What do you guys think?

[wisco]

I came across this reading some local news... hadn't heard about it before today.

A Milwaukee Sheriffs sergeant was sentenced to 18 months in prison for "beating" a suspect who was handcuffed in the back of a squad car.

Former sheriff's sergeant sentenced to prison in beating of suspect - JSOnline

Video here:




As a civilian, I personally think the punishment was way too harsh. I do think the officer was out of line, because it didn't appear to me the suspect was trying to break the window; rather he was just trying to get someone's attention so he could take a leak (obviously, he couldn't knock on the glass ).

Even so... 18 months is prison? I've seen "assaults" a hell of a lot worse than that between civilians and unless there's a history it usually results in a fine and some probation.

I'm not sure what a fair punishment would be, but I don't think this is it.


Your thoughts? What would happen in your area?

[Rlong1985]

Civilians have the choose to sit back and video tape a incident, or just walk away but law enforcement must run into the fire whether that be a fight, robbery, or medical emergency. It is obvious to me that the community holds Police Officers to a higher standard than normal due to the power and status they hold in society. Any one in uniform is held to a higher standard than civilians.

[retdetsgt]

It is obvious to me that the community holds Police Officers to a higher standard than normal due to the power and status they hold in society. Any one in uniform is held to a higher standard than civilians.

While I certainly don't advocate beating up handcuffed people, I wonder what sentence the DA recommended and if they routinely sentence civilians with records to prison for that long?

I'm probably a little more sympathetic than some because I have PTSD from both a combat tour in Vietnam and lots of years working sex crimes, child abuse, etc., not to mention being in a couple of police shootings. I can readily identify with the burst of anger and losing it. Fortunately, I directed mine at a couple of police captains and ultimately, the chief of police. The bottom line is, like any mental illness, if you don't have it, you don't have a clue what it's like.

I don't think he should be excused for his behavior, but they're tossing away someone who could be salvaged with proper treatment.

And the Sheriff whining about getting in trouble for using a Christian officers organization is tiresome. He should know better than that. We've had a support group for decades that has nothing to do with religion.

On the flip side, we had two young cops beat the hell out of civilian one night while on the town drinking. They got 9 months in jail and deserved every day of it.

[PapaBear]

Unwarranted use of physical abuse is covered under the law entitled "Abuse Under Color of Authority" and is quite restrictive. It is not to be taken lightly and is, in fact, to protect the populace from overly aggressive law enforcement tactics.

Frequently, the conviction for such an act results in harsh punishment and rightfully so! However, the prosecuting authority and specifically the defense attorneys should take into account the past performance of the officer and request a corresponding mental evaluation.

As retdetsgt mentioned, PTSD is a deep-seated and devouring illness that hides in the back of the mind and often reveals itself in times of great stress. Hopefully, the defense will file the appropriate paperwork for appeal and review of the prosecution and sentencing in this matter.

Final note: It is a sad conclusion to an otherwise stellar career.

[wisco]

Unwarranted use of physical abuse is covered under the law entitled "Abuse Under Color of Authority" and is quite restrictive. It is not to be taken lightly and is, in fact, to protect the populace from overly aggressive law enforcement tactics.

Thanks, I was unaware of that. Off to google I go.

[retdetsgt]

Unwarranted use of physical abuse is covered under the law entitled "Abuse Under Color of Authority" and is quite restrictive. It is not to be taken lightly and is, in fact, to protect the populace from overly aggressive law enforcement tactics.

That generally applies only in federal civil rights cases. I can't find anything that gives the charge he was sentenced to prison for. It only mentions a concurrent sentence for misdemeanor assault.

I'm absolutely adamantly against any abuse of power and authority by police and I've always been outspoken about it. Sometimes to the point of pissing off some of my peers. But when I see some guy like this get 18 months in the joint and punks with priors routinely getting 6 months or less in jail for beating their wives or girl friends to bloody pulps, there's something wrong here.

Ending his career was a huge punishment if that was all that happened to him for what he did. That and prison is way over the top IMO.

[Rlong1985]

[QUOTE=retdetsgt;1085988]I'm probably a little more sympathetic than some because I have PTSD from both a combat tour in Vietnam and lots of years working sex crimes, child abuse, etc., not to mention being in a couple of police shootings. I can readily identify with the burst of anger and losing it. Fortunately, I directed mine at a couple of police captains and ultimately, the chief of police. The bottom line is, like any mental illness, if you don't have it, you don't have a clue what it's like.
QUOTE]

Your story reminds me of several good sailors, marines and soldiers I have known over my short career who have suffered from PTSD. Before joining the military I thought it was a joke mainly out of lack of education on the condition. It is far from it, extreme stress and physical damage to the brain can result in outcomes that are far from normal for the person suffering from PTSD. Many have turned to drugs and alcohol which compounds the issue.
People who study military history and battles largely forget that each one of those soldiers on the field is a human being and does not take into account the large term affects that fighting has on the body and mind. “Shell Shock” or battle fatigue does not end when the war does will change any soldier on the field forever.