Police arrest drunks in downtown South Bend

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Posted: 6:35 PM Jun 18, 2008
Last Updated: 6:35 PM Jun 18, 2008
Reporter: Ryan Famuliner
Email Address: ryan.famuliner@wndu.com

56 comments

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South Bend Police say it became a danger to the public, and something had to be done.

So, officers swept the downtown area Tuesday targeting people who were, "beyond intoxicated."

After receiving complaints from businesses and citizens alike, police arrested nine people Tuesday in the sweep from about noon to 4:00 p.m.

They say many of those arrested must have started drinking earlier Tuesday morning, and either passed out or stumbled their way into handcuffs.

The trash piles looks like the residue from a wild weekend party, but it's from a mid-week, mid-day stupor, in the middle of South Bend.

“Rather than finding some sort of refuge to take a nap or a place for people to do their partying; they choose got do it, you know, right out in the open,” said Captain Phil Trent with the South Bend Police Department.

Police instigated the sweep Tuesday afternoon in an area of downtown where they'd had the most complaints of drunks panhandling… or worse.

“Nobody wants to encounter someone urinating in public two feet away from you when you’re trying to walk the East Race,” Trent said.

Police say it's not just a nuisance.

They say those they’re targeting are so drunk; it's very dangerous for them to be near the river, where many sleep it off on benches.

For the general public, it's also dangerous for them to be stumbling near traffic. Many were arrested near the Bronson Street railroad bridges.

Nearby businesses are applauding the sweep.

“It needs to be done and I'm glad they're doing their job,” said Brad Emberton, the owner of the Midas on Michigan Ave.

Across the street, Expert Tire says they called in some of the complaints.

Meanwhile, Midas says they've only had a few problems so far, mainly incidental things you’d expect for a business downtown, but he’s glad police are monitoring the situation.

“I’m glad they're keeping their eyes out for potential problems that could become a larger problem in the future,” Emberton said.

Police say that is the goal.

“Just a deterrence; that it’s not going to be tolerated. It’s not going to be a free for all, you know. There's going to be something to pay for going downtown and just using it as a drunken rallying spot,” Trent said.

Two of the 9 people arrested had outstanding warrants for public intoxication charges.

Police say ultimately that's what lies ahead for the others too if they don't change their behavior.

Police plan to continue to arrest people who are drunk in public, and after multiple arrests that could mean jail time.

“You know all we can do is address the problem on an individual basis. If someone does this repetitiously, then I suppose they’re going to be repetitiously arrested,” Trent said.

The sweep was paid for partially with grant money. Police say they will definitely keep their eyes on problem areas with the regular patrols in the future.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jun 26, 2008 at 01:10 PM
Carrie, no one wants to live next to the homeless shelter, not even you. Why is that? It's because it attracts those that could take care of themselves, but elect not to. Look at the crime rate around it. Do you think that's a coincidence?

Posted by: carrie Location: SB on Jun 26, 2008 at 11:19 AM
To Anonymous Jun 22,2008, Even if they move the shelter would good does that do? There will still be homeless people here. Or would it just be easier for you if they were out of sight so they could be out of mind? As far as them living next door to me fine! They need to have somewhere to go. I would hate to think that as a community we would rather banish these people so we don't have to see them and acknowlede there is a problem rather than trying to actively do something about it.

Posted by: Pastorial Care Location: on the way on Jun 26, 2008 at 11:12 AM
even the longest journey starts with a single step.......let this be the beginning of taking back our cities/ towns/ and countryside....doing what is right doesnt take a law to force you to do it, it takes a family/ a neighbor/ a community to hold you accountalbe for your actions....my hat is off for this action , and hope that seeing positive change will enlighten those who care to turn the other way on society...its time we get our hands dirty cleaning up the mess......COME ON MICHIANA, LETS TAKE BACK WHAT OUR FOREFATHERS WORKED SO HARD TO ESTABLISH.....LETS TAKE SOME PRIDE IN OUR HOMES, OUR LIVES, OUR FAMILIES AND HOLD EACH OTHER TO BETTER STANDARDS!!!!!!

