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Its very belivable Moats was lucky he wasn't shot there are way to many police officers with attitudes like that, the cop should be fired then sued. Was the dying ladies husband also detained?
My brother is a deputy sheriff and after riding with him one night, I can understand the officer's reaction. First the man should have pulled over when he first ran the red light, if he had of then the officer might not have acted the way he did. Then the people jumped out the van and started yelling, the officer had no proof of what was happening...
There is to many people asking for favoritism today, like I know so and so, so that makes me above the law or I will have your badge if you mess with me.
Officers must do what they were sworn in to do and that is to see that everyone is treated the same...no matter who or what someone are...
This officer should sue for having any action place against him...
There is to many people asking for favoritism today, like I know so and so, so that makes me above the law or I will have your badge if you mess with me.
Officers must do what they were sworn in to do and that is to see that everyone is treated the same...no matter who or what someone are...
This officer should sue for having any action place against him...
It was the mother of the NFL player's wife. She was in the car. She was told by the police officer to get back in the car, but she ran inside instead.
What bothers me the most about this incident is the lack of compassion. There never seemed to be a sign that the officer believed him. Leaves me to wonder how much of the officer's attitude was due to the fact that the driver was a black male.
What bothers me the most about this incident is the lack of compassion. There never seemed to be a sign that the officer believed him. Leaves me to wonder how much of the officer's attitude was due to the fact that the driver was a black male.
Its hard to believe that a police officer could be as stupid and inconsiderate as this idiot was. Very seldom do I assume someone to be prejudice, but I would have to say this officer would really make me wonder.
In my experience with situations like this (its happened three times in my life, being pulled over while rushing to an ER for a family member), the officers were always very understanding and helpful.
When my father was involved in a motorcycle accident, I was on scene and the officer asked if I knew how to get the the hospital (we were from out of town and I had been following him). Of course, I said I was following the ambulance, which he said I couldn't do. But he was kind enough to escort me himself. He had said we would have to wait for lights but, when we got to the first one, I guess he figured out how bad my father was and cleared the intersections for me.
Truth be told, there are very few idiots like this out there. They just happen to give all the others a bad name.
Kirk
In my experience with situations like this (its happened three times in my life, being pulled over while rushing to an ER for a family member), the officers were always very understanding and helpful.
When my father was involved in a motorcycle accident, I was on scene and the officer asked if I knew how to get the the hospital (we were from out of town and I had been following him). Of course, I said I was following the ambulance, which he said I couldn't do. But he was kind enough to escort me himself. He had said we would have to wait for lights but, when we got to the first one, I guess he figured out how bad my father was and cleared the intersections for me.
Truth be told, there are very few idiots like this out there. They just happen to give all the others a bad name.
Kirk
quote:Originally posted by NaySayer:
My brother is a deputy sheriff and after riding with him one night, I can understand the officer's reaction. First the man should have pulled over when he first ran the red light, if he had of then the officer might not have acted the way he did. Then the people jumped out the van and started yelling, the officer had no proof of what was happening...
Maybe, just maybe, pulling into the county hospital should have been the first clue as to what might have been going on? Duh!
And, the article states that this NFL player never once identified himself as such or asked for special treatment, so there goes that theory.
If I was in this players shoes, I wouldn't stop until I had the officers job, his dignity and any respect anyone might have ever had for him.
Kirk
Believe it or not.. I'll have to side with the cop on this one
quote:Originally posted by The Cold Hard Truth:
Believe it or not.. I'll have to side with the cop on this one
His wife's mom is dying. He drives to the hospital with flashers on. He stops at a red light, but goes through when he sees no cars coming. Then, he pulls into a HOSPITAL. For what? To rob it? To go grab a cup of coffee?? Geez.
Sure the officer was doing his job. He's supposed to pull over drivers that run red lights. But to sit there and argue over WHY he did it...in a hospital parking lot...for 15+ minutes??? Any human being with an ounce of compassion can hear the desperation in his voice. And...when the nurse comes out to tell the officer that the woman has indeed coded THREE times and he needs to get in there because she is about to die, he wants to finish writing the ticket??? Give me a break.
