police everywhere are different I guess. I was stopped for speeding once, with use of a laser speed gun. I have a radar detector (that did not go off), and I actually asked the officer how he determined my speed. at night, he asked me to hop out of my car, walk over to his car (with his back to me mind you as I was following him), where he showed me (with pride) the laser reading he had taken on me. so what's the deal with that? why does a stop in this case turn into a shooting, while on the other hand, I had an officer proudly showing me how his laser speed gun works.
Maybe you happen to be female, blond, and with healthy 'attributes' ... ?
I've always had friendly exchanges with police too. There are some cops, and some areas where cops are more guarded, and it often has a lot to do with the behavior of the person pulled over.
I've been pulled over and police have been careful while asking if I am armed (they'd know I have a carry permit from their dispatch) sometimes I am, sometimes I haven't been, but under both circumstances I acted relaxed and friendly, with my hands on the wheel until told to dig for my license.
There are several things to consider when serious incidents happen and when infractions happen. But first remember that either can be deadly.
We have to keep in mind the initial offense and what are the likely reactions for a normal person involved. A high speed pursuit in itself will cause everyone's adrenalin to bump way up. The officer is now in complete "RED ZONE" attitude. He is in danger by having to pursue the suspect, but the suspect is also endangering civilians. The cop is fired up.
Location of the incident has alot to play with these things too. Chino or Mayberry? If I was in a Mayberry type of town or community, I'd be a bit more relaxed for an infraction stop, than I would be in Chino. What's the gang situation, does the suspect appear to be the gang type in dress or actions? Is the driver a John Doe regular looking person and offers no obvious danger.
What kind of call was the Deputy on just prior to the pursuit? A violent call where he had to fight with someone to subdue them? Or maybe he just left the "Ye Olde DoNut Shoppe".
All kinds of things in the environment matter to how we all react to something. The point should be made that officers no matter where they are, need to always be in control of themselves and every situation. Once they lose control of either, things will get more dangerous.
This brings to mind the good old boy situations where some cops just have no business being cops at all. Cops jobs are to serve the people and to protect the people. To bad not all of the people want that. So cops have to more aggressive in some situations and some locales, just to stay alive.
It's easy to judge cops actions on Monday mornings, but once you get a real taste of the day to day work lives of these officers, you realize making the call of who did right or who did wrong is a lot tougher.
Fact is I can only speak from west coast cop experience, as there is a difference in attitude and methods of operations across the country. Generally the same, but not always. The FBI will tell you that from the get-go.
I see the case going to Federal court for prosecution of the Deputy for a Civil Rights violation.