Watching this video clip of a traffic stop, you can see the rapid escalation of events and abuse of power by the police officer.
“Footage of the 10 July arrest shows Sandra Bland’s car being pulled over for failing to signal and then an ensuing confrontation with the officer.
The coroner said she hanged herself in her cell but her family has demanded an independent autopsy.
State officials and the FBI are both investigating her death.
In the video, released by the Texas Department of Public Safety, the policeman is seen issuing a ticket and then asking her to stub out her cigarette, which she refuses. When she refuses to step out of the car, he tries unsuccessfully to pull her out. He then appears to threaten her with a Taser and says the words: “I will light you up.”
I wonder how many people who have failed to signal on a turn end up tasered, harassed, threatened and arrested. Part of the tools of policing are effective communication, commons sense. Knowing when to ignore comments from driver and remain calm. Another important part of policing is honesty and integrity. If evidence has been tampered that is a criminal charge and shines a spotlight on many of the underlying issues. Let us hope the death of Ms. Bland will not be silenced.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-33613783