Posted by: Ironman Location: SB on Jun 26, 2008 at 09:17 AM
For Louise and The Truth: We have grants for special projects that we do. The city budget pays for a large portion of our daily duties, but for Weed and Seed, Click it or Ticket, and other various mass projects, our department relies on grants for the extra personnel and time involved. On a regular basis tho, individual officers do make arrests for vagrants and pan handlers, but to focus on a large sweep, it takes coordination and manpower. As far as the loud music from cars, we do the best we can. Some people will push it to the limit and have the bass on the car stereos turned up until they see one of us, and they may or may not get a ticket depending on the situation at that moment and how busy it is. Bottom line here is folks, we have the same irks as anyone else, and we want to live in the same clean, crime free area as everyone else. It's not always that easy, because we walk a fine line of enforcement and the ever changing "rights" debate.

Posted by: Louise Location: South Bend on Jun 25, 2008 at 02:53 PM
Why does it have to be paid for with grant money? Isn't it the police responsibility/job to arrest people for wrondoings?

Posted by: TheTruth Location: Mishawaka on Jun 24, 2008 at 10:28 AM
How about police doing a sweep on the cars who have those stereo systems that rattle your windows when they drive by? They have them so loud, you have to scream to talk to the person in your OWN car, and you have the Air Conditioner on and your windows rolled up. How about enforcing the noise ordinance, to get the message out. Drunks will just move to another section.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jun 22, 2008 at 06:55 PM
Carrie, they need to move the homeless shelter to a new location. Can they move it next door to you?

Posted by: moran on Jun 22, 2008 at 12:24 PM
The drunks aren't bothering me. The ghettotard parked outside blasting his subwoofers because he thinks it's his world, the rest of us just live in it, is bothering me. The signal those speakers produce causes pain. It's just a sneaky little way to hurt people and get away with it. Those drunks are under a bridge down town. I hardly ever see 'em. The thugs are getting off scott free because they're too cowardly to go outside of the hood and try that. They know that people outside of the hood have higher standards and will be listened to when they complain. Arresting homeless drunks; oh, that's REAL hard to do. Law enforcement is really stretching itself. That's law enforcement kung fu, right there, arresting inebriated mentally ill people. They must have called out the SWAT and special forces teams! Well, rich people have to drive down the road and see those drunks; but they never have to live in areas with noise pollution. Hmmmmm, two plus two... hmmmmmm...

Posted by: sb medic Location: sb on Jun 21, 2008 at 07:28 PM
To chaz: I was on the medic at the park, I don't know who your "one of the medics" was but it was not me or my partner so quit trying to use made up info to get you out of the dog house.

Posted by: John Location: SB on Jun 21, 2008 at 10:16 AM
I'm all for helping the homeless but not drunks, drug addicts, and criminals. The safety of SB citizens should come first. PUT THE HOMELESS SHELTER NEXT TO NOTRE DAME. We need a Rudy Guiliani type to take over this city. Wake up and vote for a Republican people.

Posted by: Erin Location: South Bend on Jun 20, 2008 at 03:54 PM
I am routinely amazed by the ignorance displayed by the likes of Chaz. If funded, the SBPD would love more officers to put on the street. When there are just over 20 cars a beat, what would you like these officers to do? They are dealing with a city that has over 100,000 citizens, many of them up to no good. Cops would love nothing more than to have more officers available for each shift. How do you think they feel when they have little or no backup and their response times lenghten? This only serves to threaten their lives and those of civilians. If you had all the facts, then you could judge. I bet money spent buying vacant lots or employing deputy mayors who do NOTHING all day could be better spent on initiatives that address speeding, copper sales, drunks, etc. Not to mention the department maintaining a 70 year old officer who is wasting a uniform and car that could be used to hire one or two street cops. Finally, if you don't like their work, fight your own murderer, rapist, etc

Posted by: Harry Location: South Bend on Jun 20, 2008 at 03:25 PM
Over the last two years I've called the police, to report a 'loud disturbance' in our neighborhood, a large truck with it's door open(I thought the driver had passed-out) and another time when motorcycles were roaring up and down the street - at one o'clock in the morning. Each and every time I called, a police officer was there within five minutes. Pretty good customer service, I'd say. I dare anyone out there to do a cops job, even for a week. I spent 13 months in VietNam and I still wouldn't want there job. The crap they have to deal with would make most of us goofy. When you look at the kind of morons they have to arrest and then one of our lenient judges puts the idiot back on the street, it's no wonder they get a little frustrated. If we had to put up with some of the stuff they do, we'd be slapping people all over the place. God bless the good ones.

