Cop Arresting Cameraman for Filming Peaceful Protest: “I Can Do Whatever I Want”

[Queen Mum Inks.LWC]

http://wcbstv.com/seenon/cbs.photographer.arrested.2.849210.html

You must be logged in to read this quote.

I don't feel like writing my opinion on this again, so here's my blog post (http://inkslwc.wordpress.com/2008/10/27/cop-arresting-cameraman-for-filming-peaceful-protest-i-can-do-whatever-i-want/) coppied over:

I was looking through some news stories and came across this story from WCBS (CBS 2) in Newark, New Jersey (WCBS is out of New York City).  Watch the video and I'll have some analysis below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSsGrIf8F0M

Whoa!  The most disturbing part of that was the police officer's comment, "I can do whatever I want" in response to the reporter, Christine Sloan, saying, "You can't arrest him."

After arresting the photographer, Jim Quodomine, the officer even threatened Sloan, saying, "[This is] none of your business.  Stay away or you'll be sitting in the car."

Latrice Smith, a witness of the incident, told WCBS, "He went to put the camera down.  Before he had the opportunity to [do so], the police officer came and knocked it down. ... [The officer] just started grabbing him, putting handcuffs on him, grabbed him by the neck.  It was out of control for no reason."

Another witness told WCBS, "I couldn't believe how they grabbed him."

Kudos to Councilwoman Mildred Crump for standing up for justice here.  The officer CLEARLY violated the the photographer's First Amendment rights.  Hopefully the investigation goes through as Crump has demanded and the officer is fired.  I'm a Law and Order Conservative.  I can't stand  criminals and I love police officers, but this guy clearly overstepped his bounds.  The cameraman was on public property, and thus had a right to videotape whatever he wanted (which is ALSO why it's legal for the government to videotape YOU in public - it's not invading your privacy - you're out in public - just wanted to bring that up really quick).

This cop needs to be fired.

I'm honestly surprised that he still pressed charges against Quodonine for disorderly conduct.  I'm pretty sure that Quodonine will have those charges dismissed by the magisstrate (and if not, he'll win an appeal).  If I were him, I would be outraged.

[Wakie]

Here's the problem there are some individuals who are working in law enforcement who really should not be.  Some of these people are "burned out", others are just natural bullies.  It places a giant stain on all law enforcement officers when individuals like this feel they can "do whatever they want".  This cop should be immediately disciplined.

[Queen Mum Inks.LWC]

Here's the problem there are some individuals who are working in law enforcement who really should not be.  Some of these people are "burned out", others are just natural bullies.  It places a giant stain on all law enforcement officers when individuals like this feel they can "do whatever they want".  This cop should be immediately disciplined.

The cop should be fired.  "I can do whatever I want."  That's pink slip time.

[Associate Justice PiT]

     He can do whatever he wants. However, he can also be held accountable for doing whatever he wants (which is what should happen in this case).