America is over.

The people we should be able to trust are worst than the criminals. Police, politicians and corporations are all alike.

America is now a third world country.

Sent by robin leigh | 10:01 PM ET | 05-07-2008

Police/Law enforcement people are human; required - daily - to put the lives of themselves at risk. I remain amazed at the restraint that they often demonstrate. But I also do not expect most of them to really think - I mean THINK! - about any of the consequences of their actions. The "suspect" in Philadelphia should have pulled over immediately. Act and dress like a hoodlum, expect to be treated like one...Wake up, people.

Sent by Lewis Edgar | 1:30 PM ET | 05-08-2008

Well 2 things can be equally true. They should have pulled over and we've all been told how to act when confronted by an officer. BUT that does not abdicate the officers from being PROFESSIONALS. Nowhere in the law or police training manual does it state that the punishment for evading cops is a beat-down from what looks like 17 cops! If that's the case then drop the evading a police officer and resisting arrest charges. or just add it to the miranda rights:
You have the right to charges or this beat-down we're about to adminster.

Sent by Jon J | 6:00 PM ET | 05-08-2008

Not knowing the context of this stop, it's unfortunate that NPR chose to "take sides" with this story - exactly what true journalists are NOT supposed to do.

Sent by Kevin Smith | 7:07 AM ET | 05-09-2008

Scary thing is, most of those officers will be back on the beat (pardon the pun) after an 'internal investigation' finds this attack to be 'out of character'.

I say, sling them in to one of your maximum security prisons and let karma have a chance =)

Sent by -anon- | 7:09 AM ET | 05-09-2008

rodney king ?

Sent by anynymous | 7:10 AM ET | 05-09-2008

The worst criminal as you say is a cop. Do you get up every morning and fear for your life when you pull someone over for speeding? Waking up every morning not knowing if your every going to see your family again. Don't point fingers until you put yourself in their shoes. Although this is not something that should occur, but you put yourself in their position.

Sent by thinkbeforeyouspeak | 7:15 AM ET | 05-09-2008

In response to Lewis Edgar's comment, how does one "dress like a hoodlum", and why should anybody deserve that treatment based on what they wear? Pretty dumb comment if you ask me.

Sent by James | 7:18 AM ET | 05-09-2008

They had just robbed a bank and gunned down a police officer.

Sent by chuck | 7:22 AM ET | 05-09-2008

Lewis Edgar wrote, "Act and dress like a hoodlum, expect to be treated like one..." Where do I purchase the required uniform to ensure that I am not beaten when I return to the US?

Sent by Chad Q. | 7:39 AM ET | 05-09-2008

It is never okay, Lewis, for a cop or any authority in America to abuse a suspect regardless of what they do or don't do, period.

Between this sort of stuff and the level of corruption among our politicians and corporations (as Robin stated) in the opinion of many, many people we are a nascent fascist state.

It may soon be time for the people of this country to exercise their constitutional right to replace this government by whatever means necessary.

One other thing - it is true that plice officers are human, I have several in my family - but once a cop does something like this they become just a thug with a badge and should never be allowed to working in law enforcement again. This sort of behavior undermines the rule of law and puts officers who DO keep their composure during a very difficult job at risk.

Sent by J. Andrews | 7:40 AM ET | 05-09-2008

it just goes to show how cilivised american society is

Sent by steve | 7:45 AM ET | 05-09-2008

Because at first I couldn't see who was doing the kicking and beating in the video, I thought it was a street gang attacking another street gang. Unfortunately, that's what the police have become; an unruly and sick street gang of scared little men who think they have the right to beat down and kill anyone they want. All of the cops in the video should be fired, arrested, and put on trial for illegal assault. And they should do time in a regular prison because they are nothing but street thugs. I don't even look at cops in NYC any longer since they have become so tweaked- anything can set them off. After Sean Bell was killed there were so many stories fabricated by the police, the truth will never see the light of day. Sean Bell was executed by officers who were too drunk on duty to use good judgment. And the fact that they were all exonerated is an indication that we have now become fair game for the police.

