By Donn Esmonde
The purpose of police is to protect and serve. From what I saw with a couple of NFTA officers, it was more like agitate and abuse.
If this is the way NFTA cops routinely act, all I can say is cover your head and get out the safety glasses. The next pepper-spray victim could be you.
Transit cops were called April 8 to move anti-war protesters off M&T Bank property on Main Street downtown. The way I see it, the cops’ actions — instead of defusing the situation — sparked an unnecessary confrontation. It ended with three demonstrators arrested and one, 25-year-old Nate Buckley, pepper-sprayed by NFTA Officer Adam Brodsky when the man wasn’t resisting.
Any cop can tell you that pepper spray is used to subdue or control a subject —not as a punishment. NFTA officials might want to mention that to Brodsky. Especially since this is the second time in the last year that Brodsky has been accused of using excessive force. Maybe this guy should wear a cowbell, so we at least can hear him coming.
Charges of police abuse usually end up as he said/she said stalemates, with cops getting the benefit of the doubt. The difference this time is that the incident was digitally recorded (www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1AST5YSxPc).
via Once again, NFTA police cross the line – Donn Esmonde – The Buffalo News.
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