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Blind Woman Tasered by Dayton Police

49 yr old blind Denise Harris relays what happened after she opened the door to police. (Image from CNN video.)

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Thursday, July 17th 2008, Dayton Ohio Police arrived at the home of 49 year old Denise Harris, looking for her son, a robbery suspect. A blind woman, Denise Harris of a Fernwood Avenue apartment opened the door to the police and told them that her son was not there. This is when the accounting splits into two different versions..

According to Denise Harris, she was on the telephone when a police officer said, "Hang up the phone! Hang up the phone!" Being in her own home she said, "No. This is my phone. I'm in my own home." This is when, according to Harris, he grabbed her, squeezed her arm and threw her on the futon. He was pulling at her clothes and even put his hand over her mouth to where she could not breathe. A neighbor views what is going on and after the police taser Harris is when the neighbor asked them why were they doing that and that Harris was blind.

However, according to police, when Harris answered the door, she was combative and punched one of the officers. When she resisted arrest is when, according to police, she was tasered. And only after she had been tasered did they realize she was blind.

To make matters worse, due to Harris' blindness and vulnerability, she had a painful experience regarding someone claiming they were the police at her door before. She was robbed as a result. This may explain any hostility or defensive actions on the part of Harris.

As well as being blind, Harris also suffers from diabetes and cancer. Sgt. Charles Anderson said that although the incident is under investigation, Harris will be charged with assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest. And because neighbors and relatives are outraged at her treatment, claiming it was excessive and unnecessary police force being used on a scared blind woman, Sgt. Anderson said that not only was her opening the door a voluntary act but that she should have told the officers she was scared.

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{"commentId":2237940,"authorDomain":"digits"}
Sgt. Anderson said that not only was her opening the door a voluntary act but that she should have told the officers she was scared.

I see how that would have changed everything! Blame the blind woman some more...

You're going to tell citizens that opening the door to police is voluntary. Oh. And furthermore, that when you do, telling them your *feelings* is going to make them play nice.

Well now that's an angle I haven't heard of.

{"commentId":2237940,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"digits"}
  • 10 votes
Reply#1 - Sun Jul 20, 2008 4:01 PM EDT
{"commentId":2238123,"authorDomain":"insist09"}
insist09Deleted
{"commentId":2240606,"authorDomain":"TacitusAndronicus"}

It's not thuggery, they were simply pacifying an unruly "civilian", as citizens (who cover their paychecks) are known in the proto-military lingo...

{"commentId":2240606,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"TacitusAndronicus"}
  • 3 votes
#1.2 - Mon Jul 21, 2008 12:15 AM EDT
{"commentId":2241364,"authorDomain":"sedekka"}

Yeah exactly. I've yet to see a kind police officer.

{"commentId":2241364,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"sedekka"}
  • 3 votes
#1.3 - Mon Jul 21, 2008 4:14 AM EDT
{"commentId":2241946,"authorDomain":"rdixiesunrise61"}

I know a few kind officers.

{"commentId":2241946,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"rdixiesunrise61"}
  • 1 vote
#1.4 - Mon Jul 21, 2008 9:06 AM EDT
{"commentId":3278298,"authorDomain":"IslamicScholars"}

You got to be kidding me, Omg whats next , beaten down a handicapped, Cops need to relax a little especially when it comes to people with a disability.. wow im amazed yet not shocked

{"commentId":3278298,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"IslamicScholars"}
  • 4 votes
#1.5 - Fri Oct 3, 2008 5:56 AM EDT
{"commentId":3306162,"authorDomain":"sedekka"}

Oh I'm surprised you are evening this making statement IS. Get real! Cops will knock down anything they can. @!$%#!!! It's the only way they can think they are tough. I was stopped again by the pigs today a few hours ago in fact. Walking down my street. And you know what for? Nothing!!!!!!!!!!!! Absolutely nothing. They took a pic of the guy that was with me and that's it. Make no mistake. When a pig tells you he's on your side. He's not!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! As I told the bloke that was with me. It's only because I'm Muslim. Filthy bastards. We were walking down MY street doing NOTHING. And the pigs came right up behind us. I'm used to it. He isn't. And it scared the @!$%# out of him!!!!!!!!!! make NO MISTAKE. THEY ARE NOT ON OUR SIDE!!!!!!!!! They stopped me and my mate for walking down the road. Oh and they took a pic of him. So why don't you figure it out. It's pretty bloody easy.

{"commentId":3306162,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"sedekka"}
  • 5 votes
#1.6 - Sat Oct 4, 2008 6:41 AM EDT
{"commentId":3331869,"authorDomain":"IslamicScholars"}

lets say i met a few good cops out there, so i cant blame all for the actions of idiots.

same can be said about Islam and some extremist. you know what i mean

{"commentId":3331869,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"IslamicScholars"}
  • 2 votes
#1.7 - Mon Oct 6, 2008 2:08 AM EDT
{"commentId":3333221,"authorDomain":"sedekka"}

IS. Yes you are right. I'm the perfection of a non-perfect Muslim. And you know what? I don't care. This is between me and One Other. Unlike the police. They all get slandered for one disgusting Officer's actions.

