That Utah taser video

Tim Knoxville, TN — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 16:53:22 GMT

Fire that jack@ss cop. It is the right of every american to confront his accuser. If the cop could not provide the speed the driver was going (looked like he was speeding is NOT enough) or show him where the sign was that said 40mph, then he does not have any proof. Generally I tend to side with the police officers but this guy deserves to go work a desk. Way out of line, in my opinion. Show the guy the sign or tell him his speed he was clocked at and the problem would have been over. Instead, the sucktard cop thought it would be better to taze him.

And people think our rights aren't being trampled on. Maybe after you get tazed for no reason you'll change your mind.

That Utah taser video

Steve, AR — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 17:09:13 GMT

I guess I don't see the problem. Guy was speeding, he was a smart ass, refused to sign the ticket (which by the way is not an admission of guilt, only acknowledgment of receipt), was told that he was under arrest, refused to comply with the officer's instructions, began walking away, was told that if he continued he'd be tased, and ultimately was.

At that point, the officer's options were to either work him over with his baton, tase him, or let him drive away. Seemed like a perfectly reasonable progression of events to me.

It kills me how some people think they are in control when confronted with a police officer. "I'm not signing the ticket, we're driving back and finding that 40 mph sign". Uh, no we're not, you're not in charge here.

That Utah taser video

Kevin Calhoun, Florence, AL — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 17:56:10 GMT

I don't know if you saw this, but in response to all of the recent taser-related deaths, this week the United Nations declared that tasers are a form of torture.

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,22814674-5001028,00.html?from=public_rss

That Utah taser video

Jay - Blacksburg, Virginia — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 18:16:13 GMT

"Tasers can be instrument of torture, says UN"

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/11/26/un_taser_verdict/

I'd bet money Canada outlaws the use of Tasers inside six months.

That Utah taser video

B-Jane, Yardley,PA — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 23:49:23 GMT

Admittedly, the cop could have handled this better but I'm with Steve (above). I wanted to strangle the guy myself. Shaddup already! Quit interrupting the cop, quit talking over him and quit ignoring everything the cop says.
In a Vernal, Utah paper, the driver was quoted and he said something about it being obvious the cop was out for blood, you could see evil in his eyes (I'm paraphrasing) Oh, ok. Now I see why you felt you didn't have to listen to a word he had to say. ??

Oh, and I love the people outraged over the fact that the cop let it all happen RIGHT IN FRONT OF HIS PREGNANT WIFE! Pregnant has nothing to do with anything, but if you have to, hang that on the dad's head, not the cops'. I'm more appalled by the fact that this pregnant wife screamed her fool head off seemingly without regard for her little son in the car-seeing daddy in trouble surely terrified him, but to see mommy lose it too might be more than a kid, at a certain age, could bear. I don't know the kids' age, but her screams seemed cruel to me.

That Utah taser video

Adrian — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 04:55:22 GMT

I'm with Steve as well. Just listen to the man with the big tazer "bro". The guy could have been back on the road in 10 minutes and (after checking the speed limit signs himself) gone on and disputed the ticket in court. Of course it is easy to say this as I wasn't there, but if a cop tells me I'm under arrest, I certainly would not start walking away. Show some respect for law enforcement.

That Utah taser video

hyperpsyched, Berlin, Germany — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 11:22:19 GMT

The reason the driver was tasered came from the mouth of the officer himself, "He did not obey..."

So this is the penalty for a lack of unquestioning, immediate and total submission to authority? Really now.

A civilian asked a question... TASER HIM!

Once upon a time, there was a country called America where the people were truly free. They had the right of free assembly, and any opinion, regardless of how unpopular the idea might be to the current government, could at least be heard without fear of recrimination. But then... well, you fill in the rest of the story.

Well, from the outside looking in, it seems your "American Dream" is quickly eroding into a Neo-fascist nightmare. Are you supposed to fear police in the USA? Is fear of authority a sign of a healthy, working democracy?

But hey, why worry when you can always go to the mall. Anyway, cynicism is easy. Good for you for posting the video Will. I can only assume you find it as sad as I do.

That Utah taser video

PeaceOnYou, Florida — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 14:14:51 GMT

I think the main point of this whole thing is that tasering is inappropriate. Tasers are supposed to be used in lieu of deadly force. Since when is deadly force appropriate for speeding? Since when is it a crime to state your opinion or ask questions? (Oh yeah, since the stolen elections). I want to know why the wife was screamed at to get back in the car. She was obviously concerned about her husband laying on the ground screaming. Is there a law that you can't get out of a car unless a cop making a traffic stop allows it? And why did the cop look inside the car toward the end? If he did not get permission from the woman this is illegal search.
The man was never warned he was going to be tasered.
We need to wake up in this country. We are so screwed if we think that we should all just assume the position and shut up if approached by "authority". I do think it was not clever of the man to try to walk away. I do not think this warranted tasering. This treatment by this cop is totally unacceptable. He should lose his job and his pension. Oh yeah, maybe he could also be tasered while his family is forced to watch.
And to B-Jane: Your blame on the mother is way off base. Blame the thug cop. Would it have been better for junior to see mommy sit like a helpless slug while her husband is tortured for speeding? What will that teach junior? Mommy was not cruel, the cop was! Maybe uou think she should have stayed in the car and played itsy bitsy spider.

That Utah taser video

Steve, AR — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 14:46:20 GMT

There is a time and place for disputing a speeding ticket. It is called a courthouse. A police officer is not required to take a speeding suspect back down the road and show him the speed limit sign. When a police officer gives you instructions, how hard is it to follow them? Problem solved. Once he says, "You are under arrest, turn around and put your hands behind you", game over. The worst thing you can do is to start moving away from the officer. How does he know you don't have a weapon. I put 100% of the blame here on the driver. Every instance of escalation was a result of his actions. I'm willing to bet that he is an only child that was raised to believe that he is "special" and never wrong.

That Utah taser video

PeaceOnYou, Florida — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 15:07:20 GMT

After making my above posting, I was sitting at my desk wondering what I could do to see that this sort of thing does not happen in my community. Should I approach our local governments, contact the local news to see if they would make a story, contact the sheriff to check his policy? Should I demand that tasering be outlawed as torture (we don't torture)? I happened to check the local news and saw this:
http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/News/EastVolusia/evlEAST02112707.htm
So, this is within 20 miles of my home and happened yesterday. Makes me wonder how this story will play out. Tasering for credit card fraud. Did she backtalk the police? Or was she pulling a gun and demanding to use the card? Or was she wearing a shirt that said "Don't tase me bro"?

That Utah taser video

KRW — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 16:20:02 GMT

This was one time on tasering I disagreed with the cop's actions. The cop seems to have a bit of short-man syndrome going on. But after viewing it again, so does the driver. Then I read the anti-cop postings and sided with the cop. What is so hard about following an officer's instructions at least until the situation is well understood by both sides. Traffic stops can be deadly for cops, so why is it so hard to give them the benefit of the doubt. I had a friend who was an MP on a military base who saw his partner get killed doing a "routine" speeding stop of what turned out to be a drugged-up soldier. If you think you've been wronged by a cop, take it to court. Especially a traffic violation. People get out of them all the time.

That Utah taser video

mark wilson, stockton ca — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 19:53:57 GMT

are you kidding me. the driver refuses to sign the citation. he does not have that right. sorry. it is the release from custody form. dont sign go to jail. now, you are told you are under arrest, you turn and walk away. without the taser, the officer would have had to engage the driver, used pain compliance to take him into custody. that is the club or the mace. just sign the ticket and move on. the officer did exactly what he was suppose to do. lets see you bleeding hearts take his job. solo officer stopping unknowns in a vehicle. ya it is his job, it is also his job to take them into custody, not just pat them on the ass and let them walk away.

