TX - Sandra Bland, 28, found dead in jail cell, Waller County, 13 July 2015 #1

[nomoresorrow]

One of your links is from a left wing blog called The FreeMan, which is a very anti-LE site.

Here are some statistics that I will link:

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) reports that a total of 1,501 law-enforcement officers died in the line of duty during the past ten years, an average of one death every 58 hours, or 150 per year. These include local and state police officers, federal officers, correctional officers, and military law-enforcement officers. Fact: Last year, 100 law-enforcement officers were killed. On average, over the past decade, there have been 58,261 assaults against law enforcement each year, resulting in 15,658 injuries. Fact: New York City has lost more officers in the line of duty than any other department, with 697 deaths. Texas has lost 1,675 officers, more than any other state. Just this week, NLEOMF released preliminary fatality statistics from August 2013 to August 2014. Total fatalities are up 14 percent, from 63 last year to 72 this year. “Five officers were killed in ambushes, which continue to be a major threat to law enforcement safety,” the group notes.


http://www.nleomf.org/facts/officer-fatalities-data/daifacts.html

Averages over the Last Decade

149 deaths per year 58,930 assaults per year 15,404 injuries per year

Actually the numbers are skewed - even the initial ones that I posted this morning before leaving for work. The following FBI report puts the numbers into context and perspective...

The REAL numbers regarding the number of deaths of LEO’s in the line of duty from the FBI:

“Preliminary statistics released today by the FBI show that 51 law enforcement officers were feloniously killed in the line of duty in 2014. This is an increase of almost 89 percent when compared to the 27 officers killed in 2013. (Note: From 1980–2014, an average of 64 law enforcement officers have been feloniously killed per year. The 2013 total, 27, was the lowest during this 35-year period.) By region, 17 officers died as a result of criminal acts that occurred in the South, 14 officers in the West, eight officers in the Midwest, eight in the Northeast, and four in Puerto Rico.”

These numbers ^, contrary to other reports that typically report a number that includes officers who were killed while working from any/all causes/manners of death, including vehicular/motorcycle accidents (unrelated to pursuit and apprehension of suspect), accidental shootings that occurred during training and/or handling of weapon, and other nonviolent incidents, such as smoke inhalation or drowning during an attempted rescue, are the actual number of LEO’s who were feloniously killed.

https://www.fbi.gov/news/pressrel/press-releases/fbi-releases-2014-preliminary-statistics-for-law-enforcement-officers-killed-in-the-line-of-duty

MO ~

 

[gngr~snap]

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/latest-bland-voicemail-jail-expresses-disbelief-32637005
Woman in the cell next to Bland speaks.

 

[bluesneakers]

Actually the numbers are skewed - even the initial ones that I posted this morning before leaving for work. The following FBI report puts the numbers into context and perspective...

The REAL numbers regarding the number of deaths of LEO’s in the line of duty from the FBI:

“Preliminary statistics released today by the FBI show that 51 law enforcement officers were feloniously killed in the line of duty in 2014. This is an increase of almost 89 percent when compared to the 27 officers killed in 2013. (Note: From 1980–2014, an average of 64 law enforcement officers have been feloniously killed per year. The 2013 total, 27, was the lowest during this 35-year period.) By region, 17 officers died as a result of criminal acts that occurred in the South, 14 officers in the West, eight officers in the Midwest, eight in the Northeast, and four in Puerto Rico.”

These numbers ^, contrary to other reports that typically report a number that includes officers who were killed while working from any/all causes/manners of death, including vehicular/motorcycle accidents (unrelated to pursuit and apprehension of suspect), accidental shootings that occurred during training and/or handling of weapon, and other nonviolent incidents, such as smoke inhalation or drowning during an attempted rescue, are the actual number of LEO’s who were feloniously killed.

MO ~

How many police officers are there in the USA? A million? I wonder what kind of percentage it works out too. The only thing I really know about it is police officer isn't one of the top 10 deadliest/dangerous jobs.

