Issues Under Fire: Knowing What Cops Can and Can't Do

Issues Under Fire:  Knowing What Cops Can and Can't Do 

When sheriff's deputy Ben Fields was summoned to a South Carolina high school algebra class to remove a disruptive student, he had no idea his actions during the encounter would lead to a teaching moment for the nation. Video taped using substantial force to extract a sixteen year old girl from her desk, leading to the teen being violently tossed across the room before being subdued, gave some Americans cause for pause. Many parents began asking themselves, can the cops do that? 

Even though Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott immediately suspended and then quickly fired deputy Fields after viewing video evidence and interviewing witnesses, the question that remains in the minds of many is, can the cops do that? Even though Sheriff Lott admitted wanting to throw up after observing the tactics of his deputy and stated unequivocally there was absolutely no justification for some the deputy's actions, the attorney for deputy Fields contends his client's actions were justifiable and lawful. 

According to trial attorney Scott Hayes, "We believe that Mr. Fields' actions were justified and lawful throughout the circumstances of which he was confronted during this incident. To that extent we believe the Mr. Fields' actions were carried out professionally and that he was performing his job duties within the legal threshold." The fact that deputy Fields has lawyered up with a former mouthpiece for the Richland County Sheriff's department charged with defending the department against civil complaints says two things very loudly.  

Firstly, this story is hardly dead yet. When deputy Field has his day in court, perhaps his case will shed some light on what is permissible by law enforcement when engaging the public and what are the limitations if any when engaging minors. If the court rules in favor of deputy Fields and he is returned to active duty as a law enforcement officer, that could have a chilling effect on the many who found themselves outraged over the incident.  

Secondly, if deputy Fields' firing is upheld in court and this individual is permanently bared from the profession, it will send a strong message to the law enforcement community. For once the police will know precisely what America will and will not tolerate by those they employ to protect and serve the public's interest.  

Many Americans viewing the incident were repulsed by seeing a police officer slamming a young girl to the floor. Many wondered what they'd do if it were their kid being manhandled, cuffed and arrested for disrupting a math class. No matter how unruly a parent knows their child can be at times, few would find officer Fields' actions (in that circumstance) acceptable. Some parents were so incensed, they'd be willing to take the law into their own hands. 

Bottom line: Without clarity as to what authorities Americans have erroneously and or ignorantly granted law enforcement over their lives, the average citizen will always be surprised when cops accused of excessive force are routinely exonerated after a speedy internal investigation. If the truth be told, the average American has no idea what their rights are, let alone the powers the police have over them. Perhaps its time for Americans to carefully reviewing their few remaining rights, so they fully understand what the cops can and can not do. Podcast below!