Thread: More Fullerton PD Shenanigans

The LA Times reports that Cops saw video of deadly incident with Kelly Thomas before writing reports

For those not familiar with the story, cops approached Kelly Thomas near a bus stop. Thomas has mental problems but, apparently, wasn't really causing any disturbance. For some as of yet undisclosed reason the cops beat him and used tasers on him until he died. A number of witnesses have expressed shock at the brutality of the "apprehension".

Now it seems that the Fullerton PD has allowed officers to watch video footage of their actions before writing their reports. Meanwhile, the DA's office is refusing to release the tape because they figure it might influence witness testimony. Y'know...I understand that the cops aren't on trial (yet) but anyone with an ounce of common sense must see that as a significant possibility so why the hell would you give these guys an opportunity to make sure that their testimony conforms to evidence which is likely to be used against them?

Originally Posted by lutherf

The LA Times reports that Cops saw video of deadly incident with Kelly Thomas before writing reports

For those not familiar with the story, cops approached Kelly Thomas near a bus stop. Thomas has mental problems but, apparently, wasn't really causing any disturbance. For some as of yet undisclosed reason the cops beat him and used tasers on him until he died. A number of witnesses have expressed shock at the brutality of the "apprehension".

Now it seems that the Fullerton PD has allowed officers to watch video footage of their actions before writing their reports. Meanwhile, the DA's office is refusing to release the tape because they figure it might influence witness testimony. Y'know...I understand that the cops aren't on trial (yet) but anyone with an ounce of common sense must see that as a significant possibility so why the hell would you give these guys an opportunity to make sure that their testimony conforms to evidence which is likely to be used against them?

If we all got such consideration in the commission of a homicide. They can't figure out why people want to film the quality of their work. A whole world subjected to quality checks and they think in their position that they shouldn't be subject to doing professional work. Even their managers think they are not subject to quality control judging by their actions in allowing the viewing. Pitiful.

Originally Posted by lutherf

The LA Times reports that Cops saw video of deadly incident with Kelly Thomas before writing reports

For those not familiar with the story, cops approached Kelly Thomas near a bus stop. Thomas has mental problems but, apparently, wasn't really causing any disturbance. For some as of yet undisclosed reason the cops beat him and used tasers on him until he died. A number of witnesses have expressed shock at the brutality of the "apprehension".

Now it seems that the Fullerton PD has allowed officers to watch video footage of their actions before writing their reports. Meanwhile, the DA's office is refusing to release the tape because they figure it might influence witness testimony. Y'know...I understand that the cops aren't on trial (yet) but anyone with an ounce of common sense must see that as a significant possibility so why the hell would you give these guys an opportunity to make sure that their testimony conforms to evidence which is likely to be used against them?

Because that's the way the system is supposed to work.
Why would a cop, who has to write a report on what happened, not be allowed to see a videotape of the incident?
Rather than get reports that vary from each other and from the videotape, which is pretty much what you'd get, because memory is imperfect and subjective.

Originally Posted by goober

Because that's the way the system is supposed to work.
Why would a cop, who has to write a report on what happened, not be allowed to see a videotape of the incident?
Rather than get reports that vary from each other and from the videotape, which is pretty much what you'd get, because memory is imperfect and subjective.

Not knowing anything about this other than what is posted, why cannot the civilians see the video before making their statements?

If it is good for the cops then why is it not good for the civilians?

It looks like there will at least be an attempt at justice in this case:
Calif. Police Officer Charged With Murder

Originally Posted by goober

Because that's the way the system is supposed to work.
Why would a cop, who has to write a report on what happened, not be allowed to see a videotape of the incident?

They shouldn't be allowed access to video until they have filled their reports. Becasue their actions are based on events as they perceive them not later collaboration with multiple sources.

Rather than get reports that vary from each other and from the videotape, which is pretty much what you'd get, because memory is imperfect and subjective.

Police are supposed to be trained observers not hapless witnesses.

Originally Posted by lutherf

It looks like there will at least be an attempt at justice in this case:
Calif. Police Officer Charged With Murder

Police offers should be held to a higher standard than the common man is, they are trained to uphold the law and maintain order, when they stray they should most certainly face punishment if found criminally guilty.

Originally Posted by JDJarvis

Police offers should be held to a higher standard than the common man is, they are trained to uphold the law and maintain order, when they stray they should most certainly face punishment if found criminally guilty.

You won't get any argument from me on that.