motorcyclist-rammed-by-cop-awarded-180000

[PAVALKER]

http://www.bikebandit.com/blog/post/motorcyclist-rammed-by-cop-awarded-180000-in-federal-court?roi=echo3-32313566273-33339368-56a67d7f0526754bf62296d9dfe89012&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=BBNews&utm_source=Fri_020516_BBNews&utm_content=motorcyclist_rammed_awarded_180k


Sorry if this was posted before.....  Interesting.

[Rams]

While not seeing the trial and obviously no other information than what the video provides, I'll agree with the jury that the treatment the biker received was excessive force in that he was no longer fleeing or resisting.   His award would have been $1.00 had I been the one determining the judgement.

This biker endangered himself, the LEO and everyone else on that road.   I would not have been sympathetic to his plight.

[Valkorado]

I'm supportive of cops and not sympathetic toward lawbreakers.  It does sound like the motorcyclist may have had a known criminal history and he was on a "spirited" ride (nobody here ever does that).  It seems excessive to me.  Maybe not $180,000 excessive, but a bit on the harsh side for sure.  

To Serve, Ram and Kick.

[Moonshot_1]

My take on this.

Pretty much behind the officer on this one.

High speed chase. While the rider did stop at the intersection he really wasn't off the road and could have easily twisted the throttle as soon as the officer exited his car. So bumping him off the bike was kosher to me.

The kick in the chest...a close call there as the rider was closing the distance to the officer and the officer kicked him back and away.

I think the rider's speed, recklessness, and the fact that he was on a high performance crotch rocket had a lot to do with the officer's decision making at the stop.
Can't really fault him at all.

[shortleg]

   I bet he can buy a faster bike with 180000 bucks
      shortleg

[Jess from VA]

The rider obviously knew he was being chased, and ran, a long ways, in a reckless manner.

The cop bumped him, soft enough to almost be an accident, but it was no accident.

The kick was over the top, and clearly from frustration and anger.

If I was on the jury, I would have awarded him actual damages (all out of pocket costs and expenses - compensatory), and $250 (punitive/or pain and suffering).  Just enough to show there was some bad action by the PO, but just enough.  Of course, his shyster get's a third, after costs of litigation.  

When the cop gets mad, he gets in trouble.  

When the judge gets mad, you just get a harsher sentence, and he doesn't get in trouble at all.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Brake fade my ass !

[Bighead]

I see several of you posted High Speed Chase? At what point of the video did you see a speedo? Tape was at high speed for sure.
The LEO hitting the guy was Wrong.
Was the rider wrong yes. But since when do two wrongs make a right?
LEO had no idea of guys other run ins with the Law.

[John Schmidt]

Re. the kick to the chest, the rider actually wasn't closing on the LEO, he was starting to get to the ground when he got kicked. Kick totally unnecessary, as was the bump of the bike from behind. Plenty of blame on the part of both parties but I still think the LEO was more than a bit overboard.

[old2soon]

I M H O the L E O overreacted. Again-I M H O-the rider has a severe case of cranial rectal inversion. A terminal case of head up assitis. The Judge should NOT have disallowed the "riders" prior record. MAYBE reimburse 30% of the "riders" injuries And maybe $1.00 compensatory. THE L E O SHOULD have gotten a 6 month suspension no pay and at least one reduction in rank. The idiot ":riders" license should be suspended for at least 5 years AND if he's caught driving during his suspension he goes to the slammer for 6 years. STUPIDITY should in no way shape or form be rewarded. HARSH you ask-dumbass "rider" could have died! Appears as if Oregon on my M/C slipped to the bottom of my bucket list!  RIDE SAFE.

[cookiedough]

If he was speeding which sounds like he was and since the cyclists never pulled over when being chased,  I see nothing wrong with a bump on the back at a stop even if the cyclists was appearing to give up to the police at that time.  My guess is the cyclists would have sped off once the officer got out of his car and heading his way on foot, hard to say though.

