, and you do get suspicious, you do learn to distrust people. And yes, there are a great deal of people out there who will do harm to officers, for whatever their motivation is. If they work out, stay fit, they are seen as being too military-esque. If they are a normal sized build, they are criticized for their lack of prowess.

As for a Taser being lethal force, it has not and is not listed as lethal force. Accidents happen, and if he had tackled the woman wrong and she struck her head, with ya'lls distrust and dislike of police in general, I surmise we would be having the same discourse. "Oh my, he tackled her too hard, she was handcuffed, he could have simply tagged her out." Yes, handcuff the police at every turn, then wonder why nothing gets accomplished, excellent choice.

           Hi G. I think your being hardheaded on this one, sure some folks simply don't like cops that has never changed.
But after reading the replies i get the feeling many of the members are not strictly prejudiced. I remember you have admitted in the past things in the departments have been changing including the political influence imposed. Please take this into consideration if you choose to review the posts. I admit to being quick to critisize this cop just becasue i would not have used this weapon on a drugged up kid handcuffed. Its a damn shame she is now in this condition, it just may be the cop is feeling this tragedy. What realy got me is when after she took a header, he said to her, "are you stupid". It don't sit right with me, a tad off the mark and a display of his personeality.

[Georgiacopguy]

           Hi G. I think your being hardheaded on this one, sure some folks simply don't like cops that has never changed.
But after reading the replies i get the feeling many of the members are not strictly prejudiced. I remember you have admitted in the past things in the departments have been changing including the political influence imposed. Please take this into consideration if you choose to review the posts. I admit to being quick to critisize this cop just becasue i would not have used this weapon on a drugged up kid handcuffed. Its a damn shame she is now in this condition, it just may be the cop is feeling this tragedy. What realy got me is when after she took a header, he said to her, "are you stupid". It don't sit right with me, a tad off the mark and a display of his personeality.

I'm being "hardheaded" about it, because I've personally been in that position before, few of you people have ever had to make that choice, or pull that trigger. Yet most of you feel capable of leveling criticism, judgement, so called witticisms, and mockery at that cop, painting with very broad brushes with little or no actual street experience to give veracity to your so called understanding of what really happens on the street. They have theories, they have ideas, they have ideals. But no real experience. It is possible to work under the Constitution, and be an effective cop. I did it for years. You Chris did it for years.

I fail to see how the cop asking a stupid moron who thought it was a good idea to run from a cop while she was handcuffed "are you stupid?" She did something stupid, he had no way of knowing she had a brain embolism due to her stupid choice, and his decision to deploy the Taser. As I said, had he tackled her and she struck her head, we'd still be having this same debate about the forcefulness of his taking her back into custody to keep her from escaping. I've asked plenty of stupid people I've arrested "Are you stupid," told plenty they were idiots for trying to run. Aside from that, I tried to be as respectful as possible, but stupid decisions deserve to be called out for what they are, cops are people too. But i guess they aren't entitled to opinions either huh? Gotta keep their lips clipped tight or else they might offend the public at large. You know, the same public that feels compelled to berate them, assume they are overweight, stupid, cowardly... But the cops cannot have any thoughts or feelings of their own. At least you feel compassion for the cop as he endures what has happened based on his decision. But the rest of the schmucks, Jordan excluded, have all the compassion of laptop.

As for the whole "it's pain compliance, therefore its evil NWO garbage..." tripe. What do you want cops to do, give strict requests? Lets take a trip up the force continuum shall we?

Level one- Officer presence. Given the way some people around here act, they wont even acknowledge the cop, even if he is there for lawful legal purposes.
Level two- Verbal commands. Yeah, you guys are so gonna listen to that too. "But we don't respect them, so why should we listen to them?" Ring any bells?
Level three- Soft hand control techniques. Well this sounds safe. And what they don't tell you about soft hand control techniques, is that they are the dreaded pain compliance techniques. That's right, pressure points, joint locks, nerve pinches.
Level four- Hard hand control techniques. Yup, now we are up to the officer striking the offender. I bet that hurts too, so we should do away with this as well. Can't have the officer hurting anybody while trying to affect an arrest on an offender who doesn't want to be arrested.
Level five- Impact weapons. This is limited to things like batons and asps, not projectile weapons like baton rounds, beanbag rounds, or rubber bullets. These do hurt, and are designed to hurt. They are used for striking along nerve bundles. Every protocol I've ever seen directs the officer to not strike the offenders head. Causes pain, so lets do away with this.
Level six- Less lethal. While most try to argue that less lethal is a misnomer, the intent of this weapon grouping is to preserve life, rather than take it. When used properly, and no other outside factors are present, and judgment is used in a best case scenario, the subject will continue living. Hence the less lethal moniker. But this needs to go.
Level seven- Deadly force. Self explanatory. Lets do away with this too.

Whats that leave us to use since everyone around here knows how it should work and what should be done?

Officer presence and verbal commands. Yup, you people want to hamstring police real good.
"Stop...Or I'll yell louder!!!"
"I'm sorry, you can't do that."
"Yell louder? Why?"
"It might be considered a sonic weapon since it may hurt their ears."
Almost sounds like a bit from Monty Python...

I'm not saying the police are perfect. I know that the way police do their job is changing. I know that shooting that girl in the back was probably not the best way to stop her, perhaps the officer rationalized it better in his head, or he just fell back on something that seemed like a better idea. Perhaps he justified it that she was not simply fleeing, but since she was handcuffed, she was escaping. But I feel confident his intent was not to kill her. But according to the pundits around here, he intended to kill her and maybe her entire family. Maybe their family pets too.[end exaggeration for ludicrousness sake] It's not the best system, its rife with abuse. Whats the solution? I don't know, and I feel confident saying that neither do any of you, because as Utopian as ya'lls ideals are, they still do not take into account the human element to the totality of the circumstances or the ultimate conclusion. Ya'll just want a quick fix, at the expense of the thing you hold contempt and ridicule for. But I will tell you this, taking away the tools from their toolbox, reducing their chances of going home to their loved ones (yes, they do have those...) or increasing their chances of getting hurt, all the while flinging ridicule, insults, defamation, slander, and all manner of supposition in their direction will not get them on our side, or give them any more reason to even want to like you or care about you. Ya'll get a fail in the "winning the hearts and minds" column today.

[kmman1987]

George Carlin - Death Penalty

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDO6HV6xTmI&feature=artist

[masterofthemoon]

A well armed populace all around would deter this sort of brutality. It would make thugs think twice before tazing or shooting someone if they ran the same risk as well!

[MonkeyPuppet]

I'm not saying the police are perfect. I know that the way police do their job is changing. I know that shooting that girl in the back was probably not the best way to stop her, perhaps the officer rationalized it better in his head, or he just fell back on something that seemed like a better idea. Perhaps he justified it that she was not simply fleeing, but since she was handcuffed, she was escaping. But I feel confident his intent was not to kill her. But according to the pundits around here, he intended to kill her and maybe her entire family.

I don't believe he intended to kill her, or to cause the kind of damage that might lead to death.. as it were.

However, regardless of whether or not it was an "accident", he should still be held accountable.  People make mistakes all the time and yet still must suffer some manner of consequence.  Intent is merely the difference between manslaughter and murder... is it not?

At the very least, this is gross negligence.

[Tokiem]

I never saw John Wayne shoot someone in the back.

[pipeliner]

@GC - As you seem to think I lack standing in having an opinion on the use of force by peace officers, I will explain. First, everyone has standing as they are the ones subjected to the force behind the badge. Your statement of was;

", because I've personally been in that position before, few of you people have ever had to make that choice, or pull that trigger. Yet most of you feel capable of leveling criticism, judgement, so called witticisms, and mockery at that cop, painting with very broad brushes with little or no actual street experience to give veracity to your so called understanding of what really happens on the street."

I have been in that position before. Personally. Very personally. As the victim of a good old fashioned boot party, complete with flashlight to the dome techniques, I believe I can say I've been in that situation. I was just on the receiving end. By your logic would that not make me MORE qualified to speak on that subject? No, by your logic, the only ones who can have opinions on use of force are the ones giving out carefully meted out "techniques". What a crock. Truth is, this cop should never have lost control of his prisoner. He fumbled the ball and we are supposed to excuse his sloppy recovery because we can't judge him as we have never been in that situation. BULL! Oh wait, "he didn't intend to vegitize her brain bucket". I agree with the previous poster who said gross negligence was the least he was guilty of. But then again, I don't get an opinion as I've never been in that situation before, right?

[spinner]

Anyone stop to think that like most cops their just to F'n fat and lazy to catch anyone. I know she was a young girl but at 267 lbs how could he possibly catch a fleeing suspect? Ya'll ever see a fat hog in a stall, it doesn't move fast and just wants to eat and be lazy and left alone. Knowing they basically have immunity for whatever they do it;s easier to shoot than to chase. PASS THE DOUGHNUTS PLEASE!!!!!