Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Some Officers Wish to Apologize for Use of Taser

On Thanksgiving Day, 2006, Eugene Snelling was pulled over by an Austin Police Department Officer for a missing license plate and for allegedly driving five-miles over the speed limit. When pulled over, Officer O'Conner demands Snelling's driver's license and proof of insurance. After the first failed demand, Officer O'Conner begins yelling at Snelling and requires him to get out of the car. When Snelling questions the officers rational requests, O'Conner uses his taser.
This story has made headlines in the Austin American Statesman, but has been publicized throughout the Austin Police Department as well. The Police Chief, Art Acevedo, has said that he will use the video in order to train officers to better handle these types of situations. Other officers as well as the Union President extend their apologies to Snelling.
This article has captured my attention in that it directly effects the right of authority personnel in our local area. It is imperative that we, as locals, take interest in discussions regarding entities that are instituted to protect the citizens rather than dictate them. I find that this article is equally supported by the Austin American Statesman and the Public; thus, creating a well-balance and more credible article. I encourage you to take a look at the video attachments in order to better understand the issue at stake.
First, it is important to note that the information released to the press was released by the Austin Police Department. This was not information portrayed from a citizen or from the suspect involved. I believe that it is through Police Chief Acevedo's sincerity that credibility and truth is established. The release of this information proves importance to us, as local citizens, in that it exemplifies the intentions of APD: to serve and properly protect its city's people. The apologies of the officers uninvolved prove that there are quality officers amongst the APD who have learned from the behavior of O'Conner.
Another reason I believe that the APD released this information, and is now using this in order to better train its' officers, is because without acknowledgment of when the taser is being misused can cause the privilege of using it to be taken away. The APD, as well as other surrounding Departments, recognize the importance of having access to taser use. If proven that the officers are neglecting proper responsibility and handling of this protector, it can be prohibited. I think it is fair to explore the idea that maybe, just maybe, there was more than one motive behind the release of Chief Acevedo's video clip. Was the clip created in order to show sincere apology and acknowledgment of the wrongfully handled situation? Or, was it created in order to protect the use of tasers in the Austin Police Department?
As you may see, articles which contain information regarding this country's criminal protector's prove to be extremely important. Issues that arise today directly effect our city's future; thus, effecting the people.

Some Officer Wish to Apologize for Use of Taser

Police Chief, Acevedo, on the incident (as well as the video of the incident from the police car recorder)


Interview with Eugene Snelling

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