SFPD Uses Excessive Force

by Joshua Travers (josh.travers [at] sbcglobal.net)

Sat, Mar 22, 2003 9:31AM

Footage of arrest showing possible use of excessive force on a demonstrator in Market Street on Thursday. Duration of Video Clip is 1:00;02, 320x240 and the file size is 4.9MB.

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Police Use Excessive Force in Arrest of Market Street Protestor

Thursday, 3/20/03 Around 9:00AM-10:00AM

I did not see what prompted the use of force in this arrest, but it seemed excessive at the time (still appears to be excessive) This is a small file (4.9MB M-PEG 4 320x240) but the video is excellent, I had a great angle, that is until the SFPD formed a visual shield, as they did most of the day when making an arrest using what appeared to be excessive force. If anyone wishes, I can post a smaller video, but this is what I have available right now.

There is plenty more to post, but probably will not have an opportunity until late Saturday night.

The People Have the Power.

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§Excessive Force Questionable

by Joshua Travers (josh.travers [at] sbcglobal.net)

Sun, Mar 23, 2003 12:12AM

Upon reviewing this particular clip in slow motion (50% of the original speed) it appears that while the police officer holding the young woman's right arm was applying pressure that certainly caused a good deal of pain but little lasting effect, was prompted by the young woman's attempt to take a step or two forward. Once the young woman took that step the police officer holding her right arm applied more force to prohibit her forward progress, causing more pain to the woman, which could explain why she then attempted to take three to four steps forward and yelp in pain.

Bad situation, probably did not need to cause the young woman that much discomfort, but she did attempt to move forward, away from the police officers while she was being cuffed, prior to the officer applying any significant pressure to the hold he had the young woman in.

This illustrates the importance of our interpretation of events and how even with photos and videos, that we may misread what happened, and consequently, have the responsibility to place these written, audio, photo and video accounts under the greatest amount of scrutiny so as not to have our observations discredited after proclaiming the accuracy of what we claim to have seen.

BE OBJECTIVE!

ASSUMPTION IS THE MOTHER OF ALL FUCK-UPS!

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§good point

by birdbeakman (birdbeakman [at] hotmail.com)

Sun, Mar 23, 2003 9:00PM

you have a good point sir
but what she did seemed to be more out of instinct to get away from the source of pain...
while the officiator of the law {who is supposedly trained in not only how to use these technics, but also when and when not to!!!!!} didn't seem to mind thst he was hurting that young woman...

For more information: http://n/a

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§I was arrested there too.

by Mc Mcilvoy (mcmcillboy [at] yahoo.com)

Mon, Mar 24, 2003 8:59PM

I show up in this video also. That was at Fifth and Market, around 8:30 am. Yes, the police were very forceful with that person. However, I find it unlikely that they excercised any unnessary force at that time. I was treated with great care and respect by the police that entire day, even though I spent 7 hours on the Peir that day. I am the one kneeling in brown jacket, with a shaved head, at the very end of the clip. If you could send me a higher res image of myself getting arrested, I would be very greatful. Thanks.

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