4/11/2011 Clearwater PD CONFRONTATION w/ CCPA COPWATCHERS

We filmed Clearwater Police officers for the first time on the corner of Gulf-to-Bay & Belcher Rd. They got extremely agitated with what we were doing and demanded our IDs, and of course, we refused. This is a good example of the right way to deal with a police encounter. Notice how the officer deflects the question when I ask him if I am being detained. He never says one way or the other, but if he doesn't give you a definate answer, then you have every right to walk away, just as we did. Needless to say, we'll be back in Clearwater very soon.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• cpd
• clearwater police department
• clearwater
• florida
• cops
• police
• arrest
• DUI
• copwatch
• cop watch
• ccpa
• ccpafl
• traffic stop
• police state
• citizen contact
• intimidation
• identification
• ID

[that1pin]

I honestly think that you(ccpa) should find something better to do. Go get a education and a career job. These Officers are doing their duty to protect and serve us(citizens) from the criminals out in the streets. how would you like it if I went to your place of employment and filmed you at work like a lab rat. If you are so interested in law enforcement, why dont you just become a cop? I have never heard of any officer abuse their power on citizens. so just grow up son, get your GED and a job.

[ccpafl]

@that1pin @that1pin And as far as no officer ever abusing the rights of citizens:

Our own encounter in January of 2011, 2 New Orleans Police officers just convicted of Civil Rights Violations, Officer charged with assault after kicking citizens in San Fransisco, Chicago Police officers arrested for robbing citizens, And arrest of San Fransisco man after refusing to hand over video. By the way, these are news stories from the past 4 days, so please research before making rash statements.

[ccpafl]

@JJBIOPET By the way you addressed your feelings so vilely toward us, I'd say you were the ignorant one. Thanks for watching!

[nextdimensions]

It's interesting to see how threatened they feel by a camera and someone not wanting to give more information other than a first name.

[ltajambi]

@crytoyourmom Its clear that the police were trying to escalate the situation and be confrontational. These guys defused the situation while still holding their ground. So much for "peace officers" trying to start a fight.

[fkerpants]

If any cops see this video and have a problem with people videotaping them, here's a word to think about:

Cope.

You're public servants, you use enormous resources, you drive very visible vehicles and we have a right to film you. Remember that word next time you see someone with a camera.

Cope.



[todddguillory]

Asshole cops

[crytoyourmom]

lol low lives like you guys wana act like you know the law and ask questions like are you being detained. if not i have the right to leave. but when the cop says hes stopping and questioning you. you got shook and decided to leave. lol. i gotta say im impressed with the way the cops handled you 2. most of the time its the people recording who makes the cops and authorities speechless. now its you guys just walking the other way

[amaturemusicians]

@that1pin fuck those cops

[roaringwaterbay]

@nextdimensions they get nervous when citizens exercise their rights. the goon squad expects everyone to roll over.

[jvangel]

It's amazing how small the cops dicks are.

Control and Intimidate,.....that's what they do.

[fyadcorp]

I like this. You didn't divulge any information (maintaining your right to remain silent), you didn't try to reason or argue with the police as most photographers/videographers do. You didn't wimp out and you asserted your rights.

There are countless examples of photographers and videographers on Youtube trying to reason with the police and it never works--they need to learn when to shut the hell up and assert their rights in a more productive manner.