Thursday, April 9, 2009
Fort Worth policeman broke deaf man’s nose during traffic stop, city reaches settlement
After what should have been a rather routine traffic stop, Christopher Ferrell, 43, left with a bloody nose and cause for a lawsuit. Ferrell, who is deaf, was stopped for speeding in Fort Worth by Officer J.A. Miller. When the officer came to the car, Ferrell went for identification to let the officer know that he couldn't communicate in a traditional manner. At this point, Miller pulled Ferrell out of the car, slammed him against the car and repeatedly pushed his face into the rear window, breaking Ferrell's nose.
The police department disciplined the officer and the city has reached a $50,000 settlement with Ferrell for the officer's unnecessarily violent actions against him.
(Video of the traffic stop at the link above.)
Posted by Erin
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jtmbls says:
Suspended for TWO days without pay? Really? Well, I guess we know which police department Officer Powell will be applying to.
I know Dallas police officers who have been fired for less than that. Shame on you Ft. Worth PD!!
Anonymous
7 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Alex Bentley says:
While I agree with you, Tumbles, I do want to point out that it seems like TV stations are now searching far and wide for the next incriminating dash cam video, thereby inflaming some people's already-low opinion of police officers.
In a contrast to this story, I was let off with a warning by an extremely polite Plano officer this morning. Even though he had every right to give me a ticket, from the moment he approached my window, his tone was calm and respectful, which in turn helped me be the same (not that I wouldn't have been otherwise, but still). I'm willing to bet that the vast majority of officers are just like the one I encountered, and the ones from the type of story above are the exceptions, not the rule.
Staff
7 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Jason Rice says:
The Plano cops I've met in ...um... "non-social settings" have all been nice, but I have got to give the first place trophy to Carrollton. Several times I've had dealings with those guys and they were amazing. At no time were they any less than "cop" but they could have been scooping ice cream at a picnic as cool and friendly as they were.
Verified
7 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Pavel Lishin says:
Alex - excellent points, and I agree with them, but that's no reason to not watch the police very carefully, and in cases like this, can them as quickly as possible.
News stories about police departments quickly punishing guilty officers would increase my faith in the police, I think.
Verified
7 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Travis Bush says:
Two days suspension? What a joke..
Alex, you might be right about the media searching for that stuff, but we shouldn't have to ask to see that kind of stuff to begin with. I have the notion that the last thing any police department is real transparency when it comes to their treatment of citizens.
Verified
7 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
jtmbls says:
it seems like TV stations are now searching far and wide for the next incriminating dash cam video
As they should be Alex. Had it not been for the fact that Moats had a little bit of fame, it would not have been newsworthy and there would not have been the public outcry. Would DPD have responded to the situation in the same manner? We'll never know for certain, but I sure can guess. My guess is that he would have been joining Officer Miller here on a couple days of vacation.
Perhaps the reason the Plano officer was so polite to you is that they have already had two (that I know of) multi-million dollar law suites filed against them for various forms of misconduct. I would suspect that kissing public ass is a major part of their job description in Plano.
Anonymous
7 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
DougD says:
jtmbls wrote: Perhaps the reason the Plano officer was so polite to you is that they have already had two (that I know of) multi-million dollar law suites filed against them for various forms of misconduct. I would suspect that kissing public ass is a major part of their job description in Plano.
Can elaborate on that please? What do you know and how do you know it? Do you know this for a fact is it something you heard from a guy who knows a dude who read about it on the internet?
I can tell you for a fact that "kissing public ass" will not be found in any police officer's job description, including those of the Plano PD. Moreover, such behavior should not be confused with polite professionalism. Plano has a well-trained department with good people and high standards. There's a big difference between a self-confident professional who treats people respectfully and a simpering "ass kisser" who is frightened of sue-happy loudmouths.
I have a hard time believing that Plano police officers are being told to "kiss public ass" because of some supposed "multi-million dollar law suites."
Anonymous
7 months, 2 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
jtmbls says:
Oh my, how did I miss this one? Yes, I do know for a fact that PDP was sued and that there was a hefty judgement or settlement. Forgive me for not doing the legwork for you. I'm sure google can help answer your question with more specifics. Meaning news reports and public records not mad ramblings. I also know of a more recent, publicized case in litigation. While you are probably correct in assuming the phrase kissing public ass was not included in any of the legal documents, rest assured, the verbal orders weren't entirely off key.
Anonymous
5 months, 3 weeks agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal