No doubt. The cop fell for it hook, line and sinker.
Why go so far as to "set up" the cop--unless there have been complaints about him before and the Police Department did nothing?
The intent was to get indisputable proof. The burden of proof is always on the person bringing the complaint, and unfortunately, when it comes down to the word of the average citizen vs. the word of the police, especially in the absence of witnesses, the injustice system will usually side with the police. This police officer knew that, since he threatened to trump up more charges. He knew he could get away with it. That's abuse of power.
The kid didn't get him fired. His own actions did. I wouldn't be surprised if some of his co-workers at the Precinct are happy to see him gone, too.
“Why go so far as to “set up” the cop—”
This kid gets off on it. He does it all the time. No doubt he has MANY encounters with the police that he tapes that are quite benign. Can’t have THOSE getting out, though.
I’m not defending the officer’s actions. I’m saying he was set up, provoked and fell for it hook, line and sinker. I don’t appreciate people interfering with police officers, good or bad, for their own jollies.