06-20-2008, 03:49 PM | #1 |
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cop charged with misdemeanor
the cop that fell asleep and klilled the cycklists s few months a go has been charged with a misdemeanor. UNder the circs., probably not a bad result.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/articl...CBFJ.DTL&tsp=1
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06-20-2008, 04:06 PM | #2 | |
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It says he faces "up to two years in county jail if convicted". Realistically, what is he looking at? How likely is it that he actually serves time, and if so, how much time? While I feel badly for the officer who has to live with this the rest of life, it makes me sick to think that he could get off with little more than a slap on the wrist. Two lives ended, another seriously injured. Many other family members seriously affected. |
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06-20-2008, 04:13 PM | #3 | |
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06-20-2008, 04:52 PM | #4 | |
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Creekster's position is understandable, but it is still disappointing that two deaths results in nothing more than a slap on the wrist. This quote is also relevant.
Quote:
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06-20-2008, 06:14 PM | #5 | ||
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He says: Quote:
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06-20-2008, 06:32 PM | #6 | |
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THat part is all about money. This is the theory of liability. I am sickened by what happened. But I have fallen asleep while driving before, and I suppose I was neglgient but I certainly didn't think so at the time. But for the grace of God or by good luck I didn't kill anyone. THis deputy was on duty and fell asleep. It was tragic. It is horrible. IF (note, that is a big if) he is incarcerated for 12-24 months, I do not think that is a mere slap on the wirst. GIven his level of improper conduct (going to work while tired) I think this is about right. As much as I hate to say it, and as sad as the accident makes me, and as sensitive as I am to the risks of the orad and the need to make drivers resposible (remember, I have been commuting about 3-4 times a week) I just don't see how more punishment would fit this crime.
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06-20-2008, 06:38 PM | #7 | |
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I disagree for these reasons friend. He's an officer of the law. He has a public duty to be alert. He deviated from his duty so I believe he should be held to a higher standard.
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06-20-2008, 06:39 PM | #8 |
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I understand this point, and I would not be offended if he was charged and punished under this idea, I suppose, but I still think the current prosecutorial approach here, in this case, is about right. My opinion might change, btw, based upon his conduct in responding to these charges.
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06-20-2008, 06:58 PM | #9 |
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It was and is an unfortunate accident that occurred. 2 years seems light to me, but I am not sure what good comes from a harsher sentence. It does not mention but I will assume he loses his job over this. That would also be a just punishment. I suspect he will have to find a complete new career. In the end no amount of time in jail will help the bereaved families recover from their losses and if the accused is not allowed to "protect and serve" anymore, then he is most likely not a continuing threat.
although, I still cant figure out how you fall asleep on a curvy mountain road, seems like it would keep you alert by itself.
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06-20-2008, 07:08 PM | #10 | |
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A good friend of goose and myself is one of the better cyclists I know (just disclosing that he has the same bias we all have) and he has a much different theory about what happened that really hadn't crossed my mind until he brought it up. Basically, he doesn't buy that the officer fell asleep. He says drivers rarely fall asleep on the curvy part of a road because it takes more concentration to navigate. It's the long straightaways that are usually the trouble (this was true in my case) as they take very little alertness to drive if nothing out of the ordinary occurs. He feels that this officer was driving fast through the curves on purpose. Maybe testing out the limits of his car or some sort of thing. Anyway, he thinks the falling asleep at the wheel thing is quite possibly a cop out (pun intended) as the officer knows there is no way to prove he wasn't asleep at the wheel. |
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