That Utah taser video

Kevan, Salt Lake City, UT — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 21:21:51 GMT

I won't condone the kid's actions, however he didn't seem to be acting in an agressive manner. He did nothing wrong by refusing to sign the citation, it is not breaking any laws to do so. I find issue with the fact that the officer zapped him IN THE BACK. Then, when the other officer asks him what happened, he told him, and the 2nd officer said "good for you." We don't need officers acting this way. They each did something wrong, the kid could have acted better, but the officers actions were unjustified.

That Utah taser video

Steve, AR — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 23:17:11 GMT

The "kid" was 28 years old. If you refuse to sign the ticket, I suspect that standard operating procedure is to take the driver into custody and process the matter at the police station.

I'm curious what you think the officer should have done when he attempted to take the suspect into custody and was refused. Just let him go on his way?

With respect to the screaming woman, I don't think it is unreasonable for an officer to want her in the car instead of standing behind him while he is taking the suspect into custody. As far as he knows, she has a tire iron in her hand.

And searching the vehicle is NOT an illegal search. It is called a search incident to an arrest and is permissible to the limited extent shown in the video.
A little bit of knowledge is a bad thing, especially in the legal field. I KNOW MY RIGHTS! I KNOW MY RIGHTS! No, you probably don't.

That Utah taser video

Jim, Illinois — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 16:03:14 GMT

Steve in AR is wrong. There is no requirement to sign the ticket. The courts have held that a note stating "refuses to sign" is sufficient. If the officer does decide to arrest for refusal to sign he must notify the person being arrested that refusal to sign is a crime (probably a misdemeanor) and he will be arrested for refusal. This was not done.

Further, the officer drew his taser immediately upon reaching his car. There was no threat of physical violence nor any imminent threat. The officer violated all the guidelines of his own department. Those who see this as a legitimate use of police power scare the hell out of me.

That Utah taser video

Dennis, tx — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 16:26:03 GMT

The thing that always shocks me with the comments on these is that passive aggressive resistance, like this jerk used, is OK.

If you are being arrested you have no right whatsoever to resist. If your arrest was unlawful there are remedies in our justice system to pursue.

He was tased in lieu of a beatdown. Seems like a break even to me for the jerk who wouldn't sign.

UN declares tasers a form of torture... Well just about anything can be used for torture. The UN is not much use for guidance on any issue.

That Utah taser video

KRW — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 19:09:52 GMT

Please explain why it is so wrong for the cop to overreact to what for him could very well be a life-threatening situation (see my previous post) but it is OK for Illinois Jim, PeaceOnYou, etc. to overreact to these instances as a sign that we are living in a "police state", implying that this is common cop behavior, and brining up irrelevant issues like so-called "stolen elections" (BTW, unofficial recounts were done and according to at least one of them, done by the media, Bush still won), etc. etc. etc.
Note also that much of the conversation is obscurred by traffic noise and yet you can still see that the driver was belligerent from the get-go. As I stated in my previous post, I don't like the way the cop handled it, but 95% of the responsibility here rests with the driver.

That Utah taser video

Steve, AR — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 19:12:25 GMT

Different states and different jurisdictions have different guidelines concerning signing of misdemeanor tickets.

In most jurisdictions in Arkansas, refusal to sign a ticket results in the person being taken into custody to appear before a magistrate. It is not a federal constitutional issue, but one left to each individual jurisdiction.

That Utah taser video

Jerry York Aberdeen Wa. — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 04:26:13 GMT

The duty of the officer is to protect citizens even if they are irritating. He gave no warning he would tase the guy, which he lied about to his supervisor. He drops the guy into a line of traffic and endangered his life. He zapped him again on the ground before he could recover from the first zap and could complie. He also refused to read Massey his Miranda rights. This cop has extremely poor communication skills and zapping the guy was not worth the infraction. I also think the cop purposely pulled in front of the 40 mph sign to block the view from the driver behind him. Massey was irritating, but that is no reason to zap a guy especially when he was non threatening. After all the deaths associated with his electrical instrument its time to discontinue its use, especially when in the hand of a ego maniace like Gardner.

That Utah taser video

ST - Phoenix — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 03:09:02 GMT

The guy was an idiot; he deserved what he got....

re: The U.N. declaring the taser as torture; Can anyone refresh my memory as to the last time the U.N. was relevant?

That Utah taser video

Stargrog, Bakersfield, CA. — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 21:04:27 GMT

Who said you had to be threatening someone to get tased, or pepper sprayed, or batoned? All you have to do is refuse to be arrested, and the officer can use the force deemed necessary to affect the arrest....and they don't have to be nice to get compliance........and they don't have to back down once they have decided to arrest....even for a speeding ticket. The guy seemed to be just fine after the taser, and the officer only used it until he complied at which time the suspect got cuffed....the guy was still arguing with the cop....he's a knucklehead, and I wouldn't of posted this on the net, because it makes him look like an idiot......

That Utah taser video

Dan E — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 02:10:36 GMT

As a proud owner of Taser stock, I only wish the sonafabitch had been tasered over and freaking over again. Looks like it did him some good.

That Utah taser video

Brad, Colorado Springs, CO — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 02:11:30 GMT

Another power hungry cop. Wish they would spend more time going after real criminals.

That Utah taser video

Free American, Anytown — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 02:15:52 GMT

Resist the fascist cops!

That Utah taser video

Victor Gonzalez, Brooklyn, NY — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 02:23:09 GMT

This one goes to the cops. The driver was an idiot. You want to be a lawyer? Practice in court. The driver must have watched too many TV shows. Take care of your family first be macho later.

That Utah taser video

WB — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 02:38:51 GMT

All he had to do was sign the ticket,then drive off. The ticket would have allowed him to have his day in court where he could argued the same case he tried to on the side of the road. He chose to handle it his way which turn out to be the wrong way.
FYI when an oficer pulls out a taser he means business from personal experience(training)it's very painful.

That Utah taser video

Ben Blankenship, Elma, WA — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 02:41:27 GMT

I think the police officer was in the right, this motorist obviously refused to listen to his commands, he wouldn't remove his hand from his pocket. I would have tasered him for that. People need to quit blaming others for their own stupid acts. He got what he deserved. I hope he learned something!

That Utah taser video

Sat, 01 Dec 2007 02:46:55 GMT

This is very disturbing. I have never heard of anyone getting arrested for not signing the ticket. I have actually seen where people have received an additional ticket for not signing the original ticket. The cop jumped the gun 100% on this one. Asking questions about why you got pulled over is not a crime, just because he is a copy does not mean that he does not have to treat you with respect and that he does not have to answer your questions. Also asking questions and the copy being paranoid does not give him a reason to search the mans vehicle. Last thing, the cop lied he said he went over the rights and why the guy was being arrested and at that point he did not read him his miranda rights. I think this cop was lucky that he only used his taser and that he may not get reprimanded for his means of force.

That Utah taser video

Chris B, Detroit, Mich — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 02:48:58 GMT

Not sure who acted the least irresponsible. Was that Reno 911?

That Utah taser video

Perry Seattle WA. — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 02:49:05 GMT

Its quite simple that if you were that police officer you would be a bit afraid for your saftey when the guy doesnt comply and wont stand still. Also his wife kept getting out the car adding more to the conflict. He just hand to comply and leave. You never acomplish a thing arguing about the ticket. I have had a few tickets and never realley argued about it. Thats what court is for. Would you rather he got pepper sprayed or hit with a batton.

That Utah taser video

Darrell Stephenville TX — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 02:52:54 GMT

It's very clear the cop was an arrogant jerk and refused to tell the guy what he did wrong other than speeding. He is just like the Texas law men / women...taser first ask questions and give answers later. He should be fired without question and the others that remain employed retrained as it's very clear both officers are snot nosed jerks.

