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Using a Lifeline pendant while black is punishable by death.[Chamberlain]

Edith UpwardsEdith Upwards Registered User regular
edited May 2012 in Debate and/or Discourse
Ze Pollack wrote:
So, funny story.

On November 19, 2011, a 68-year-old ex-marine named Kenneth Chamberlain rolled over and accidentally activated his medical alert bracelet. A signal was sent out to dispatchers.

An hour later, Kenneth Chamberlain had been shot twice by a police officer responding. Tragically, all police recordings of the event were either turned off before the shooting or mysteriously lost. What are the odds, right?


But Chamberlain's LifeAid device was still recording.


And now, the punchline. Turns out the shooter had been brought up on charges before for an incident in 2008 when he'd been involved in the beating of a bunch of (as the officer in question described them) ragheads.

Sure is a good thing the police department made sure he was still able to Protect And Serve while investigations were ongoing. Can you imagine the elderly black men who would have gone unmurdered if they hadn't?

Edith Upwards on

Posts

  • LilnoobsLilnoobs Alpha Queue Registered User regular
    You probably want to add more if you don't want this locked.

  • KageraKagera Imitating the worst people. Since 2004Registered User regular
    Well let's start with a later update.

    http://m.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/may/09/marine-new-york-police-kenneth-chamberlain?cat=world&type=article

    So the grand jury cleared the officer of all charges citing lack of evidence.

    Neighbors listening through closed doors say chamberlain did not want to let the officers in and ensured them he was fine. Officers did not appreciate this and eventually forced themselves into the apartment. That is when chamberlain was killed after being tasered, shot with beanbags, and ultimately real bullets.

    My neck, my back, my FUPA and my crack.
  • SmokeStacksSmokeStacks Registered User regular
    I wasn't aware that it was still legal to kill black people in America.

  • OnTheLastCastleOnTheLastCastle let's keep it haimish for the peripatetic Registered User regular
    Why did the police respond to a life alert pendant? Can anyone answer this? That is a medical emergency.

    Is the assumption that this could be pushed in the case of an attack?

  • KageraKagera Imitating the worst people. Since 2004Registered User regular
    Why did the police respond to a life alert pendant? Can anyone answer this? That is a medical emergency.

    Is the assumption that this could be pushed in the case of an attack?

    When the alarm went off a lifeline rep used a special intercom to try to communicate with chamberlain who did not respond. Emts were sent with police escort.

    Snopes has a decent breakdown.

    http://www.snopes.com/politics/crime/chamberlain.asp

    My neck, my back, my FUPA and my crack.
  • SmokeStacksSmokeStacks Registered User regular
    edited May 2012
    Police are trained as first responders. They might have been closer to the house and could have gotten there faster than EMTs, or it might be policy to send them first since the user isn't directly dialing 911, the device dials a call center and one of the employees calls instead.

    edit: or, above

    SmokeStacks on
  • zerg rushzerg rush Registered User regular
    I wasn't aware that it was still legal to kill black people in America.

    You haven't visited the Treyvon Martin / George Zimmerman thread, I see.

  • Delta AssaultDelta Assault Registered User regular
    That's not really a funny story.

  • SiskaSiska Shorty Registered User regular
    WTH! Nothing in this story makes sense. Why the hell would any of those things happen? Why did they absolutely have to come in after he said he was fine and didn't want them there? Why would the police think that taunting an agitated and frightened man was the right thing to do to get him to open the door? And once inside there was somehow a need to taser, beanbag and shoot him? And then they don't get charged by the grand jury? There must be more to this story.

  • FeralFeral MEMETICHARIZARD interior crocodile alligator ⇔ ǝɹʇɐǝɥʇ ǝᴉʌoɯ ʇǝloɹʌǝɥɔ ɐ ǝʌᴉɹp ᴉRegistered User regular
    I wasn't aware that it was still legal to kill black people in America.

    It is if you're carrying a badge.