We all must do our jobs that we are hired to do. BUT...there are situations where common sense, judgment, and don't forget COMPASSION must factor in.
And...I still believe that the fact that he is a black male had something to do with it. What if it was a white female? Do you think he would have reacted that way? I really don't think so.
This definitely could have been handled better. A tragedy.
I have to agree with the police officer as well on this one. I dont even wanna see the race card played on this one either.
Do yall even realize how many excuses they hear as to why people arent obeying the laws? I would bet the majority that is pulled over has an "excuse" to why they are above the law and the rules shouldnt apply to them. If the man had acted like he should have then I am sure they could have worked something out pretty quickly.
Yall are letting sympathy get in the way of reality here. Just because you have someone sick doesnt make you above the law.
Do yall even realize how many excuses they hear as to why people arent obeying the laws? I would bet the majority that is pulled over has an "excuse" to why they are above the law and the rules shouldnt apply to them. If the man had acted like he should have then I am sure they could have worked something out pretty quickly.
Yall are letting sympathy get in the way of reality here. Just because you have someone sick doesnt make you above the law.
quote:Originally posted by alanative:
And...I still believe that the fact that he is a black male had something to do with it. What if it was a white female? Do you think he would have reacted that way? I really don't think so.
Ding Ding Ding, and we have a winner!
And don't worry about CHT, I think he likes to play 'devils advocate' for every topic. That or he just likes to argue.
Kirk
quote:Originally posted by WarEagle225:
I have to agree with the police officer as well on this one. I dont even wanna see the race card played on this one either.
Do yall even realize how many excuses they hear as to why people arent obeying the laws? I would bet the majority that is pulled over has an "excuse" to why they are above the law and the rules shouldnt apply to them. If the man had acted like he should have then I am sure they could have worked something out pretty quickly.
Yall are letting sympathy get in the way of reality here. Just because you have someone sick doesnt make you above the law.
Wow, you are cold hearted. I thought CHT had a cold heart.
He didn't say he was above the law. He didn't 'fly' through the light. He rolled it, kindof like alot of folks do a stop sign EVERYDAY for no reason at all. He made sure nothing was coming, then he went on. TO THE HOSPITAL. He didn't tell the officer he had to take a crap. Or that he left the stove on. He said his mother in law was dying. They were at the hospital, the officer could have escorted him inside and confirmed the situation. Even his chief said he screwed up.
I hope and pray that your parent isn't laying on the table someday dying while you are sitting at that red light waiting on it to turn green so you can get to his or her side and say goodbye.
Kirk
quote:Originally posted by WarEagle225:
I have to agree with the police officer as well on this one. I dont even wanna see the race card played on this one either.
You are truly naive if you think race didn't play a role in this.
As far as excuses??? Yeah, they hear them all day. But I think the excuse of "My mother is dying" as he sits in the hospital parking lot is different than "Uhhh...I gotta pee real bad."
the lecture on attitude is was really got me. if that ain't the pot calling the kettle black.
The is no concrete proof that race was an issue in this case.
I think it was more of a power issue. The disturbing thing is how this simply could have been solved by confirming the story with the hospital. The two most disturbing statements on the tape (to me) is when the officer says "I can screw you over", and his little speech at the end after the nurse has said the mother had 3 code blues. How many times does a man in a hospital parking lot have to say my mother in law is dying. After the nurse confirmed it, there was still no compassion shown.
To those of you that made the "special treatment" comment, please show me where Mr Moats identified himself as an NFL player. He did what every other citizen in this country would do. He did what I have done and what I will do again if a situation arises. This is why I say ethics should be mandatory in schools and should be mandatory in certain jobs.
This officer was clearly abusing his power.
I think it was more of a power issue. The disturbing thing is how this simply could have been solved by confirming the story with the hospital. The two most disturbing statements on the tape (to me) is when the officer says "I can screw you over", and his little speech at the end after the nurse has said the mother had 3 code blues. How many times does a man in a hospital parking lot have to say my mother in law is dying. After the nurse confirmed it, there was still no compassion shown.
