openpolitics.com

This auditor uncovers a big red flag when he  tests a town’s respect for civil rights by:

• visiting the town hall and issuing a Freedom of Information Request
• filming in a parking lot and attempting to file a complaint

Viewer Comments:

• Remember this is being done to someone that knows his rights on a camera. Imagine the things they do to citizens that don’t know their rights off camera.

 

[bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]

 

• The way they treat him is gross, but what’s really nauseating is how much they squirm at not being able to treat him worse.

• Props to WJCL for uploading this video at length. Great news agency.

 

• The guy that integrated cameras into cellphones has done more for civil rights by accident than any politician has done for civil rights on purpose.

• This is normal behavior and, what is soooo disturbing is how much they want to lock this guy up. This is what the police departments do all across the US and cell phones have documented their behavior for everyone to see.

• to the lady in the office, 10/10 you deserve a promotion. FAULTLESS.

How it should have gone down.
Caller: There’s a stranger in the parking lot.
Police: what’s the problem?
Caller: He’s videotaping.
Police: That’s not a crime.
Caller: But it’s creepy.
Police: That’s not a crime either. Call us back when you actually see a crime committed.

 

• Okay, hear me out. There are so many of these videos here on Youtube. Always the same exact scenario where the cop throws a fit about a guy with a camera doing absolutely nothing illegal. I’m just an old washed up dart player but I even know what you can and cannot do with a camera and I would even know, depending on what state you live in that you can’t demand ID from someone who is doing nothing wrong. So basically WTF is wrong with all these cops? Is it an ego thing? I definitely feel like the Chief is the type who feels he is above the law. “His parking lot” over and over. First of all, it’s not “his” parking lot. He doesn’t own it and works for the people. This shit pisses me off! Cops apparently need MUCH better training than they have now.

 

• It seems like a common theme with all of these videos, the police demand and overstep and when the auditor shows their knowledge the cop doesn’t usually correct themselves. They usually always try to stick to their wrong argument. It only makes it worse for them, it makes them look like they have massive egos.

• All across the United States, police departments are getting educated. It is just a shame that the public has to do it.

 

• like others have said, if they’ll act like this in front of someone who verbally told them he’s a JOURNALIST with a camera in their face, imagine what they do/how they act towards other people off camera

• The guy that integrated cameras into cellphones has done more for civil rights by accident than any politician has done for civil rights on purpose.

• When your an officer who is following the law, you have no issue identifying yourself even on camera. An officer who is required to identify to the public and doesn’t knows they have done something wrong. Go above him and have him fired.

• Wow….I’m in law enforcement and this was hard to watch. Definitely on the side of the cameraman here, who knew his stuff and carried himself with dignity. The police were terrible- ignorant and worse, likely deliberately obstructive. And yes, they absolutely were bullies. If they had just behaved like the city clerk, (professionally) probably none of us would be watching this video. Very sad….

• This type of behavior from a public employee is terrifying and dangerous, public employees are funded by citizens but yet they try to bully us around and talk to us like that, completely disgusting for a police chief. If corporate showed up at my job and I acted like this in front of them I would no longer have a job… Completely shameful to your own family and to your country.

 

• “My employees”, “my parking lot”, and “my building”. That’s what the so called Chief said. He needs to understand absolutely none of that belongs to him! The staff are public servants and the property belongs to the people!

• I’ve lost count how many times I’ve had similar experiences from small town police officers. It’s plainly evident why so much public trust has been eroded in regards to law enforcement.

• I was in the army and ive seen what bad leadership ruin a platoon of soldiers. Your right about it starting from the top and bleeding down into the rest. I cant stand cops like this and it gets me so angry watching these videos that my hands start to shake. I give you alot of credit for handling this so smoothly and professionally. I hope this is updated with a good happy video. These guys are crazy.

 

• I’m from Savannah, Ga 20 mins away and we don’t messed with Pooler police they are rude and have nasty behavior. Imagine not knowing the laws and how many ppl they arrested over stupid stuff.

 

• Thank you for doing this it’s hard here in georgia. People need to see this stuff.Its awful, people can be taken into custody here without warrants or cause and no due process and any atonney you get charges more than you can afford to get the legal help you need and they are on the same payroll if they are pro bono. The DOJ hasn’t the time to deal with individual cases of civil rights violations outside prison walls.So any entity of law enforcement can go unchecked on taking advantage of people or their families here in georgia

• I live in Pooler and can absolutely confirm these guys are an egotistical bunch

• This is why I moved out of Georgia. The corruption in the southeast part of Georgia is insane. Long County, Liberty County is worse then this. And for the Pooler Police Chief to act in this manner is grounds for immediate termination with charges of violating civil rights while under oath.
  • Turner County Georgia was a known speed trap for years. I think they finally got caught

• This is basically most small towns in the US. “My parking lot” “My lobby” “My building” as the Chief of Police says. and they get away with it day in and day out. Its disgraceful

• It’s unprofessionalism and ignorance from the top down. You can tell there is a lot of unlawful things going around in the city of Pooler. This is disgusting

• How do cops still not know when they can or can’t request ID. Seems like basics for their job.
  • They know, they just don’t want the public to know… It is best to learn the law’s for your County, City and state. I have I am in Georgia and know this fact! Those clowns need to be investigated!!!!!