I think the officer did the right thing at the time and the police dept. only needs to pay for damages to his bike is all.

Trying to outrun the police is never a good idea although I have known a few who have done it and got away from them at night on rural country roads with 1 officer car in pursuit.

[RP#62]

Looked like poetic justice to me, a dick was apprehended by a dick.

-RP

[Moonshot_1]

Watched it again. Don't believe the officer over reacted at all. Not even the least bit.

The pursuit goes from a winding country road to a busy urban area. The rider did come to a stop but did not get off the bike or totally get off the road. Given the last 5 mins of the rider's history of excessive speed and passing in no passing lanes he could likely continue. Knocking him and the bike down was a good call.

As far as the kick. Yes, the rider seemed to be going down to the ground but if you look at it again he could have been going for a firearm in an ankle holster.

Was it necessary? At the time, yes it was. Given the time to carefully assess the situation and ponder the facts, it was at best debatable.

The officer didn't have that luxury. He kept the public safe by getting this guy off the road and kept himself safe in the process.

The rider should get the $180,000 and then be fined 3X that for violating the civil rights of the general public by putting them at risk with his reckless riding.

I'd give the officer a cursed medal.

[Bighead]

Some people smoke some strong stuff!
Firearm in an ankle holster....... Really? The LEO had his weapon in his hand if he thought that all he had to do was wait about 5 seconds to see if true and pull the damn trigger. I find it very funny the way so many people view the same thing so differently.
No he shouldnt have rammed the bike and no he shouldnt have kicked him period. The guy was obviously doing what he was told. What if he didnt see the lights on the caras he stated? How would you feel if you were riding along and a LEO hit you from behind and you questioned why and he said he had been followoing you wigh lights on and you didnt see them?  It was stated their was no siren alert so whats to say the guy on bike really didnt see the lights in the grill?
Was the settlement a bit much probably but it did damage bike and rider. Broken clavicle 65% of the time requires surgery.

And what civil right of yours did he violate?
Funny back a few months ago when the fella in TX apparently ran a young man off the road but stated he was stung by a bee causing him to swerve was 100% in the wrong in the eyes of 90% + but now it is ok to hit someone with none of us knowing the real facts of the story. There are 3 sides to this the bikers , the LEO a d the truth. As I stated before where did anyone see a speedo during the whole thing?

[DirtyDan]

play stupid games win stupid prizes

that's was not "rammed"

that was a love tap

so was the kick

biker got what he deserved, maybe less than he deserved "hurt" wise. more than he deserved $ wise

just me

dan

[Jersey mike]

ok from what I see from the video which I watched twice and read the article twice.

at the 19 second mark of the video, the rider completes his pass of the unmarked Chevy Camaro, just before it becomes double yellow and the officer follows.

at about the 28 second mark is when the pursuit begins when the rider passes the white pickup about 75' before it becomes a passing zone. I've done this as have many others, especially on local roads where you live and know the layout of the road your are on. As the video shows there was no on coming traffic and we all know we have a pretty good view being on a bike what this approaching.

at this point the movie speeds up to condense play time of the video. Unfortunately there is no audio too.

through 1' 16" of video play up to the point where the rider arrives at the traffic signal I did not see one posted speed limit sign except for the curves so I cannot tell what the speed limit might have been, I'm guessing a posted 50MPH.

Just from the look of the car in the still photo of the webpage, this does not look like a unmarked vehicle. where in that small grille would the lights have been? How obvious could those lights be in the daylight. From the video, the sun is off to the right from the shadows that are shown on the road.  As far as this guy could really know its just some guy in a Camaro playing "Keep Up" that could have fancy grille effects in his grille or POSSIBLY an EMT/Fireman. Also I don't see any mirrors on that bike and he never appears to look behind him to see who is behind him.

Again there is no audio, but admitted no siren being used. Many times I've read if you are in doubt of an unmarked vehicle following you, do not pull over until you get to an populated area.

