Last Thursday’s ACLU-sponsored forum on dissent touched on many topics important to the community. While Xpress’ article on the forum captures several of the most pressing issues, readers can listen to the forum in its entirety, courtesy of 103.5 WPVM.
Topics of (sometimes contentious) discussion at the forum included the use of Tasers, the tactics and attitudes of law enforcement, the possible establishment of a citizen’s police-review board, the legal rights surrounding protest, the role of dissent in society and many more.
— David Forbes, staff writer
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The sheriff and police chief posed well for the cameras, but apparently there is a disconnect between what they said and the actions of their deputies and officers. At least there is dialogue, and everyone can see the face of the enemy.
Enemy?
Remember, it is part of their job to defend their men. I was just disappointed to hear at the forum that they were more concerned about the department’s morale than the citizen’s morale when it came to creating an oversight board.
Independent oversight of our police departments files and activities should be welcomed, mostly because it will bring trust to both sides of our community, strengthening it overall IF such a board is created and carried without malice.
So please treat our police with dignity, even if you believe that they don’t reciprocate that. And if you do have a problem, ask them for a complaint form, I hear it’s a hoot.
Enemy is the word. Are we to imagine that we’re all just one, big happy family. My friends wouldn’t wrestle me to the ground, shock me with a taser, or worse. Make no mistake — the police will use their power at any given opportunity regardless of consequence to their target. I never treat their presence as other than a threat.
If ‘john buckley’ sees the police as a threat, then maybe he should pal around after dark on the back streets where he can be a victim. Or, better yet, have a need to call the Police and NOT call them and let the criminal act unfold before his very (narrow) eyes. Learn your side first. You are a fool to believe that the Police is a threat over crime in your backyard.