Shameful Police Action

Late March 18 a man was rushing his wife, another family member to a Dallas hospital. They had received word that his mother-in-law was dying. A block from the hospital the roads were somewhat disserted as the man approached an intersection, the light was red but with little traffic. With the flashers on the driver slowed and moved through the intersection once it was clear and proceeded into the hospital entrance.

Dallas police officer, Robert Powell, rushed up behind him with is lights flashing. The driver kept going down the drive and into the parking lot with his flashers still on. As the family got out of the car the officer drew his car and ordered the occupants back into the car. The video clearly indicates that the driver was trying to explain that they needed to get inside to see his wife’s dying mother before she passes. The police officer told him to he could care less what the family needed to do, he wanted them back in the car.

The driver’s wife and her sister ignored the police officer and walked off. The officer demanded the license and insurance. The driver said he was not certain he had the insurance card but he had the registration card. The officer threatened to tow the car and to put the driver in prison. The driver kept trying to explain what was happening but the officer remained cold and unmoved even after a nurse came out to confirm that the mother-in-law as within minutes of dying. Another police officer had not only arrived but suggested to Officer Powell to not issue the ticket and let the driver get inside. Powell who later stated to his department that “I handled everything appropriately” remained unmoved and held the man thirteen minutes as he slowly wrote the ticket, and then lectured the driver on his attitude.

When the driver arrived at his mother-in-law’s bedside he was too late. She had passed away just a few minutes before.

While Powell feels he was justified in his actions, I do not. The context clearly showed that the man was headed for an emergency. His story made sense. If Powell had any doubts, at the very least he could have followed the man inside. I recognize police officers have a tough and stressful job, but that said we need police officers who have enforce the laws with common sense and compassion. Powell’s actions last night serves as an example of what we do not need to see from our law enforcement officers. If anything Powell’s actions and attitude ostracizes the officers from the public by decreasing the respect given to them.

The Dallas Police Department initially put Powell on dispatch duty. The Dallas Chief of Police Kunkel upon hearing about the matter and after it was published in the press appeared before the press earlier today to say that after reviewing the tapes he has suspended his officer. The Chief issued an apology to the family and community as a whole. Chief Kunkel says that Powell will remain suspended without pay until the review is complete and the review could recommend that Powell be dismissed.

Given that the department’s initial reaction was mild and no suspension took place for a week I am left wondering if Chief Kunkel would have taken this action if the driver of the vehicle was not NFL running back Ryan Moats and the matter had not come to the attention of the press.