Why It Was Wrong. Pt 1
Among my family and friends, I seem to be largely alone in thinking that the police were out of line in using a tazer to subdue an idiot who had run onto the field at a Phillies game. My reaction to the event was instinctive, it was wrong. But as I discussed it more, I had to re-examine that instinct to determine if it was correct. Below are the most common justifications I’ve heard for the cops actions and why I think they’re wrong.
1) It sent a message to other morons not to run out onto the field.
Since it took less than 24 hours for it to happen again, doesn’t seem like this argument holds much water. Considering that moron #2 didn’t have the forethought to hand off his weed to a friend before engaging in an activity that was guaranteed to end with him in police custody, perhaps we should avoid relying on the ability of morons to fully think through the consequences of their actions.
2) His intentions were unknown, so we have to assume he may be a danger to the players.
This is a valid concern. Players and coaches coming under attack from fans is not without precedent. However, I don’t see how a reasonable person could believe that this kid had any intention other than getting his 15 minutes of fame as he ran circles around the field waving a white towel. The video of the incident makes it pretty clear he had no ill-intent. If he was intending to attack someone on the field, I hardly think he would have run figure eights around the outfield first. Furthermore, if he had gone directly after, say Jayson Werth in right field, there’s no way the cop would have been close enough to prevent the attack. So the only way a tazer would be effective in stopping an attack is if there was never going to be an attack.
3) Using the tazer protects the police from injuries that may occur in subduing the moron.
I think everyone acknowledges that police officers face serious risks every day, but we’re not talking about someone waving a knife or a bat, or making threats. You can’t justify using a tazer against someone who is not threatening anyone because of incidental injury that might occur. If that is the standard, the range of police encounters where tazers are justified becomes frightening.
But all this is only half the story. Read part 2 here.