The cop had no business rear ending him, I have to believe there is a loudspeaker in that car. Hit the siren once and get on the mic and tell the driver to shut his bike down.

As for the cops excuse of Brake Fade...BS..not in a Camaro, not after less than 2 minutes of spirited driving, I'll be that Camaro even has Traction Control.

Whether or not his collar bone broke on the impact/fall off the bike from being rear ended, I don't know, but neither the kick or the bump was necessary.

This guy deserves that award and the cop should have been put on unpaid leave and demoted 1 Rank.

[Rams]

I guess we'll have to agree to disagree.    The biker became a nuisance and danger the minute he crossed the double yellow.    Again, I don't know all the facts but, it appeared to me he was running and then decided that he wasn't going to get away and stopped.

As I said previously, the LEO should not have kicked him, no evidence to suggest brake fade was not a factor so, I won't go there.   The LEO was too aggressive in arresting the biker.   The award the jury gave was way too excessive in my opinion.   

As I said, we'll just have to agree to disagree.   I don't presume the biker's innocents based on what was on the tape, he proved to be dangerous to himself and others on the road.    Just my opinion but, I'm sticking to it.    Ride safe.

[Bighead]

So Ron I havE a question , the young man who passed on a double yellow in Texas on a car clearly going below the speed limit did that give the driver the right to bump him off the road?
And can you honestly say you have never crosse a double yellow? No matter the circumstance? (Or not back in your lane before it went to double yellow)
I am not defending the rider but I didn't see when he pulled over he was trying to allude or endanger the officer,did you?
I just think the LEO had a hot head and didn't think of what was happening and over reacted. If the rider had just left the scene of a murder or robbery I could see the actions but that wasn't the case.

[The emperor has no clothes]

ok from what I see from the video which I watched twice and read the article twice.

at the 19 second mark of the video, the rider completes his pass of the unmarked Chevy Camaro, just before it becomes double yellow and the officer follows.

at about the 28 second mark is when the pursuit begins when the rider passes the white pickup about 75' before it becomes a passing zone. I've done this as have many others, especially on local roads where you live and know the layout of the road your are on. As the video shows there was no on coming traffic and we all know we have a pretty good view being on a bike what this approaching.

at this point the movie speeds up to condense play time of the video. Unfortunately there is no audio too.

through 1' 16" of video play up to the point where the rider arrives at the traffic signal I did not see one posted speed limit sign except for the curves so I cannot tell what the speed limit might have been, I'm guessing a posted 50MPH.

Just from the look of the car in the still photo of the webpage, this does not look like a unmarked vehicle. where in that small grille would the lights have been? How obvious could those lights be in the daylight. From the video, the sun is off to the right from the shadows that are shown on the road.  As far as this guy could really know its just some guy in a Camaro playing "Keep Up" that could have fancy grille effects in his grille or POSSIBLY an EMT/Fireman. Also I don't see any mirrors on that bike and he never appears to look behind him to see who is behind him.

Again there is no audio, but admitted no siren being used. Many times I've read if you are in doubt of an unmarked vehicle following you, do not pull over until you get to an populated area.

The cop had no business rear ending him, I have to believe there is a loudspeaker in that car. Hit the siren once and get on the mic and tell the driver to shut his bike down.

As for the cops excuse of Brake Fade...BS..not in a Camaro, not after less than 2 minutes of spirited driving, I'll be that Camaro even has Traction Control.

Whether or not his collar bone broke on the impact/fall off the bike from being rear ended, I don't know, but neither the kick or the bump was necessary.

This guy deserves that award and the cop should have been put on unpaid leave and demoted 1 Rank.

Not only was he not demoted, he was promoted to the rank of captain. What does that tell the younger officers ? I can understand cops getting pissed off. They are human, but this guy was wrong.

[Rams]

So Ron I havE a question , the young man who passed on a double yellow in Texas on a car clearly going below the speed limit did that give the driver the right to bump him off the road?
And can you honestly say you have never crosse a double yellow? No matter the circumstance? (Or not back in your lane before it went to double yellow)
I am not defending the rider but I didn't see when he pulled over he was trying to allude or endanger the officer,did you?
I just think the LEO had a hot head and didn't think of what was happening and over reacted. If the rider had just left the scene of a murder or robbery I could see the actions but that wasn't the case.

Never said I was a saint, I've broke a few laws in my time.    But I never ran from the police and that's what I believe he was doing until he finally realized he wasn't going to get away.     I also said the cop was wrong in kicking him.    His award would be the dollar bill I stated in my first post on this thread.   I believe the rider endangered everyone on the road he encountered because of his erratic riding.   I also believe he's the kind of rider that gives us all a bad name.

In reference to the Texas incident, I believe the video clearly showed the car driver's intent, that doesn't lessen what the biker did but, it was not up to the driver to try and knock him off the road.    IHMO, there were two idiots involved in the Texas incident.

Yes, I've broken a few traffic laws in my time and I've been to court several times and actually won but, I've never run from the police.   Have you?

[The emperor has no clothes]

So Ron I havE a question , the young man who passed on a double yellow in Texas on a car clearly going below the speed limit did that give the driver the right to bump him off the road?
And can you honestly say you have never crosse a double yellow? No matter the circumstance? (Or not back in your lane before it went to double yellow)
I am not defending the rider but I didn't see when he pulled over he was trying to allude or endanger the officer,did you?
I just think the LEO had a hot head and didn't think of what was happening and over reacted. If the rider had just left the scene of a murder or robbery I could see the actions but that wasn't the case.

Never said I was a saint, I've broke a few laws in my time.    But I never ran from the police and that's what I believe he was doing until he finally realized he wasn't going to get away.     I also said the cop was wrong in kicking him.    His award would be the dollar bill I stated in my first post on this thread.   I believe the rider endangered everyone on the road he encountered because of his erratic riding.   I also believe he's the kind of rider that gives us all a bad name.

In reference to the Texas incident, I believe the video clearly showed the car driver's intent, that doesn't lessen what the biker did but, it was not up to the driver to try and knock him off the road.    IHMO, there were two idiots involved in the Texas incident.

Yes, I've broken a few traffic laws in my time and I've been to court several times and actually won but, I've never run from the police.   Have you?

If he was running from the cops why would he have stopped at the intersection ?

[Rams]

So Ron I havE a question , the young man who passed on a double yellow in Texas on a car clearly going below the speed limit did that give the driver the right to bump him off the road?
And can you honestly say you have never crosse a double yellow? No matter the circumstance? (Or not back in your lane before it went to double yellow)
I am not defending the rider but I didn't see when he pulled over he was trying to allude or endanger the officer,did you?
I just think the LEO had a hot head and didn't think of what was happening and over reacted. If the rider had just left the scene of a murder or robbery I could see the actions but that wasn't the case.

Never said I was a saint, I've broke a few laws in my time.    But I never ran from the police and that's what I believe he was doing until he finally realized he wasn't going to get away.     I also said the cop was wrong in kicking him.    His award would be the dollar bill I stated in my first post on this thread.   I believe the rider endangered everyone on the road he encountered because of his erratic riding.   I also believe he's the kind of rider that gives us all a bad name.

In reference to the Texas incident, I believe the video clearly showed the car driver's intent, that doesn't lessen what the biker did but, it was not up to the driver to try and knock him off the road.    IHMO, there were two idiots involved in the Texas incident.

Yes, I've broken a few traffic laws in my time and I've been to court several times and actually won but, I've never run from the police.   Have you?

If he was running from the cops why would he have stopped at the intersection ?

Would help if you would read my post completely.