{"commentId":3333221,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"sedekka"}
  • 3 votes
#1.8 - Mon Oct 6, 2008 7:28 AM EDT
{"commentId":9650517,"authorDomain":"jayjay-1360101"}

f.u.ck the police thhey all ga.y

{"commentId":9650517,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"jayjay-1360101"}
  • 1 vote
#1.9 - Tue Sep 22, 2009 7:40 PM EDT
Reply
{"commentId":2240709,"authorDomain":"digits"}

I would like to see taser-use become an election topic.

{"commentId":2240709,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"digits"}
  • 3 votes
Reply#2 - Mon Jul 21, 2008 12:39 AM EDT
{"commentId":2241976,"authorDomain":"evilgenius"}

I would like to see police tactics and education as a whole become an election topic.

{"commentId":2241976,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"evilgenius"}
  • 5 votes
#2.1 - Mon Jul 21, 2008 9:12 AM EDT
Reply
{"commentId":2243469,"authorDomain":"meanjina"}

Unless you were there you don't really know what happened, but being blind does not give you a free pass to assault peace officers, if that version is correct. And being an officer does not give one the right to lay hands on an individual without provocation, if in fact that is what happened.

{"commentId":2243469,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"meanjina"}
  • 1 vote
Reply#3 - Mon Jul 21, 2008 12:52 PM EDT
{"commentId":2244802,"authorDomain":"wertyui"}

I've seen someone use the term peace officer. Police officers are there to police, watch, and punish the people for breaking laws. If they were interested in Peace....they'd be tasering Bush, Cheney, etc. Having confidence in a force more powerful than yourself leaves you frightened, because more often than not...they will take advantage of you.

{"commentId":2244802,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"wertyui"}
  • 1 vote
#3.1 - Mon Jul 21, 2008 3:28 PM EDT
Reply
{"commentId":2244457,"authorDomain":"digits"}

She is blind and had been robbed in a similar manner before; with individuals identifying themselves as police officers. As a blind woman how would she know they were, truly, police officers? Had she had been me, I would have immediately *used the phone* to call and verify there *were* police officers coming to my address. So if a power hungry cop told me to hang up the phone - and trust me, yes they do that - I'd tell him the same thing she said.

But in this case - if her version is true - he assaulted her and she could have thought the entire time he began assaulting her that she was going to get robbed again...maybe beaten and raped? As a blind woman, I would not expect a REAL cop to assault me because I am on the telephone. However, I would expect people *posing* as cops to assault me.

Her telephone was her only connection to the outside world at that point and that cop had no business asking her to put it down.

As far as who I believe. I ALWAYS start with the citizen when it happens in their own home. I'm funny like that.

{"commentId":2244457,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"digits"}
  • 4 votes
Reply#4 - Mon Jul 21, 2008 2:47 PM EDT
{"commentId":2249440,"authorDomain":"sedekka"}

Very well said Digits. And I agree, start with the citizen. Especially if they've been attacked before. This poor woman has to be given the benifit of the doubt. Too many cops DO abuse their power these days.

{"commentId":2249440,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"sedekka"}
  • 4 votes
#4.1 - Mon Jul 21, 2008 11:35 PM EDT
{"commentId":2253602,"authorDomain":"DrKnow"}

Maybe she should have had a sign on her door "Blind woman inside afraid of police"?

Would it have been different if she was not a BLACK blind woman?

{"commentId":2253602,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"DrKnow"}
  • 5 votes
#4.2 - Tue Jul 22, 2008 1:46 PM EDT
{"commentId":2257144,"authorDomain":"digits"}

@ Sedekka - Thank you for the validation. I was unsure if I was going to explain myself coherently there because I get so angry on the inside over these situations I can hardly think straight and my emotions tend to over-run my logical communications at times; Like this. A run on sentence. :P

@ DrKnow - I said, over there @ Digg something along the lines of the same sentiment. Had she been about 120 pounds lighter and had been white would the cop have been "threatened" to the point of using a taser? [It was a female officer who tasered her yet I am thinking it was the male officer who had her on the couch at the time she was tasered...though the story gets muddy and admittedly I do not know when she was precisely tasered.]

My point is always the same: Cops are human and are subject to the same prejudices, mental and emotional frailties any of us may or could possess at any time. They are NOT paid very well and yes, they see "badness" on a daily basis I would assume.

So to arm them with a LETHAL weapon but calling it NON-LETHAL as they suffer from their job stressors, or just leave a job where adrenaline was through the roof or even heck...the wife didn't give him any nook nook the night before...to arm these people with a taser and tell them to use it when "necessary" is just INSANITY.

Studies have PROVEN it. They are NOT used in the stead of guns. They are used IN ADDITION and in circumstances where a "talking to" would have been equally as effective, albeit more time consuming and perhaps more *annoying* for the cop.