Sent by Hendrikson | 8:02 AM ET | 05-09-2008

Absolute Scumbags.

And more than likely nothing will happen to those police officers. No Jail time, and still patrolling.

However, if you had a video of 17 people kicking the crap out of three others while on the ground, they'd all be locked up.

The united states of America, what a farce of a nation.

Sent by Bob | 8:04 AM ET | 05-09-2008

That is disgusting.

They look like hooligans apart from the blue uniform. Sickening.

Sent by Anonymous | 8:08 AM ET | 05-09-2008

What the above article doesn't tell you is that these 3 people were involved in a shooting just before this happened. A little context to the story...they may have had guns on them and may not have been cooperating. Also there have been a handful of cops lately killed in Philly so I am sure these officers are stressed out protecting a city that does help them do their job.

Sent by Philly Resident | 8:10 AM ET | 05-09-2008

I feel sick.

Sent by David | 8:13 AM ET | 05-09-2008

APhilly police narcotics team witnessed the vehicle stop at 4th and Annsbury St. in Feltonville and four men get out with one shooting three people who were at the intersection. The shooter fled on foot and the remaining three got back into the vehicle where they were stopped by police and the video takes place.

Were the cops right to do what they did? No. Were they justified? Debatable. Would I have done the same out of anger and frustration under these circumstances? Probably. Deep down, most of you know you'd do the same.

Sent by Zeonix | 8:16 AM ET | 05-09-2008

As a former Police Officer of ten years, this is pretty bad. I am quite sure the suspects all now have excellent pro-bono lawyers, and that department is going to have a smaller budget next year due to this... great going guys!

Sent by Will Nett | 8:24 AM ET | 05-09-2008

wow... land of the free? I think not, this is sicking and wrong..... it piss's me off too.

Sent by bob | 8:26 AM ET | 05-09-2008

looks like a police soccer team.

Sent by L Johnson | 8:32 AM ET | 05-09-2008

That's absolutely disgusting.

Sent by Rob | 8:33 AM ET | 05-09-2008

The police were responding to a call of reported gunfire. Given the fact that 3 officers have already been killed (if you just count being shot its quite a bit more than 3) in the past two years, you might find a way to be a little less dramatic 'robin leigh'. I don't think police officers should operate beyond the letter of the law but I do think a message needs to be sent to the criminals in our cities.

Sent by Mike G. | 8:42 AM ET | 05-09-2008

The problem is most on both sides. Most cops are ex-Marines, Marines make terrible police officers usually because they're incredibly dumb in some cases; they're good at taking orders but not really making good professional judgment.
On the other hand, cops take crap constantly every day. Some people are dicks, they get called on some of the most mundane domestic disturbances and old ladies wanting that dog to quite down across the street. Then you have people that just give the cops a hard time and because they believe the cops are screwing over them. Cops have a pretty crappy job sometimes and they have to deal with the stupidest and most annoying people you can imagine. This makes their job stressful and then you have things like this. It's kind of a perpetual cycle, the fuel makes the fire and the fire makes the fuel.

Sent by Keith L | 8:45 AM ET | 05-09-2008

"dress like a hoodlum, expect to be treated like one"

Being a hoodlum should not elicit a beating from the police.

Just dressing like one is OK in your book?

If you do not respect the rights of someone suspected to be the worst of society, then you do not respect the rights of anyone in society, including yourself. You are setting up an arbitrary rule, which given time will even envelop you. It only takes a cursory trip down history lane to understand this.

Sent by Paul C | 8:55 AM ET | 05-09-2008

Its sad our country! Thats why I'm immigrating to Sweden. I will not miss the US. The country is going down no longer a superpower. We have turned into Russia during the cold war era. Censorship on all media except the web, abuse of power from the top to the bottom, the dollar is practically worthless, raping of our economy. The list goes on and on.