That Utah taser video

Gary L — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 02:56:02 GMT

I'm not a big fan of Massey either but the investigation was disappointing. Davenport stated use of the Taser was justified because Massey turned his back and put a hand near his pocket. However, Gardner doesn't say that to responding officers but makes a flipant comment about "...ride with the Taser". Did Gardner search Massey's pocket to see if he was armed? And for Davenport to state the trooper now realizes that other options were available is an admission of guilt.

That Utah taser video

Jayson Anderson, Mpls, MN — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 02:58:22 GMT

I blame this entire incident on the driver and the entitelement gen x/z'rs. I see a serious lack of respect for the officer's authority in this case and if he was not speeding, go to court and stay innocent until you are proven guilty. Arguing the issue on the side of the road, in front of his children and wife, was the wrong thing to do. I'm not saying to never question authority, but pick the proper time and place; THE COURTS! Furthermore, it's easy to play Monday morning quarterback and say what the cop should have done. It seems to me the Taser pain lasted 10 seconds top. That's far better than hours of pain via mace or years of pain from a baton strike.

That Utah taser video

B Smith jackson, ca — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 03:02:03 GMT

Jeez, he's lucky he just got tazered, I would have shot him.

That Utah taser video

jason, lexington,ky — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 03:05:43 GMT

hey tim, confront him in court not on the street and besides officers get tazed before they can carry. there's a right way and a wrong way to slove you petty complaints. no one got hurt and the problem was solved even though the violator esculated the situation higher than it needed to be.

That Utah taser video

Jeremy H, Fort Wayne, IN — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 03:07:53 GMT

Talk about an ego trip. That cop had the taser out way before he walked away. I dont understand how that is acceptable. The are cops, not god. They work for the people not against. Yet another reason for common people to hate/fear cops!

That Utah taser video

Jim Smith — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 03:09:58 GMT

The officer was just in his actions. In Texas it is an automatic trip to jail for refusing to sign a citation as it should be. It is not an admission of guilt.

That Utah taser video

George Abbott, Kalamazoo, MI — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 03:11:13 GMT

Driver's an idiot, an absolute, absolute idiot. When he got tased, it did look like his hand was going for the pocket. Any idiot in American can get a gun, and any idiot in America can shoot a cop if that cop isn't paying close enough attention or is just unlucky that day. This idiot and his hysterical wife should both have gone to jail-- she was disobeying orders just as he was. Cop over-reacted, IN HINDSIGHT. He had no idea what the situation was, or that the idiot wasn't armed. Driver and his wife pulling off their "princess" act-- the police profession is a tough one, and to save their own butts, the cops have the right to react violently when their orders aren't being obeyed. Yeah it's a little fascist, but if this driver weren't an idiot, there wouldn't be a problem.

That Utah taser video

DP, Georgetown, SC — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 03:11:39 GMT

Listen peeps, just because someone seems passive, doesn't mean they won't snap. I have seen many videos of PO's being killed by polite, tie-wearing violators. The driver would not listen and would not understand that the side of the road is not the place to argue. In as much, he decided that he would not listen to the Trooper's instructions and began walking back to the car....unwise decision. The Taser is used by LE to avoid strong hand controls, which can go badly for some police officers. The Taser has no residual effect and quits hurting once the juice stops coming. Young Mr. Will may very well follow instructions intently the next time.

That Utah taser video

Lisa, Los Angeles, CA — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 03:13:36 GMT

The idiot here is the driver who was speeding (possibly endangering others) and then refusing to follow directions. When you are stopped, you stay in your car unless told otherwise. Police officers face shootings and assaults by strangers on routine traffic stops. I'm not justifying him, but perhaps he felt threatened when the man became defiant and approached him (could have had a weapon).

That Utah taser video

Sam. Roanoke, VA — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 03:15:21 GMT

"Fascist Cop", Yea that is what you say until you have you have your house broken into or your car stolen! If the police didn't respond who would you cry to then? Oh wait no one but the police care to hear your whining.

That Utah taser video

John newport beach ca — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 03:16:50 GMT

His wife should of been sent to jail and he should of been sent to jail for not listening to the policeman when you drive a car you have to listen to the police and do as told if you want to argue it go to court and argue this guy and his stupid wife obviously don't understand the laws ... The cop did everything right..He refused to sign the ticket and gave the officer crap (is the driver that stupid) in addition he refused arrest and walked back to his car...I hope both he and his wife spend some time in jail..These are the same parents that when there kid is in high school and does something wrong they say are child would never do anything wrong... Great job by the policeman for keeping his cool

That Utah taser video

Sam Roanoke, VA — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 03:20:53 GMT

An officer does not have to read Miranda Rights until a line of questioning has begun. To place someone under arresst does not automatically mean they will be read Miranda.

That Utah taser video

Jayman, Biloxi, MS — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 03:21:06 GMT

Miranda rights are for questioning only. The officer did not have to read him his rights if his intent was not to ask him questions that could incriminate himself. The officer had all the evidence he needed and questioning was not needed. Furthermore, any questioning done when the suspect is not yet in custody does not require a miranda warning (i.e. at the start of the stop before the arrest). Miranda warnings are for persons in "Custody" who are being "Questioned", Not custody without questioning or questioning without custody.

Amazes me how some people think they know the law. Study before you post.

That Utah taser video

Tate, somewhere Massachusetts — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 03:22:40 GMT

The police made the right decision. Period. The end. The man had no respect for an officer doing his job. Like others have said, signing is not an admission of guilt, just saying that you understand what you are being accused of. You have the right to appeal the offense by taking the proper, normal, and fair steps in traffic court.
The trooper had the chance to 1: stop the situation from progressing or 2: let the man make more bad decisons and maybe drive off and start a chase with his wife and child in the car, let alone maybe kill somebody when trying to get away from the trooper.
As the investigation concluded, the trooper made an acceptable choice in stopping the man from doing something even more stupid than what he'd already done.
The best thing you can do when pulled over is be respectful, you are 10 times more likey to get a warning rather than a ticket if you just act reasonably.

That Utah taser video

Douglas Arnold, Morrison, CO — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 03:24:47 GMT

Some people think they can play "lets-make-a-deal" with the police.

He got what he deserved!

That Utah taser video

Mike New York, NY — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 03:26:03 GMT

I understand why the kid was was pissed, if I had gotten pulled over by a cop for speeding and the cop didn't use radar and couldnt tell me how fast I was going I would be pissed as well. Arguing with the cop in the manner he did is ok with me too, can't blame him for that. Walking away from the cop with a taser being pointed at you probably not the best idea. If the cop pulled the weapon on you he was probably willing to use it. That being said I don't think the situation warranted a taser. Tasers should be used when the subject shows agression. Turning your back on a cop doesn't warrant it. Naturally a cop is used to people doing whatever they say so when someone doesn't obey the get furious and things like this happen.

That Utah taser video

challenger dodge 70 virgina mn. — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 03:26:06 GMT

I think the cop was haveing a bad day. probaly bringing his home problems to work with him. so he blocked the sign with his cruiser just to make somebodys eleses life miserable.if you noticed it looks like most of the other cars going buy were not going 40 mph.plus taseing him twice was wrong.and letting the guy lay in the line of trafic. he should be suspended.

That Utah taser video

Doc Harley, Rosemount, MN — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 03:29:41 GMT

Put yourself in the officer's shoes. He gave him many chances to comply and go about his business. If you wish to dispute the charge you take it to court. The officer's lives are in danger at every stop and they can not afford to take chances. Just follow their directions and be respectful and courteous and fight it in court.