You've heard my positions before. I'm just getting riled up again.

{"commentId":2257144,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"digits"}
  • 2 votes
#4.3 - Tue Jul 22, 2008 9:42 PM EDT
{"commentId":2264261,"authorDomain":"sedekka"}

Yes you are right. Cops are human. But that does not give them an excuse to harm anybody. I believe their job is to uphold the law and to protect people. Here in Queensland (Australia) their patch says. 'With honour we serve'. Us locals commonly refer to it as 'With dishonour we deceive'. That is the sad state of affairs. And one that police bought on by themselves through their own bad behaviour, corrupution, violence against people etc. I don't feel sorry for them at all. Last night I read in Alter news about the police torturing people for over 20 years. How the hell did they get away with for so long is a question that is really burining me. I think the police lost the respect of people many many years ago and they have no one else to blame but themselves. A classic example why digit, is your article. I mean seriously, what rotten copper would taser a blind woman. This burns me up too.
Oh and all the coppers here have been issued taser guns. Oh joy for the people. How many news items will we see now concerning abuse of this dangerous weapon.

{"commentId":2264261,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"sedekka"}
  • 1 vote
#4.4 - Wed Jul 23, 2008 7:53 PM EDT
{"commentId":3264032,"authorDomain":"golenfeathergriffyn"}

@ Digits,

I see a couple problems with the story. If she were calling to confirm that they were really police, she wouldn't have let them into her house first. So that story doesn't really work. Secondly, we don't know who she was on the phone with. She could have been calling her son to tell him to run, or a next door neighbor to have them come harass the cops.

Questions that might be nice to know: Did she identify to the cops that she was blind? Sounds like a big "NO" there. In which case they treated her as anyone else. Secondly, do you think police officers should address each person with," Excuse me, have you had someone impersonate a cop to you before? We would like to know so that we can treat you in a hyper-sensitive manner"? I don't. They were entering a residence where there was potentially an armed suspect.

I see the role of a police officer as a double-edged sword. If they do not do enough to protect a citizen's rights, then everyone hates them. But the moment anyone THINKS they impinge on supposed rights then everyone hates them. It is like handcuffing someone then telling them to swim across a lake.

{"commentId":3264032,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"golenfeathergriffyn"}
    #4.5 - Thu Oct 2, 2008 3:32 PM EDT
    Reply
    {"commentId":2251077,"authorDomain":"thefirstmorning"}

    The key word in all of the above, I think, is "Taser."

    It rhymes with "Penis."

    {"commentId":2251077,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"thefirstmorning"}
      Reply#5 - Tue Jul 22, 2008 7:56 AM EDT
      {"commentId":2253630,"authorDomain":"campellone"}

      In most cases, one finds that officers check on occupants. Running a check on parties thru their computers! Somewhere in the halls of Justice, it should be corrected. Computers, enter into this situation. And, if that agency, don't have them hooked up, or did not run a check! It was neglence
      on the officer's action! Yet, in many cases officers are pretty wired. Due to the stress, one faces on a daily basis! Facing life and death situations continually. An example in this situation, could be post tramatic syndrome occurances, for the arresting officer! These officers are also human, and under
      pressure, may collapse mentally at times!

      {"commentId":2253630,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"campellone"}
        Reply#6 - Tue Jul 22, 2008 1:49 PM EDT
        {"commentId":2253800,"authorDomain":"DrKnow"}

        You live in a fantasy world. The cops are too lazy to do any computer checks. Where is the database that tells them who lives at what address? If there were such a database it would be a total invasion of privacy. The cops are not even supposed to access the NCIS (National Crimes Information Service) without a completely valid reason. They are NOT supposed to just do random checks on people.

        {"commentId":2253800,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"DrKnow"}
        • 6 votes
        #6.1 - Tue Jul 22, 2008 2:08 PM EDT
        {"commentId":2257253,"authorDomain":"digits"}
        These officers are also human, and under pressure, may collapse mentally at times!

        The mentally collapsible, suffering from PTSD - no doubt in my mind this could be true - ready and armed with both gun and taser. And ready to taser 9 times in 14 minutes AFTER handcuffing the hostage victim object of rage 21 year old black kid. Speaking of this incident...was THIS a clear case of racial tasering? ABSOLUTELY.

        See more: Taser Death Sparks Racial Tension

        Do I think this one with Ms. Harris was racially provoked? Well. Let's just say that if I discovered either of the two officers to have been black I would be very shocked. This is why I think they had [black] Sergeant Anderson speaking on the television! I think that was a calculated move. Usually I see the Police Chief of whatever outfit offering some stupid statement but this was no police chief. [He is probably white and is why it would not have worked if the two officers are white.]

        ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

        Spokesperson voiceover: Be sure to join the TaserWatch Newsvine group for more of these and other fun tasering and taser death news, headlines, information and announcements! More pain! More Death! More violation of YOUR Liberties! 24 hours a day at ... "TASERWATCH!"