Sent by Jojo | 8:55 AM ET | 05-09-2008

"Act and dress like a hoodlum, expect to be treated like one." Really? What clothing denotes a "hoodlum?" Baggy jeans? Loud rap music? Sports jerseys and sneakers? This is highly discriminatory. You can't PROFILE people based on what they wear and what vehicle they are in because it leads to potential DISCRIMINATION.
What happened to "the punishment must fit the crime?" Were these individuals so physically antagonizing that they deserved to basically get jumped? Unless they were waving guns or threatened the life of others and this act was WITNESSED by the Philly PD, that use of force is easily quantifiable as excessive. 15-on-3? Are you kidding? I'll bet they'd charge them all additionally with APO (assaulting a police officer) and resisting arrest if it weren't caught on an independent video camera.

Sent by I an' I | 9:10 AM ET | 05-09-2008

hey LEWIS EDGAR just because you dress like what you think is a "hoodlum" does not entitle them to a beat down. Committing a crime doesn't necessarily warrant a beat down either. All of the suspects were removed from the car and repeatedly beaten beyond what can be even considered reasonable. Five officers one guy. Yeah, to protect and serve each other is more like it.

Sent by Marvin | 9:14 AM ET | 05-09-2008

What do they expect? Police look out for their own. An officer gets shot, if your suspected, expect to be beat within an inch of your life if you give them an excuse. Although it looks horrific, they had it coming to them, and I refuse to be sympathetic of a killer, especially a cop killer.

Sent by Dan | 9:22 AM ET | 05-09-2008

You have to wonder why 17 cops were called in to s1/2ue 3 suspects; and if so if it was an organized "beat-down". I'm assuming that there will be those who will excuse this blatant display of pack mentality; but 17 guys kicking at 3 handcuffed suspects is just wrong. No matter how bad the bad guys may be, we still have to hold law enforcement to a higher standard.

Sent by Dave Small | 9:25 AM ET | 05-09-2008

I live in Philly and the police here are so swamped with catching murderers and drug dealers that they don't even bother pulling people over for traffic violations. I have seen several instances where people run red lights or stop signs in front of police and nothing happens. So this is surprising that they would get this upset over what appears to be a traffic violation.

Sent by Wyatt | 9:30 AM ET | 05-09-2008

Obviously Mr. Edgar is fucking retarded. Why dont you go fuck yourself.

Sent by Bill | 9:50 AM ET | 05-09-2008

Why aren't the citizen in an uproar about Police officers getting shot?

Oh, yeah, they can't sue for that.

Sent by Matt E | 10:06 AM ET | 05-09-2008

This is bull shit. What have we come to?
http://koanmedia.com

Sent by Bryan Ribas | 10:15 AM ET | 05-09-2008

If someone [a police officer] can not restrain him/herself, simply that person should not be a police officer. People always say that they are amazed at how much restraint the police show. That's their job!!!! If they can't handle it, get a new job.

Sent by Sam K | 10:32 AM ET | 05-09-2008

To Lewis Edgar:

Ah, I see, so if I don't look like you then the police have the right to treat me differently?? If you think back, do you think you can remember the exact moment when it was you abandoned The Bill of Rights?

But you're absolutely right Lewis Edgar, the police are human, which means they're prone to all the judgment lapses, mood swings, and temper tantrums that the rest of us are. Like everything else in life, there are good cops, and there are bad cops; just like there are good/bad mechanics, good/bad doctors, good/bad lawyers, etc. These are either a) bad cops, or b) good cops who made a bad choice. Either way, disciplinary action is required.

Otherwise, thanks for showing just how much of your Human Rights you're willing to concede in the name of Conformity and Civil Obedience. It's posts, and support, like yours that continues to allow the fabric of our society to slowly erode towards a total Police State. But, good for you for voicing your approval of tyranny.

