
Originally Posted by
SS90
Erm ....... he is correct most likely, but if they where just "ordinary citizens", they would not have been driving in a police car, and flashed their Blue and reds, tooted their Police horn (if that was needed), and stopped him for "routine control", before getting out of their Police car (in their Police uniforms), and required the Victim (that is what he is now) to provide them with information only a Police officer can require you to give, (where the assault come in I don't know, but it is assault, because they have been convicted of the crime in a court of law).
Assault by just an "average citizen" does occur in similar situations (road rage driver chasing down, stopping and assaulting another driver for example), but the difference is these guys are Police officers, they are supposed to make us feel secure on the roads, and in everyday life, not provoke fear that if you get caught speeding, you may well get handed out a "Rodney King" style "infringement notice", and a "demerit" that looks like a black eye.
I will admit that most of the public do not know the full story (as you claim to), and I am sure you have a better version of events than us, but, I really struggle to believe that a Judge would find these cops guilty of assault if there was not compelling evidence to suggest that they where anything but guilty.
If they where off duty, and involved in an altercation in an inner city bar, resulting in assault charges, I am sure the result would be the same, but as it is, an "ordinary citizen" would not have been in the situation (pulling over a car for routine Police work), but, if for some reason a citizen felt compelled to stop a speeding vehicle, and then administered a bit of "Justice", then i am sure the results for this person in this hypothetical situation would be the same as the police officers (as far as a conviction for assault)
Lose their jobs too?
Yes...... the Police in NZ has seen a dramatic drop in respect from NZ as a whole (we all know why), and if one set of coppers get away with dealing out this kind of justice, then the publics perception will drop further.
The Police are in a position of trust, they need to be above reproach.
However, if you feel an injustice has been done, please enlighten us all, if it can be proved they are not guilty (and evidence supplied), then I would like to throw the full weight of my support into a retrial.
A bad cop is one thing, but a good cop that has been unfairly convicted of assault? that is a travesty.
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