Police at Woodmore Town Center -- Too Much of a Good Thing? (insurance, crime)

[bowian]

I don't know about this one. I know people want to keep this place nice, and the safety record at the Boulevard down the road hasn't exactly been impressive. But this guy may have actually just been shopping. And it sounds like his dreads got him in trouble.

Landover man files suit against Woodmore Towne Centre

[boreatwork]

Damn [SIZE=2]I can see it all play out he'll win though....I've been seeing more and more ppl being pulled over lately too....I hope this new police chief doesnt start acting brand new with the established residents....this isnt columbia, md
[/SIZE]

[justtitans]

Totally, totally ridiculous. I've told people that racial profiling has nothing to do with the race of the police officer. Black police officers look for 'suspicious' blacks as well. If I was this guy, I wouldn't say one word to the police, just go on and sue them. They deserve it.

[bowian]

Originally Posted by meatkins

Totally, totally ridiculous. I've told people that racial profiling has nothing to do with the race of the police officer. Black police officers look for 'suspicious' blacks as well. If I was this guy, I wouldn't say one word to the police, just go on and sue them. They deserve it.

I agree. I remember once being questioned years ago at the airport in LA soon after my arrival. I was told that at first I had a bag walking around and then I didn't. Well, I had gone to call my late ride (this was back in the early 90s before I had a cell phone), and my suitcase was heavy. I kept it in my eyesight. The agent who questioned me was black. Nothing came of the questioning. I was amazed (nicely dressed black female questioned like I was a drug runner). My black coworkers were not. They weren't that sympathetic either. One said it was the way I was dressed. In a nice pants and blazer and nice, conseravative hairdo? I don't think so. I've never been questioned before or since.

[selhars]

Yep, Lancaster (the young man) is going about it the right way. It's sad I hope he wins something. He went into two stores and didn't buy anything? WTH? I hope his lawyer handles it well.

But sadly sometimes citizens who sit on juries don't punish police departments with punitive awards. I remember a case of PG county police who roughed up a channel 7 TV reporter and her camera crew. Dislocated her arm or shoulder, etc. The TV crew was in a car following a police official for a story. The official was allegedly supposed to be on duty and was allegedly 'stepping out to where he shouldn't have been.) The PD wanted the tape, etc. The case went to court and the reporter got next to no jury award. Also FIVE cruisers were at the incident and NO car's dashboard camera 'happened to be working that day.' Come on.

I know when PD's are hit with damage awards we the tax payers end up paying it (or insurance companies). But police departments or private security firms MUST BE PUNISHED for abuse. I hope this young man wins BIG! I hope this case continues to be followed. I'd LOVE to know how it turns out.

[EdwardA]

I take a different view. I'm glad the police are being proactive.

[selhars]

I take a different view. I'm glad the police are being proactive.

"Proactive" that's a nice buzz word. Here's another "vigilant." No one is saying authorities shouldn't be both. Are you saying this officer did nothing wrong?

[justtitans]

Originally Posted by EdwardA

I take a different view. I'm glad the police are being proactive.

Proactive is nice, but abusive and without probable cause is a lawsuit. It doesn't benefit anyone when the police acts immorally. If someone is not doing anything wrong, they do not deserve that sort of treatment. I'm sure you wouldn't be saying that if you were about to get handcuffed in front of a crowd full of people WSWB (window shopping while black).

[GoPhils]

Did the cop really use "he went into a couple stores and didn't buy anything" as an excuse? That's laughable.

[bowian]

Originally Posted by EdwardA

I take a different view. I'm glad the police are being proactive.

It really sounds like this incident is well beyond proactive. Also, wouldn't it be nice if police were actually proactive in the areas where crime is high?