By Carlos Miller
It was a routine call to remove a drunk man off the bus who had refused to pay his fare, but a video recording of the incident demonstrated that Chicago police need to retrain some of their officers in basic people skills.
The officer stepped onto the bus and demanded the drunk man to step off. The man refused to budge so the officer gets agitated and continues his demands, laden with profanity.
The drunk man pulls change out of his pocket and offers to pay the fare but by then it’s too late, the cop insists he must step off.
Then the man stands up, apparently to step off the bus, and the officer grabs him by the shirt and asks, “do you want to fight me, do you want to fight me, do you want to fight me, do you want to fight me?”
From the angle of the video, it doesn’t appear that the drunk man is making any attempt to fight the officer because his right hand can be clearly seen holding onto the railing.
The cop ends up pushing the man back down onto his seat and punching him at least one while continuing to say “do you want to fight me?”
At this point, he finally calls for back-up. Two other cops arrive and lead the man off the bus to take him to jail.
The passenger recording the video, a member of Chicago Cop Watch, then asks the officer for his badge number.
“Officer, can I have your badge number, please,” the videographer asks.
“What’s that,” said the cop, whose badge number turned out to be 10677.
“Can I have your badge number?”
“Why, why do you want it … (unintelligible) … why, you got a problem?” barks the cop, obviously still agitated.
“No, I monitor the police, I just want to report it, thank you,” said the videographer.
“Good,” said the cop before the video cuts out.
Now the incident is being reviewed by the Chicago Independent Police Review Authority, according to the Chicago Tribune.
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36 responses so far ↓
1 Andrew DeFilippis // Feb 25, 2009 at 11:23 AM
A little too much aggression for this police officer. I’m sure the cop really did not want to deal with this guy, but he should have taken a different approach to the drunk bus rider.
2 sickntired // Feb 25, 2009 at 5:02 PM
these types of cops i believe became cops to abuse people, period. They thing they are above the law,
3 JC // Feb 27, 2009 at 4:35 AM
Another case of you cant see whats going on but hear a cop getting loud and cursing so he must be a lunatic on a rampage. The youtube video is so biased its not even funny as well as the article. “Slams passengers head” Come on.. Hes grabbing his shoulder for gods sake. Why do people hate the police so much? How about this; when the cops tell you to do something DO IT!
4 jones // Mar 1, 2009 at 1:54 PM
How many times does this guy have to be told to get off the bus? He told him to get off and he refused, he is now trespassing. Why are we upset about this video, do we want the police to start saying pretty please with a cherry on top? He told him to get off the bus, he refused, he is arrestable, what do you want the cop to do magically levitate this guy off the bus? As far as the f-bombs go, if you want to say that is unprofessional I’ll buy that, I’m sure he violated policy by using profanity but seriously who cares.
One article we are upset because a 15 year old girl was attacked by an officer because she was swearing and kicking shoes at him and we think the officer should have just turned the other cheek but now we are upset because this officer used profanity, sounds like a double standard.
5 Ross AZ // Apr 29, 2009 at 9:18 AM
So, jones, it’s ok in your world to beat up on a 15 year old girl because she swears and kicks a shoe at you? In my world, he crossed into criminality.
6 Duane Kerzic // Apr 29, 2009 at 3:31 PM
Carlos,
this needs an update. would be interesting to know if anything happened.
7 Goat // May 25, 2009 at 10:59 PM
OR you could do as your told, get off the fucking bus and avoid all that.
He walked away with less than what he deserved.
8 Police Instructor // Jun 5, 2009 at 9:46 PM
The officer did a fine job.
He is trained to come out on top. The officer has an ugly thankless job. And it seems that everyone here can do it so much better.
1) The Police Officer gave numerous verbal commands. (yes, they are commands as this is not up for negotiation, the officer is trained to control the situation, not be controlled.)
2) Dont touch or grab the police, its a bad idea.
3) Lets just be honest, we live in a defiant society, people just dont want to be told what to do.
I have the solution, the officer should have got on his knees and gave this guy oral.. That would have made you left wing idiots very happy.
9 concerned cilian // Jun 5, 2009 at 10:00 PM
Its something how the media has the ability to subjectively “title” the article and write the article in such a subjective matter that it sways the public.
Article could have just as easily read “Officer removed non compliant passenger”
and read “officer gave numerous chances for this stow away passenger to leave the bus as he failed to pay his far. This officer was extremely patient until this drunk and out of control criminal grabbed the officers arms and shoulders and refused to allow the other law abiding, good passengers of this bus to arrive at their destinations”
“The officer was able to contain the incident and none of the passengers were injured, and most of all the officer was able to go home to his family.”
But I guess the REAL story wouldn’t sell papers or have internet hits, would it??
The power of the pen.
The media should be monitored for slander and liable and held civilly accountable for the reputations they ruin.
