This video has been making the rounds on media sites recently, and depicts two NYPD Homeless Outreach officers struggling to apprehend a suspect.  Nearly everywhere I've seen this posted has some sort of ridiculous anti-cop biased spin thrown in [misleading titles, such as "NYPD BEAT MAN FOR SLEEPING", for example.] Everything from false arrest to brutality is claimed by keyboard commandos with an internet connection, it seems. A civilian entered the fray to offer assistance [seeing as the female officer called for assistance and then sort of stood off to the side], and responding backup officers wrapped things up quickly.

 

Many media outlets also incorrectly state that the individual was arrested for sleeping. This is far from the truth, however. The officers stated that the man was sprawled out across several seats, asleep. Obstructing seating is against MTA regulations and will result in a summons/ticket. If this guy didn't resist and become combative like he did, there's no way he would have been arrested. The individual with the camera really didn't need to try and verbally bait the officers at the end either, nor should she have pushed her camera in the officer's faces.

 

Video and article at the link below.

 

http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20140703/midtown/video-nypds-homeless-outreach-forcibly-removes-straphanger-for-sleeping

 

 

 

Edited July 9, 201411 yr by FCV96

The train was empty.. who cares

The train was empty.. who cares

 

At 4:18AM in the morning I imagine that would be the case for several trains. There is certainly a purpose, however. Aside from being against MTA regulations, sleeping passengers tend to attract criminal activity because they make for easy targets. With the recent crackdown on the subway system, the city is trying to reduce quality-of-life related offenses and similar problems.

At 4:18AM in the morning I imagine that would be the case for several trains. There is certainly a purpose, however. Aside from being against MTA regulations, sleeping passengers tend to attract criminal activity because they make for easy targets. With the recent crackdown on the subway system, the city is trying to reduce quality-of-life related offenses and similar problems.

 

So they fine people for their own safety? just a money grab.

 

Look, i'm all for the recording of officers, yadda yadda 1st Amendment, all for that. I just cannot stand one bit, when these officers are struggling to detain someone (key word right there: Struggling) and these people just keep asking "What is your badge number?" Or "What did he do?" Um, lady, they are kinda busy at the moment doing something. How about asking later??

So they fine people for their own safety? just a money grab.
 

And a 50 Dollar ticket isn't really going to help the 110 Billion Dollar deficit NYC faces, either...

 

Edited July 9, 201411 yr by Agey2

So they fine people for their own safety? just a money grab.

 

In all fairness, one could make this argument about every summons/ticket ever given. The fact of the matter is that the law is on the books, and works toward pushing one's personal safety as well as the public's overall safety. If there are less individuals sleeping, there is a lower chance for others to be victimized in a similar fashion. The obstruction of seating and no-feet-on-seats laws aim to increase quality of life and to discourage further criminal acts in accordance with the broken windows theory of policing. No one wants the subways from the 70s and 80s back for that matter.

 

 

Look, i'm all for the recording of officers, yadda yadda 1st Amendment, all for that. I just cannot stand one bit, when these officers are struggling to detain someone (key word right there: Struggling) and these people just keep asking "What is your badge number?" Or "What did he do?" Um, lady, they are kinda busy at the moment doing something. How about asking later??

 

I agree. Recording officers is fine, but obstructing their ability to do their jobs and basically baiting them to come and get you is crossing the line.

Edited July 9, 201411 yr by FCV96