Quote Originally Posted by rondog View Post
This isn't about cop bashing, it's about misuse of authority. It could, and should, have been handled right then and right there on the spot. Making a "raid" in the middle of the night to arrest a dangerous geezer out of his bed is just not justified in this case. He whacked the guy once, he didn't "assault" him or beat him senseless. There was no need for the officer to push the issue as far as he did, he should have identified himself, said "look, your placard's expired so you need to park in a regular spot, or you'll get a ticket for prking in the handicapped space illegally".

The old guy wasn't driving, he was a passenger. The driver could have dropped him at the door, even escorted him inside to an electric shopping cart or whatever, then parked the car. Yes, the officer had the right and authority to confiscate the expired placard, we all know they're no good when they're expired.

So using the parking space was wrong, but using force against the old man was even more wrong, and making an arrest raid on him in the middle of the night was over the edge wrong. This did not warrant police state tactics, IMHO.

Cops need to work with citizens as much as possible, not have the "lord and master" attitude over them. Many cops seem to be just fine with the "Andy Griffith approach", and there seems to be too many with the "Barney Fife approach".
+1. Abuse of authority and mishandled situations aside, can we not just exercise a little common sense and courtesy anymore? For christ's sake, it's a senior citizen with a cane - he's not allowed to park a little closer to the building because his permit is out of date? I'm sure the 30-something with a valid permit, issued simply because her ass is too fucking fat to walk, who parked there after him is just fine though.