        {"commentId":2257253,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"digits"}
        • 2 votes
        #6.2 - Tue Jul 22, 2008 10:00 PM EDT
        {"commentId":2258101,"authorDomain":"DrKnow"}

        Where did anyone think that the cops have a ready database of who is living at a given address? The public record gives the owner of a property but it does NOT have the names of who is living at a given address and it should not. When we are an official police state, that WILL be the case.

        {"commentId":2258101,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"DrKnow"}
        • 5 votes
        #6.3 - Wed Jul 23, 2008 12:46 AM EDT
        {"commentId":2267029,"authorDomain":"BetaTestVictim"}

        Roger that Dr. Know. So true it is that of which you speak. We are screwed...it's just a matter of time.

        {"commentId":2267029,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"BetaTestVictim"}
        • 5 votes
        #6.4 - Thu Jul 24, 2008 5:55 AM EDT
        {"commentId":3264098,"authorDomain":"golenfeathergriffyn"}

        Dr. Know,

        It's called a phone book.

        {"commentId":3264098,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"golenfeathergriffyn"}
        • 1 vote
        #6.5 - Thu Oct 2, 2008 3:35 PM EDT
        {"commentId":3271826,"authorDomain":"DrKnow"}

        Not if you pay extra NOT to have it listed. Look in your phone book. There are much fewer addressed in them for good reason.

        {"commentId":3271826,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"DrKnow"}
        • 1 vote
        #6.6 - Thu Oct 2, 2008 11:11 PM EDT
        {"commentId":3280459,"authorDomain":"golenfeathergriffyn"}

        In which case there are numerous other common resources in which to look.  There are internet search sites and public records.  In this day and age ordinary citizens have the ability to track down home addresses.  What makes you think that police officers shouldn't be able to?

        {"commentId":3280459,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"golenfeathergriffyn"}
          #6.7 - Fri Oct 3, 2008 8:18 AM EDT
          {"commentId":3287497,"authorDomain":"DrKnow"}

          If you read back, I said that the cops were too lazy. I never said they should not be able to.

          {"commentId":3287497,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"DrKnow"}
          • 1 vote
          #6.8 - Fri Oct 3, 2008 11:28 AM EDT
          {"commentId":3288483,"authorDomain":"golenfeathergriffyn"}

          "If there were such a database it would be a total invasion of privacy. The cops are not even supposed to access the NCIS (National Crimes Information Service) without a completely valid reason."

          I suppose you are making a differentiation between who lives at an address and who owns the building at an address.  In the pursuit of a felon, there are a lot of tools available to the police.  I don't see how it becomes an invasion of privacy for them to use them.

          {"commentId":3288483,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"golenfeathergriffyn"}
            #6.9 - Fri Oct 3, 2008 11:54 AM EDT
            {"commentId":3296032,"authorDomain":"DrKnow"}

            It becomes an invasion of privacy to enter the home of a relative of a criminal without knowledge of the felon being present. There have been cases where an anonymous caller has erroneously told the cops someone was at resident.

            {"commentId":3296032,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"DrKnow"}
            • 2 votes
            #6.10 - Fri Oct 3, 2008 4:09 PM EDT
            Reply
            {"commentId":2254022,"authorDomain":"Blueflameleo"}

            great work digits i hope the cops are jailed for this.

            {"commentId":2254022,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"Blueflameleo"}
            • 4 votes
            Reply#7 - Tue Jul 22, 2008 2:31 PM EDT
            {"commentId":2257275,"authorDomain":"digits"}
            great work digits i hope the cops are jailed for this.

            shucks. it was nothing. checking sources and watching a video for the compilation. but thanks for the kudos anyway!

            they probably will not be jailed. i have a feeling they will not back down from this one. as a result i do not think they will even get administrative leave.

            i think the best result we can hope for in this situation - since there were no witnesses and it's a "big black woman" against the word[s] of "two upstanding officers" - is for the charges to be dropped against ms. harris.

            then we all need to pray that some predators did not watch the news and discover where she lived in order to "fake like they are cops" in order to rob her [again] or worse. you see how this works?

            NEXT time she may actually comply out of fear of being tasered and voila! she is now a rape victim.

            i am so sick of this @!$%#.

            {"commentId":2257275,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"digits"}
            • 4 votes
            #7.1 - Tue Jul 22, 2008 10:05 PM EDT
            Reply
            {"commentId":2255229,"authorDomain":"theperkinsgroup"}

            The police officers had absolutely no rights going into this lady's home. As far as I am concerned, this was an invasion of privacy. Did they have a search warrant? The lady should file tress passing charges against the officers. Along with assault charges.

            {"commentId":2255229,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"theperkinsgroup"}
            • 2 votes
            Reply#8 - Tue Jul 22, 2008 4:47 PM EDT
            {"commentId":2257310,"authorDomain":"digits"}

            I do not know if they had a search warrant. I would deduce no since Sgt Anderson said in the news interview that her opening her door was voluntary. And that the cops were there to simply question her son as he was apparently a robbery suspect? [however, they may have had an arrest warrant for him.]