    And sometimes if you're not.

    every person who doesn't like an acquired taste always seems to think everyone who likes it is faking it. it should be an official fallacy.

    the "no true scotch man" fallacy.
  • CasualCasual Wiggle Wiggle Wiggle Flap Flap Flap Registered User regular
    What I want to know is, even in their fucked up version of events, what justification do the officers in question have for shooting Chamberlain dead after tasing him and hitting him with beanbag rounds? The guy was 68 for christs sakes, theres no way he was doing anything but lying on the floor trying not to die when they took the decision to use lethal force to protect themselves.

    What reason did the court cite for aquitting them? I really have to think theres something been left out of the story here. Otherwise the court straight up legalised murder.

  • kildykildy Registered User regular
    The police apparently stated he was advancing on the officers with a knife, and was shot.The former Marine shot by cops in his apartment died from a single bullet that entered his right arm and ripped through both lungs, according to an autopsy report obtained by the Daily News.

    "The former Marine shot by cops in his apartment died from a single bullet that entered his right arm and ripped through both lungs, according to an autopsy report obtained by the Daily News."

    Autopsy says unlikely, as well as the audio indicating that this went sideways well before any weapons were drawn. In addition, the bullet was after being shot with a taser and a beanbag. If you have time to switch weapons multiple times, I have trouble believing the man was an imminent threat. Why the fuck did they even have the beanbag on them? Isn't that a riot control weapon you bust out of the car? Do pistols fire them now, or do we bring shotguns on medical calls?

    The entire story stinks. And only slightly related: there should be automatic prosecution of any police officers on duty/in maintenance for loss or damage of police recordings. Overly harsh, sure (shit happens), but there's a current issue where the tapes are always available when they justify police actions, and always mysteriously not working when there is a question about police misbehavior.

  • Rhan9Rhan9 Registered User regular
    The loss/"malfunction" of recording equipment in the course of police officers performing their duties should be grounds for immediate suspension and investigation by EXTERNAL authorities, followed by termination and prosecution if deemed necessary.

    They seriously let the police get off with switching their recording equipment off and killing a dude?

    And why the fuck does the guy being a former marine matter jack shit?

  • SheepSheep Registered User, __BANNED USERS regular
    edited May 2012
    America. System that works.(TM)

    EDIT

    Oh, and fuck the police.

    Sheep on
  • FencingsaxFencingsax It is difficult to get a man to understand, when his salary depends upon his not understanding GNU Terry PratchettRegistered User regular
    Rhan9 wrote: »
    The loss/"malfunction" of recording equipment in the course of police officers performing their duties should be grounds for immediate suspension and investigation by EXTERNAL authorities, followed by termination and prosecution if deemed necessary.

    They seriously let the police get off with switching their recording equipment off and killing a dude?

    And why the fuck does the guy being a former marine matter jack shit?

    Because as well as making disparaging remarks about his race, they made disparaging remarks about his service. At least from the article I read.

  • FeralFeral MEMETICHARIZARD interior crocodile alligator ⇔ ǝɹʇɐǝɥʇ ǝᴉʌoɯ ʇǝloɹʌǝɥɔ ɐ ǝʌᴉɹp ᴉRegistered User regular
    Fencingsax wrote: »
    Rhan9 wrote: »
    The loss/"malfunction" of recording equipment in the course of police officers performing their duties should be grounds for immediate suspension and investigation by EXTERNAL authorities, followed by termination and prosecution if deemed necessary.

    They seriously let the police get off with switching their recording equipment off and killing a dude?

    And why the fuck does the guy being a former marine matter jack shit?

    Because as well as making disparaging remarks about his race, they made disparaging remarks about his service. At least from the article I read.

    Judging from the Marines I've known, that's like disrespecting somebody's religion.

    every person who doesn't like an acquired taste always seems to think everyone who likes it is faking it. it should be an official fallacy.

    the "no true scotch man" fallacy.
  • mrt144mrt144 King of the Numbernames Registered User regular
    Well, the marines are kinda loony

  • Just_Bri_ThanksJust_Bri_Thanks Seething with rage from a handbasket.Registered User, ClubPA regular
    Loony, yes. Absolutely solid, also yes.