Posted by: Islander Location: South Bend on Jun 20, 2008 at 02:24 PM
Yes, it is true. The jail usually will not take an intoxicated person b/c their BAC is above a certain limit. Most of the time the cops will call for an ambulance to transport them to the hospital to sleep it off. More often than not the drunk will wake up, demand a turkey sandwich and a gatorade, and then sign off AMA and go back out and do it all over again. I'm a SBFD medic and I have transported the same person multiple times in a day on several occasions. Usually the call comes in for a "man down" called by a passer-by. Since it is an unknown medical problem at the time it is an automatic fire engine, medic unit, and a police unit. It's a vicious cycle with no end in sight. It's nice to see something done but it is only a short term solution to a huge problem in this city. Unfortunately, I believe there are other bigger problem like shots fired calls and assaults to be worried about someone that has gotten their drink on, but it is a step in the right direction.

Posted by: Willie Location: Niles on Jun 20, 2008 at 01:32 PM
To V: First off, get some anger management help, please. Secondly, working within the law led to one arsonist enjoying some quality home time, while another will rot in the pokey. Third, you know as well as I do that judges' personal politics & belief systems play a role in their decisions. If there's no way to hold them accountable, they will do whatever they please. And finally, I absolutely agree with you: representatives are there to do the will of their constituency. Don't keep re-electing them because someone at the WDC feeds you beer and sausage. Look at their voting records, make an informed decision, then hold their feet to the fire. Oh, and Carrie - water's free. =)

Posted by: Anonymous on Jun 20, 2008 at 12:53 PM
If these are homeless drunks, where did they get the money do buy alcohol?

Posted by: carrie Location: Sb on Jun 20, 2008 at 12:37 PM
For all of you that post on here bashing the homeless remeber the statistically speaking over half of this country is only two paychecks away from being homeless! To The Truth, how rude of you to say that they stink (even if itm may be true). I ask you this what would you do if you were in their shoes? Remeber these people that you say stink are someones loved ones. I hope that you think about that next time you walk by a homeless person instead of turning your nose up at them.

Posted by: V on Jun 20, 2008 at 11:04 AM
Willie: For f***'s sake, judges have to work within the law just like the cops. To change the law, the CITIZENS have to call on their representatives. Moaning and complaining about the cops and the judges takes more energy than going to a website to write your representative.

Posted by: Willie Location: Niles on Jun 20, 2008 at 09:06 AM
Jeff is right; it's the soft judges' fault. Just look at the recent disparity of sentencing in the arson case, 8 years vs. house arrest. Cops are hamstrung in their jobs because they can't get warrants to investigate crimes properly. The repeat drug offender that beat the tavern bouncer to death was on house arrest and still able to kill someone. You think that the criminal element doesn't know where to go (St. Joe County) to get away with their crime? Nothing will improve until you start electing your judges and holding them accountable.

Posted by: conrad Location: south bend on Jun 20, 2008 at 12:24 AM
Its about time. Now If we could do something about the panhandlers. I work downtown and get asked at least two to thre times aday for money. How do we expect people to come downtown when they are being harassed by panhandlers. Just my two cents worth.

Posted by: William Go Tell on Jun 19, 2008 at 11:20 PM
I say arrest the anoying drunks along with Chaz, Anonymous, B and b while they're at it...and don't forget to fine their parents!

Posted by: Brad Location: Niles on Jun 19, 2008 at 10:15 PM
Like Chaz said, they should have been doing it already. That's their job and they get paid for it. If they paid better attention to what was going on around them, instead of talking on a cell phone and speeding family members around town on the the cities gas. PURE DUNCES

Posted by: Jeff Location: SB on Jun 19, 2008 at 07:30 PM
Hey Cop at park: Do you really thing 98% of the wing nuts on this board could have any fun if they started getting their facts straight? Get real dude. Start drinking the cool-aid and blame the Mayor.

Posted by: Bumper Location: Inner City on Jun 19, 2008 at 06:55 PM
The police said that they are going to do the drunk arrests on a weekly basis during the good weather. That sounds like they are serious to me. I want them to arrest the druggies and thugs, but keeping some filthy drunk away from my daughter while she rollerblades on the East Race is fine too.

