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First of all, we should all by now realize that we live in a police state. Of course, it's far from what is seen in the Middle East or less-civilized countries. However, I think that our freedoms are clearly being eroded bit by bit, especially since September 11. A New Yorker myself, I hate to see that horrendous tragedy used to justify police brutality (and I consider this a case of police brutality).
Secondly, it should be every American's right to say refuse to produce identification...and every American's right to accept the consequences. In the end, hopefully, justice will prevail. In a situation like this one, I think it is clear that the officer should have given cause for demanding identification. Indeed, if he were truly investigating domestic violence, he should have checked on the girl first - something he did not do.
Every individual, including officers, should be ensuring that the power bestowed upon police officers by the public do not abuse it.
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