Actually, I find this very humorous. Note that the Sheriff is more concerned about someone videotaping his deputy performing what is honestly an illegal act (drinking where prohibited) than the illegal act itself. Not to mention that it has been ruled in numerous courts that, Gee, if you are going to be in a public place with other people you don't have the right not to be photographed or videotaped.
Personally, I'd like to see more of this happening to public officials and LEO's. Let them know that they aren't the only ones watching everyone. The actions of these people that we put our trust into must be above reproach. The deputy in question should be reprimanded and should give a public apology for his disregard of the same law that he is supposed to uphold.
Mike
"Actually, I find this very humorous. Note that the Sheriff is more concerned about someone videotaping his deputy performing what is honestly an illegal act (drinking where prohibited) than the illegal act itself. Not to mention that it has been ruled in numerous courts that, Gee, if you are going to be in a public place with other people you don't have the right not to be photographed or videotaped.
Personally, I'd like to see more of this happening to public officials and LEO's. Let them know that they aren't the only ones watching everyone. The actions of these people that we put our trust into must be above reproach. The deputy in question should be reprimanded and should give a public apology for his disregard of the same law that he is supposed to uphold.
Mike"
How did the person taking the videotape know he was a police officer? He was off duty. He wasn't wearing a uniform. The cameraman must have been aquainted with him. Sounds like someone that had a grudge (a neighbor or someone he arrested/ticketed) and was trying to get revenge.
And what did they catch him doing? Drinking a beer (gasp) at a softball game (double gasp) at a park (triple gasp). About as "serious" as driving 59 in a 55 mph zone.
Then they catch him driving after having one beer. So what? It's not even a crime! One beer doesn't put a person anywhere near the drunk driving limit (plus, there are numerous studies showing that most people are actually better drivers after a single drink, so you can't even accuse him of being reckless.)
Basicly, the caught him being a normal, run of the mill person. Gasp. What next? We'll find out that he is married and has children?
Most officers exercise some common sense in these situations. They aren't going to run you in or throw the book at you because they see you having a beer after a softball game.
The cameraman should exercise some common sense also. Do you really want to see someone's job or career messed up or damaged because he had a beer after a softball game?
Policemen (despite what some think) are people also.