Posted by: Jeff Location: SB on Jun 19, 2008 at 06:50 PM
So the cops do the sweeps and the next day arrest the two guys that shot the robbery victim on the east race and still there are people not happy with the job they are doing? How about every one focus on the fact that no one ever gets real prison time. Wake up and understand that there is a superior court judge retiring and a chance to appoint a real hard nose person to the bench. St Joe County courts are like the Supreme Court in Washington. You get the job here for LIFE. How about we focus on that for awhile and quit calling our cops stupid and lazy. I'm sure the friends and loved ones of the ridiculous number of local cops that have been killed in this area would like to see violent criminals put away for real hard time. There needs to be a discussion on getting real judges and get away from bashing SB officers.

Posted by: Sue Location: South Bend on Jun 19, 2008 at 06:44 PM
Gee,I kind of like the ambiance of drunks passed out all over the place. I don't mind them panhadling me either. Until we move the Homeless Center out of the downtown area, things will NEVER change. If I ever wanted to open a business on my own, the downtown area would be the very last place I would pick to put it. And I do think the police do the best they can.

Posted by: B Location: South Bend on Jun 19, 2008 at 06:21 PM
Anonymous on 6-19 @1:39pm, I'm sorry you feel like a loser for doing the speed limit. You certainly must have options for other places to live don't stay here just to set a good driving example I think this community can survive without you.

Posted by: Alrighty Then Location: DTSB on Jun 19, 2008 at 05:14 PM
Hmmmm........ This little sweep did little to prevent two thugs from robbing and shooting a victim while enjoying the East Race. What a waste of taxpayer money and manpower!

Posted by: To Aninnymouse Location: Elkhart on Jun 19, 2008 at 04:25 PM
If you don't like the cops arresting drunks..keep your family at home.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jun 19, 2008 at 04:03 PM
b, you're an idiot. Why don't you say something of substance? Thankless job? Really? How many posters on here said something to thank policeman? Not zero. Apparently its not "thankless." Moron.

Posted by: Chaz Location: South Bend on Jun 19, 2008 at 04:03 PM
Hey, I'm happy they arrested the drunks. I just wish they didn't think they had to wait for grant money to do it. Do it more often and maybe they'll go elsewhere.

Posted by: b on Jun 19, 2008 at 02:54 PM
Dear Anonymous on Jun 19, 2008 at 01:39 PM, I hear there is plenty of real estate in Roseland...feel free to move anytime! Chaz, sorry dude but I believe you are in the minority here pal. Kudos to the cops for doing a thankless job (as shown by some of these comments). Keep up the great work and know for sure that there are people out here that do appreciate you...

Posted by: V on Jun 19, 2008 at 02:26 PM
The cops and judges can only work according to the laws we have. If you want things to change, you have to write your representatives. They change the laws. I was just reading Bryan's comment that since a cop might go out with an assignment that day, like looking for speeders on some road, that that cop will therefore ignore a murder. I don't know; there's "dumb", and then there's "whoa". What hope is there if IQs are so low?

Posted by: Anonymous on Jun 19, 2008 at 01:39 PM
Oh good! Another waste of money and police time. After all, the drunk bums are soooooo dangerous. What a joke! Who cares? This is a complete waste of time. Bums....are you kidding me? Chaz, drive as fast as you want. You won't ever get a ticket in this town. I am the only loser that does near the speed limit on South Ironwood. Cars whiz past me all morning...no police around. It's the admin's fault though, not the individual officers. This town sucks.

Posted by: Frosty Location: south bend on Jun 19, 2008 at 01:15 PM
Good job arresting the drunks!! Now what say you try to catch some criminals???

Posted by: Dalen Location: Notre Dame, Indiana on Jun 19, 2008 at 12:15 PM
It;s about time we took care of these people. My friend's "better half" goes to work in the wee hours of the morning and they get somewhat nervous when there is somebody "sleeping it off" in the Robertson's where they live. Thank you.

Posted by: Chaz Location: South Bend on Jun 19, 2008 at 11:32 AM
Well, you may be right. I came at the end of it all and wondered what the commotion was about. I was told that there had been 9. Of course it came from one of the medics so I assumed his information was right. My mistake.