That Utah taser video

Joe Quintana, Santa Fe, NM — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 03:32:26 GMT

It is very obvious that people who have never worked as a police officer can be so critical of their actions. It is easy to judge this officer when you have never worked as one. No one ever appreciates their sacrifices until they need one. This officer was very professional trying to reason with an uncooperative motorist. Fact is the motorist had an attitude problem and did not follow reasonable directions from the officer. He was not tased for arguing, refusing to sign or accept the ticket. He was tased because he was walking away and fumbling with his right hand and his pocket. The officer was placing himself at risk by letting precious reaction time slip away. Most people would have tased this motorist sooner.

I have never seen a traffic ticket with the option to argue it out with the officer at the time you are being ticketed. I thank all officers like this that put public safety ahead of their own, and then are held to an unreasonable standard by cowards who could never have the GUTS to do their job.

If you don’t stand behind these officers, then maybe you can stand in front of them.

That Utah taser video

Kevin Duplai, Rockville, Maryland 20852 — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 03:34:07 GMT

This is an outrageous example of excessive force and police harrassement. This little coward cop was never in danger! It was ALL about being in a power trip. He Never told the driver what he was going to do before he Tazered him. Pitiful...pitiful. Give a weasel a badge and a gun and a carte blanche to use excessive force and this is what you get. The driver was NEVER under arrest before the officer used force.
When the driver saw the officer pull a gun(taser) you would have to expect? He was afraid! People are afraid of trigger happy cops!
The cop never warned the driver he was goig to taser him. The cops a liar! The cop told the other cop that he warned hin first! He lied because he knew what a ridiculous thing he had just done. Probably been dying to use that thing and he did.
Pitiful.. pitiful! Send him to a desk!!!!!

That Utah taser video

Louis Smith — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 03:39:49 GMT

take down those stupid 40 mph speed limit signs so the coppers can combat real violence like the 7 armed street robberys that happened in my city this week. Or is that line of work too dangerous for them ? Better the cops sit in their air-con cars and ambush citizens out driving with their families. The cops should get real and go after the crooks and theives or resign from the force......aha.......force by use of a tasser.

That Utah taser video

Susan Valerian, Anchorage, AK — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 03:43:01 GMT

The cop tells the guy to get out of the car, why? He wouldn't sign the ticket? Guess what, the cop doesn't need a person to sign the ticket in order to issue it to him. This incident is one of many that cops are abusing their power in order to serve(?) and protect(?) the public. The cop also didn't give the victim any reason for pulling him the speed he was travelling at, which is required. This is a gross misuse of power, one of many incidents happening like this every day.

That Utah taser video

LOL — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 03:46:39 GMT

another ignorant person who refuses to obey the simple things a law enforcement officer instructs them to do. The guy was responsible for everything that happened. The officer was only doing his job.

That Utah taser video

Steiny, Minnepaolis, Mn — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 03:50:21 GMT

I'm not a lawyer, cop, or anyone else that can lend credible arguement as to why this was or was not justified. But I'm a father and would never, ever, under any circumstances put my wife and kids through what Mr. Massey chose to do by being noncompliant. It was not the place or time to argue. Take the ticket, and "stick it to the man" in court if you are so sure of yourself. However, this case was ruled reasonable, end of story. Was the copy "perfect"? NO. But Mr. Massey continued to up the ante, tried to be in control, tried to ignore instructions, and lost because of his ego. It was a pathetic display of discipline in front of his family. I agree with the post about Mr. Massey being an only child. HE is what happens when we communicate to our kids that they do not have to be accountable, because they are surely never wrong. One more thing... a big "bravo" to the wife of Massey. Way to keep it together, mom.

That Utah taser video

john farris, seattle, wa. — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 03:50:31 GMT

and also 40 miles per hour on that stretch of road. "speed trap".

That Utah taser video

Dan Schachter California — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 03:58:17 GMT

If you don't listen you get tasered we should have harsher punishment in the US to straighten some of these people up. Cops have to deal with the scum of the earth on a daily basis. I'm a firm beleiver of if you walk a straight line you'll never even deal with a police officer except the occaisional ticket. If you get a ticket sign the damn thing we all break the law daily when your times up except it.

That Utah taser video

Fred Stonehouse — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 04:03:55 GMT

This cop should not be a cop. He is plainly unsuited for the difficult job.

I would hope the victim would sue the department and the cop for excessive force etc.

Police agencies must be held accountable for allowing cops like him on the streets.

That Utah taser video

Graehame Thorne, Chicago IL — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 04:06:46 GMT

To those who think the driver was an idiot who deserved what he got-- it isn't against the law to be an idiot, & even if it was then it shouldn't be a tasering offense.

To those who think that a driver needs to instantly obey every order of a cop without comment-- the lack of importance that you attach to individual liberty is one of the main reasons this country more closely resembles a Nazi dictatorship than the America of a hundred years ago.

To those who think it's OK for a cop to taser someone without warning, dropping him into a lane of oncoming traffic-- the first duty of an officer taking someone into custody is not to safeguard the officer's own life, but to safeguard that of his suspect. Taking someone into custody deprives the suspect of the ability to protect himself & makes the officer both legally & morally responsible.

To those who quote state laws that criminalize refusal to sign a citation-- such laws have no place in a free society. Shame on you for defending police tyranny.

To those who cite the U.N. resolution on torture-- the U.N. is & should be irrelevant.

To those who think the cop has a right to taser someone who is not threatening him, simply because the person "might" have a weapon-- get real. Cops are given weapons in order to protect themselves & the public, and also to enable them to apprehend fleeing felons. No one should be shot, beaten with a nightstick, or even tasered over a traffic ticket!!! Or over refusing to sign a citation. These, at worst, are misdemeanors. In this case the offense wasn't even material-- it was technical. The video clearly shows that the driver wasn't using excessive speed or driving recklessly-- at worst he may have been a couple of miles an hour over the posted limit at a place where the limit apparently changed. For anyone to get tasered over that is an outrage.

The kid's mistake was in thinking that he still lives in a free country, & not a Third World dictatorship.

BTW, I am a retired military officer with a couple of years of experience as an armed court-appointed officer. The reason I left the latter profession & did not pursue a career in law enforcement was because of the need to work alongside badge-heavy idiots like the cop in this video. He doesn't deserve to work a desk. Fire him immediately & reprimand the supervisor who was lazy or stupid enough to let him get away with this.

That Utah taser video

Fire Bad Cops — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 04:13:26 GMT

fire this cop, now ... he's a liability

That Utah taser video

Tom, Somewhere, Ohio — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 04:15:01 GMT

This driver is an idiot. The 40 mph sign was clearly visable in the video. The knucklehead wants to contest the ticket, do so in court, not on the side of the road. Signing the ticket is not an admission of guilt. He was arrested for his noncompliance and resisted by trying to leave. An officer doesn't get paid enough to get hurt wrestling with a-holes on the street, so he lit him up. The dumbass brought it all on himself and deserved every volt.

That Utah taser video

ake — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 04:30:40 GMT

i guess all of the posters here are registered lawyers in the state of Utah.what would have happened if a truck had run over the kid while he was tasered inside the moving traffic lane? the officer has a job to protect and serve the people. a friend once hsiad: "as long as the selection and examination process of the police stays the same, we will see more of the same situations as we have seen on this video.the police officers are getting the same education that the IRS agents are.90% of the IRS agents have no idea about the tax laws. the current selection examination in most states requires the officers and agents in trainig to pass the exam with a grade of 35-45(out of 100)any person with a grade of above 65 will not be selected to serve and disqualified".i hope we "the people" can vote to change this process.