• Accepting his own compliant then decides for himself he can just make it invalid ? That’s tyranny in every sense. Update ?

• This type of behavior from a public employee is terrifying and dangerous, public employees are funded by citizens but yet they try to bully us around and talk to us like that, completely disgusting for a police chief. If corporate showed up at my job and I acted like this in front of them I would no longer have a job… Completely shameful to your own family and to your country.

• I was in the army and ive seen what bad leadership ruin a platoon of soldiers. Your right about it starting from the top and bleeding down into the rest. I cant stand cops like this and it gets me so angry watching these videos that my hands start to shake. I give you alot of credit for handling this so smoothly and professionally. I hope this is updated with a good happy video. These guys are crazy.

• Good thing you’re recording them because they probably would’ve been a lot more aggressive with you thanks for doing this

• The chief looked like he wanted to beat the crap out of him! Thank the camera. I feel bad for his wife when he gets home 🤕

• It’s unprofessionalism and ignorance from the top down. You can tell there is a lot of unlawful things going around in the city of Pooler. This is disgusting

 

• The scary part of all of this is when we realize that these people write reports on people that a judge reads in a court of law.

• That cop with the glasses knew where this was going and wanted no part of it lol

• I love how cops try to make people do as they say simply because they have that uniform. Cops like this bring such shame to their title.

• It sickens me that public servants allow that police are trained to bully and not to obey constitutional law and rights of those they serve

• I love to watch cops search for a reason to get you to comply… First they say you can’t be here, then they say it’s private property, then they tell you it’s trespassing, then they try to tell you you can’t film into restricted areas from public. Watching you shoot down everyone of their attempts is hilarious. Really makes our cops look inept

• • dont forget this one….’YOUR MAKING PEOPLE UNCOMFORTABLE’

• I hate how they always demand ID, often for no reason even when they KNOW they are dealing with someone who either knows the law or chooses to enforce their constitutional right.

• That is pretty crazy. Would not believe law enforcement believes they can legally do that to a law abiding citizen. What a shame.

• This is why auditors are so important. 💕

• Watch an actual boatload of these in the UK. Knowing what we do about US pigs, big up to you, man. UK auditors would never have left the building, but I totally understand why you would in America. Before you know it, we’d have a body bag, a lost camera, no body worn camera footage, and an F-ton of lies. Respect. 👊❤

• The city clerk and both security guards know more about constitutional law and rights, than the ones who swore an oath to protect those very same rights.

• “This is the public lobby, you’re gonna kick me out of the public lobby too, chief?” That part was so funny to me. 😂

• Utterly pathetic behavior! They’re supposed to be “law” enforcement, not “feelings” enforcement.

• As much as I think this guy on camera is being a pain in the ass, at the same time, I appreciate that we have rights in this country and law enforcement officers are public servant who have to obey the laws themselves and follow the protocols.

• “We need backup immediately, this guy keeps talking about his rights”

• Without taking this to court. NOTHING will happen or change.

• Did they get away with bullying you? That’s at least debatable. It depends on, if you let them get away. There should be a follow up. Like you said, go above the Chiefs head. Ok, excellent job on the video, overall. Just one small note, the guards from the court house, didn’t treat you the same as everyone else. They held you up, from your Right, even if it was just for a short moment.

• Notice his he said “get out of ‘my’ parking lot.” It’s because that’s how he sees it he believes that’s ”his” building “his” employees when really it’s “our” parking lot and “our” building that’s a big part of the problem

• Don’t assume the mayor doesn’t go along with this. The citizens of Pooler have to push back against the mayor and City Council and anyone else who approves the appointments to City positions.

• ugh, these cops are so ignorant and power hungry. love to the auditors for taking the time to educate cop gangs. I pray the auditors get law representation to gain awareness and better protection. I blame the us Supreme Court for ruling cops don’t actually have to know the law they enforce at the point of a gun and gang behavior.

• i love how much they back down and run away when they realise you know your rights

• Whilst I can understand the frustration of those officers, they really do need to be up to date in what is and is not allowable under the law. They looked chumps as they were in the wrong.

• Guy says – “I am just an employee here.”, but he is wearing a badge on his belt. They don’t issue badges to “just employees”. Only sworn officers receive badges.

• •  @Kirk Callender  I thought that too but he gave his name and badge number when asked then later took the badge off. I’m pretty sure he lied.
  •  @Fly Over Radio  Exactly what I was gonna say. He gave his name and number and identified as a policeman. If he wasn’t then why was he surrounding him with the other cops? Seems like he knows police intimidation tactics/practices.