    If I need help I will take a Marine any day of the week, and I say that as an Army veteran.

    Just... make sure you give them clear instructions.
    Kidding, I love you guys!

    ...and when you are done with that; take a folding
    chair to Creation and then suplex the Void.
  • durandal4532durandal4532 Registered User regular
    Hey, look

    maybe if he hadn't something something something they wouldn't have had to shoot him!

    I'll fill that in later with whatever thing it is I'm sure justifies being killed. Anyway the point is cops are super great already and don't need any help so stop grousing you dang kids.

    We're all in this together
  • SmokeStacksSmokeStacks Registered User regular
    The sad thing is that in every Cops Gone Wild/Fuck The Police thread there is at least one person who makes an unironic version of durandal's post.

  • Edith UpwardsEdith Upwards Registered User regular
    According to Chong, Chamberlain attacked police first with a hatchet and then a knife. In an attempt to subdue him, cops used a Taser, then shot beanbags at him. Carelli finally fired two shots from his service gun as Chamberlain advanced with a knife.

  • Rhan9Rhan9 Registered User regular
    edited May 2012
    Erich Zahn wrote: »
    According to Chong, Chamberlain attacked police first with a hatchet and then a knife. In an attempt to subdue him, cops used a Taser, then shot beanbags at him. Carelli finally fired two shots from his service gun as Chamberlain advanced with a knife.

    So basically this old dude with medical problems flew into a murderous rage for no apparent reason, and transformed into Terminator and the cops were lucky to escape with their lives from his onslaught? Glad we cleared that up. :P


    Honestly, I can't really think of a justification for the police to be on scene in the first place, since it's not like they are trained paramedics, or should be responding to medical emergencies anyhow. I wouldn't send Animal Control to put out a fire.

    Rhan9 on
  • HevachHevach Registered User regular
    edited May 2012
    Actually, in many cases, yes, it is like they are trained. Many departments require them to have first aid and CPR certification and AED certification is becoming a more common requirement. They're trained medical first responders, which is necessary in a line of work where you're liable to get hurt or hurt somebody and don't get to have doctors standing around waiting like, say, a hockey player. Some departments even require them to have midwife training, because the sitcom cliche of a cop delivering a baby in a cab or gas station has actually happened, particularly in dense cities where the only emergency personnel likely to reach a call in time is one that's on foot or on a bike or motorcycle, an ambulance will be far too late.

    It's not like EMT is exactly a highly specialized title. The training isn't easy, but it is only 150 hours or so, you can do it in one semester at a community college.

    Hevach on
  • HeirHeir Ausitn, TXRegistered User regular
    Yeah pretty sure most Cops are trained as first responders. It doesn't make the case any less fishy, but I don't see a problem with them showing up.

    camo_sig2.png
  • YarYar Registered User regular
    edited May 2012
    Demographics of arrest-related deaths seem to mirror the demographics of arrests as a whole fairly closely, but not perfectly. It's hard to find apples to apples data, but what I've found so far is that in 2006 and 2009, blacks accounted for 29.4% and 29.9% of all arrest-related deaths. In 2006 and 2009, blacks accounted for 28.1% and 28.4% of all arrests. Other races match fairly closely as well. There appears to be a small (<= 1.5%) "killed him for being black" effect. ARDs include suicides (much more common among whites) and death by intoxication (blacks) as well as "unknowns" and other stuff. Factoring in all of that may increase the black effect by a tiny amount, but it would still be around 1.5%.

    Yar on
  • kildykildy Registered User regular
    Erich Zahn wrote: »
    According to Chong, Chamberlain attacked police first with a hatchet and then a knife. In an attempt to subdue him, cops used a Taser, then shot beanbags at him. Carelli finally fired two shots from his service gun as Chamberlain advanced with a knife.

