I am not sure if many of you have seen the video of Ms. Bland’s arrest, which is now widespread across every social media network. If you have not, I strongly suggest that you take the time to watch the arrest so that you’re informed. I have provided the direct link for the video at the bottom of today’s post.
I thought I began to grow desensitized to graphic images/videos of police brutality, but once again, I was utterly disturbed. Not able to completely grasp the recording, I watched it again subsequently after. This time, I tried to remove all impartiality and preconceptions. I was literally watching a broken record of a police officer with a bruised ego, abusing his power and authority, and applying excessive force.
Rodriguez V. United States held that police could not extend the length of a routine traffic stop, even for just a few minutes, absent a safety related concern or reasonable suspicion to believe that the driver may have committed an additional crime. “The tolerable duration of police inquires in the traffic-stop context is determined by the seizure’s mission, which is to address the traffic violation that warranted the stop, and attend to the related safety concerns. A police stop, may last no longer than is necessary to effectuate that purpose.”
Officer Encinia’s “mission” was almost at completion by the time he ASKED Ms. Bland to put out her cigarette. The citation was already written by Encinia and brought to Bland. In the video, you hear Ms. Bland yell “trying to sign the fucking ticket” before the abusive officer tries to pull her out of the vehicle. If the officer stuck to his task instead of engaging in an argument in which Ms. Bland did not have to put out HER cigarette inside of HER car, it is more than likely that both individuals would have went their separate ways shortly after. Not only did this incompetent officer not follow protocol, he acted on feelings. The officer had not a shred of probable cause to search her or her vehicle which understandably supports the response of Ms .Bland after being told to get out. He continues on by threatening to “light her up.” Oh boy, whatever could that mean…?! As a result of this officer’s unpalatable behavior, we should be seeking job termination, along with benefits, and a charge of police misconduct.
– Those who we seek protection, are the very same ones to put us in harm’s way.
#BlackLivesMatter #JusticeForSandraBland
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/07/22/sandra-bland-video-reaction/30502921/.