[Jersey mike]

So Ron I havE a question , the young man who passed on a double yellow in Texas on a car clearly going below the speed limit did that give the driver the right to bump him off the road?
And can you honestly say you have never crosse a double yellow? No matter the circumstance? (Or not back in your lane before it went to double yellow)
I am not defending the rider but I didn't see when he pulled over he was trying to allude or endanger the officer,did you?
I just think the LEO had a hot head and didn't think of what was happening and over reacted. If the rider had just left the scene of a murder or robbery I could see the actions but that wasn't the case.

Never said I was a saint, I've broke a few laws in my time.    But I never ran from the police and that's what I believe he was doing until he finally realized he wasn't going to get away.     I also said the cop was wrong in kicking him.    His award would be the dollar bill I stated in my first post on this thread.   I believe the rider endangered everyone on the road he encountered because of his erratic riding.   I also believe he's the kind of rider that gives us all a bad name.

In reference to the Texas incident, I believe the video clearly showed the car driver's intent, that doesn't lessen what the biker did but, it was not up to the driver to try and knock him off the road.    IHMO, there were two idiots involved in the Texas incident.

Yes, I've broken a few traffic laws in my time and I've been to court several times and actually won but, I've never run from the police.   Have you?

As I mentioned previously, look at the grille on that Camaro, where could the lights possibly be and how large of a daylight effect could they possibly have. Also since I didn't see any mirrors on the bike or the rider checking traffic behind him, if you don't know your being chased, how do you know you're being chased?

[Rams]

Mike,
I have yet to see a police car where the lights were not visible when on.    The rider was riding like an idiot in my opinion.    I won't make excuses for an idiot.   

I'll just say that we don't agree, have a good day and ride safe.

[Jersey mike]

Mike,
I have yet to see a police car where the lights were not visible when on.    The rider was riding like an idiot in my opinion.    I won't make excuses for an idiot.   

I'll just say that we don't agree, have a good day and ride safe.

That's fair and a good way to end it  

[Bighead]

Sorry Ron I believe the intent of the LEO was clear. If the guy on the bike wanted to run that car would have never seen him after about the second turn. But yet it is ok to hit him with the car when stopped? If the LEO thought he was in The right he wouldn't have used the lame ass excuse of Brake failier. He would have nutted up and told the truth why he hit the bike.
As I said I am not defending the rider but don't think the LEO should be able to run him over either. How or what would you feel if you were sitting at a red light and a LEO just ran into you then saying he had been chasing you and you didn't pull over? True or not?


And why no sirens? If a LEO is pulling you over after about ten seconds they do hit the siren, I have had it happen too many times to dispute.

[Rams]

I can't answer questions that I don't have answers for and I can't read peoples minds.   I wasn't in the court room to hear all the evidence, I can only base my opinion on what is in the video.   Do I need to reiterate everything I previously said?   I also don't believe he didn't realize there was a police car behind him with flashing lights.    I've seen unmarked cars many times with their lights on, they are hard to miss when those lights are on.    So, I'm not buying the rider's story.

IF we were both on that jury and heard all of the evidence, we might agree or still disagree.   We weren't and all we have to go by is what is in the article and the video.    You see it one way, I see it another.    Maybe I'm wrong but, as I said, I won't defend an idiot and the rider has sold that concept to me beyond a reasonable doubt.

[Varmintmist]

As I mentioned previously, look at the grille on that Camaro, where could the lights possibly be and how large of a daylight effect could they possibly have. Also since I didn't see any mirrors on the bike or the rider checking traffic behind him, if you don't know your being chased, how do you know you're being chased?

yellow red/blue on, green red/blue off, red wig wag

Havent you ever seen a unmarked with its lights on? They are plenty bright.

 No possible way to not see that. If he couldnt, then that is another reason he shouldnt be on the road because he is blind or stoned. There is no audio with the vid, but i have never seen a cop car in pursuit w/o a siren on.

I never see the rider stop, he is still rolling when the cop tags him.

Cop shouldnt have kicked him when he failed to get down, he should have tazed him.