            I wonder if merely opening a door is permission enough for cops to come in? Every time I have had one at my house and I have opened the door I have had to usher them in - almost beg them to come in so I am thinking no.

            I can see the cop at the door, however, asking if her son was there and her saying no - while still on the phone - and then he goes into power freak mode. "Hang up the phone!" [etc]

            he probably wanted to question her on her son's whereabouts which she would have every right to refuse to answer. but cops who are power hungry do not care much about the law in my experience and will threaten you with much in order to get THEIR ends met.

            i totally see it in my mind's eye how it went down in the beginning.

            {"commentId":2257310,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"digits"}
            • 2 votes
            #8.1 - Tue Jul 22, 2008 10:11 PM EDT
            {"commentId":3264165,"authorDomain":"golenfeathergriffyn"}

            "i totally see it in my mind's eye how it went down in the beginning. " ~9.1

            And that is the problem. You have a biased view and you don't know the facts. That is how media news operates in order to start a debate or crisis.

            {"commentId":3264165,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"golenfeathergriffyn"}
              #8.2 - Thu Oct 2, 2008 3:37 PM EDT
              {"commentId":3271934,"authorDomain":"DrKnow"}

              What threat constituting a serious thread to the life and well being of a "well trained" police officer can a blind woman generate?

              If she started swinging all they had to do was step back and laugh.

              {"commentId":3271934,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"DrKnow"}
              • 3 votes
              #8.3 - Thu Oct 2, 2008 11:13 PM EDT
              {"commentId":3280531,"authorDomain":"golenfeathergriffyn"}

              You haven't ever been around a blind person before, have you?  Within their own home they know how to move around without tripping.  Secondary, they know where you are.  I think even you would be able to punch someone in the face if they were standing in front of you talking. 

              {"commentId":3280531,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"golenfeathergriffyn"}
                #8.4 - Fri Oct 3, 2008 8:21 AM EDT
                {"commentId":3287760,"authorDomain":"DrKnow"}

                My daughter in law was blind from diabetes. She lived in my home with me until she died. I have her ashes in an urn in front of me. You seem to be prone to making all kinds of assumptions.

                Your point is significant. She was in her OWN home. SHE was not suspected of commiting any crime. They did not have a warrant to enter her home. They had not been in hot pursuit. They were fishing for her son. The most ridiculous statement is that by the sergeant that said she should have told them she was afraid of the police. Name one black person in the projects that is not already afraid of the cops.

                {"commentId":3287760,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"DrKnow"}
                • 5 votes
                #8.5 - Fri Oct 3, 2008 11:33 AM EDT
                {"commentId":3288993,"authorDomain":"golenfeathergriffyn"}

                Now you are making assumptions.  the exact quote says "Sgt. Anderson said that not only was her opening the door a voluntary act but that she should have told the officers she was scared. "

                Lets go over this point by point:

                1.  She opened her door voluntarily.  If she was afraid of them, she wouldn't have opened the door.  If she thought they weren't really police, she wouldn't have opened the door.  Unless police had a warrant, she didn't have to open the door. 

                2.  He wasn't saying she should have said,"I'm scared of the police," but rather ,"I'm scared," or,"I've been robbed by people posing as police officers."  These simple statements would have informed the police of the underlying situation and allowed them to take appropriate action. 

                3.  She wasn't suspected of committing any crime.  Her son was.  Relatives sometimes harbor kin that are fugitives.  Hence why they were at her house.  Most people when they rob someone (the son) do it with a weapon.  Therefore, they are entering into an environment which could become hostile at any moment. 

                I'm sorry for your loss.  I have lost a child as well.  No one should have to outlive their child. 

                {"commentId":3288993,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"golenfeathergriffyn"}
                  #8.6 - Fri Oct 3, 2008 12:08 PM EDT
                  {"commentId":3296307,"authorDomain":"DrKnow"}

                  Sgt. Anderson was not at the scene. He is the public information officer paid to spin things to the advantage of the people he works for.

                  You admit that she was not suspected of committing any crime. Why was she tasered? Why was she threatened at all? Upon what authority does a cop have the right to tell you to end a phone call?

                  Since she is blind she likely had to open the door slightly to ask who was there while she was on the phone. The cops pushed the door open and insisted she get off the phone because they had chosen that moment to go to her residence.

                  If you open your door does that constitute an invitation to come into your home?

                  {"commentId":3296307,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"DrKnow"}
                  • 2 votes
                  #8.7 - Fri Oct 3, 2008 4:18 PM EDT
                  {"commentId":3297369,"authorDomain":"golenfeathergriffyn"}

                  "Since she is blind she likely had to open the door slightly to ask who was there while she was on the phone. The cops pushed the door open and insisted she get off the phone because they had chosen that moment to go to her residence."