10 Duane Kerzic // Jun 5, 2009 at 10:25 PM
This officer was extremely patient until this drunk and out of control criminal grabbed the officers arms and shoulders and refused to allow the other law abiding, good passengers of this bus to arrive at their destinations”
Concerned Cilian… I think you watched teh wrong video. The officer slammed the guys head against the bus window. The drunk and out of control ciminal appears to be in much better control of his behaviour than the officer.
Cilian I think your writings need to be monitored because they read like a police report.
Carlos, did you edit the video?
11 Karl Mansoor // Jun 5, 2009 at 10:26 PM
Police Instructor #8,
You could not be more wrong. The officer did a poor job in all respects.
Yes, he had the obligation and authority to remove the intoxicated person from the bus but the officer lacked professionalism. His tactics were thuggish, amateur, and ineffective.
It is behavior like his that gives professional law enforcement officers a bad name.
Time for retraining but it is probably too late.
12 Gordon Findlay // Jun 6, 2009 at 12:14 AM
I applaud the actions of this Public servant. All to often the paying public is submitted to law breaking, foul smelling individuals just looking for a place to sleep. I work hard for my money and demand that my public transportation be free of thes savages.
13 BLUERAGE // Jun 6, 2009 at 5:58 AM
All the skell had to do was get up …he’s lucky he didnt get his skull bashed in… Typical savage that is as useful to society as the dog shit on the sidewalk.
14 Tyrone Johnson // Jun 6, 2009 at 7:59 AM
Good work officer… Thats what we pay them for.. The camera person should of handled it themselves… Its amazing how the civilians tell police officers how to do there jobs. Then do it yourself.
15 Mark Wilson // Jun 6, 2009 at 8:16 AM
I have had to stand many times because of some non paying homeless bum has taken up residence across 3 seats. Its always good to accidently drop hot coffee on these mutant.
16 Joe Citizen // Jun 6, 2009 at 9:03 AM
The Cop did nothing wrong.. the guy was drunk .. refusing to comply .. GREAT WORK OFFICER ! I would have done nothing different ! Thank You Officers for Keeping all of us Safe !
17 darnliberals // Jun 6, 2009 at 9:48 AM
I think that conviction left you somewhat bitter. you’re a “‘professional’ aggitator” trying to stir stuff up.
The officer ordered the drunk off the bus. He did not leave. Officer was clearly getting annoyed. Officer did grab drunk mans coat and shook him but he did NOT slam the guys head against window! you didn’t even have a good angle. time 1:30 when you claimed the officer punched the drunk, another seated passenger’s head is in the way. Maybe he didnt need to curse so much but hell I’d get mad at this drunk too. How many times does an officer need to give an order before someone complies?
The answer is ONCE! I don’t liek the idea of anyone getting abused or having their rights violated but this isn’t the case here. Everyone says fuck the cops until they need help. typical.
18 carlos // Jun 6, 2009 at 10:28 AM
good work by the officer
19 Karl Mansoor // Jun 6, 2009 at 11:03 AM
To those who abhor having a “law breaking,” “foul smelling,” “non-paying” drunk in your midst, I’m with you. Who wants to be around that?
But if people support the manner in which the officer handled the problem, they fail to realize that the same behavior which the officer displayed against the drunk on the bus – that lack of professionalism and improper nuances in his tactics – is often foisted on the law abiding as well. It is that attitude which causes some officers to fabricate stories and testify falsly. Cases against the legitimately guilty are then lost and you have criminals going free. It allows for wrongful arrests, prosecutions, and convictions. It is what gets innocent people injured and sometimes killed.
The lack of police professionalism has a snowballing effect that catches anybody, including innocent folks, in its path. And it may one day catch you. You won’t like it when that happens.
20 Duane Kerzic // Jun 6, 2009 at 11:13 AM
Karl,
I’d just ignore this for now. This was all posted by the same person. Who knows what the intent was but it’s not about discussion. Probably someone that’s off duty and drunk with nothing better to do with their time.
21 Karl Mansoor // Jun 6, 2009 at 11:23 AM
You know Duane, you’re probably right – or it could be someone on duty and hungover.
Or maybe someone who is suspended and awaiting trial for civil rights violations.
22 Sal // Jun 6, 2009 at 12:19 PM
Nice work Officer, You gave the Savage enough chances before using what is considered reasonable force.. I think carlos needs to get a girlfriend to occupy his, (n0) LIFE… loser
23 nyc // Jun 6, 2009 at 3:06 PM
I guess this moron video tapping wanted the police officer to say “pretty please” The guy was asked more then once, nicely, to exit the bus. After that all bets are off you get removed. GREAT JOB OFFICER.
24 Arial // Jun 6, 2009 at 3:38 PM
I agree with Karl M. The officer needed to remove the man from the bus, it is true. But the lack of professionalism was awesome. Cursing, showing aggressive behavior toward a drink. He should have spoken to him respectfully (I am NOT kidding) at first, but firmly removed him from the bus if he then refused to go. I agree that if behavior like this is allowed in the police, it will be used on the innocent as well as the guilty. Those who support it are asking for BIG problems with the police!
