Another Rotten Apple?

[Gromit]

A police commissioner has called for swift action after a sergeant was filmed threatening an amateur photographer and promising to make his life 'living hell' at the scene of a fatal road accident.

The sergeant, who gave his name as Wallace on the video of the incident, told the 26 year old photographer "You're lucky I didn't knock you out."
He told him he would arrest him and ask for him to be remanded in custody if he did not delete photos from his camera.

Gloucestershire police have already said they are investigating the sergeant's behaviour but now the county police and crime commissioner Martin Surl is calling for 'utmost urgency.'
Mr Surl, a former police superintendent in the Gloucestershire force, said "It appears this officer swore at a member of the public, followed that up by saying he was lucky not to have been assaulted by the police, threatened him with arrest, mistreatment and a remand in custody.

"I appreciate the work of the police can be very challenging, but no matter what the situation they should deal with the public in a civil and responsible manner at all times. //

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/law-and-order/10555260/Gloucestershire-police-sergeant-filmed-threatening-photographer-and-saying-he-would-make-his-life-hell.html

What should be the punishment?

[mikey4444]

Rubbish ludwig. Standard amongst some stupid and ignorant policemen but not hopefully.

[pixie373]

It's completely unprofessional. That sort of behaviour isn't tolerated in a playground.

[youngmafbog]

Luckily we dont have carnage in the playground.

[hc4361]

We did not see the start of the exchange. How many times was the photographer asked to move or stop filming? What was his attitude in response?
It is very possible the photographer deliberately goaded the policeman, we'll never know.

[browntrout]

exactly, hc4361. you wind 'em up and you get grief. like:

officer; do you know why I stopped you......

motorist; why, can't you remember ....

[Gromit]

Filming and taking photos in a public place is not illegal.

Filming the police working is not illegal.

The police have no power to ask you to delete any photos you have taken.

By refusing that request is not breaking any law.

It will be interesting to see how he is dealt with.

[pixie373]

That's all irrelevant. If a policeman can only deal with non-irritating, obedient members of the public without losing his rag, he's in the wrong job. There is no situation where acting like a 2 year old having a tantrum is helpful.

[pixie373]

^^To hc.

[DrFilth]

the full video was up on you tube , the so called officer needs to be sacked as a warning to other nazi style dibbs. the road was blocked off put the pavements were open and if you take the time to watch all the video you will see other members of the public walking up and down.

[DrFilth]

you will also see the tape they had used to block off the scene wrapped around the so called officers hand in the full version of the video

[DrFilth]

have a look
.
.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpP6tRqLaM8

[Peter Pedant]

.

He can't threaten a man for no reason.

For some reason the Police dont like cameras even tho they may generate evidence - if you look at the trooper Rigby murder the first thing the police say is - get them out of here- they all have cameras

typical but i have always thought it strange.

[woofgang]

hc, if a police officer cannot stay calm in the face of being goaded, he or she shouldn't be a police officer....