LEO’s and the like,? on Video Taping (sp) by Civilians

[Limited-Time]

Saw a show on "Video Vigilantes" last night. Regular people who have taken to video taping criminals, and crimes in action. Mostly non-violent crimes, drug dealings, prostitution, traffic violations, and some breaking and entering, when their timing is right. They have also been responsible for taping events such as the Rodney King beating. What is your department’s stance on this type of activity in general? And how do the rest of you feel about having a "Big Brother" type recording your actions in public places with out your knowledge or consent?

 

[RubberFrog]

Re: LEO’s and the like,? on Video Taping (sp) by Civilians

Love it when they brecord everyone else, hate it when they record me....

 

[jims plan b]

Re: LEO’s and the like,? on Video Taping (sp) by Civilians

You can't stop people from video taping but the trouble is that most times it only shows part of the story. For example ... if you saw the bad guy spit in the officers face, then seen the butt whooping you might understand why he got what he got. I work in a state prison and they video tape the confinement units, the cams only show what the officers are doing in the walk ways in front of the cells and not what the convict is doing in side the cell he could be throwing body fluids, food, spit etc. through the bars cussing the staff performing obscene acts toward staff the list goes on and on, but when you show up with the hand held cam to document it the bad guy is sitting on his bunk reading the bible looking as innocent as a school girl. as soon as you put the cam back up, it starts all over. i don't mind being taped doing my job but i do mind that not all people understand the whole story. my job is hard enough to do with out being ridiculed by people that don't have what it takes to walk in my shoes every day.

 

[deputydawg]

Re: LEO’s and the like,? on Video Taping (sp) by Civilians

I don't mind as long as the people don't get in my way, or put themselves in danger.<br /><br />In my training at the academy 10+ years ago this was a big topic. Bottom line work every case like a camera is on you.<br /><br />99.9% of the time I have my own camera running on me, when I am off screen I have audio and have gotten into a habit of narrating what is taking place without sounding too retarded. Like when in a fight instead of just fighting I will say to the terd "stop hitting me" or "stop trying to pull away" whatever they are doing. It has helped in court many times. <br /><br />Like Jim said though, they only get 1 side. Usually they see the cops beating some terd. THEN they go get their camera and start recording from the middle of the acdtion. And they are too far away and usually zoomed and focused on officers to be accurate.

 

[JB]

Re: LEO’s and the like,? on Video Taping (sp) by Civilians

A witness is a witness. The camcorder has a flawless memory, while people don't.<br /><br />One risk is taking the part of an event that is recorded as the whole event. You miss what the camera doesn't see or record. That part you missed can change one understanding to a very different understanding of what really happened.<br /><br />The Rodney King event is an example. What the cops said happened that was not recorded contradicted what you would think if all you had to go on was what was on the tape.<br /><br />Another example, though a little thin, is on a football field. The Zebra doesn't see an instigating event, he only sees the retaliation or reaction. Result: the victim is charged with the foul.<br /><br />Aside from that, a recording is the best possible witness of what it saw. We just need to know what else might have been involved in the whole event.

 

[MYTJC]

Re: LEO’s and the like,? on Video Taping (sp) by Civilians

Very well said JB..............

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: LEO’s and the like,? on Video Taping (sp) by Civilians

Originally posted by deputydawg:<br /> <br />99.9% of the time I have my own camera running on me, when I am off screen I have audio and have gotten into a habit of narrating what is taking place without sounding too retarded . Like when in a fight instead of just fighting I will say to the terd "stop hitting me" or "stop trying to pull away" whatever they are doing. It has helped in court many times. <br /><br />

dd, "without sounding too retarded" LMAO at that part .............(Said light heartedly) Let's see, note to self while perp is trying to dislodge my head from the rest of my body try not to sound to retarded on tape.

 

[jims plan b]

Re: LEO’s and the like,? on Video Taping (sp) by Civilians

lol @ L T

 

[oddjob]

Re: LEO’s and the like,? on Video Taping (sp) by Civilians

"please stop strking my closed hand with your face!". I repeat!.....LOL

 

[deputydawg]

Re: LEO’s and the like,? on Video Taping (sp) by Civilians

A good example of what I mean is one of my men removed a woman from a bar after the owner kicked her out. She was on probation and not to be drinking, so he escorted her to the parking lot to get an alcohol test. As soon as he turned to face her, off camera, she punted him in the groin. As he was groaning in pain he told her for the camera's benefit that "you just kicked me in the ba!!s". Then as the fight started he continued telling her things like "stop resisting, stop biting me." <br /><br />When I got there we ended up dragging her across the parking lot by her arms. She kicked so hard she got a road rash on the top of her feet! When she filed a lawsuit against us for the abraisons to th tops of her feet and toes we presented his tape. Her lawyer dropped the case and advised his client to dismiss her claim against us for her injuries.<br /><br />As long as the video is taped start to finish, and close enough to have either audio or to show every event as it happens it is a great idea. <br /><br />In training we watched the Rodney King video. He was trying to get up and was in fact resistsing, but it was not easy to see with the angle and distance of the video. I did have a problem with that one though, they had him so outnumbered they could have resorted to the old polyester pig pile trick and subdued him without injuries.Our training is the batan never swings above our heads unless in a blocking move. <br /><br />Oh and I have a lot of very good video in my collection now. ERverything from drunk chicks urinating in front of my car to people mooning my camera to women fighting in front of my car losing clothing in the process.

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: LEO’s and the like,? on Video Taping (sp) by Civilians

Originally posted by deputydawg:<br /> Oh and I have a lot of very good video in my collection now. ERverything from drunk chicks urinating in front of my car to people mooning my camera to women fighting in front of my car losing clothing in the process.

Lets see now, how’s this sound: DD Productions presents the all new un-rated Video: Lawless Chicks Gone Wild!!! Babes, B00bs, Booze, and the Men in Blue like you’ve never seen them before………………. Reality videos go extreme!!! <br /><br />Could put a few extra dollars in the project/boat fund.

 

[jims plan b]

Re: LEO’s and the like,? on Video Taping (sp) by Civilians

put me down for a copy

 

[bubbakat]

Re: LEO’s and the like,? on Video Taping (sp) by Civilians

Unless she is a 400 pound sweltering pig like woman.<br />Jim well said above and do you still want a copy

 

[JB]

Re: LEO’s and the like,? on Video Taping (sp) by Civilians

Drunk, high or fighting women are the least attractive women on earth to me.

 

[jims plan b]

Re: LEO’s and the like,? on Video Taping (sp) by Civilians

i would love a copy of that

 

[Braxton]

Re: LEO’s and the like,? on Video Taping (sp) by Civilians

i have to agree with JB but i still would like to see a copy myself LOL

 

[bubbakat]

Re: LEO’s and the like,? on Video Taping (sp) by Civilians

I had rather wrestle with a grizzle bear then try to take into custody a woman that is high or drunk.<br />The battle scares never heal up.<br /><br /><br />Gentlemen if it was legal I would post a copy of it right here but alas the infringment it would cause.

 

[technostingray]

Re: LEO’s and the like,? on Video Taping (sp) by Civilians

Originally posted by oddjob:<br /> "please stop strking my closed hand with your face!". I repeat!.....LOL

Yes, that would be an excellent example of sounding retarded. How about, "you want some more?" "stop putting your hands up and blocking the baton!"