To those of you that made the "special treatment" comment, please show me where Mr Moats identified himself as an NFL player. He did what every other citizen in this country would do. He did what I have done and what I will do again if a situation arises. This is why I say ethics should be mandatory in schools and should be mandatory in certain jobs.
This officer was clearly abusing his power.
Sounds like some of the fine officers posting on here. Its becoming all too common. Hillbilly cops!
NYTrooper -- just an observation but you either are a cop as well or you are a wannabe judging from your user name....
If he had stopped him blocks from the hospital I could have understood the disbelieving the story, but the fact that you can see from the cam they are in the hospital parking lot -- this cop was completely in the wrong. His words were "Attitude is everything. If you had told me what was going on I would have probably let you go." Were you listening? He told you what was going on and the cop didn't listen -- he wanted to be the big dog.
I am proud to say that not all officers are like this Officer so I hope everyone will not judge them all by the one idiot's reaction.
I love the Chief's response of "I don't have the word to use and still be professional..." We all know what he was thinking ... "Dumb***"
If he had stopped him blocks from the hospital I could have understood the disbelieving the story, but the fact that you can see from the cam they are in the hospital parking lot -- this cop was completely in the wrong. His words were "Attitude is everything. If you had told me what was going on I would have probably let you go." Were you listening? He told you what was going on and the cop didn't listen -- he wanted to be the big dog.
I am proud to say that not all officers are like this Officer so I hope everyone will not judge them all by the one idiot's reaction.
I love the Chief's response of "I don't have the word to use and still be professional..." We all know what he was thinking ... "Dumb***"
quote:Originally posted by NaySayer:
My brother is a deputy sheriff and after riding with him one night, I can understand the officer's reaction. First the man should have pulled over when he first ran the red light, if he had of then the officer might not have acted the way he did. Then the people jumped out the van and started yelling, the officer had no proof of what was happening...
There is to many people asking for favoritism today, like I know so and so, so that makes me above the law or I will have your badge if you mess with me.
Officers must do what they were sworn in to do and that is to see that everyone is treated the same...no matter who or what someone are...
This officer should sue for having any action place against him...
So would your brother have been a jerk like this one was ?
When the people jumped out of the van , they were screaming someone was dying . the cop should have went into the hosptial and seen it was the truth and then he should have let them go ,but he was gonna write that ticket come hell or high water . I hope he gets fired and sued .
your quote ,
Officers must do what they were sworn in to do and that is to see that everyone is treated the same...no matter who or what someone are...
But this is far from the ways it goes.
If this guy would have got on his cell phone and dialed 911 and explained the situation he may have got a police escort to the hospital.. who can blame the cop for being nervous?.. That's a big dude and I didn't notice any back up
quote:Originally posted by The Cold Hard Truth:
If this guy would have got on his cell phone and dialed 911 and explained the situation he may have got a police escort to the hospital.. who can blame the cop for being nervous?.. That's a big dude and I didn't notice any back up
I think if you have family in the hospital dying , calling the cops about a cop is the last thing on your mind , the cop should have verified the story and let them go .
The police officer was doing his job up until the people in the car he stopped told him what was happening. At that point it became a personal thing with the officer. He seemed to have the attitude "I'm 100 percent right and you are 100 percent wrong". The police sometime call it "tunnel vision". That's probably why the police department is not behind the officer. I'm sure they don't train people that way. Another unecessary event in the struggle of life. By the way, I support all law officers in the thankless job they do.
I agree Knuckles -- this officer wasn't doing one of the basic tasks of his job -- LISTENING...thankfully not all cops are like this one and I'm sure this one will not make this mistake again...
All human behavior has a baseline root cause. Think about the High School mentality that most "bad" cops have. Their IQ is lower. They rarely ever finish college. They were considered clowns in Junior High and High School. They were most likely loners as adolescents with low self-esteem.
Put a badge, gun and legal authority into the hands of that kind of "mentality" and you end up with a very high probability for having a "bad" cop on your police force.