[Bighead]

As I mentioned previously, look at the grille on that Camaro, where could the lights possibly be and how large of a daylight effect could they possibly have. Also since I didn't see any mirrors on the bike or the rider checking traffic behind him, if you don't know your being chased, how do you know you're being chased?

yellow red/blue on, green red/blue off, red wig wag

Havent you ever seen a unmarked with its lights on? They are plenty bright.

 No possible way to not see that. If he couldnt, then that is another reason he shouldnt be on the road because he is blind or stoned. There is no audio with the vid, but i have never seen a cop car in pursuit w/o a siren on.

I never see the rider stop, he is still rolling when the cop tags him.

Cop shouldnt have kicked him when he failed to get down, he should have tazed him.

I didn't defend the rider either as I stated.

As to not seeing the lights. Have you never been riding down the road and all of a sudden there is a car in your rear view that you didn't notice the last time you looked? If not you need to keep your eyes in front of you.

And yes the rider Wasnt completely stopped but brake lights on and both feet off the pegs .

[Mongo]

IMHO The cop was wrong. At the start of video the bike passes the police car so he clearly didn't know it was a police car. It looks to me that the bike was going about 20 mph faster than traffic. At that pace on a county road if you are in the ZONE enjoying the ride would you really checking your rear view mirror? You are looking ahead to the next corner. I would assume that I was ahead of all traffic. When he get to town he slows down and checks his mirrors and shakes his when he realizes an officer is pulling him over. He pulls over and is hit and knock off the bike. Did he have time to get off the bike? Not much time. When you are stopped on a bike do you get off the bike or wait for the officer to ask you to get off? I have always been told that when stopped while driving a car You stay in the car with your hands in plain sight. If you jump out of the car it is a sign of aggression. After he stood up and took a couple of steps toward the officer and got kicked. I think the officer should have used the siren to get him to pull over. He could have used is PA speaker to get him off the bike when he stopped. And finally he didn't need to break two ribs and his clavicle. The officer seem to have a problem controlling his anger.

[Jersey mike]

As I mentioned previously, look at the grille on that Camaro, where could the lights possibly be and how large of a daylight effect could they possibly have. Also since I didn't see any mirrors on the bike or the rider checking traffic behind him, if you don't know your being chased, how do you know you're being chased?

yellow red/blue on, green red/blue off, red wig wag



Havent you ever seen a unmarked with its lights on? They are plenty bright.

 No possible way to not see that. If he couldnt, then that is another reason he shouldnt be on the road because he is blind or stoned. There is no audio with the vid, but i have never seen a cop car in pursuit w/o a siren on.

I never see the rider stop, he is still rolling when the cop tags him.

Cop shouldnt have kicked him when he failed to get down, he should have tazed him.

first, in the article the officer admits the siren was not in use during the chase.

I went back an watched the video again rewinding and watching the white pickup and the sedan he passes, they did seem to pull over as if they noticed something regarding the Camaro if they saw lights.

I don't know how you managed to blow up the picture but as for the foglight/driving light area I've seen Camaros, Chargers, Mustangs and other cars with different colors in them instead of plain white.

in the grille on the passenger side shows light bulbs but the same area on the driver side shows no signs of any bulbs in the 6 rectangle grille openings, I do see the turn signal and headlamp. Yes I see the headlights on too.

As for the lights in the windshield, ok they're there but a lot smaller than most I've seen over the years here in NJ and surrounding states.

So what did this guy see, hard to say but when he puts his feet down at the light it certainly seems he was taken by surprise at the cops presence.

In the article the officer goes on to admit he didn't know the camera was active or running which says to me he was caught at being an jerk.

[Jess from VA]

I really enjoy the discussions we have about news items, crimes, Bergdahl, accidents, bike related stuff.

But when we only have a limited amount of information (as in this case), discussions that extend to hot disagreement and argument are somewhat academic, no?

Presumably the jury got to see and hear all the relevant evidence (except the party's past records).  

