By John Q. Hosedrinker New Videos Contradict NYPD Account of Lead-Up to Times Square Attack on Cops
It’s both disheartening and infuriating to see that even with the presence of body cameras, police officers still lie about what actually happens during altercations. It makes me wonder just how often they lied before these cameras became a requirement. It’s a broken record, but something needs to change.
One thing that strikes me is the fact that when a civilian says something happened and it turns out not to be true, it’s considered a lie. But when a police officer does the same, it’s often labeled as “video contradicts” or “accounts vary.” This double standard is alarming and highlights the fact that there seems to be no accountability for law enforcement. It’s as if they operate as a street gang, bending the truth to fit their narrative.
Looking at the recently released footage, it’s clear that the initial police account of the incident was completely false. The videos clearly show the group of men walking away from the officers, minding their own business. Then, suddenly, one of the officers grabs one of the men by his collar and slams him against a wall. It’s no wonder that the man’s friends felt compelled to defend him in that moment.
Blatant acts of illegal violence by the police should be met with force on the part of the public. We cannot simply stand by and allow those who are supposed to protect us to assault innocent people with impunity. The idea that the police have carte blanche to do as they please is a dangerous one that goes against the principles of justice and equality.
It’s frustrating to see the district attorney’s statement about bringing all parties involved into the criminal justice system. Based on the videos, it’s evident that the men on the sidewalk were simply going about their day until the police initiated the altercation. It feels like they’ve been ensnared by a system that is skewed in favor of law enforcement, further perpetuating a cycle of injustice.
The fact that the police lied about what happened comes as no surprise to me. It’s becoming all too common to see law enforcement bend the truth to protect themselves and their colleagues. It’s as if they believe they can create their own version of reality, free from consequences.
In order to address these issues, there are several steps that need to be taken. First, police officers should be required to be licensed and insured, just like any other profession. This would create an additional layer of accountability and provide oversight for their actions.
Secondly, comprehensive de-escalation training should be mandatory before officers are allowed to carry firearms. Their primary duty should be to protect and serve, not to resort to violence at the slightest provocation.
Third, there needs to be elected civilian oversight of all police and law enforcement departments. This would ensure that those in power are held accountable to the communities they serve.
Furthermore, body cameras and CCTV footage should be required to be worn and active at all times, and unless there is a compelling reason to keep it private, it should be released to the public. Transparency is key in building trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
Lastly, qualified immunity should be abolished. Police officers should be held accountable for their actions just like any other citizen. No one should be above the law, especially those who are entrusted with upholding it.
In conclusion, the newly released videos contradict the NYPD’s initial account of the lead-up to the Times Square attack on cops. It’s a stark reminder of the urgent need for police reform and accountability. The power imbalance between law enforcement and the general public needs to be addressed, and steps must be taken to ensure that those in power are held responsible for their actions. It’s time to break the cycle of lies and violence and move towards a system that truly serves and protects every member of society.