I think we’re all pretty much resigned to the fact that everything we do in public (at least in the busier ‘burbs) will be recorded one way or another, whether it’s by someone wielding a phone or a hidden CCTV camera.

It seems outrageous then that the U.S. police are still happy to beat people in broad daylight – oh, and on live TV too.

Mashable reports:

A high-speed chase that began in Holden, Massachusetts, ended nearly 45 miles to the northeast in Nashua, New Hampshire, with authorities beating the surrendering suspect on live television…

Police finally cornered the suspect in a dead end in Nashua, leading him to finally exit his vehicle and surrender. Television helicopters captured the scene from above as the suspect, on his knees, was approached by police who turned physical, beating him during the arrest.

First up that footage:

Then a response from the Massachusetts State Police as the public started to demand answers:

1.) Our standard review of the pursuit itself, by our departmental Pursuit Review Committee, to ensure that it adhered to our departmental pursuit policy. We have a rigorous policy that governs how and when pursuits may be authorized and what criteria must be met for the pursuit to be allowed to continue. The policy also establishes guidelines for terminating pursuits.

2. We will conduct a separate departmental review of the actual apprehension, as the video captured by news helicopters shows a use of force against the suspect. That review will investigate whether the level of force used was appropriate given the totality of the circumstances.

Why is that (at least) seven cops feel the need to beat someone who has already surrendered?

There must be some really pig-headed cops over that side of the pond, because if they haven’t cottoned on yet that the world is watching they may be beyond saving.

[source:mashable]