It really is just that simple.
Put a badge, gun and legal authority into the hands of that kind of "mentality" and you end up with a very high probability for having a "bad" cop on your police force.
It really is just that simple.
There is two sides to this story.
Number one, the person should have called 911 and let the PD know what was going on, I maybe mistaken on this, but I don't think an officer is allowed to give escort service or to tell someone to break the law because of the libility that it might impose. But they may tell the person to use caution when trying to get to an emergency.
Number two, if the person was going to Wally world or some other place, than by all means, the officer should do what he/she needs to do.
Was the officer in the wrong in this case, no, his attitude could have been some what better, but this was a split moment decision.
Now on the other hand if it was my mother that was dying, hell and high water would not have stopped me from seeing her.
I have had family members of mine who has been stopped by an officer for a traffic stop before and some of them called me and ask me to help them since I know a few officers, I tell them your a grown person and you should have known better, sorry don't call me again.
Number one, the person should have called 911 and let the PD know what was going on, I maybe mistaken on this, but I don't think an officer is allowed to give escort service or to tell someone to break the law because of the libility that it might impose. But they may tell the person to use caution when trying to get to an emergency.
Number two, if the person was going to Wally world or some other place, than by all means, the officer should do what he/she needs to do.
Was the officer in the wrong in this case, no, his attitude could have been some what better, but this was a split moment decision.
Now on the other hand if it was my mother that was dying, hell and high water would not have stopped me from seeing her.
I have had family members of mine who has been stopped by an officer for a traffic stop before and some of them called me and ask me to help them since I know a few officers, I tell them your a grown person and you should have known better, sorry don't call me again.
No one is saying that the a law was not broken. The problem is that the officer didn't care after he was made aware of the situation. He didn't care after the nurse informed him the lady had 3 code blues. He simply did not care. There is always room for common sense. If this had been the Chief of Police would the officer have done the same thing, if it was his family would he have done the same thing. More than likely no.
Common senses is a dangerous tool if not used properly.
Common senses is a dangerous tool if not used properly.
True story. A police sat patiently at a red light at 230 am in Florence. His light turned green and he started to go when a big SUV sped through the intersection without slowing. Luckily the officer was paying attention. He stopped the suv. A mother was driving her son to the er and said "I don't have to stop if I have on my flashers." The officer said "Go the the hospital nut stop at every red light from here to there." He followed her there and wished her son luck. It sure is something special to know exactly what you would do when you will never have to do it!
quote:True story. A police sat patiently at a red light at 230 am in Florence. His light turned green and he started to go when a big SUV sped through the intersection without slowing. Luckily the officer was paying attention. He stopped the suv. A mother was driving her son to the er and said "I don't have to stop if I have on my flashers." The officer said "Go the the hospital nut stop at every red light from here to there." He followed her there and wished her son luck. It sure is something special to know exactly what you would do when you will never have to do it!
Wow...two years between posts. Must be a record.
Link
quote:NYTrooper -- just an observation but you either are a cop as well or you are a wannabe judging from your user name....
If he had stopped him blocks from the hospital I could have understood the disbelieving the story, but the fact that you can see from the cam they are in the hospital parking lot -- this cop was completely in the wrong. His words were "Attitude is everything. If you had told me what was going on I would have probably let you go." Were you listening? He told you what was going on and the cop didn't listen -- he wanted to be the big dog.
I am proud to say that not all officers are like this Officer so I hope everyone will not judge them all by the one idiot's reaction.
I love the Chief's response of "I don't have the word to use and still be professional..." We all know what he was thinking ... "Dumb***"
The 'dont judge them all because of one' is getting rather common.
BTW...my opinion is...what I am, or what I'm not is no concern of yours!
Hey NY Trooper, thanks for the welcome back! You are awesome!
quote:Hey NY Trooper, thanks for the welcome back! You are awesome!
And you are one of many with multiple IDs. I see you are posting to back up the cops, which one are you?
I was talking about this incident today at work. Someone mentioned this.
Link
So why hasn't this made news?