25 Anonymous // Jun 6, 2009 at 6:20 PM
Typical cop think, one wrong always makes a right. You signed up to deal with drunks like this when you became a cop. Either quit your job or do it right. But these idiots have no ability to see intentions; that the bum was probably just trying to get home, not start trouble.
“Everyone says fuck the cops until they need help. typical.”
Don’t kid yourself. Personally I would ask a homeless bum for help before I called some violent, stupid, potential loose-cannon and liar—cop. And the bus drivers’ a real jerk for calling the cops in the first place.
“The media should be monitored for slander and liable and held civilly accountable for the reputations they ruin.”
Well then cops reply’s on message boards, etc should be monitored for pure hatred, lies and slander of anyone who alleges police misconduct.
26 Johnny Public // Jun 6, 2009 at 7:05 PM
I think what people missing here is that SOMEONE CALLED THE POLICE..
Well, if you call the police that means that the public FAILED to handle this situation on their own.
Now the police officer who is just a PERSON trys his best to deal with a drunk NON compliant criminal.
And what do we do, THROW rocks at the cop..
It is comical, today we VILINIZE the Police and VICTIMIZE the Criminal.
Stop backing your police, and you will get what you deserve, a police department that will be more RE-ACTIVE, they will simply come after the crime and just take the report. That is the service you deserve.
I guess this cop should have just opened his shirt and use his “care bear” powers. I am sure a rainbow would have made everyone happy.
All cops need to turn in their guns immediatly and fill their holsters with lolipops and candy.
This officer should have boarded the bus handing out movie passes and candy.. Well than we should have him wear a red nose and a wig with big shoes…
27 cam // Jun 6, 2009 at 11:43 PM
The glaring grammatical errors in all these cop-slobbering posts seem eerily similar. Hmm…
28 Johnny Public // Jun 7, 2009 at 12:19 PM
“The glaring grammatical errors in all these cop-slobbering posts seem eerily similar. Hmm…”
Sorry, I didnt take journalism and writting courses in college.
But dont mistake these post to be from one person with alot of free time, They are from numerous individuals who JUST DONT AGREE with you!
You may have to face it CAM, you may be the “minority” on this one. (no pun intended)
29 Johnny Public // Jun 7, 2009 at 12:29 PM
I had to watch this video again.
1) the officer waited ONE minute being nice asking this person to get off the bus. The subject passivly resisted the Officer by refusing to comply.
2) the officer slightly escalated his use of force shaking the man to get his attention and verbally escalating his use of force from verbal commands to soft empty hand control. The Subject than used his body weight to resist the officer.
3) the subject began to hold on to the bars and verbally refused to follow commands. now the subject is defensivly resisting the officer.
4) the subject now grabs the officer which is crossing the line into active agression.
the officer stated “do you want to fight me” numerous times, as the subject is grabbing the officer and pulling the officer. The officer is concerned for his safety.
This is totally justified. The officer showed great restraint.
Obviously people here may have taken some “journalism” courses and know how to move a “pen” but obviously they missed a few legal courses.
30 jones // Jun 7, 2009 at 5:48 PM
If I ever have to call the cops because of some low life, drunk thief, I hope this officer, or one like him, shows up.
31 Arial // Jun 7, 2009 at 7:53 PM
Well I am starting to question the origins of the messages here. I suspect we have some police officers assigned to this forum.
Here is a message for you. I appreciate and respect policemen who do their jobs in a professional manner. But there are a few of us out here who still have some family and decency values. Surprise! Surprise! If I had been on the bus and my children heard the language of that officer, I´d have been asking for his badge number myself! That behavior did not facilitate the process a bit and it was offensive.
The man was drunk. Therefore not in his right mind. What kind of behavior would you expect from him? Has anyone ever been around a drink? He only needed to be removed. The drunk did what might be expected. But I would expect a bit better behavior from an officer.
If you other people (aside from the officers here) are willing to allow this, then I guarantee it will be used on you. And rightly so! You will richly deserve it.
32 jones // Jun 7, 2009 at 8:41 PM
If I had children on the bus I would take the opportunity to explain to my kids that is why you don’t break the law.
33 Andrew // Aug 7, 2009 at 12:58 PM
The guy was a jerk and resisted the cop. The cop did nothing wrong. Sorry if swearing at drunkin jerks offends people. Actually I thought the cop was quite controlled.
34 Big Ugly // Oct 11, 2009 at 12:38 PM
The ‘officer’ NEVER asked the guy to get up – he ordered him in an aggressive manner. The ‘drunk’ said that he had paid, the cop said that he had not, the drunk offered to pay again. The cop became very belligerent. Yes, he did hit the drunk and he did bounce the drunk’s head off the window. The ‘officer’ was overly aggressive at all times – up to and including when asked for his badge number (which he is REQUIRED to give when asked).
35 Rail Car Fan // Apr 8, 2010 at 1:57 PM
Johnny Public is sounding more like “Johnny Law” with every post, but that couldn’t be a coincidence.. could it!!?
Rail Car Fan
36 Rusty Carr // Apr 8, 2010 at 5:06 PM
Ugly cop in an ugly town.
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