Update about elderly man tasered by FHP. He was Baker-Acted for signs of mental illness.

[madfloridian]

This is a more thorough update on the event from WPLG TV Miami Ft. Lauderdale. There is a news video at the link. The reporter says they are not revealing the man's name, but that he was Baker-Acted. Now at least he will most likely get a medical exam to check for harm from the tasering and the fall on the concrete.

I think I would act a little strange if that happened to me.

Man holding hands up shot with Taser by trooper

No real transcript yet.

Here's the original video in which an obviously off balanced man with his hands up was tasered by the FHP.

I don't have much hope that the internal investigation going on will find much wrong.

[djean111]

1. I think Baker Act just keeps you from hurting yourself or anyone else for three days.

Yes, he will get an exam, but likely the Baker Acting may work against him, make him appear to have mental problems.

[madfloridian]

2. My point being the tasering was not needed.

It probably helps the FHP make their side look better after all.

Just not in my mind.

[djean111]

3. That was my first thought, too. Plus, it does not take much to Baker Act someone, I think.

Hmmmmm...Baker Act police because they are a threat to others.

[madfloridian]

5. This has made me so angry ever since I watched that. News video shows 2 others this week.

As the news video showed one slapped a homeless man who was already restrained, another dragged a woman down the hallways of the police dept by her feet.

This country lacks respect now for the vulnerable.

[lpbk2713]

4. A clumsy and transparent exercise in blame shifting and intimidating.

"Now if you are real nice and cooperate we'll go easy on you."


My ass. Don't ever believe the police are your friend.

[valerief]

6. I'm 5000% certain the tasering will be found justified.

[madfloridian]

8. Yep, me too.

[uponit7771]

12. +1

[uppityperson]

7. They tased him when not a threat and he whonked on the road so now they are calling him mentally ill

in the aftermath and involuntarily commit him to a mental health facility for 72 hours?

Did he suffer from the sudden electrical jolt and subsequent faceplant, or are they trying to prove he deserved it by being a mentally ill threat? Zap and drop me and I'd certainly be disoriented and acting off. They should Baker Act those cops who assaulted that man as they definitely fit the "harm to others" part.

I am so glad they have this video.

from wiki
The Baker Act allows for involuntary examination (what some call emergency or involuntary commitment). It can be initiated by judges, law enforcement officials, physicians, or mental health professionals. There must be evidence that the person:
possibly has a mental illness (as defined in the Baker Act).
is a harm to self, harm to others, or self neglectful (as defined in the Baker Act).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flaorida_Mental_Health_Act

[uppityperson]

9. The vid at the link is worth watching, shows all 3 of last week's Florida cop incidents

appalling.

[madfloridian]

10. Yes, all 3 S.FL events are appalling. Looking for YouTube video to post.

Thorough news coverage.

[herding cats]

11. It doesn't change the fact that his hands were clearly up and he was not a threat.

I don't doubt they'll try to use it to get them off. It'll probably work, too.

[madfloridian]

13. Obviously not a threat to anyone.

Probably scared to death, losing his balance, being yelled at.

[madfloridian]

14. This happened Valentine's Day. Video just posted.

SO they really didn't investigate until the witness finally posted the video.

http://abc13.com/news/watch-police-use-taser-on-man-with-hands-up/535297/

[madfloridian]

15. Trooper on alternative duty. That man looks much older than 59.

http://www.keysnet.com/2015/02/25/501413/fhp-investigating-video-showing.html?rh=1

It is not known why the minivan in which the man was a passenger was pulled over. FHP spokeswoman Capt. Nancy Rasmussen said the 59-year-old man, who police have not identified, was taken into custody under "the provisions of Florida's Baker Act."

The Baker Act allows law enforcement officers to hold a person in custody who may be a danger to himself or herself.

The video shows one trooper pull the man out of the vehicle. The man came out with his arms raised. The trooper puts the man's arms behind his back, while at the same time, another trooper shoots the man with his Taser stun gun. The man yells and falls to the ground.

Rasmussen said in a statement: "This incident is currently under investigation. Once the investigation is closed, I will provide you with the reports pursuant to your public records request."

Rasmussen said the trooper who used the stun gun is on "alternative duty pending the outcome of the investigation." The FHP has not named the trooper.