• These are the kind of thuggish cops which you encounter regularly in these types of jurisdictions. The local citizens are typically afraid to stand up to them since this is, quite frankly, all they know.

• He investigated himself and found he did nothing wrong! Think…if they treated a law abiding citizen like this, how do they treat suspects?

• These “tough guys” are the same cowards who run AWAY from danger.

• Would like to see your complaints being addressed by the Mayor!

• The lady in the office should be the Police Chief.

• I’ve been robbed, assaulted, publicly harassed, crashed into, threatened with guns, etc. Never once did the police catch any of the people who did these things, unless it required the absolute minimum effort because the person who crashed into me totaled their car. Conversely, I’ve been harassed & intimidated by police semi-regularly throughout my life -just because they were bored & feeling the need to bully. The only time I met a nice officer was when my mom was dating him when I was a kid. Thus to me, the vast majority of cops are lazy/incompetent and the rest are bullies.

• Im 60 and every interaction I’ve had with Police has been a difficult one throughout my life. Ive always been treated like a criminal every time… Trying to acuse me of things i haven’t done or downright lying to me for no reasons at at. No benefit to anyone, just an excuse to stand over and intimidate me because im an ugly man…if i was a blonde woman with a lovely face it would be completely different.

• It’s never “one or two bad apples”. Corrupt and outright evil policing either starts at the top, or is stopped from there.

• Cops never say the full text: A few bad apples “spoil the whole barrel”.

• The cameras just changes the games. Without a camera this guy will be on jail.

• 13:21 “How do I file the complaint if I can’t get into the building?” Damn that’s helllla funny

• “I’m a police officer. I asked you for your ID. I need you to give me your ID.” The correct response is: “I’m a citizen. I haven’t done anything wrong. I need you to kick rocks.”

• The shame of it is the city attorney said they acted appropriately. The chief and locals also say they acted appropriately. The locals are probably terrified to do anything because they’ll be arrested

• • Pooler is just out side of Savannah where I lived for over 20 years and everyone knows that the Pooler police will write tickets for the most minor and insignificant infractions. For example, there was a women giving a ticket for driving while distracted because while she sat at a red light she took one hand off the steering wheel to take a bite of a sandwich.

• • So the City attorney agreed that it was proper for the Sgt. to demand ID with no RAS, that it was legal to trespass him out of the parking lot, that it was proper to restrict his access to city services because he was recording, that he was required to identify himself in a public complaint, that it was proper for the Sgt. to accept the complaint on his superior officer? Are you sure he was really an attorney or maybe he just plays one on TV? I guess he will have a second crack at these question in court. As Mr. T would say, “I pity the fool.”

• They have been doing this for so long and getting away with it.

• I’m Black, so if l went in there, l probably wouldn’t be able to leave for about 15 to years…..

• Imagine how they treat the prisoners

• I like how men with guns and tasers always say someone’s making them feel uncomfortable 😂😂

• Officers took an oath to uphold their State and Federal Constitutions, which means affirming the constitutionally protected rights of US citizens. The law-abiding citizen has no obligation to provide ID under such circumstances, it is the police who have to jump over the legal hurdles such as reasonable suspicion and probable cause to detain, ask for ID, or arrest. I developed training on this for officers as far back as 2014, even then officers did not like the idea of having limited power in such situations. Ego maybe? Unfortunately, more training and regular training are needed nationwide in this area, which would save a lot of grief, embarrassment, and tax dollars. This was an unnecessary power struggle between the officers, the Chief, and the filmer. Regardless of the filmer’s true intentions, his rights should be affirmed. The fact that the police are called, that someone doesn’t like the filmer lawfully being there, doesn’t override the filmer’s constitutional rights. Once the filmer’s lawful status is determined, they should be free to carry on, without interference.

• I can only imagine what these small town cops do to people . That is a real bad State a Canadian woman was arrested her car towed and she was put in jail. The small town cop who didn’t know that Canadians are allowed to drive in the USA with there Canadian drivers license just like Americans are allowed to drive in Canada with there US license

• Q: Are your a detective, or a sergeant? A: I’m just an employee, man. An employee who is fronting with a badge on his hip, and previously gave his badge number … “just an employees” don’t have badges. Dude was definitely a detective, and lied … though, ironically, it’s legal for the police to lie.

• the “employee” with the beard and glasses is just as guilty as the sergeant and the chief by his omission to act. he witnessed the behaviour of the sergeant and the chief and was complicit in their actions. he probably knows that the chief and the sergeant are a pair of idiots and thought no way am i getting involved with this. he`s the type of guy that disappears in a bar room brawl.

• The Chief violated Color of Law Section 242 Title 18 US Code…..you can sue him personally

• I understand why and what you are doing and strongly believe doing so is an important audit of public employees. If you want to report on this unconstitutional behavior it is my opinion it would be much better done without the descriptive editorializing (“tyrant, Bully, making fun of someone’s name) which reduces the effectiveness of the reporting and appears childish. This audit work is important yet diminished in it’s reporting by this.

[/bg_collapse]