Posted by: Willie Location: Niles on Jun 19, 2008 at 11:11 AM
You know, San Francisco has very similar problems (homelessness, public drunkenness, panhandling), and it's arguably the most liberal city in the nation. Is this what my hometown has become under years of Democrat leadership??? I thought we were fairly conservative here in the heartland of America?

Posted by: Cop at park on Jun 19, 2008 at 10:56 AM
No Chaz, there were 3 cop cars and an ambulance, not 9 as you say. There was a Capt. who patrols all over the city and 2 patrolmen. There were only 4 cars working the East side of town that day. I was one of them. Stop lying to these people and get your facts straight!!

Posted by: B Location: South Bend on Jun 19, 2008 at 10:53 AM
Wow another chance to bash the police. They are not doing their job if they don't take care of the drunks and they are doing something worthless if they do patrol for drunks. Chaz, go to the police academy and run for sheriff or SBPD chief so you can run the town with your brand of enforcement. Hope we don't see your name in a reckless driving report since you knowing break the law all the time. I don't understand why everybody is sooo surprised the South Bend has the same problems many cities have. Wake up it is the times we are living in. Try supporting the community and those that protect it instead of bashing it. Though we definately need elected judges.

Posted by: The Truth Location: Mishawaka on Jun 19, 2008 at 10:19 AM
They will be right back downtown asking for change, leaving a stench for an entire block behind them. Then pass out on one of the benches. Its an ongoing process, and it wont end. They will go to the library and be on the computer and leave a wet spot in the chairs..horrible.

Posted by: ed Location: bend.... on Jun 19, 2008 at 09:49 AM
Arresting these drunks isn't going to do much. They get out. They get drunk again. It is a vicious cycle. If they're not doing it downtown, they'll do it elsewhere. What I don't like is the fact that we are bussing in parolees and homeless from other cities. Part of that problem lies with the Center for the homeless. Check out "Drunk In Public" An on-going award winning documentary, journal, book & web page dedicated to chronicling the life and times of Mark David Allen, a young man and alcoholic who has been arrested more than 450 times... South Bend cops do violate the traffic laws... but at east they don't enforce them. Leave that to ISP. Welcom to South Bend... or shall I say the wild, wild west.

Posted by: jeremiah Location: south bend on Jun 19, 2008 at 09:44 AM
SBPD has a lot of stuff to do , with all the crime South Bend has, Grant money is needed, I often see officers in local resturants eating breakfast and buy them all breakfast, its the least I can do to say THANK YOU for your commitment to the City and watching out for us and our well being...

Posted by: Bryan Location: South Bend on Jun 19, 2008 at 09:17 AM
If both of you guys are correct below I hate to see a murder happen in front of a cop while he is looking for drunks. Since it was not on his agenda he should just let him go. I think the SBPD do a fine job and It sounds like you guys should be a politician with your agendas.

Posted by: eric Location: south bend on Jun 19, 2008 at 08:17 AM
Chaz, why do you even bother to comment? Let me guess, you are one of the downtown drunks that got caught. Now your out, sitting on a library PC, ranting on a news forum.

Posted by: Willie Location: Niles on Jun 19, 2008 at 08:13 AM
"Building a 21st Century City."

Posted by: Chaz Location: South Bend on Jun 19, 2008 at 08:02 AM
First of all, I drive really fast and haven't gotten a ticket in South Bend in the 17 years I've lived here. Had lots of them elsewhere. That's the point really. I did call and complain for teh record and they told me they'd look into it. Sure.... Cops having agendas and stuff to do? SOme of them. The majority are patrols. What they're patroling is anyone's guess. Don't get me wrong. I like cops and think they do a thankless job for not nearly enough pay. I think though that their bosses need to do a better job in making them as productive as possible. I'm not looking to live in a nazi state with every littel infraction being grounds for arrest, but at the same time, it would be nice if the cops didn't break rules they are supposed to enforce and did a better job of enforcing them consistently. Kudos though. Someone called a cop on a drunk at Patowatami park this weekend and 9 cars and an ambulance showed up. SBPD version of shock and awe?