That Utah taser video

Dave Osorio, Charlotte NC — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 04:35:58 GMT

This driver was a jerk and all thought he was going to challenge the officers authority. Well, he certainly learned a lesson got what he asked for and deserved. I dont think he'll try that again next time he gets stopped. Lets look at several factors to take into consideration here, for all the critics: 1) speeding does kill 2)Officers ares supposed to stop speeders to protect lives 3)Dont argue with the officer. The traffic stop site is not the time and place to challenge the officer. That's what courts are for. 4) It's not the officer's job to drive you around or show you what the last posted speed limit sign was. If you dont know what the posted speed limit is - you're probably sleeding - Jack ass. 5) and the big one here - NEVER EVER walk away resisting the officers authority while REACHING into your pocket. Too many officers have been killed across the US this year like that. The driver got what he asked for. If you don't like or agree with the ticket you got, GO TO COURT!

That Utah taser video

mickey g, Kansas City, Mo. — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 04:40:32 GMT

The young man was a little mouthy. But, when he was told to exit the car, he obviously thought he and officer "god" where going to discuss the issue of where the speed limit sign was. (he was pointing towards the sign) Officer"g" intended to teach this young man a lesson for invoking his right to be informed of what basis the cop made the determination that he was speeding.(radar gun?) The driver wasn't walking away until he had the taser GUN STUCK IN HIS FACE. I would walk away too from this out of control power freak, wondering if this man is going to shoot me simply because I disagreed with him. Lets stop this misuse of authority. Americans are afraid of cops because they all have this "us against them" attitude towards even the most courteous and law abiding citizens. I will not give up my right to free speech just because a cop gets his jollies from giving speeders a "ride on the taser"

That Utah taser video

JC, Sydney Australia — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 04:42:03 GMT

This cop should be fired. The guy was NOT a threat to himself or others. Cops like this want people to live in fear of them - they think people should do what they are told OR ELSE. That is TERRORISM. Cops like this one make me thank God I moved out of the US.

That Utah taser video

Bret Hesler, Butler, NJ — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 04:46:24 GMT

I think there is shared blame for the escalation of this event. They were both acting like jerks. It is foolish to get lippy with a cop, however, the article states that the ticket could have been issued without a signature. If that is the case, there was no cause for initiating the arrest. The cop tells the guy to hop out of the car, and not that he is being placed under arrest until after the guy is pointing down the road at something. Also foolish not to do what a cop says when he is pointing a (gun shaped) taser at you.

I think the officer could have taken a lesson from another famous video of an irate motorist screaming and swearing at an officer, and ripping up the ticket. The officer never loses his cool, has the motorist pick up the pieces of the ticket and says "have a nice day" as the motorist drives away.

That Utah taser video

Stephen, NC — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 04:52:03 GMT

The arrest was unjustified and poorly executed. Everything else stems from that. If I'm walking down the street and nothing about my outward appearance or behavior suggests I have committed or plan to commit a crime, then a police officer's instuctions to me carry no particular obligation for compliance on my part (apart from certain instructions regarding public safety). Guy doesn't sign his ticket? Mail it to him; mail him another for not signing. But he's committed no crime, and the officer knew (or should have known) that. He has no cause to inform the citizen that he's being arrested (he didn't anyway), no authority to instruct him to place his hands behind his head. It's the same as me strolling past an officer on the sidewalk; he might as well be the county dog-catcher, and he certainly had no more right to use a Taser than does an officer passing any random citizen on the sidewalk who places his hand in his pocket.
For those who object to him subjecting children to this, is it not important to show children that we live in a country of laws. What would have happened if the officer had simply said: "That's fine, sir. We will mail the ticket to you and you can dispute it in court. If you wish to inspect the sign, please do so from your vehicle and not at the side of the roadway because it's unsafe to walk here next to traffic."
But that did not occur; it didn't occur because someone thought his instructions trumped someone else's right against personal violation.

That Utah taser video

cliff ray — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 04:57:45 GMT

The cop was arresting the man for an unlawfull reason. Not signing the ticket is not a crime in Utah! The cop made a mistake. Arresting someone unlawfully, im sure no charges where filed. The driver made his share of mistakes but that cop showed us how not to do it.

That Utah taser video

Myra Robb, Pueblo, Colorado — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 05:12:45 GMT

The idiot driver got what he deserved! If he can't respect the law and authorities based on the job they're hired to do and laws that apply to EVERYONE, then try living in another country where there is no tolerance to stupid ill-mannered behavior! I'm sick and tired of cry babies like this that think they're above our laws. Our country is going to hell because of people like this. Come on people, own up to your irresponsibilities. Assume some accountability!!

That Utah taser video

Dunedin, Florida — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 05:13:33 GMT

What most people are not remembering is that approval for deployment of the Tazer was as an alternative to use of deadly force. As such, there was another example of the correct use of Tazer in the news recently; the situation where a deranged individual was on the highway with a knife threatening people on the roadway and responding officers. This Tazer use was exactly what the deployment of the Tazer was for. The use on this motorist was bordering on criminal assault on the part of the officer. BTW, I know of which I am talking; I'm retired from the job with 25 years service in New Mexico.

That Utah taser video

R Duxbury Johannesburg South Africa — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 05:29:47 GMT

I live in the most violent country on earth and even to me this is unbelievable. A guy is caught speeding and is then tortured with a taser for having the audacity to argue with the cop. This cop belongs in jail himself. Clearly Americans have no rights at all! That is a myth.

That Utah taser video

robgen, AR — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 05:32:02 GMT

The guy was a jerk. The cop never gave a verbal warning that he was going to use his taser. I wasn't there and I don't know the cops mental state at the time. Those being said I do believe that tasers are being abused by some because they are a(usually) non-lethal form of incapacitation. What ever happened to a police officer being polite and putting up with a jerk without incapaciting them. If I could do that a lot of people would be shocked constantly. It seems that the taser has made overreacting so much easier. Maybe that is a good thing and maybe not. It is hard to say. On the one hand it has made some abuse their authority and it has undoubtedly saved some lives on the other. I think in this case the officer was not being very cooperative and wasn't very good at explaining what was going on.
the perp was being a big jerk as earlier stated and was being very uncooperative. Would there have been a more amicable resolution of the incident if the police officer hadn't had a taser(Who's to say?)but I think that they were both in the wrong in this case.

That Utah taser video

Kevin D. — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 05:44:23 GMT

Some have stated in this thread that tasers are supposed to be used in place of lethal force. That remark is absolutley incorrect. I cannot emphasize that fact enough, it is absolutley not true. Tasers are a force option that is considered as being "less than lethal". As a force option, it can be used to gain compliance from an otherwise non compliant person or persons. If the incident escalates to physical force, the taser is an option for officers to use.

In this case, the officer gave clear direction to the offender that he was under arrest and was to place his hands behind his back. The offender did not comply. The officer had the option then to go hands on and attempt physical force to apprehend the offender. He also had the option to use pepper spray. Had he employed those options it would have likely caused injury to the offender and himself. By using the taser option, the likliness of injury is greatly reduced for both parties involved. This was evident when the offender got up from the ground on his own seemingly unscathed only minutes later.

I do think the officer dropped the ball in terms of walking away from the offender after he used the taser. Having the suspect get up on his own and walk up behind him while he was talking to the woman in the car was somehwat unsafe for him.

Otherwise, I think the officer did a decent job. Remember, when you are suspected of committing a violation it really is in your best interest to obey the police officer. The officer, at least in my state, is not obligated to argue with violators or suspects. All they simply have to do is observe the violaiton, explain the stop, and issue the citation. It really isn't that complicated. If you think the officer is worng, or is acting illegally, it is really in your best to address that matter later in the form of a citizen complaint or when you are in court.

Unless of course you know the video might makes it's way to Youtube.

