Police officer and physical violence?

Is it legal for an officer to "shove" or push anybody when they're not being arrested?

Me and a friend were walking behind two dudes after they had said something to us. It was just some drunken bickering, there was no physical violence between us at all - we were not charging at them or threatening violence, and an officer stormed across the street and shoved me. Then ironically accused me of "starting stuff".
Additional Details
I left alot out of this... I eventually got a disorderly conduct charge for asking the police officer constantly why he pushed me, hes trying to throw his weight around etc.

The other dudes were gone when I got arrested for "disorderly conduct". I was arrested because he said "If you say another word I'll arrest you".

I said "what for" -- not illegal.

As for the drunkenness. I have my friend as a witness as well as a person I don't even know who saw the cop shove me. He gave my friend his number so I could call him. He was sober.

it is me

battle fatigue

Debi in LA

Cops can pretty much do whatever they want. Then prove in court that they had reasonable cause. For instance, he could say that you were taking advantage of someone who was impared. If if you were the ones that was drunk, he could say you were drunk in public and making a disturbance.

If you have an encounter with a cop, and get to go home, consider that a good night.

Lori K

If you were drunk, I'm sure your perception is off. It's funny sometimes watching people recount stories about things that happened when they were drunk and then to see an actual tape of what truly happened. There's no telling what actually went on. Remember being drunk and disorderly IS a crime.

fr_chuck

Not really, but at times when there is drunken bickering going on, they have to gain control,

godged

Drunken bickering between 4 guys and you got pushed. How does the officer know that there wasn't a violent outburst about to take place? Why do you think it was ironic that he accused you of starting stuff? You are following two guys that said something to you. If they said something to you, blow it off and walk away. Or do the immature thing by following them down the street while participating in drunken bickering. You were starting stuff.

It could have been alot worse. You could've been seriously hurt in a fight, arrested, or both. Count your blessings.

rowdy7802

Sounds like you were starting something if the other dudes were walking away from you and you were following. The cop wwas just preventing something from happening.

Ask yourself this. If the police were not involved would a fight have started?

cireengineering

They're really not suppose to, but, in that situation the best thing to do is apologize to the officer and simply walk away.

Kiwi

WOW! I don't think that's legal but I have seen police violence with my own eyes. A cop told my friend to get in the car when he hadn't done anything. Some lady had said he did. I was there, he didn't. So he resists "arrest" and the cop grabs his busted arm (which is in a cast) and yanks him around and throws him in the car! OMG! It's not good. But anyways...I'm not exactly sure if they can but they shouldn't be able to.

SAINT G

You were assaulted. If you never threatened the safety of anyone, then the police officer acted outside the law.

the police are not the law, they are the enforcers of it, and cannot make it up as they go.

file a complaint. you will be treated like crap for it by them but either that or accept that you cant do anything about it.

also, we only have your word that you guys were innocent.

susi

All I will say is that police officers lives are on the line every day they go to work! They get little pay! They get called names! and frankly I think they deserve all the respect we can give them. Yes, this is my answer!

cranky

What did the officer see you 'do?' Did you wave your arms around, could it have looked like you were about to battery/assault the people you were with?
Were you inciting violence by your talk with your buddy? I don't mean with your friend, but something that might make those in front of you react in a violent manner towards you - like saying things to start a fight?
You have to remember perspectives - those of others. If you were just walking and talking and not inciting - or seeming to incite - then the officer was wrong.

Sgt 524

Just imagining what could gone wrong if these guys turned around and fought you.

The police officer saved you from finding out, the bad stuff.

Be thankful.

Hootiesplace

Hint: when an officer directs you to be quiet, that's a CLUE.
Continue talking at your own risk. What happened here was the alcohol caused your alligator mouth to overload your bunny-rabbit butt.
Alcohol+mouth+cops= jail

Michael A

be grateful. They let you off light. Usually, when they put their hands on you, you are under arrest. They must have liked you for some reason. The police are public servants, to serve and to protect. Where would we be without them?

s s

wELL FROM HIS PERCPECTIVE, HE WAS TAKING THE RIGHT ACTON. SINCE YOU WERE A BIT TIPSY, YOU SEEMED MORE DANGEROUS AND MORE LIKELY TO DO SOMETING STUPID THEN A PERSON WITH A CLEAR HEAD. to THE OFFICER HIS ACTION WAS JUSTIFIED

radar

my good friend go to www.wealth4freedom.com read through that and also look at the links to educate yourself good stuff

shermynewstart

AND, they can arrest you & add resisting arrest!!!

arw1447

I would put his butt under citizens arrest! Then when he tied to refuse i would say stop resisting. And taz him tell he **** him self.

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