Originally Posted by plumkrazychevy
I am in agreement with bjuice. i am a retired officer also and there is too many of our fellow officers injured or killed because of things like this.brett
While I do agree our officers are in the face of danger on every stop, there are still way to many that use excessive force as a way to conduct everyday business.
There has got to be a happy medium.
To tase a guy for asking a question, and yes being a bit of an a'hole does not justify the use of force.
Now, if this guy had shown signs of violence, or that he had a weapon, or that he was going to run, then I feel the officer has the right and duty to do whatever is needed, short of deadly force unless a weapon is involved and the officer is truly in fear for his life.
I have heard recently that because of civil suits, that if an officer draws his weapon (gun) he better shoot to kill because if the perp lives they can face a lawsuit along with the department.
I am inclined to agree with that statement at least here in Idaho, as I have seen many fatal officer involved shootings that did NOT have to happen.
Families are still suing in several of these cases even where (the police) say it was justified.
I have the utmost respect for our officers, but I dispise the power trippers, they are not unlike the police that harassed me in the 70's.