I'm betting the rider's lawyer was better than the cop's (likely union, or municipality/city attorney, or insurance defense) lawyer, based on the size of the verdict.  I think the cop overreacted.  But if this was the worst bad conduct by a police officer ever recorded, I'd be pretty happy about it.

Who hasn't got mad enough at someone in their lifetime to kick or punch them?  Fortunately, most of us don't go about our day with cameras recording our every move, and have to go around dealing with all the idiots, lunatics, liars, bums, drunks, and criminals we can find, all day every day.

[RP#62]

But when we only have a limited amount of information (as in this case), discussions that extend to hot disagreement and argument are somewhat academic, no?

My boss used to call that "pooling our ignorance".

-RP

[cookiedough]

I think we almost all agree the kick by the officer was uncalled for and should have used his loud speaker otherwise to get him off the bike, but the love tap was not that big of a deal, still not right, but can see his point.   Now, if it was my bike, I'd be pissed though am sure but if, big IF, he was trying to outrun the cop, he deserved that love tap although a loud speaker would have been the preferred choice to pull over and get off the bike hands above your head or down on the ground, either one.  The police dept. should pay for damages to the bike, but that is all.   

Some riders don't look and use their rearview mirrors, could have been the case here?? don't know, but highly doubt it. 

[saddlebag]

I don't know the whole story here but this incident is just another example that shows why there is such a big disconnect between law enforcement and the rest of us.

Yes, it has turned into a "us against them" mentality all across this country. I believe this is a position LEO"s have put themselves in.

I have personally seen simple situations blown totally out of proportion when an aggressive bully cop shows up....starts yelling, threatening, pushing, shoving, pulling tazers and weapons on unarmed citizens.

This cop ramming this motorcycle was unacceptable behavior. Kicking him?
Where do they get these guys? How are they vetted? Education? Training?
 The main problem is that there is no consequence for their actions even the most egregious violations.
This guy was promoted....really?

This combat/intimidation mentality does not work on a civilian population.

 I am a combat veteran who has just received my Medicare card. I am a productive tax paying citizen who has never been arrested and I have a great respect for laws and law enforcement BUT I am VERY concerned with the militarization/strong arm tactics that seem to be prevalent today.

I know without doubt I do not have the mentality for this kind of work. I would lose my cool all the time.
I don't want them to hire a person like me ......
Anyone can use the maximum force all the time....

[The emperor has no clothes]

I don't know the whole story here but this incident is just another example that shows why there is such a big disconnect between law enforcement and the rest of us.

Yes, it has turned into a "us against them" mentality all across this country. I believe this is a position LEO"s have put themselves in.

I have personally seen simple situations blown totally out of proportion when an aggressive bully cop shows up....starts yelling, threatening, pushing, shoving, pulling tazers and weapons on unarmed citizens.

This cop ramming this motorcycle was unacceptable behavior. Kicking him?
Where do they get these guys? How are they vetted? Education? Training?
 The main problem is that there is no consequence for their actions even the most egregious violations.
This guy was promoted....really?

This combat/intimidation mentality does not work on a civilian population.

 I am a combat veteran who has just received my Medicare card. I am a productive tax paying citizen who has never been arrested and I have a great respect for laws and law enforcement BUT I am VERY concerned with the militarization/strong arm tactics that seem to be prevalent today.

I know without doubt I do not have the mentality for this kind of work. I would lose my cool all the time.
I don't want them to hire a person like me ......
Anyone can use the maximum force all the time....

I agree. I don't want them hiring people like either. I would be terrible cop.

[MP]

Sorry. The biker "deserved" the tap?

I thought it was the courts place to mete out justice, NOT the cops?  Maybe I missed something?

I have been taught that once the fight is over, and the other side has given up, it is over, and it is the cos job to let the court decide the punishment. 

Was the biker in the wrong for speeding?  Absolutely.

Is it the cops job to mete out the punishment?  I don't think so.