I watched this video and also went online to view the Sheriff's response. He seems to be acting very cautiously, probably hoping that something is behind the actions of his officers, so that he may defend them. I fully understand all about adrenaline rush and so on, however, trained officers are expected to behave and act in a professional manner befitting the uniform and especially the badge they wear. There is a protocol for take-downs. It is apparent that some departments either do not have such a protocol or they do not use it, if they do have one.
Different departments train their officers according to programs that they have set up or they use the training assets and materials that the FBI provide. Most State Police agencies have academies that their Troopers or officers must graduate from. The programs taught at the academies are very in-depth and have to do with professionalism and how to react to situations. It is not all car chases and how to shoot your weapon, but is included. First, most State Police agencies require their candidates to be college educated. Having gone through college and receiving my degree in Criminal Justice gives every officer a leg up on those that have never attended these courses. A person learns more than just about the criminal justice system.
I know that the smaller departments here in the U.S. will hire off the street and then send their candidate to an outside agency for training. I have had several and I do mean several people tell me that, if given the choice, they would prefer to deal with the State Police in any state, instead of a local police station or Sheriff's office. But even given the events of this past week, I can assure everyone that the majority of policemen and woman and most departments are very professional when acting in the line of duty. When something like these events happen, it effects every policeman and woman on the streets. People begin not to trust them. Trust is a huge element for the officers to have in their corner. If I were to stop someone along the road and ask them to step out of their car, I don't want them thinking that they are about to get the crap kicked out of them, especially if other officers arrive on he scene to act as back-up.
All we can do is hope that this whatever it is that is going on comes to an end and that policemen and woman can be safe and do their jobs to the best of their ability without the stains that they now carry.
