The footage is undeniably disturbing.
A suspect gets out of a truck and drops to his hands and knees. He’s surrounded by law enforcement officers with their weapons drawn, as well as a police dog. Then we see two officers come close and begin throwing punches. The rest of the officers draw closer and immobilize the man.
These were the images, taken from TV news helicopters, that ricocheted across New England and the nation Wednesday. According to news accounts, Richard Simone of Worcester, Mass., is accused of leading officers on a high-speed chase from Massachusetts into southern New Hampshire on Wednesday.
While any inquiry into the clash is still in the early stages, the response from officials has been heartening so far. Officers from both states have been suspended. The New Hampshire Attorney General’s office is investigating. And Gov. Maggie Hassan has weighed in, stating that “The footage from yesterday raises serious concerns.”
That’s putting it mildly.
Law enforcement is dangerous and stressful work. Officers of all stripes deserve support and empathy from the communities they protect. But the agencies that hire them must be careful in the recruitment and screening process, ensuring that those hired are truly able to cope with the dangers and stresses of the job.
Training and education aren’t always enough. Temperament and attitude matter as well.
Law enforcement must also understand that we have entered a new era of observation. While some departments have welcomed the opportunity to be observed, donning body cameras and reaching out to those they serve, others have resisted the opportunity to be more transparent.
But the footage of Simone’s arrest proves that officers don’t really have a choice anymore. They should proceed at all times, and in all situations, as if they are being watched. While the news media may temper its reactions, the general public has not always been so forgiving.
Yes, added observation creates a challenge for these public servants. Officers who have worn body cameras, though, have reported positive experiences, and the footage can actually serve to prove law enforcement’s account of a confrontation.
There is much we don’t yet know about the Simone case. What did officers tell him as he was getting out of his vehicle? Did he respond to them? Did he make some sort of movement or gesture not picked up by the helicopter cameras that might have made the officers understandably nervous?
What about the law enforcement involved? Had any of them previously faced discipline or been accused of using inappropriate force? How did the various agencies involved coordinate, and who took the lead in capturing the suspect?
Investigations from both New Hampshire and Massachusetts should tell us more. And while waiting for definitive word can be difficult, all is not always as it appears.
The footage gives authorities an opportunity to show that they take allegations of misbehavior seriously. It gives the Legislature and individual police forces the opportunity to consider using body cameras.
These opportunities should be seized.