Riots all over the states.

You can see the potential dangers of going either way on a decision such as this. The fallout for not condemning the officer is scarey but the aspect that other officers might overreact to their not defending him could bring it's own chaos. They need a sign that officers will be okay with this if such a decision goes the other way. Like any strong union similar to the Steelworkers to the garbage man, the officer finds confidence in their station of authority because of the backing from fellow officers if conflict occurs. By condemning this officer, unforeseen and unmentioned fallout can result in ways folks don't wish to consider. Even a simple officer walkout could cause numerous deaths and massive hikes in crime.... you get the point?

I just find it very sad that people have to resort to violence. That guy broke up a fight and died because the police were abusing their power again. People seem to forget what police are there for. They have let the laws get so tight around their neck that they can't breath, we can't breath! It will only get worse from here. I've never in my life seen it get better and I don't think it will change now. Hang in folks it's gonna be a bumpy ride.

I don't get the point in arguing with an officer on scene. Even if the officer is an absolute pain and blatantly wrong, arguing and refusing to obey orders for the sake of being right is just going to get you hurt. You can always argue later in court. That said, I'm 110% in favour of cop-worn cams, it keeps honest people... honest.

Cams are the best idea. As long as they are on. I just read an article where a cop killed a woman and he was wearing a cam but it was turned off. He was finally fired because he continually turned his cam off. My hats off to the chief. If only more were like him. Thank God Canada isn't that bad.......yet.

Here is two stories regarding the earlier case of officers and their choke holds starting time @ 2:30. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-bUKTU0m5o
The 2nd report even shows clips of the first incident in detail. This report discusses the response of other police and even the medical teams actions. The discrimination factor is an obvious one and yet there is never direct mention of this, only suggestion... the American way!

To a certain extent, I can understand a violent takedown of a suspect not collaborating and that accidentally the person stops breathing in the process. But not one of those officers try any kind of first aid after the fact is unexcusable. But as a former EMT, I'm in total shock to see NYFD's response to this, or as I should say, complete lack of.

I for one am happy to see the restraint shown by demonstrators in New York.
Also...I didn't see the kind of militarized police presence that was present in Furguson...kudos to the cops for that.
I have no issue with demonstrations, even on a large scale...but too often, well intentioned protests turn riots.
I think many of those riots get started by a small group of opportunists...using the fact that the police are overwhelmed to loot and destroy.

I agree helicopilot, I'm not entirely convinced that the choke had a lot to do with the death ( of course we don't know how much damage was done to the man's windpipe) I'm of the belief that being obese and pinned to the ground by 4 cops may have had more effect. the total lack of response by the emt was shocking to say the least. I think she should lose her job for sure.

News today

http://benswann.com/media-ignores-tens-of-thousands-of-people-marching-against-police-brutality/