“One other point that has not been addressed on this thread: What does the law say about the officer’s search of the car at the end of the tape? Why did he do this? Was there probably cause? Any reason at all? Was that legal? Or... is this just another example of something routinely done by practically all cops... w/o regard for necessity or legality??”
IMO he was trying to find something else to use against Massey. If the Massey was the only adult I can see it needing to be searched and impounded. However with another adult who had a legal interest in the vehicle I don’t see where there is necessity or legality.
For all you cops out there. Most of you won’t agree that the cop was wrong. The common attitude here by cops seems to be condescending (at best) towards citizens . Some of advocated shooting Massey, clubbing him and so on.
Don’t be surprised as your support base in society continues to decline.
Massey’s behavior was erratic enough that the cop could probably justifiably say later that he suspected that he may have been under the influence of something other than alcohol and wanted to look for evidence. Maybe, I’m not a lawyer, but reasonable suspicion has a fair amount of wiggle room.