Sent by Midwestjack | 10:46 AM ET | 05-09-2008

So much for due process and minimum force. When did it become acceptable in this country to commit a major crime in order to enforce a traffic violation. What will be next? Executions for parking tickets? Cutting off a hand for shoplifting? When will we start actually punishing law enforcement for the crimes they commit just like we do with normal citizens?

Sent by Nick | 10:47 AM ET | 05-09-2008

There was a lot of cops at least 13 of them should have been busting a meth lab some where...... you know go and actually find other people who are making the community worse

Sent by Ian | 10:55 AM ET | 05-09-2008

I have a simple idea:

1) Stop the damn INTERNAL investigations when this happens. A third disinterested agency should evaluate the evidence and decide the punishment.

2) Publicize the progress and results of police brutality cases.

Everytime something like this happens, we see it once on the news. Then we here that's there's going to be an internal investigation. And we never hear about it again.

Broadcasting the status and results of these investigations would not only deter other cops from doing the same thing, it may restore the belief in civilians that their law enforcement is actually accountable for what they do.

Sent by Andrew | 11:03 AM ET | 05-09-2008

In response to Mr. Edgar:

No one is *requiring* the police to do anything, least of all, "to put the lives of themselves at risk." They choose to do this of their own free will.

What happened to "TO PROTECT AND SERVE." By acting in the manner in which many, if not most, officers of the law do so today, they are hardly representing the oath that they are sworn to.

ALL SUSPECTS ARE INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW BY A JURY OF THEIR PEERS. Police have absolutely no right to use any more force than is needed to defend their own safety. Anything beyond that is an egregious violation of the trust that members of the public are asked to place upon these officers, regardless of what a "suspect" is dressed like or how they react to a swarm of police officers chasing them down.

If you are an officer of the law, you chose to accept your oath and the responsibility that came with it. YOU WILL BE HELD TO A HIGHER STANDARD THAN THOSE AROUND YOU. If you cannot tolerate that, than get a job as a janitor. You can still clean up the streets that way.

Sent by Ian Austin | 11:03 AM ET | 05-09-2008

What I fail to see is what the people in the car were being pursued for. Obviously if there are that many cops on the scene, they didnt just fail to pull over. For all we know they ran over a lil kid during the pursuit.

Sent by T | 11:04 AM ET | 05-09-2008

While I abhor the actions of these so called protectors of the people, we have to be aware that the above video is a clip of a larger video. We do not know the circumstances behind this gestapo like attack. We just know that we see it happen in the video. However that does not justify the assault perpetrated against the individuals pulled from the stopped vehicle. There has to be some underlying reason why this mob of police would violate their own oaths and commit a crime. Is there some subversive element that exists in law enforcement that entices it's servants to act in this manner? Is there some pre-requirement for public defenders to be overly aggressive? Are they taking anabolic steroids? Are our public servants given adequate mental evaluations and physical evaluations prior to their employment? Some may say that these questions bear no merit, but I believe they do and should be looked at objectively as well as taken quite seriously.

This is just one of the types of incidents that degrade our culture and our identity. Others are preaching of hate by prominent people in the spot light, the continuing debacle of our legal system setting precedence for the "it's not my fault" defense and the perpetual "dumbing down" of our children by the administration of public education entities and federal government policies.

In closing I would just like to say that I am still proud to be an American but the message of truth, justice and the American way are lost. I think that a great many people have lost that pride and have become complacent in their lives or are just throwing up their hands in disgust feeling that there is nothing they can do.

Just remember that the only way to effect change is to make your voice heard! Contact elected officials, let them know how you feel and what you think!

Sent by Ian Sutton | 11:04 AM ET | 05-09-2008

I hate cops regardless what anyone says. When I was younger I wanted to be a cop. I would dismiss everything I heard about cops being the way they actually are as evident in this video. After my own little encounter with an officer, I discovered that it's all true. I hadn't done anything wrong except eating burger king at a park after 11:00 PM w/ my girlfriend. The copped reached into my car, grabbed some lettuce that had fallen onto my seat, and told me to get out of the car. While I was standing in the rain with a t-shirt on, he continued to search my car. At the time I didn't realize what he did was illegal (reaching into my car). I have lost all respect for cops. Regardless of how human cops are, that's not an excuse to abuse or harass other humans.