                  OK, you make the assumption that they breached her house when they opened the door.  Why couldn't she have called through the door? She didn't have a chain latch?  Two relatively simple and obvious solutions for a blind person who is "scared" of opening her door to strangers.

                  {"commentId":3297369,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"golenfeathergriffyn"}
                    #8.8 - Fri Oct 3, 2008 4:58 PM EDT
                    {"commentId":3309908,"authorDomain":"DrKnow"}

                    She was on the phone at the time. That is made clear. I can hardly hear anything through my door if it is completely quiet. Have you ever seen the "announcements" the cops make on the COPS program. They are smashing the door AS they make their 'announcement'. If a TV is on I would not hear anyone at any of my doors.

                    {"commentId":3309908,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"DrKnow"}
                    • 2 votes
                    #8.9 - Sat Oct 4, 2008 1:23 PM EDT
                    {"commentId":3316656,"authorDomain":"sedekka"}

                    I agree with you Dr Know.
                    And Todd. Why should she have chains on her door? Shouldn't one feel safe in their own home without the cops banging down their door. Oh and by the way I was pulled up by the pigs again yesterday afternoon. And do you want to know what for? Nothing. They took a pic of the bloke I was with, they came out of nowhere 3 doors down from my home. We never even heard them. It was almost like they were lying in wait. Now I'd like to know what the hell they were doing outside my home? Oh and I'd also like to know why they stopped us too? They told the guy I was with he had nice calves. Now isn't that the biggest load of bollocks you've ever heard? Seriously. And these 2 cops were men by the way. They already knew me, but what was there damn interest in me mate. Oh yeah now I know. He's never been seen with me before.

                    {"commentId":3316656,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"sedekka"}
                    • 2 votes
                    #8.10 - Sat Oct 4, 2008 10:50 PM EDT
                    {"commentId":3333636,"authorDomain":"golenfeathergriffyn"}

                    Why would there be chains on her door?  She had mentioned that she had been robbed before.  Most people when they are robbed take security precautions.  Sorry the cops are bothering you, Sedekka.  Sounds like they have a real bug up their tush about you for some reason. 

                    Dr Know,

                    Yes, they are smashing in the door because they have a warrant.  Most people that are committing illicit activities attempt to get rid of the evidence when the police knock on the door.  The police attempt to stop that from happening.  You know, things like flushing the drugs or throwing the gun into the neighbor's yard?

                    {"commentId":3333636,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"golenfeathergriffyn"}
                      #8.11 - Mon Oct 6, 2008 8:37 AM EDT
                      {"commentId":3338612,"authorDomain":"DrKnow"}

                      Why the sham of "announcing"? It is not like they WANT you to come to the door. They prefer that you do not. If you ever wonder why people do not trust the "Justice" system just look at that big lie. They "announce" with no intention of giving anyone time to respond. Why announce? Why not do what they are going to do anyway? All it proves is that you cannot believe or trust ANYTHING a cop tells you.

                      In this case they did NOT have a warrant. It was a warrantless invasion of the woman's home.

                      {"commentId":3338612,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"DrKnow"}
                      • 3 votes
                      #8.12 - Mon Oct 6, 2008 1:58 PM EDT
                      {"commentId":3339098,"authorDomain":"golenfeathergriffyn"}

                      They announce so that the person inside knows that it is the police as opposed to an armed robber breaking down the door.  It is also part of the law.  It prevents police officers from being shot. 

                      It wasn't an invasion of her home.  She invited them in. 

                      {"commentId":3339098,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"golenfeathergriffyn"}
                        #8.13 - Mon Oct 6, 2008 2:19 PM EDT
                        {"commentId":3339199,"authorDomain":"DrKnow"}

                        They "announce" to just follow the sham protocol. You cannot hear what is being said clearly from the other side of the door much less in a room with a TV on. You are clearly an apologist for any and all police activity. In your world, no cop ever does anything wrong.

                        If she did invite them in, what right did they have to insist that she hang the phone up?

                        Do your 'guests' have the right to limit your actions in your home?

                        {"commentId":3339199,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"DrKnow"}
                        • 3 votes
                        #8.14 - Mon Oct 6, 2008 2:23 PM EDT
                        {"commentId":3340949,"authorDomain":"golenfeathergriffyn"}

                        "You are clearly an apologist for any and all police activity. In your world, no cop ever does anything wrong."

                        You are clearly a conspiracy theorist who thinks police only ever do wrong.  Perhaps you should become an officer and reform them through good deeds rather than mocking concepts and a profession you seem to know little about. 

                        Tell you what.  I'll go look for more information on the case.  You do so as well.  Once more facts are presented, I'm sure that you will be proven right.

                        {"commentId":3340949,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"golenfeathergriffyn"}
                          #8.15 - Mon Oct 6, 2008 3:35 PM EDT
                          {"commentId":3341867,"authorDomain":"golenfeathergriffyn"}

                          So far I found Denise was charged twice previous to this.  She was charged with reckless driving and interfering with custody.  The 2nd set of charges were dropped.  In addition, the charges of resisting arrest (the ones above) were withdrawn.  This information was found in the Dayton Clerk of Court website.  I didn't see a way to veiw the complaint for specifics.  I was also unable to find a civil case filed by her against the police department (suing for damages). 