    My issue with that version of events is actually the beanbags. Because from my recollection, they're only fired from shotguns, not pistols. (correct me if I'm out of date, there)

    Which would mean they responded to an EMT call with shotguns? Like, I'd maybe possibly see "we broke in after arguing, were scared, and tased him", because a taser is something they had on them. But a shotgun means they went back down to their car and got the fucking thing.

  • PaladinPaladin Registered User regular
    or some cop could have stayed in the car and grabbed it on his way out when they called for armed backup

    Marty: The future, it's where you're going?
    Doc: That's right, twenty five years into the future. I've always dreamed on seeing the future, looking beyond my years, seeing the progress of mankind. I'll also be able to see who wins the next twenty-five world series.
  • Edith UpwardsEdith Upwards Registered User regular
    edited May 2012
    kildy wrote: »
    Which would mean they responded to an EMT call with shotguns?
    I don't care [n], just open the goddamned door.

    The sad thing is that he knew that they were going to kill him.
    Chamberlain collapsed on the ground and “continued to slash away at officers” who tried to give him CPR and then he attempted to cut his own throat, according to Chong.

    Edith Upwards on
  • DelphinidaesDelphinidaes FFXIV: Delphi Kisaragi Registered User regular
    edited May 2012
    Erich Zahn wrote: »
    kildy wrote: »
    Which would mean they responded to an EMT call with shotguns?
    I don't care n****r, just open the goddamned door.

    The sad thing is that he knew that they were going to kill him.
    Chamberlain collapsed on the ground and “continued to slash away at officers” who tried to give him CPR and then he attempted to cut his own throat, according to Chong.

    "You see Sir I had to shoot him, he was trying to kill himself"

    ElJeffe on
    NNID: delphinidaes
    Official PA Forums FFXIV:ARR Free Company <GHOST> gitl.enjin.com Join us on Sargatanas!
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  • BurtletoyBurtletoy Registered User regular
    edited May 2012
    Erich Zahn wrote: »
    kildy wrote: »
    Which would mean they responded to an EMT call with shotguns?
    I don't care n*****, just open the goddamned door.

    The sad thing is that he knew that they were going to kill him.
    Chamberlain collapsed on the ground and “continued to slash away at officers” who tried to give him CPR and then he attempted to cut his own throat, according to Chong.


    It's against the rules to use that word.

    Even if you are just quoting someone else @Delphinidaes

    Burtletoy on
  • CogliostroCogliostro Marginal Opinions Spring, TXRegistered User regular
    Kagera wrote: »
    Why did the police respond to a life alert pendant? Can anyone answer this? That is a medical emergency.

    Is the assumption that this could be pushed in the case of an attack?

    When the alarm went off a lifeline rep used a special intercom to try to communicate with chamberlain who did not respond. Emts were sent with police escort.

    Snopes has a decent breakdown.

    http://www.snopes.com/politics/crime/chamberlain.asp

    Rarely ever will the police respond to a LifeLine/LifeAlert call. If the LifeAlert dispatcher doesn't hear anything on the other end, they still notify EMS, however most EMS agencies will send an ambulance non-emergency to any medical alarm activation where nothing is heard on the intercom (if equipped). If it's not equipped, they have a call-back number that they will use to contact the person. If they hear someone on the other end saying anything or making noises they will typically upgrade the incoming ambulance units to come to the residence emergency traffic.

    The reason they initially send a medic unit non-emergency is because they get activated so often by accident. In this case it was rolling over in bed. In other cases it is pets or the alarm simply malfunctions. In older alarm systems, such as those installed in non-assisted living facilities, they can randomly go off. Most EMS systems have decided that the risk of sending a medic unit emergency traffic outweighs the literal tens of seconds you save by traveling emergency vs. non-emergency.

    Also; most dispatch centers do not send police with EMS unless they hear/suspect something suspicious.

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