That Utah taser video

Gene Sieders — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 05:49:31 GMT

Cops do have a job to do, this was not it. Another direct example of the poice over using power. Cops don't become cops to "protect the inocent", they become cops "to put away the bad guys". Get where I'm going here, they are always LOOKING for the bad, and whatch out if your id next Soccer Mom.

That Utah taser video

Donna — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 05:58:08 GMT

ok, that cop had some issues. He could have handled that better. It was a speeding ticket!!! He was afraid and already had the taser out so he fully planned to use it no matter what. I was a cop for 25 years, he could have handled it better....

That Utah taser video

Gus, Houston, TX — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 06:03:16 GMT

The cop was not happy that the driver challenged his decision to issue a ticket. The driver refused to sign the ticket,though never denied that the cop had the authority to issue it. The cop gets mad and has the guy exit the car in order that he can force the man to comply with his wishes to obtain a signature. This is harrassment with threat of bodily harm. That is illegal. There was no reasonable indication of a threat to the cop. The only reasonable threat to the cop was that his intelligence and integrity was challenged. A real man would have handled the situation with dignity and grace. The car driver did not need to sign the ticket. The interaction is documented on video such that if the driver ever claimed he had not been issued a citation, the tape would then clearly document that it had been indeed issued; just not signed. The cop has anger and control issues and any argument that he was concerned about his safety or the safety of the public is not believable. It is best that he be completely removed from law enforcement in any way, shape or form. As well, were we a punitive society, one might argue that a stun from the same gun for the cop to experience might serve some sort of therapeutic intervnetion for anger management. I wouldn't go that far, but I can see how angry people must have become watching this video. This guy is always going to think he was justified. Narcissistic personalities are not uncommon in law enforcement. The sad thing is that the power we as The People give to the narcissist is butressed by the fear of the established law enforcement and judiciary. I'll bet he'll get off scott free. Sad.

That Utah taser video

Officer Friendly, Kansas City, Missouri — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 06:09:51 GMT

Most of you are clueless with regard to contacts with the police. If we had to adjudicate every ticket on the side of the highway, we'd never accomplish anything. More people have died in auto accidents in this country than all the men and women killed in combat in this county's history!!! This idiot deserved to be tasered. Like the cop said, he didn't follow direction. For those of you who think you are on equal footing with an officer during a police contact, YOU'RE WRONG!!!

That Utah taser video

Judge, Richmond, VA — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 06:10:33 GMT

What an embarrassment. At least one thing was reinforced; police will rule and do as they please, when they please. It's lose lose.
Everyone needs to get cameras installed in their cars. It's now a duty. Respect is for the dreamers.

That Utah taser video

William Roberson, San Diego, CA — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 07:49:19 GMT

This wise ass should have obeyed the officer. Putting your hand in your pocket and walking away from an officer is completely stupid and his sniveling wife is no better. Officers have loss their life from people like this.

If you can make the case that the officer was wrong, I can make the case that this punk show off was dead wrong.

That Utah taser video

A.M. Denver, CO — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 07:59:15 GMT

Refusal to sign is rarely an arrestable offensive. Mostly it ticks of cops (no respect for ma authority?) and looks uncooperative to a judge. Also, it is right of citizens to be advised of the arresting charges and Miranda rights. This cop (rookie maybe?) seemed to have issues with both. Even though the driver was a bit stubborn, he wasn't rude - lots of "please explain" and "can you tell me" --.
Lastly, tasers are defensive weapons to be used when an officer believes his safety is threatened - not a means of compliance for a non-violent misdemeanor offense. The guy had is back to the officer, did not make any threating moves -- he hardly raised his voice - he was loud (the side of a highway does that) but he never yelled or screamed at the officer.

I'm waiting for the civil suit -- although cops and judges and public officials would disagree, I wouldn't bet on a jury thinking this cop was out of line.

That Utah taser video

Carolyn Harvey, Bedias Tx — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 08:24:53 GMT

WHAT HAPPENED TO PROTECT AND SERVE? This could have been handled so much better. That cop has a bullying attidude. Our cops here in Texas face danger from the border drugs every day and I have never known them to act like that.That cop evedently needs a lot more training or a desk job so he won"t be so scared he had to tazer someone.

That Utah taser video

JM, Katy, TX — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 08:39:08 GMT

Way to go cop. Maybe one of these days idiots like this driver will learn to shut up and follow directions. He is lucky that cops have tasers because if they didn't they would have be drawing their guns when idiots like this guy start sticking their hands in their pockets while walking away. Police have a dangerous enough job without having to have their hands tied behind their backs by crybabies whining about the fact the the UN calls tasers torture. This is the same UN that elects contries like Sudan and China to the Human Rights Commission.

That Utah taser video

Darrin, Sacramento, California — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 09:03:34 GMT

For those of you who keep harping about the sign being blocked, it wasn't. If you notice, the sign and the suv are in the picture together. Also, a cruiser is lower than the suv so most if not all of the flags and sign would have been visible even if the cruiser wasn't two or three car lengths in front of the sign.
I don't know about Utah, but in California if you don't sign a traffic ticket you go to jail. I'd say the driver has watched too much TV, because he doesn't know much about what he can and can't do when dealing with LE.

That Utah taser video

p~feels — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 09:14:19 GMT

You don't argue with the cops ever, you especially don't get out of your car and start explaining why your right ... Cops are taught to keep control of the situation and not let it escalate FOR THEIR PROTECTION, it's a judgment thing and it's easy to criticize but after working the job and seeing what goes on there are reason he acted as he did which I think is appropriate ...

That Utah taser video

Jim M, Kentucky — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 12:06:27 GMT

Try doing that in any other country, lets say Germany, for instance. What exactly do you think would happen there? Other police forces would beat you down for even looking at them funny, but you know what, there is actually respect for the police in other countries. Also, have any of you ever worked the road? Everytime you make a traffic stop could be your last, even with family members in tow. Anyone ever see the stop where the big guy beats the female cop down in front of his 8 year old daughter? Its time we have some respect for our police and remember, yes, we are a free country, there still has to be laws.

That Utah taser video

Scott — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 12:09:47 GMT

Is it any wonder that people in this country do not trust officers. Time and time again we seee instances of excessive force over minor issues. People getting killed because a polic officer is chasing a speeding car, people dying from being tasered, it goes on and on. Get this officer off the road before he kills somebody's daddy. Stop acting like storm troopers and you will get more respect.

That Utah taser video

jb, mo — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 13:04:05 GMT

i'm no police officer or attorney, but this officer scares the hell outta me.

That Utah taser video

T.M. — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 13:23:21 GMT

For some reason, people have come to believe it's okay to argue with the police. When given an instruction by a police officer the response is simple: comply. To do anything else puts the both the officer and the citizen at risk. Just watch a few videos where officers have been assaulted, injured, and shot to death, to gain an understanding of why this is so important and why people get tasered when they don't comply.

The only fault on the officer's part that I observed is when he actually begins explaining to this guy why he's doing every little thing he's doing. It's simple, the officer told him he was speeding and wrote him a ticket. If the guy wants to argue the facts, he has the option of appearing in court. Arguing with a police officer on a busy highway, with your wife in the vehicle, and the history of violent traffic stops, does not make arguing with the police in this situation a smart choice.

That Utah taser video

Eric in Ohio — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 13:38:40 GMT

Another example of excessive force. An excited short tempered officer, imagine that. Even after the officer said to the other officer, "He took a ride with the taser." That about says it all of the attitude of that officer. Of course the police are going to cover this up. Protecting one another just as they did with Peterson and the 18 times in less than 2 years the police were called to his house and nothing came of it. And now we have a missing wife and an exhumed ex wife where foul play is now the reason for her death.

