We are educated in our traffic laws. We must stop at “Stop” signs. We must stop when a traffic light turns red. We had to know these aspects of traffic law before we could get a license.
Why then is the public not informed or educated as to when the police may use force or “deadly” force. Why are these protocols kept secret. For that matter shouldn’t they be taught as well as traffic laws.
If I know that asking an officer why I am being detained means that he may use force, shouldn’t that be information that would be helpful to both me and the officer trying to do his duty.
Do you as a non law inforcement citizen know the protocol of you local policle, sheriff, and highway patrol for the following:
– a citizen demands to know why he is being detained,
– a citizen asks for an officer’s badge number or name,
– a citizen refuses to get face down on the ground,
– a citizen puts his hand in his pocket while being questioned,
– a citizen runs away,
– a citizen flees the scene in a non-violent incident,
– in which situations may an officer engage in a high speed chase and in what kind of places such as residential neighborhoods, highly congested areas, etc.,
– in which situations may an officer draw his weapon,
– under what circumstances may he fire that weapoon,
– is an officer required to use other means of resolving a conflict before he resorts to physical force?
I remind you that the question was whether you “know” not whether you think, guess, or have heard.
If you don’t know, does government and its law enforcement officers share in the responsibility of keeping you informed?
Please feel free to share your comments.
Allthingshominidae 