I think that for purposes of online discussion, this situation is far more interesting in a general context. What actions are appropriate in such a situation? As
roach,
dilbert and others have pointed out, we don't have a lot of details here, and I expect that will be resolved at the campus level. Hopefully so - frankly, I don't think there's any way to sweep this one under the rug at this point. Lawsuits and cameraphone footage abound. I guess my position is that unless a person actually shows a propensity to violence in such a situation, that the use of a device such as a taser is an inappropriate response. I don't mean to put words in your mouth,
dilbert, but I'm surmising from your statements thus far you would advocate a "better safe than sorry" approach, leaning to the personal safety of the law enforcement. I can understand this approach, and would agree with it to an extent. I'm just not seeing compelling reason for the lengths that were employed here.
I also think that
roach brings up an interesting point: namely, to what extent is this situation a reflection of our social attitudes? How is it shaped by the specter of fear in the name of security that seems pandemic in our society? As far as the racism issue, what extend is the social mindset defined by fear of the "other," and does that have any play in this situation?
Hmmm...regardless, if you catch me without an ID somewhere
dilbert, just give me a chance to get my shit together and break out before taserage ensures
In a tangential thought, this reminds me of when I used to play a lot of intramural soccer matches. We were always required to have ID to prove we were a student, and not an outside ringer. I can think of several times I forgot my ID, and I'd frequently go over to my bag to dig around for it. Its pretty routine for the players and refs (frequently you "know" each other, and sometimes its a real love/hate situation) giving each other huge amounts of shit during such situations, and during matches, and after...and in the bars the next night, and so forth. Would those guys have the need for such practices? I mean, it would be a whole lot easier for me to stash a weapon in my bag, and in fact I usually carry a knife to cut off the tape I use to hold up my shinguards/keep my socks up. I can't imagine it would go over too well for campus police to be using such tactics on a player who didn't leave the field quickly enough after being carded out, or who didn't bring an ID to the field. You're definately on school ground, and you definately are in a more dangerous environment...via pure adrenaline rush if nothing else.
Regardless, interesting situation. I felt a little sick watching the video.