Quote:
Originally Posted by fielderLS3
So just to clarify, if there is a report of a stolen car in the area, it is common practice to pull over any similar make and model car, drag the driver out, cuff him, and stuff him into the back of the police car before even running the plate to verify it is the right car? Never realized we were guilty until proven innocent. Also didn't realize that police didn't need a reason to detain someone.
And I also disagree with the "not that we have to" apologize part. I'd say the OP is owed a colossal apology. I'm definitely not saying there is a case worthy of going to court over or anything like that, but I'd say a signed letter from a supervisor would be about right.
How could it have been worse...and what is funny about that?
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Pulling over a car and driver that fits the description of a suspect is the officers job. In that sense the officer had good reason to make the stop and perform an initial investigation. The cuffing and stuffing is subjective by situation and the officers evaluation. It is going to be subjective and inherently unfair.
Stop a suspected stolen car with guys looking and acting a part like this
or like this
and the actions of the officer will be different. It is called self preservation. It may not be fair, but as Norm said the #1 goal of a police officer is to go home safely and the end of the shift. When they feel they are at risk they have no choice but to protect themselves. That judgement will always be clouded by countless biases and personal experience.
Does the officer owe the people stopped an apology? I am sure most people would appreciate that courtesy, but the officer has done nothing wrong to apologize for. I won't speak for the OP, but instead will ask him if he feels he is owed an apology.
Could it have been worse? Yep. The stop could have gone tragically wrong. Laughing about it is dark humor, but not so dark when we are talking about TRAN, or Chris or GTAHVIT or the people that buy Brand-X suspension parts
Just like George Bush when I was young and foolish I acted that way. Just like Rocky my criminal record was nothing to brag about. Getting cuffed and printed is not a good experience. That said, the police treated me well. Years later when I was a bit older a younger friend was arrested and put in a holding cell for a minor altercation in a bar. He called me to post his bail. The desk Sargent walked me to his cell. I asked if he won the fight. He said no. I said enjoy your night in jail. I ordered a couple of pizzas and relaxed with the officers staffing the desks. 90 minutes or so later I posted his bail. I never apologized