It certainly sounds like an interesting time for people living in the United States, of all colours.  I'm not really political, so this isn't a politics rant, but I do have a fair amount of angst against bullies.  Not that I was especially picked on in my youth (there were times, you f*kers), but there are some people in the world who just don't seem to offer that much value to society and we would all probably be better off having them removed.  Elsewhere. 

I've read other articles (on the Internet, of course) about people being harassed and detained for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.  But there was something about this tale (maybe because he's a photographer as well) that really made me feel insecure. 

Now another reason I decided to write this up is to solicit some feedback about the type of character drawn towards enforcement and security professions.  The vast majority of police and security guards I've met in Toronto (and surrounding areas) have been "good guys".  They may not be especially complicated and want to keep the situation simple, (quite often, it can be simplified) but I do get the overall feeling that they want to do the right thing.

I do not get this feeling from American law enforcement.  Sorry, I just don't and it's from personal experience.  The characters I've encountered (chatting them up on the street, walking in the wrong area, general observation) seem more along the lines of the kid in a small town who happened to build muscle easily, and spent their youth enjoying their physical dominance (and the resulting popularity with some social groups) over their peers.  They also never leave their town.  And not all of these people are large hulking peace officers -- I'm just creating a character mould to give you an idea. 

A short example from a few years ago: I was in downtown San Francisco at night, walking around without my glasses because I had broken them, and walked along a length of sidewalk that apparently had some sort of barrier setup to prevent me from walking on it.  Yet I was walking there anyway.  A little way into the Restricted Area a peace officer got my attention and told me I shouldn't be there. 

"Really?"
"Yes, that sign over there."
"Oh..." I said squinting, ".. oh sorry, I didn't notice it because I don't have my glasses on."
"No you just didn't read it."

.... You're right!  But was that really necessary?  Do you really value a good relationship with the community?

It's these sorts of characters that destroy a police's relationship with the community they're charged to protect.  It's the same type of characeters who enjoy a dominant role, regardless of its appropriateness, and harassed Ian Spiers.  These bullies need to be dealt with.

I do want to say though that the nicest officer I've met was a highway patrolman in Michigan who pulled me over for my first (and so far, only) speeding ticket.  There needs to be more guys like him.