Like Eric Garner, obviously the humiliation of being arrested wasn't any kind of deterrent. He'd been pokified 30+ times. Did they think the 31st time he'd become a model citizen? Some cops just like the domination aspect of the job a lil too much. Just because it's the law does not make the law just.
Eric Garner occupied an economic niche created by the taxing policy of the state of New York and the city. He apparently bought untaxed cigarets in bulk from out of state and sold them singly for cash. Since the price of a pack of taxed cigarets is out of reach for some you can actually make money doing this.
It can be said that Mr. Garner's profits were the tax portion of a pack of cigarets. His margin was a little higher because he sold small amounts. He was basically stealing tax money from the state. As you are aware the state frowns on this activity. Moreover, the shopkeepers (who are really tax collectors in this instance) thought they were suffering because of lost sales. Therefore they called on the full policing powers of the state to stop Mr. Garner. We are all aware of the result of this action.
So, who is ultimately to blame for Mr. Garner's death? I don't think there are many cops who would rather be arresting Mr. Garner for the terrible tax crime he was committing than stopping real criminals. And yet, they were forced to uphold the taxing policy of the state by their bosses. I don't blame the cops for this one.
They arrest based on statute and law. Also, these people are often a menace to their communities - one hanging in front of small businesses and taking away their business; the other driving recklessly without a license and insurance puts the community in danger. Seems like common sense to me!
Personally, living in a NYC neighborhood, I hate to see these guys peddling loosies. They attract drunks and homeless.
The police pull over anyone they think suspicious. They only need probable cause. Because there are so many traffic laws, it’s easy to find a reason to pull over ANYONE!
Do they really care that your license plate light is out? Of course not, but it is a legitimate reason to pull you over. It opens the door for further investigation. Upon further investigation they find intoxicated drivers, GUNS, DOPE, escaped felons, people with outstanding warrants, stolen cars, stolen property, hookers, johns, unlicensed drivers and on and on.
It’s called police work.
Educate yourselves. Watch a “COPS” marathon on TV (yes I’m totally serious). You will see patterns emerge and get a real understanding of what patrol officers go through on a daily basis. No actors, no scripts, no filters, see it as it happens.