LAPD Harass Bike Riders During BP Protest Ride

[kpete]

Run time: 01:31 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bl7WWkQrkyo   Posted on YouTube: May 29, 2010 By YouTube Member: manueldogg Views on YouTube: 3900   Posted on DU: May 30, 2010 By DU Member: kpete Views on DU: 1292

 
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/05/lapd-scuffle-bp-protest-cyclists.html

It was in Hollywood, however, that things seemed to turn ugly for the riders and the LAPD. A video sent to us by email shows a portion of the Hollywood segment of the ride, and an LAPD officer sticking his foot out deliberately in what appears to be a kick aimed at bringing down a cyclist or interfering in his ride. The rider making the video shouted out in protest, and moments later was taken down by police in a confusing tackle; one shouts "get up," while the other shouts "get down." The rider, whose camera has been dropped on the street, repeatedly yells "What'd I do?"

According to the email tipster:

The *vast majority* of the police along the way were helpful and accommodating. Even firefighters were out on the sidewalks outside of their stations giving high fives and waving hello. But for whatever reason the police in Hollywood were extremely aggressive and were harassing riders for no reason other than to get their kicks (I presume).
http://laist.com/2010/05/29/caught_on_tape_police_harass_bike_r.php

[Warren Stupidity]

1. Crime of being a citizen out in public.

Bring on the justifiers.

[Ikonoklast]

2. The crime of filming police wrongdoing.

To Protect And Serve...each other, and screw the public over.

[sasquuatch55]

3. Tha "Authorities" are scared to death of citizens with cell phones and internet.

That's why they are fighting Net Neutrality. Tools of the Revolution.

[truth2power]

4. With the advances in video technology, protesters need to consider

using hidden cameras of some sort. The police can't confiscate what they don't see. (Not saying this camera was confiscated, but others have been. It's good to be proactive.

For some reason I can't understand, cops seem to fancy themselves as part of the wealthy elite class. They're not. They're more like us. They need to realize that the corporatist will kick them to the curb when they no longer need them, as quickly as they will the rest of us untermenschen .

Harassing protesters who are not otherwise breaking the law is above and beyond.

[Name removed]

5. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[SkyDaddy7]

7. You have to think like most cops...

Cops just like to feel powerful and in control regardless of the situation. They try to turn every encounter they have into a test of their power...If someone tries to assert their rights or ask legitimate questions cops will employ verbal judo in hopes of getting a response that will justify them using extreme force. The more people they can get to lose their temper the more arrest they make and the more privileges they will get from their bosses! Better cars, equipment and more paid time off! All law enforcement agencies use these techniques they just don't call it what it is Quotas!

So, they have to be careful no one is filming this process.

[truth2power]

9. From what we've seen the past few years..

sounds about right.


* * *

I wonder what that "post deleted" person had to say. I didn't see it.

[SkyDaddy7]

12. I have no idea...

I use to be a cop defender until I worked within the criminal justice system...They get away with way to much crap!

[me b zola]

6. First time I ever had a gun held on me was the LAPD

My crime? Returning home after a date with my Latino boyfriend. I was 16, he was 17.

[jackmccrack]

8. but..but...but...but cops are here to protect us!

sorry, my contempt for willful ignorance is coming out.
when are we going to stand up and do something about this?
remember critical mass a year or two ago?
I mean really, what was the point of doing that?
I cant stand lapd

[ProgressiveProfessor]

10. check out http://carlosmiller.com/

Scary stuff happening all over the place

[SkyDaddy7]

11. QUESTION for all the cop defenders here on DU...

What is the probable cause for cops trying to throw batons in the spokes of cyclist and trying kick them when they ride past as is clearly shown in this video?

I won't even bother to ask why the cops had to tackle the guy with the camera as that answer is obvious.