Link
So why hasn't this made news?
Boo Hoo! While it's unfortunate the family member was dying, that doesn't make it okay to break traffic laws. More often than not, if you present yourself properly, you will be released relatively quickly. People come up with all kinds of excuses to get out of getting a ticket. Once the officer concluded the event was actually taking place, he should have been a bit quicker releasing the driver. The fact that the officers leaders apologized is just a continuing digression of proper leadership. Poor little citizen getting picked on! If you don't want to be stopped, don't break the law, period! Of course these days, law enforcement officers are forced to be baby sitters and coddle the public because of the weak mental state of other humans who don't know how to properly conduct themselves in emergency/stressful situations...As far as the law goes, in Alabama...Going to the hopitial to reach a dying family member IS NOT a viable excuse to break traffic laws!
quote:Going to the hopitial to reach a dying family member IS NOT a viable excuse to break traffic laws!
Yeah...thats exactly the attitude the cop had wasn't it? I guess we better start on the ambulances next huh?
BTW...congratulations on your fifth post
How many IDs do you guys have?
Is the job of a police officer not to PROTECT & SERVE?
All they have become is ticket writers and react to crimes that have already taken place. They no longer protect anyone because criminals have too many rights and they **** sure dont serve anyone!!!!
They have watched too many cop shows on tv and get all jacked up when they go on shift and are ready to kick the crap out of someone!!!
They should put an age limit on police officers and get rid of all these young punk police officers. Not sure on the age of this cop but I am sure he has been this way since day one on his job.
All they have become is ticket writers and react to crimes that have already taken place. They no longer protect anyone because criminals have too many rights and they **** sure dont serve anyone!!!!
They have watched too many cop shows on tv and get all jacked up when they go on shift and are ready to kick the crap out of someone!!!
They should put an age limit on police officers and get rid of all these young punk police officers. Not sure on the age of this cop but I am sure he has been this way since day one on his job.
quote:Originally posted by NYTrooper:
Wow...two years between posts. Must be a record.
BTW...congratulations on your fifth post.
Who made you "Post Monitor"?Sometimes, certain topics will ellicit a reply from people that normally just view the forums and not post. I haven't posted here until recently but, I've been viewing the forums. Maybe the reason some don't post is b/c of snide remarks they get from people like yourself.
quote:Is the job of a police officer not to PROTECT & SERVE?
No. That's the motto of the LAPD.
The job of a cop is to uphold and enforce the Constitution of the United States, and Federal, State and Local laws.
quote:Originally posted by Sassy Kims:quote:Is the job of a police officer not to PROTECT & SERVE?
No. That's the motto of the LAPD.
The job of a cop is to uphold and enforce the Constitution of the United States, and Federal, State and Local laws.
LOL The biggest violators are the same ones we pay to protect it eh? an admission.. keep digging
quote:Originally posted by The Cold Hard Truth:quote:Originally posted by Sassy Kims:quote:Is the job of a police officer not to PROTECT & SERVE?
No. That's the motto of the LAPD.
The job of a cop is to uphold and enforce the Constitution of the United States, and Federal, State and Local laws.
LOL The biggest violators are the same ones we pay to protect it eh? an admission.. keep digging
Prove it. And if so, why do you keep paying them? Perhaps it's because what you are whining about ain't so, and the vast majority of citizens recognize that cops do a thankless job for low pay.
quote:Originally posted by NaySayer:
My brother is a deputy sheriff and after riding with him one night, I can understand the officer's reaction. First the man should have pulled over when he first ran the red light, if he had of then the officer might not have acted the way he did. Then the people jumped out the van and started yelling, the officer had no proof of what was happening...
There is to many people asking for favoritism today, like I know so and so, so that makes me above the law or I will have your badge if you mess with me.
Officers must do what they were sworn in to do and that is to see that everyone is treated the same...no matter who or what someone are...
This officer should sue for having any action place against him...
I agree and well said!
quote:Originally posted by Zhukov:
This definitely could have been handled better. A tragedy.
"W.G.A.F."
You Must!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!