Comments on: Reaction to Accusations of Police Brutality at the University of Western Ontario

By: Phronk

Phronk — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:53:37 +0000

It’s quite possible that mental illness was involved in some way. Hopefully this draws some sort of productive attention to people who suffer from mental illnesses.

By: joanne

joanne — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 23:59:20 +0000

is it possible this man was suffering from an illness such as psychosis, schizophrenia or bi-polar? it’s been stated that prior to this he was a good student whom police had not had contact with.

By: Mike

Mike — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 15:29:43 +0000

I’d think so too, but he resisted pepper spray and was freakishly strong. Plus they had to get him in a police car eventually; they couldn’t sit on him all night until he fell asleep.

Is there a better way to accomplish that than beating him? That’s what I don’t know.

By: Abe

Abe — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 15:21:04 +0000

Mike, your commentary seems very rational, and I agree with you on several points, but I still disagree with the point that “perhaps” the police used just enough force to keep others safe and subdue the man.

The police are always “innit to winnit”, which is fair and the way it should be when a crime is being committed or when civilians are in danger… but there is a limit to acceptable methods. I don’t believe that 6 officers on top of one man need to brutally hit him with kicks to the stomach, punches to the head, and raps with a baton. EVER. If 6 cops are on him, he is subdued. He ain’t goin’ anywhere. There is no resisting the weight of 6 heavy uniformed men.

By: Mike

Mike — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 14:35:09 +0000

After reading a lot about this and debating it with others, I’m coming to a similar opinion. I hope we’re right.

I wish the police and administration would stop beating (hah!) around the bush and just come out and say that it was necessary to use carefully controlled hits to take him into custody and preserve the safety of all involved. Show us some papers, or even anecdotes, with evidence that such hitting has a purpose.

I guess I think too scientifically though.

By: Von

Von — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 14:06:35 +0000

I have my own opinion based on the article and the video and the accounts by others. I actually don’t think that the police were even full out beating the guy. Even on the video, I saw a lot of restraint on the officers part. If it was police brutality I would have much more violence but seeing as how more security officers werE called and I didn’t see any kicking while the person was down, I think the amount of force that they used was just enough to restrain him, and not motivated by whether or not he deserved it.

It’s just my opinion of course.