That Utah taser video

Mike, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 13:58:14 GMT

Just watch your newscast that said cop was justified to use his taser because the speeder turned away from the cop. The cop told him to. Again police investigating police. No charges will be filed. Surprise Surprise. Police play judge, jury, and Taserers. How many people have died from being tasered? Tasers are far from being non-lethal. The cop is truely mad and wanted to show his authority.

That Utah taser video

Don Jackson — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 14:04:20 GMT

The officer should be fired.........
It should be expected that a motorist would be upset
and want to ask questions and receive an explanation.
From the start the officer handled the situation very poorly and un profesional he was as you would say power trippin and he even admits later that he could of handled the situation in better matter.
A cop is supposed to be trained to deal with the different emotions of different people, we the public at hand are not trained to deal with the emotions of the differant officer's
Again he should be fired and now!!!!

That Utah taser video

John Crouch, Rolla MO — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 14:06:18 GMT

The act of defiance to sign acknowledgement of a citation for speeding (guilt or innocence can be debated in court), 2nd refusal is to walk away, Police Officer should have one primary concern at this point "Is he retrieving a weapon or driving away while acting in a manner self governance". We are a nation of laws, which means we submit to a life of being governed by those hired to enforce our laws. He deserved to be tasered as he could have been retreiving a weapon.

That Utah taser video

Martha Camp, Bay City, MI — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 15:22:53 GMT

Put yourself in the police officers position.....really....at the end of the day he wants to go home to his family too and given the fact that we NEED police should we give them the benefit of the doubt in most cases. How many of you go to work wondering if you will get back home? Or if you will get back home in the same condition you left? And keeping wondering if a simple situation will get out of hand everytime you do your job? Someone mentioned ...."Once upon a time, there was a country called America where the people were truly free." But you forget once upon a time we respected each other, everyone wants the U.S. to suit there needs individually but YOU know it doesn't work that way eventually it all comes falling down.

It was good to see all the support for the officer and to clarify something on my behalf, tasering is excessive but so are some of us.

That Utah taser video

bernard b carman, Asheville, NC — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 16:31:10 GMT

You people who do not see what is truly happening here are deceived!

There have been countless situations where someone refuses to "follow the orders" of a cop and did not get tased. All the power tripping cop had to do was put him under arrest, pad him down, and handcuff him -- they guy WAS NOT being physical, he was just being difficult.

It was OBVIOUSLY a power play for the cop because he wanted to be "in control". That's the crux of the issue here. Authoritarians thrive on control, and whenever that control is threatened, they react with some form of violence.

This tasing crap is getting WAY out of hand. For those of you who think this cop handled the situation professionally, just wait until this kind of thing happens to you, or a loved one... say your daughter, and then let's talk.

America is very quickly becoming a POLICE STATE. The similarities with pre-Nazi Germany are shocking.

WAKE UP AMERICA, before it's too late!

... and VOTE RON PAUL!

That Utah taser video

Rick Bell — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 16:50:16 GMT

The young man got what he deserved! Plain and simple!

That Utah taser video

Jeremy, Phoenix AZ — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 17:24:01 GMT

Cops are out of control. It is an epidemic problem in the Southwestern part of America and seems to be growing. Look at the ways Arizona violates Due Process with their camera measures and the Vigilantism inspired by the Phoenix's Sheriff's opinion of how to do Justice.

If the U.S. Government does not take this seriously, it will become a culture of lawlessness and martial law.

Police officers are to serve and protect. A speeding "violation" does not warrant being tasered. The officer should be fired, charged with criminal neglect, sent to jail, and sued for a considerable amount of money.

That Utah taser video

Midnight Rider, Jtwn, Pa USA — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 03:40:59 GMT

Land of the free? The whole thing of it is this...yes, walking away when you are under arrest is resisting arrest. IMO, a trooper is acting reasonable to taser someone who is resisting arrest if that is the least amount of force that he/she must use to make the arrest. HOWEVER, in this case the driver was stopped for SPEEDING. The driver refused to sign the ticket. Admittedly, the smart thing for the driver to do was to shut up and sign the ticket. But no doing so does not make the driver a jerk. A police officer's job as an agent of the goverment is to PROTECT and SERVE. The trooper could have issued the ticket WITHOUT the signature. Instead the trooper TOLD the driver to get out of the vehicle AND he was under arrest BECAUSE the driver refused to sign the ticket. The driver then cooperated with trooper the up until he pulled his taser out of its holster. Sounds like we live in Nazi Germany to me.

That Utah taser video

Aubrey, Florida — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 08:18:16 GMT

This is very frustrating because the cop told the guy like a hundred times that he was speeding. The guy wasn't simply asking questions, he was being a jerk. How many times do you have to have it explained to you about why you are receiving a ticket. You can't come up on a cop quick like that, that's why the cop pulled the tazer in the first place. Then he exaserbated the situation by trying to walk off. I understand his wife's concern but it's obvious that the cop was concerned about her coming up behind him. It was also out of line and completely pointless for her to sit in the car screaming and threatening the cop while he was putting the cuffs on her husband. Then to make matters worse the guy decides to get up and walk around some more while the officer is trying to calmly explain to the wife the situation. It's apparent to me that the driver has a hard time following simple instructions because he feels entitled. From the minute the cop walked up the guy was a jerk and I felt the cop was very calm before and after the incident. Oh, and for all those that are trying to act like the cop was blocking the sign on purpose, it is very clear that he was driving and saw the guy coming up on him fast so he pulled over momentarily to let the guy past so he could pull him over. You know, when you are going the speed limit and someone is flying up on you, that they are speeding. Also, having worked with troubled youth and been attacked many times myself by kids that looked completely harmless, after the incident you have adrenaline and the need to talk about what happened. Even to make light of it makes you feel better and aids in the calming process. I don't blame the cop at all for the comments made afterward.

That Utah taser video

steve h, grantham, UK — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 18:11:59 GMT

in the UK this wouldnt have happened, and firstly he was not under arrest when the cop pulled his taser. he was not told that he was under arrest for speeding, the first words that came out of the cops gob was "turn around, turn around", then he was zapped. IF YOU ARE UNDER ARREST, THEN AN OFFICER HAS TO FIRST SAY THAT YOU ARE UNDER ARREST.

THE COP NEEDS SACKING. and a good punch in the head.

That Utah taser video

BILL F. QUINCY MASS. — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 19:29:12 GMT

SEEMS THAT 3 ITEMS HAVE BEEN OVERLOOKED FOLKS.
1.MANY OFFICERS HAVE BEEN SHOT STOPPING SPEEDERS.
2.TURNING AND WALKING AWAY WITHOUT PERMISSION IS SEEN
AS A THREAT TO PULL OT A WEAPON.
3.A OFFICER HAS AN UNDENIABLE "RIGHT TO ARREST". IT
HAS BEEN UPHELD IN COURTS EVERYWHERE.

FFICERS HAVE BEEN SHOT BY IRATE TRAFFIC

That Utah taser video

KRW — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 00:32:57 GMT

Hey Will, another curiosity of mine...Why does it look on your main page(s) like there are 100 posts about this issue when I only see about 50 or so. The number on the "front" page has increased from 87->97->100 but I haven't seen any new postings...

That Utah taser video

Ron H. Wyoming, MN — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 00:42:50 GMT

I must have been watching a different video. An assumption is made that when the officer asked the driver to the rear of the vehicle, he was being arrested. From my point of view, the officer may have tried to get the driver away from is argumentative wife to explain the ticket. The entire time the man was out of the vehicle,I noticed his left hand was near hos waist band while guestering with his right. I believe this would give the officer probable cause to further investigate additional crimes. When the officer attempted to detaine him he made a movement for the vehicle. The officer had the responsibility to the driving public and the other occupants in the vehicle to keep this man from endangering them. I think the office was justified in his actions. Who knows, the officer may have let him off with a warning, he surely sealed his fate with trying argue out of a ticket.

