so, a bunch of black kids are doing nothing wrong, but something some people don’t like. one of those people who don’t like what they are doing becomes violent (hate crime), the cops are called, at least one cop becomes violent (hate crime).
specific things i found interesting about this video,
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the officer had no apparent right to keep telling all the kids to just leave. but he could have insisted they move away from the immediate area (25 feet, go across the street), for his and their safety. and he could have explained why, not just demanded it.
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the officer had no right to detain anyone, as far as i can tell. but he attempted to detain them anyway, without being clear to them that they couldn’t leave, legally. and then became violent with them when they did attempt to leave. apparently taking their disregard for his commands personally.
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after the officer began assaulting people, some of the youth acted in a appropriately defensive manner, and were then pursued by other officers for doing so. why? were charges pressed against that young man who was cuffed and drug back to where the horrifically abusive officer was kneeling on the young black girl?
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i noticed how uncomfortable the abusive officer became when surrounded by young black people, but also how perfectly comfortable he was while a couple of heavier white adults meandered around right near him, and behind him.
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it seemed to me that the young people in the video had no idea what was going on, were not receiving clear directions from anyone who could rightly direct them. it also seemed to me that the officers in the video acted the same way…
perhaps it was appropriate for the kids to do nothing in particular. perhaps the officers could have learned from their example and refrained from acting, as no action on either of their parts seemed to be appropriate initially.
if there was a fight, they needed to investigate and address that. if the kids needed to leave, they should have each been addressed and instructed individually and respectfully. and if they needed to leave (as determined by those in authority over the use of the pool), and they were underage, the officers needed to see that each person they expelled from the pool area made it home safely (that means offering rides if necessary).
where was the leadership? where was the authority?
note: authority requires more than just violence, or the ability to forcefully take control of others. it also requires wisdom, and the ability to command responsibly with the permission of those being commanded.