 

[4senthia]

I truly understand the situation, but can we use the p@ssy, g-dam and even F@@@ word here?
He is explaining that her words and conduct are the reason/s for her arrest.
I'm honestly so very sorry that Sandra Bland made the decisions that she made.
W/the understanding that I myself am so very tired of being profiled/targeted.
I am targeted each day because EveryONE around me is aware that I live alone. That I depend on my instincts to survive.
I don't care if any1 believes it.
It is the truth and I am not stupid enough to reveal my actual location; to those who believe that blacklivesmatter (of course they do), so does mine!
I'm so very tired of this.
From the long un-cut video:
"I've tried to talk to her, she never swung @me, [that's when things started going on]"..."that's why I'm calling you".
" Assault is...she says I took her down for nothing...I kept telling her to calm down...that's why I'm calling and asking you...she was detained...don't know if it's assault or ;..I never said "stop...hands up...it was just the assault part...[grumbling in the background]....snip///she gave me her driver's license...she was still very much irritated....she wouldn't even look @me..just mad..I'm trying to tell her what to do, get her out of the "road..."
"yessir she kicked me and...correct...yeah...something like this I call u immediately after getting stopped"
"I allowed time for it to de... de-esculate...once she was on the ground...chuckel...i guess it is an injury, but I don't need help....over a simple traffic stop...no sir I don't get it...I really don't"
"24-47 I have a suspect on my tree"
sound of incoming cell activity...long pause w/little sound.."

WTH?
Who knows for sure? The officer was obviously very aware of Sandra's legal woes as well as the fact that she seemed totally dissociated.
IMO
....sounds of computer printouts from LE car..."
Imo so many cars/people go by. Are they paying attention or just don't understand considering the new "normal" these days? In other words, are they just dying to get home to watch old re-runs of king of the hill/2 and 1/2 Men etc so the do not notice anything worthy of actual comment?
"Why act like that I don't know. You are under arrest ////your location is...w/1 black female in custody.."
End of long video.
She did not fathom the rules of conduct that apply in our culture. IMO.
With tensions like they are, no1 can mess around w/official LE.Or official meglamaniac politicians...
Like I said if there was a "homeland" or some such that I and my MANY friends could retreat to we would.
We are pigeon-holed. We are portrayed for those we are not, We are touched w/the broad brush for iniquities we had no part in.
Do I/We care?
Yes we care for all of humanity and for all or G-d's creation; and that is a fact.
We often don't answer our phones, we don't frequently "go out" to hear live music or to see plays or hear music; we are almost homebound....but don't really believe that.
Arrrghggh So very sorry Sandra decided to kill herself
jmho and hoping that every1 takes a real look into those who are actually threatened daily yet trusting in the future to survive for our common good...
If you do not understand/grasp what I have written, don't sweat it. Generational relativity thing;;;;past bedtime...
jmo etc

 

[ScarlettScarpetta]

I have to tell you watching the stop, She is beligerent and non compliant. She is instigating him and he is still not doing anything but trying to help her. He is talking nice to her and was giving her a warning. She was the one who lost it on him. Other than some odd comments he did not do anything but try to contain her.

She is not right. She is agitated from the beginning, and overreacting from the start.

So if I put that together with the suicide, I see someone who is not stable.

 

[nomoresorrow]

The family spokeman, a Pastor, perpetuated this story this morning on CNN. He even showed the muhshot and explained why the family thought she was dead when it was taken.

Please do not make your posts personal.

Yeah, I saw that and that is taking the entire exchange out of context. He was asked about what's being said on social media. And, as far as the family and their questions right now at a time of immense grief - especially after seeing what took place on the video (interaction between her and LEO) - I cannot blame them at all for questioning everything/anything and trusting nothing!

