reply to post by Domo1
Because its a crime scene. Its entirely possible the actions of family members could alter any criminal or even civil actions against the officer.
While I understand the family members response, his actions could undermine any justice for the girls death. Again, I cant say this enough - Its a
crime scene.
As far as the lights and siren goes that is completely irrelevant. The Supreme Court has ruled that the responsibility to exercise a higher degree of
due diligence and caution while any emergency vehicle is responding lies with the officer, not the public.
If the officer were running code, full lights and sirens, and comes up on an intersection where the officers light is green and ends up t-boning a car
who ran the red light, its still the officers fault. Because we can lawfully ignore certain traffic regulations (traffic mind you - its very narrow)
for emergencies, the standard placed on the officer is extremely high, and for good reason.
One of the top 10 most dangerous actions law enforcement can perform is responding code to a call.
As for this case, based on the article, the cop is done with law enforcement and will see the inside of a prison cell for his actions. Even if his
defense was he was responding to a call, it will not work. The responsibility is the officer and the officer alone.
I know its not much comfort to people trying to explain this. Also, I am not defending the officers actions. I am merely providing the information
that will better allow people to understand the how and whys.
edit on 20-12-2011 by Xcathdra because: (no reason given)
I'm gonna go punch a few holes in a wall....