                          {"commentId":3341867,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"golenfeathergriffyn"}
                            #8.16 - Mon Oct 6, 2008 4:11 PM EDT
                            {"commentId":3604217,"authorDomain":"digits"}

                            Todd-1973 : "i totally see it in my mind's eye how it went down in the beginning. " ~9.1

                            And that is the problem. You have a biased view and you don't know the facts. That is how media news operates in order to start a debate or crisis."

                            That's not bias; that's experience. And why do people come onto Newsvine saying, "You don't know the facts" when we all agree we are talking about the News? The facts are only as good as they are given in the article and even then, it could be a lie or a misrepresentation or a confusion of facts! So if we want to go there, let's go there! "Why are we even discussing it at all then?"

                            Unless each citizen is going to personally track down every record and get their own witnesses, interview the players, and <b>then</b> write an article for herself, we have to rely on the Article to discuss the whats and wherefores. Inevitably, without drawing upon other sources facts will ALWAYS be missed by some people who think them germane.

                            That argument is so weak.

                            Dr. Know : If she started swinging all they had to do was step back and laugh.

                            This is truth, Know. You speak it wisely and thusly.

                            {"commentId":3604217,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"digits"}
                            • 3 votes
                            #8.17 - Tue Oct 21, 2008 8:07 AM EDT
                            {"commentId":3604551,"authorDomain":"digits"}

                            @ Todd - You are clearly a conspiracy theorist who thinks police only ever do wrong.  Perhaps you should become an officer and reform them through good deeds rather than mocking concepts and a profession you seem to know little about. - 7.15

                            Fact is, we see the fruits of the law enforcement profession on an almost daily basis, in addition to our own victimizing experiences or [some of us] working with cops or within the court system.

                            I really doubt we need to know the "concepts" of policedom in order to denounce the effects of it. And I further doubt that if many of us not knowing the concepts were to suddenly become familiar with them if it would change our moral compass on the issue of brutality or excessive force.

                            In short, all we need to know is that people who have not been proven guilty of a crime suffer due to [your termed] police "concepts." That's it. That's enough. If I knew nothing else, this would be all I needed to know.

                            {"commentId":3604551,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"digits"}
                            • 2 votes
                            #8.18 - Tue Oct 21, 2008 8:44 AM EDT
                            {"commentId":3605180,"authorDomain":"golenfeathergriffyn"}

                            But you don't see all the fruits of what the law-abiding cops do, do you?  That is part of status quo and doesn't get media attention.  Denouncing an institution because you have experienced a bad seed doesn't really fly either.  I have "experience" as well and consider that the job they do for the pay they get is admirable.  I've also worked with prison guards and know what they go through. 

                            So, what are your thoughts on how to change this travesty?  What policies or laws would you have put in place? (This is an attempt to go the next step rather than continue with a "who has more experience debate")

                            {"commentId":3605180,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"golenfeathergriffyn"}
                              #8.19 - Tue Oct 21, 2008 9:37 AM EDT
                              Reply
                              {"commentId":2257518,"authorDomain":"insist09"}
                              insist09Deleted
                              {"commentId":2258211,"authorDomain":"Wheel"}
                              Harris will be charged with assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest.

                              This is absolutely typical behavior on the part of the police. Whenever they screw up the standard charge is resisting arrest/assault on an officer. It's how they try to justify being jackbooted thugs.

                              {"commentId":2258211,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"Wheel"}
                              • 4 votes
                              Reply#10 - Wed Jul 23, 2008 6:29 AM EDT
                              {"commentId":2267038,"authorDomain":"BetaTestVictim"}

                              Well, they have paperwork to fill out and it has to SOUND good when you write this crap down. Had to have a REASON to Tase the lady. Thus the charges. Typical situation for sure.

                              {"commentId":2267038,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"BetaTestVictim"}
                              • 2 votes
                              #10.1 - Thu Jul 24, 2008 6:02 AM EDT
                              Reply
                              {"commentId":2267912,"authorDomain":"joegrind"}

                              I know if I was blind, I'd take a swing at a police officer. Yup, it'd be like a reflex action. Never mind I can't see where the hell I'm swinging, but I'd do it anyway. Yesiree.

                              {"commentId":2267912,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"joegrind"}
                              • 3 votes
                              Reply#11 - Thu Jul 24, 2008 9:38 AM EDT
                              {"commentId":2274582,"authorDomain":"digits"}

                              LoL....Being blind..? Why the hell not? The world's a dark scary place...you know...with armed lunatics running around ready to taser you at a moment's notice.

