Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2003 | 8:32 a.m.
Police actions combined with individuals on drugs can only be assumed excessive after a hearing. It happened before in Las Vegas and now in Ohio. Public opinion is voiced too quickly.
It's not a racial problem as usually suggested, but rather self-protection for the officers. There are always others who believe it could have been handled differently. They should be asked, "How would you have handled the situation?" They would not be able to come up with a proper answer because of a lack of training in this area.
People who have been trained understand that people on drugs cannot be subdued without many people backing them up. A person high on drugs is a danger to the community. Those who have not tried to restrain someone in this condition should not condemn police (or anyone) who had to use extra force. Those having a clear head know better than to resist arrest, because they know police will do what they have to do for their own protection.
There are times of overzealousness, with adrenaline flowing, but let's stop condemning all actions of police aggressiveness. Give our officers a little credit for their actions.
CHARLES A. HAGEN
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