Comments on: New Media… Same Old Story?

By: Chetly Zarko

Chetly Zarko — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 23:33:00 +0000

I don't see any evidence the guy was repeatedly tasered for "refusing to show id." I see evidence he was tasered repeatedly for refusing to get up when asked and otherwise resisting arrest. At one point they almost have him up and he thows his body around flopping back onto the ground. As a police officer, I can understand how this would put them at risk.

Overall, this video starts halfway into the event and does not provide the context demonstrating police misconduct. There may have been misconduct, but this video proves nothing.

I don't know what the local law (it's internal to the university, which is undoubtedly a public space, but whose library facilities may be properly restricted to students). I'm not a fan of university "trespass" laws nor of excessive identification requirements, and have written about cases where U-Michigan's own police force, in conjunction with the administration, have misused them and over-interpreted them, but I also require particular evidence to convict police officers (either in court or the court of public opinion) of abuse.

By: Chetly Zarko

Chetly Zarko — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 23:33:00 +0000

I don’t see any evidence the guy was repeatedly tasered for “refusing to show id.” I see evidence he was tasered repeatedly for refusing to get up when asked and otherwise resisting arrest. At one point they almost have him up and he thows his body around flopping back onto the ground. As a police officer, I can understand how this would put them at risk.Overall, this video starts halfway into the event and does not provide the context demonstrating police misconduct. There may have been misconduct, but this video proves nothing.I don’t know what the local law (it’s internal to the university, which is undoubtedly a public space, but whose library facilities may be properly restricted to students). I’m not a fan of university “trespass” laws nor of excessive identification requirements, and have written about cases where U-Michigan’s own police force, in conjunction with the administration, have misused them and over-interpreted them, but I also require particular evidence to convict police officers (either in court or the court of public opinion) of abuse.

By: Dumi

Dumi — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 03:32:00 +0000

Rachel,
I hadn’t really thought about the lack of Black presence also being partially about representation. It will be “interesting” to see how this unfolds in the future. I have a feeling that as much attention as it got virtually, very little will change, even on college campuses :(

By: Dumi

Dumi — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 03:32:00 +0000

Rachel, I hadn’t really thought about the lack of Black presence also being partially about representation. It will be “interesting” to see how this unfolds in the future. I have a feeling that as much attention as it got virtually, very little will change, even on college campuses :(

By: RachelsTavern

RachelsTavern — Sat, 25 Nov 2006 03:39:00 +0000

I also noticed an Asian cop in the taser incident, but it seems that the black cop was the leader.

I do have to say that I saw very few African Americans pictured in the protest on the Daily Bruin site, but I wasn't sure if that was a reflection of the demographics of the school or something else.

By: RachelsTavern

RachelsTavern — Sat, 25 Nov 2006 03:39:00 +0000

I also noticed an Asian cop in the taser incident, but it seems that the black cop was the leader.I do have to say that I saw very few African Americans pictured in the protest on the Daily Bruin site, but I wasn’t sure if that was a reflection of the demographics of the school or something else.