As far as "making this personal"; calling someone out on something or stating something that has become obvious over a period of time is not making it personal. MO ~

 

[ScarlettScarpetta]

Yeah, I saw that and that is taking the entire exchange out of context. He was asked about what's being said on social media. And, as far as the family and their questions right now at a time of immense grief - especially after seeing what took place on the video (interaction between her and LEO) - I cannot blame them at all for questioning everything/anything and trusting nothing!

As far as "making this personal"; calling someone out on something or stating something that has become obvious over a period of time is not making it personal. MO ~

Why? The officer was giving her a warning.. We can not see her behavior in the car but he is asking her how she is and if anything is wrong. He is not being rude. She on the other hand is acting like a spoiled brat. He asks her to put her cigarette out and she acts like a witch. It is a shame. She was going to get a warning and that was that. She would have been on her way. She was arrested because of her behavior. My guess is there was more brewing there.
Of course the family is in denial. That is normal.. But you don't turn that denial into baseless accusations.

 

[Confusion]

I give up on trying to make sure I read every post before I post.

And what about the violent criminals? What shall we do about them?

I'd say we should fire them or make them commit victimless crimes. (sorry, I know this is a serious subject)

On a more serious note; I wonder if anyone has checked to see if she had a prescription for medical marijuana. I'm pretty sure it's legal in Illinois now, and I know there are people who swear that it helps control their epilepsy. I think I'll continue to sit on my hands about the more controversial subjects for now.

MOO

 

[ScarlettScarpetta]

Pot can show up in a drug test weeks later.

And longer depending on what kind of user you are and how much you have smoked.

 

[ScarlettScarpetta]

I'm just wondering what the percentages/likelihood are. Why is that such a terrible thing to ask?

What you said was "The only thing I really know about it is police officer isn't one of the top 10 deadliest/dangerous jobs."

That is what I responded to.

 

[PrimeSuspect]

HELLO PEEPS!!!!! I am still asking the same question which has not been addressed :


WHY WOULD YOU HAVE A TRASH BAG IN A JAIL CELL?????????????



ESP ONE LARGE ENOUGH TO HANG YOURSELF WITH?

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/23/o...estions-about-the-sandra-bland-case.html?_r=0


The trash can and plastic bag are excessively large.

 

[bluesneakers]

What you said was "The only thing I really know about it is police officer isn't one of the top 10 deadliest/dangerous jobs."

That is what I responded to.

With all due respect - your response seemed a bit over-the-top and got a little personal. It's a fair question and what I said is the truth.

 

[KaaBoom]

If you think a driver might have a weapon then the quickest way 'to solve the problem' is NOT to send them on their way. That is the worst thing a cop could do. Their job is to keep the public safe. If they think someone is driving erratically. then being aggressive and belligerant, then they will want to frisk them and search the car.

No, he had the ticket ready. All he had to do was have her sign it and leave. Danger over. Instead he decided to drag it out and escalated it, and create an incident so he could arrest her.

 

[ScarlettScarpetta]

Did he use a plastic bag. Serious question as I don't recall. It isn't that I don't want to believe it...I'm questioning the durability of the bag.
Some are calling it industrial but still....

Eta I'll check back later. Have to run for a bit.

A trash bag will hang you like anything else. He used his belt but basically just sat and let the pressure of the belt kill him. He could have stood up. The thing is when you are rational you can not understand the suicidal.
She killed herself because she was suicidal. Now, If you want to get into a discussion about inmate care and if she should have been on suicide watch and in the open rather than down the hall, That is a different discussion.

 

[bluesneakers]

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/23/o...estions-about-the-sandra-bland-case.html?_r=0


The trash can and plastic bag are excessively large.

I have no idea if that's typical or maybe there was a reason in this case, but don't they take everything from you before they put you in your cell? Why on earth such a big trash can? Weird.

 

[ScarlettScarpetta]

No, he had the ticket ready. All he had to do was have her sign it and leave. Danger over. Instead he decided to drag it out and escalated it, and create an incident so he could arrest her.