That Utah taser video

C Kelly, Belfast, Northern Ireland — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 01:26:47 GMT

The motorist should have simply taken the ticket and contested it through proper legal channels, so in that respect he was foolish. However, at no time was his behaviour threatening, so the use of the taser was way out of proportion. Had the situation become more fraught, perhaps then it would have been justified. The motorist was a nut, but the cop had the perfect sledgehammer to crack it!

That Utah taser video

Denise D, Las Vegas, Nevada — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 05:24:01 GMT

Punk cop and a true coward. Went for the tazer when he was not being threatened. Get him off the force and please take away his gun and uniform. Obviously the driver was not doing anything excessive to deserve to be treated like this. Seems everyone passing the cop was speeding.
A guy who was driving with his pregnant wife and 2yr old in the backseat was naive to the situation and ended up in a very dangerous spot lying face down on the highway. Sick...sick!!!
The cops a coward and should be fired. Leave us alone!

That Utah taser video

Will Femia — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 05:44:15 GMT

KRW, I'm not sure you're going to find my answer to your question if you're already not finding the rest of the comments. I think the answer to your question is that the comments are automatically paginated so they only show 50 at a time. See that "next" button there, that's not for the next blog post, it's for the next page of comments.

P.S. I had no idea of this either and I'm looking at the admin settings of this blogware to find a way to turn it off. Who ever heard of that before?

That Utah taser video

KRW — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 23:20:29 GMT

Thanks, Will, I did figure it out...today. Just caught me off guard (and you too apparently). Surprised you're keeping this one going so long. Quite the "black and white" issue for a lot of people...

That Utah taser video

Brad Fort Worth, Texas — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 01:40:15 GMT

I don't see a problem with what the officer did. The guy refused to sign the ticket which is a promise to appear in court signature. If you refuse to promise to appear, you go to jail...simple. When an officer tells you to put your hands on the car, you don't walk away...that's resisting. Officers aren't there to try the case on the side of the road. If you don't think the ticket is correct then do everything the officer asks you to do then get an attorney...that's how the system works. The officer does not have to provide proof on the street to the violator...that comes at court.

That Utah taser video

Robert Dykes, Titusville, Fl — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 02:34:56 GMT

A few years ago I was stopped by a cop for running a red light. I was absolutely sure I had run no light, With that I argued with the cop and told him he was incorrect in so many terms. He just smiled and said get in the car and lets go have a look. When the cop took me back to the intersection the same approach I had used, my reaction was "good grief, where did that traffic light come from". I remembered an 18 wheeler in front of me that blocked my view of the light. Due to timing, I ran a red light. I bought the cop coffee. We became friends. Some people are born to be policemen and some are not. I also paid the ticket.

That Utah taser video

Joe, Jersey City, NJ — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 02:52:49 GMT

If these FRAIDY CATS are too scared to non-violently "do their job" (steal money from motorists, under threat of violence or actual use of violence, and give it to government), they should get a REAL job in the productive portion of society.

No gang, no theif, no blacks, no whites, no hispanics, no "criminal", NO GROUP ever hurt or threatened or stole more from me than the police.

That Utah taser video

Brian — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 17:02:04 GMT

If you think the officer acted inappropriately, then you must be able to say what he should have done differently. The driver was going toward his vehicle, likely in an attempt to escape. Unless you have worked the street, you will likely not recognize the suspect's actions as a sign of aggression or attempt to escape. So, assuming the suspect continues to his car to get in, what lower level of force should the officer have used that would have resulted in the least injury to suspect and officer? The officer already tried talking, and that proved ineffective. The next level of force is intermediate, which includes OC spray (Mace is no longer used), baton, Taser etc. The Taser is the option that causes fewest injuries. BTW, at least in California, the Vehicle Code REQUIRES the officer to take into custody someone who refuses to sign a citation.

That Utah taser video

Doug Lusty, Kaysville, UT — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 22:39:14 GMT

Let me first mention, I am not and never have been a police officer.

I do not understand all the uproar. The officer pulls him over and discusses the speeding violation with the driver. The driver becomes irate and starts arguing with the cop. The wrong thing to do. The driver refuses to sign the ticket. In Utah (and I would think every other state in the nation) signing the ticket is only an acknowledgement you received a ticket, it is not a admission of guilt. At this point the officer is left with no other choice but to arrest him. They cannot let a violator go without issuing the ticket.

The officer has him get out of the car. The driver insists on checking the speed limit sign. There are reasons a cop would not do this, including the fact that there is another individual in the vehicle who he needs to keep an eye on. You never know who is going to produce a weapon. The cop puts this person under arrest, but he refuses to follow directions, begins to walk away from the officer, and then, (this is the big one) he puts his hand in his pocket! How does a police officer in that situation know they guy does not have a gun in his pocket! The officers actions were correct.

As far as the comments about the UN declaring Tasers to be a form of torture. I would not trust the UN to be authoritative on any matter. If it was not a Taser, the officer would have to use his billy club or his gun.

That Utah taser video

Sosa, Chico Ca — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 23:11:26 GMT

The driver was wrong for arguing. But is it too much for the officer to explain that if he doesnt sign the ticket, the driver will placed under arrest? simple, and would seem to be common sense for the officer to tell the driver. All the cop did was say, step out of the car with the intent to arrest the man. I think the warning "If you dont sign I'll have to place you in custody" would have been enough. the guy would have signed, complained about it, but signed. Cops are people too, and dont like it when they are told they are wrong. But this cop decided to use his full authority when it really wasnt necessary. he could have avoided arresting this guy by explaining things to him. driver was wrong, but the cop should have been the better person here, he was not.

That Utah taser video

JH,CA — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 01:55:36 GMT

The cop is a dick. Most cops are. most of my family are deputies in the county and they all have this same attitude. shot first ask questions later. Im in charge and your the dirt bag. The cop jumped the gun then the drive did not listen they were both wrong. It shows what the cops are like when they are talking after the wife leaves the cops are all power crazy, but its not there fault. The man makes then this way. I cant stand most of the family in law due to there attitude toward other people. They all think there right and if there not your getting shot or tazed.

That Utah taser video

Tim - Oklahoma — Thu, 29 May 2008 21:53:47 GMT

Just to clear up some apparent issues, in most states all traffic violations are arrestable offences. In liue of arrest you sign a promise to appear to face the charge. Refusal to sign said citation is an arrestable offence in nearly all states that I have experience with. Most of these states require that you inform the driver that a refusal to sign is an arrestable offence and that signing the citation is not an admission of guilt. The policy of most departments concerning the use of a Taser require only vebal non-compliance for its deployment. I think that if you are going to formulate an opinion as to the conduct of the officer, it should be an informed one. Could the officer have been more clear in his instructions? Could the officer have handled the situation in a different manner? Even the Supreme Court has conceded that it is not fair to an officer to arm chair quarterback every little decicion the officer made based on the few moments the officer has to resolve the situation. The officer has no requirement under Miranda in this situation. Miranda is meant for custodial interrogation. Absent one of these elements Miranda does not apply. As far as comments stating that an officer cannot stop a vehicle on the "hunch" that the vehicle is speeding, this is accurate. However, in every state that I am familiar with, officers who are trained with the use of speed measurment devices are required to first make a visual estimation of speed prior to activating the speed measurement device AND receive large amounts of training in regards to this. In many states it is perfectly acceptable to stop a vehicle based on this visual estimation alone. I am not here to argue or bash either side. This is only an attempt to help those who are clearly uninformed make more educated comments. Spend time reviewing relevent state law and policy/procedure in regards to the situation at hand before you decide to throw rocks.