2008 Woodie Awards
Our View: Appalling Officers Caught in the Act
Issue date: 2/14/08 Section: Opinion
We know we have voiced our opinions about the treatment of mentally and physically disabled persons more than once, but this week, we were so appalled by the actions of certain police officers that we had to reiterate them.
In Tampa, Fla., this week, a surveillance camera caught police purposely tipping a quadriplegic out of his chair into a jailhouse floor.
First of all, regardless of the crime he may or may not have committed, this is inhumane. Any normal human being could see there was no possible way he could run away from the police, so what were they doing dumping him out of his chair?
Secondly, do we really need another reason to believe police can be evil? We know there are good ones out there. We know that law enforcement officials are there to protect us. But when we are constantly bombarded with images of officers performing illegal and inhumane acts, it is hard to separate those from the ones doing good in our own neighborhoods.
No one should be treated as poorly as this man was, especially those of his condition. We don't understand why some people have to put down others to make themselves feel better. There will always be bad apples in any group, but it is certainly disappointing to see bad apples among the ones who are supposed to keep us safe.
In Tampa, Fla., this week, a surveillance camera caught police purposely tipping a quadriplegic out of his chair into a jailhouse floor.
First of all, regardless of the crime he may or may not have committed, this is inhumane. Any normal human being could see there was no possible way he could run away from the police, so what were they doing dumping him out of his chair?
Secondly, do we really need another reason to believe police can be evil? We know there are good ones out there. We know that law enforcement officials are there to protect us. But when we are constantly bombarded with images of officers performing illegal and inhumane acts, it is hard to separate those from the ones doing good in our own neighborhoods.
No one should be treated as poorly as this man was, especially those of his condition. We don't understand why some people have to put down others to make themselves feel better. There will always be bad apples in any group, but it is certainly disappointing to see bad apples among the ones who are supposed to keep us safe.
Be the first to comment on this story