No.. he was getting ready to hand her the ticket and he asked her to put her cigarette out because its a flipping weapon.. Or potential one. Every cop will ask you to put out your cigarette. That is all he asked and she blew up and started acting like a brat. She brought the arrest on. He was not even giving her a ticket. Just a warning.

 

[nomoresorrow]

How many police officers are there in the USA? A million? I wonder what kind of percentage it works out too. The only thing I really know about it is police officer isn't one of the top 10 deadliest/dangerous jobs.

FBI Data from 2011
Total LE Employees = 1,001,984
Actual LE Officers = 698,460

https://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/crime-in-the-u.s/2011/crime-in-the-u.s.-2011/police-employee-data

 

[ScarlettScarpetta]

I have no idea if that's typical or maybe there was a reason in this case, but don't they take everything from you before they put you in your cell? Why on earth such a big trash can? Weird.

It looks to be a holding cell for multiple people.. I have to admit that is a huge trash can and It looks completely out of place there.

 

[KaaBoom]

I haven't read every page, I just cruise through (LOL)...but she had something like $7500+ in unpaid fines, correct? Any mention of warrants out for her? I haven't read that, so I'm assuming not?

She was not arrested for a warrant. She was arrested for disrespecting a cop who pulled her over for failing to use her turn signal.

 

[Sulamith]

My POV (disclosure: I am an older white woman) is that I could be Sandra Bland. Up and until he asked her (somewhat sarcastically, IMO) to put out her cig, I would have responded to the officer in the same way. He did ask her if she was irritated and she told him why. I would have done the same thing. She then seems resigned to getting the ticket.

If the cig smoke was bothering him, why didn't he proceed to the passenger side window, as he did when he initially approached her vehicle? Just saying....part of his job is being trained to learn how to de-escalate traffic stop tensions.

IMO, he went from 0-60 in seconds. Scary. As my mother used to say, he was then "looking for bear".

I have read comments about this tragedy all over the internet and am perplexed when I see commenters say to just do whatever the officer tells you to do...irregardless of whether it's lawful (e.g. put the cig out). Do I face the possibility of being arrested because I don't want to put my cig out in my car? Really? I was taught to question or stand up for what I think is right while being civil. Should I have to now fear arrest? (Yes, I think she was civil up until he reached in her car to pull her out.)

She asked numerous times why she was being apprehended. I did not hear him respond to her until much later. Do we not have that right? Did he have the right to ask her to stop recording and place her cell on her vehicle?

I appreciate and have much respect for LE...but not this character!

I am an older white woman also and I could be Sandra Bland. That LE officer just could have told her why she needed to put that cigarette out. Frankly, I would have asked him why I needed to put my cigarette out in my own car. Shortly after I moved back to Texas I was pulled over and I asked the LE person why. He was nice and explained that my licence plate bulb had burned out. (I did not even know my plate had a light bulb). I told him I would fix it and he let me be on my way. If he had told me to get out of the car I would have been afraid I was about to be arrested.

When my son was a teenager (Middle 1990's) he was arrested as a suspect in a motel robbery. He was walking home, had on the baggy pants on. My husband and I went down to the police dept. and they were closed. I was beside myself and knocked on their door, or rang the bell, cannot remember which, and nobody answered. I then yelled "My son is in there! Open the door!" And a very nice officer did. Sat down with us, explained everything. Thank goodness I was not shot. The next day my son was released. The motel clerk was not so sure what she saw after all and back then tons of teens were wearing baggy pants.

Looking back, the stupidest thing I have ever done when in comes to LE happened when I was 18 in El Paso. There was LE flashing his lights up on my car and I did not pull over. Finally, I pulled over. I was asked why I did not pull over when I saw him flashing his lights and I said I was not speeding and was doing nothing wrong. DUMB ME. Come to find out, my paper licence, (new car, no metal plates back then) had fallen off of my back window. I felt so stupid. The officer was really nice and I did not get a ticket. Just put the paper licence back up in the back window.

Anyway, my point is there are good LE officers out there and the one that arrested Sandra Bland was not IMO.