                              {"commentId":2274582,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"digits"}
                              • 2 votes
                              #11.1 - Thu Jul 24, 2008 9:41 PM EDT
                              Reply
                              {"commentId":2273264,"authorDomain":"galen"}

                              You can do more than decry the police action. You can also write letters, emails and make phone calls to the mayor's office in Dayton, requesting the charges be dropped. Really, it's Ms. Harris' only chance.

                              {"commentId":2273264,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"galen"}
                              • 1 vote
                              Reply#12 - Thu Jul 24, 2008 6:04 PM EDT
                              {"commentId":3262922,"authorDomain":"bake059"}

                              is anyone familiar with a shooting by a dayton PD officer in or about 1993, where the suspect was a handicapped black man. the officers name is rick smith. officer smith later sued the police department and the dayton daily news because they released his medical records showing he was also mentally unstable. any info would be greatly appreciated

                              {"commentId":3262922,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"bake059"}
                              • 1 vote
                              Reply#13 - Thu Oct 2, 2008 2:32 PM EDT
                              {"commentId":3263747,"authorDomain":"sedekka"}

                              looking for info. No. Alas I'm Australian. But I would certainly be most interested. Ask 3kylaw or Sgt. Ironhorse. One of those 2 would surely know. If not. They'd cetainly be able to find out.

                              {"commentId":3263747,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"sedekka"}
                              • 1 vote
                              #13.1 - Thu Oct 2, 2008 3:17 PM EDT
                              {"commentId":3264092,"authorDomain":"DrKnow"}

                              Here is a link

                              Newspaper Archives

                              {"commentId":3264092,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"DrKnow"}
                              • 3 votes
                              #13.2 - Thu Oct 2, 2008 3:34 PM EDT
                              {"commentId":3309944,"authorDomain":"kidsarocker"}

                              officer smith later sued the police department and the dayton daily news because they released his medical records showing he was also mentally unstable

                              We the public who pay for police services should know the mental state of every police officer..Christ you wouldn't want be confronted by a raving lunatic would you? And why was he in the police force..anyone who has a mental illness should not be a public servant...especially one that requires you to carry a firearm

                              {"commentId":3309944,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"kidsarocker"}
                              • 2 votes
                              #13.3 - Sat Oct 4, 2008 1:25 PM EDT
                              {"commentId":3316704,"authorDomain":"sedekka"}

                              What the hell was a cop with a mental problem doing on the force in the first place? Aren't these guys suppose to be rigorously tested for everything??? Come on! this is ridiculous!

                              {"commentId":3316704,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"sedekka"}
                              • 2 votes
                              #13.4 - Sat Oct 4, 2008 10:54 PM EDT
                              {"commentId":3604256,"authorDomain":"digits"}

                              @ Sedekka - Good to see you my friend. I took the rest of the summer off and came back unbelieving this article is still getting play.

                              What the hell was a cop with a mental problem doing on the force in the first place? Aren't these guys suppose to be rigorously tested for everything??? Come on! this is ridiculous!

                              Ridiculous? Hah. It's ridiculous to think that if most of them underwent psychiatric analysis by a neutral party that half of them would be found to be mentally fit enough to continue.

                              Geez. Haven't I established that the 2008 typical cop is a power junkie? Don't you guys listen to me? When will you learn? ;)

                              {"commentId":3604256,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"digits"}
                              • 3 votes
                              #13.5 - Tue Oct 21, 2008 8:13 AM EDT
                              {"commentId":3624235,"authorDomain":"sedekka"}

                              Dijits. Lucky you on holiday. Don't do it again! Unless I can come with you of course!!! Oh my. The 2 of us would have a blast and the probably get arrested for laughing too loud. Great to see you back dear friend.

                              {"commentId":3624235,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"sedekka"}
                              • 1 vote
                              #13.6 - Wed Oct 22, 2008 8:30 AM EDT
                              Reply
                              {"commentId":9650393,"authorDomain":"jayjay-1360101"}

                              @!$%# da police any mofukin popo do dat @!$%# near me they gon get stabbed i @!$%#in dare em to come round ere idont give a @!$%# @!$%#in punks they just anuva @!$%#in person at da end of da day the goverment givesthem THEIR right to do what they want but god gave me my right to do WHATEVER i want and dey bleed jus like anyone @!$%#.DA.POLICE.

                              {"commentId":9650393,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"jayjay-1360101"}
                                Reply#14 - Tue Sep 22, 2009 7:34 PM EDT
                                {"commentId":9650429,"authorDomain":"jayjay-1360101"}

                                @!$%# da police any mofukin popo do dat @!$%# near me they gon get stabbed i @!$%#in dare em to come round ere idont give a @!$%# @!$%#in punks they just anuva @!$%#in person at da end of da day the goverment givesthem THEIR right to do what they want but god gave me my right to do WHATEVER i want and dey bleed jus like anyone @!$%#.DA.POLICE.

                                {"commentId":9650429,"threadId":"316428","contentId":"1681188","authorDomain":"jayjay-1360101"}
                                  Reply#15 - Tue Sep 22, 2009 7:36 PM EDT
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