What would you do if you saw a cop in trouble...

[WizardofOz]

On Sunday night I was watching a program on TV called Shocking Video (believe that was the correct name). The story lays out that a man is trying to break into a vehicle when a patrol officer walking in the neighborhood approaches him. The officer begins to radio in his position when the suspect slaps the radio out of his hand and attacks the officer. The two start wrestling with the officer trying to restrain him. You can see the suspects hands grabbing at the officer's uniform and belt. How can you see all this happening?

A woman that sees this happening picks up her camera and starts filming it. The narrator says that the woman videos this fight for well over a minute BEFORE she picks up the phone and calls 911 to say the officer may need help. Keep in mind the narrator said the officer was radioing his position when it got knocked away so other officers don't know where he is at and if they did, could be several minutes away. The video also catches people walking by and looking at what is happening but just keep walking. As I watched the video, I wondered what would have happened if the suspect got the officers firearm. Would the woman have captured a homicide on camera?

This begs the questions. If you as a citizen are walking or driving by and see a lone officer struggling with a person, what would you do? Would you keep walking, pick up a video camera hoping the video gets broadcast, or get in there and help?

[wordsmythe]

At the VERY least I'd call 911.

I'd like to think I'd do my best to lend a hand but not everyone should. The woman should have called 911 and kept filming. That may be the evidence needed to punish the criminal and is she's not able to intervene that may be all she could do.

[Detector]

I agree with Wordy. I'd like to think I'd do my best to help any officer in trouble. I also think the lady, other than not calling 911 FIRST, did the right thing.

[Tee]

Ditto!

I wouldn't want to see the women get hurt...but then again, I've seen some women that could hold their own.

[Army_of_One]

To be honest I think we should especially help a police officer but it should be noted that we should help anyone in this situation if we can.

[whyme?]

It all depends on what type of situation it is as to how much help should be offered but YES at least call 911 and report the situation. Sometimes people try to play the "hero" and are more of a hinderance than a help in certain situations.

[artistic-temper]

I don't know that I would be much help but I would at least call 911 ASAP and get some other peoples attention, see if anyone else could get in there and help.

[Highwayman]

....This begs the questions. If you as a citizen are walking or driving by and see a lone officer struggling with a person, what would you do? Would you keep walking, pick up a video camera hoping the video gets broadcast, or get in there and help?

A friend of mine found himself in that situation once. It was back in the dark ages before cell phones and video cameras. As he approached the scuffle to intervene the officer and the thug broke apart and they both turned on him. What’s going on is the two in conflict don’t know what your intentions are and assume you to be some kind of threat.

So calling 911 is good. Video evidence is also good. But if you intend to take any action you better damn sure know what you’re doing. Unless the officer knows you personally he may see you as a threat. If your plan involves a firearm the officer will likely see you as a bigger threat than the unarmed thug he’s fighting with, shoot first and ask questions later. If you distract the officer in any way it might allow the thug to get the upper hand.

Don’t think that you can’t make the situation worst because you can. With that said, if you can aid the officer without making things worst, go for it.

[KONQ RADIO]

Wait. Nobody wants to establish a perimeter, make a gate and sell tickets?

[gadwall]

kong i like your attitude