Posted by: mit Location: City of Lost Angels on Jun 19, 2008 at 04:22 AM
Chaz... You may want to lay off the sauce, hit a dictionary and try to be a little more thankful for what great freedoms you have, versus worrying if someone is getting a "coffe" before you. I am praying you do not have any children...

Posted by: McGruff on Jun 18, 2008 at 10:49 PM
Chaz: Cops have agendas - that is, they go out with particular goals, like looking for a particular perp that is loose in the area, so they don't have a mandate to stop for every little infraction they see along the way. This is why you can sometimes whiz through a yellow light when there's a cop sitting right there. They aren't looking for you. In other words, when you get pulled over for speeding, it's because that officer was assigned that duty that day. It's how they're organized. Surely you've noticed this. Otherwise, nothing would get done. Right?

Posted by: Anonymous on Jun 18, 2008 at 10:17 PM
Hey Chaz why dont u join the police department and get coffee at 7-11 also...U seem pretty qualified as to how you used your keen eagle vision and attention to detail to notice the horrible deed the off-duty cop did to you. I'm very clear and I think that everyone with a brain believes you follow all the posted traffic laws and speed limits every time you get in your car. Hey, if it was that big of deal, why didn't you call and report the officer instead of writing your stupid comments on this web page? IDIOT! Your just using this story to take a cheap shot at all police officers because you got a ticket or got caught doing something illegal. Trying to do something right for a change but people like you can never be satisfied!

Posted by: Disturbed Location: South Bend on Jun 18, 2008 at 07:55 PM
Heh they only did it because people complained,that's the only time they do anything now they did it once, and it won't happen again until it's out of control and the buisnesses complain again..I wonder how long the buisnesses have been complaining before they decided to take care of the issue!

Posted by: anonymous Location: mishawaka on Jun 18, 2008 at 07:55 PM
Chaz, take a second and think. It's not that the police don't see these drunks all day everyday. You have NON-ELECTED judges in this town who could careless and don't punish these people. You also have the Center for the Homeless, Salvation Army and Hope Rescue within 5 blocks of each other. Most of these folks are residents at any given one of those places. Be glad that it's grant money paying for this and not out of the O.T. budget. Stiffer penalties from lazy judges might send a message. Move those homeless shelters onto Notre Dames campus, since they fund them, and let them deal with it. Not police officers fault. It's way out of thier hands.

Posted by: shocking in SB Location: SB on Jun 18, 2008 at 07:24 PM
I am suprised the jail took these people since most of the time they won't when their alcohol level is too high. It is a shame that a bed in the ER has to be tied up because the "Nurse" at the jail can't babysit them. Of course at the jail the drunks don't get a turkey sandwich and a soft bed like at the ER. I hear the scanner all the time sending out a paramedic to transport this person who is intoxicated. I wonder how many times it is the same person. This problem is not something new, it has been around for a long time. Hopefully this is not a grant induced PR stunt. I hope it continues day and night.

Posted by: eric Location: south bend on Jun 18, 2008 at 07:12 PM
last time i walked the east race, there was a couple smoking a joint, havent been back since.

Posted by: Chaz Location: South Bend on Jun 18, 2008 at 06:47 PM
So let me guess this straight? We have cops driving around in cars all day long and they never noticed any of these drunk people? We had to have this sweep paid for with a grant? If they cops would stop turning a blind eye to what was going on around them, something tells me they wouldn't have needed to do a sweep in the first place. I guess that 7-11 coffe won't drink itself though. Also, it would be just dandy if the cops in this area started following the speed limit and traffic laws to set an example to the rest of the community. I routinely see off duty cops doing 20 mph or more over the limit. The other day I had one pull to right of me at a light and pass me when his lane clearly ended at the light. Seeing as how he had his wife or GF in the front and neither were in uniform, I'm guessing they were trying to beat the dinner rush. Good to know that's a perk of the job now.

Posted by: yeehaw on Jun 18, 2008 at 06:40 PM
“You know all we can do is address the problem on an individual basis. If someone does this repetitiously, then I suppose they’re going to be repetitiously arrested,” Trent said. ---------- I can't help hearing that in Barney Fife's voice. Nothing against the cops; but it's just a stupid situation. I couldn't do their job. It's a miracle there aren't more cases of police brutality. They must have amazing restraint and control.