Sent by John | 11:19 AM ET | 05-09-2008

Anybody who wants to be a cop should be disqualified

Sent by Emperor Norton The Second | 11:20 AM ET | 05-09-2008

Exercising restraint in tense situations and using good judgment is part of a police officers basic job description. They choose to be police officers and if they can't do their job correctly then they should be fired. Period. Maybe they should look for a career in waste management instead.

Sent by Derek | 11:36 AM ET | 05-09-2008

Reading some of these posts, i find it absolutely amazing that people will not take the time to inform themselves of the entire story. What the police did most definitely went beyond, but they were dealing with taking down armed suspects that had just been involved in a shooting.

Sent by jc | 11:52 AM ET | 05-09-2008

this is f-ed up I am in Philly all the time and I wouldn't want that to happen to me. My girlfriend switched colleges to get out of Philadelphia.

No matter what they did a 15 cop beat down that is 5 on 1 for each one of them that is way excessive.

If they were to give the suspects a fair one I wouldn't have a problem with it but 5 on 1.

Each one of those cops should get beat down by the 3 suspects and 2 of their friends.

The US is turning more and more into a shit hole. I think very soon the American Dream will go up in smoke.

Sent by Martin | 11:57 AM ET | 05-09-2008

In response to what J. Andrews said, if we were a fascist state, we'd have to have a dictator. And while Bush may be fairly stupid, and say things like, "is our children learning," or, "Nukuler," he is not a dictator. We have the system of checks and balances to make sure of that. He can't do anything without congress, congress can't do anything without the president, and the judicial system makes sure everything is legal. So while this is a sickening display of police brutality, it says nothing about us being a fascist state.

Now in response to chuck; Whether that is or is not true (I'm unsure, as I hadn't seen anything about this before), it doesn't excuse the fact that the suspects should not have been brutally beaten, as they clearly were. Police are expected to show restraint, and to follow their training, which we American tax payers pay for. If they did in fact murder an officer and rob a bank before being beaten, I'd like to have a piece of them myself - my best friend is a cop -, but as I stated before, cops shouldn't act like this.

Sent by Brayden | 12:00 PM ET | 05-09-2008

LEWIS:

Your comment 'act like a hoodlum, get treated like one' is perspective; something an officer is not supposed to allow effect his judgement. Who decides what a 'hoodlum' dresses or looks like?

It isnt the fact that they got pulled out, or even beaten.

Its a traffic stop. There were no weapons. In the same logic you spew, not picking up poop after your dog or littering would constitute the same type of beating.

Could you imagine having four cops kick you and cuff you and drag you because you dropped a Mars Bar wrapper?

Shake your head, hard, because those thoughts of yours are creating adn allowing and accepting the state in which your children adn theres will have to live. Every action has a reaction, and if America is going the way you'd like it to, then you are welcoming this type of conduct with open arms.

Economic collapse, climate hysteria, freedoms in exchange for security, and all this because less civilians in North America die from our 'war on terror' then from peanut allergies.

Sent by Alexander Johnson | 12:07 PM ET | 05-09-2008

You people bashing the police are unbelievable. These guys were fleeing from a drive-by shooting for god's sakes. Criminals deserve to be treated like criminals, especially in a situation involving violence such as this one. It appears that bashing cops is the new "in thing," and everyone is jumping on the bandwagon. Shame on all of you (and no, I'm not a cop).

Sent by Give the Cops a Break | 12:07 PM ET | 05-09-2008

why doesn't the murder of 3 police officers disgust anyone here? Why is it just the murderers getting their asses kicked that is so repulsive?

Sent by Jarrette | 12:07 PM ET | 05-09-2008

lol @ america

Sent by asdasd | 12:11 PM ET | 05-09-2008

Every lawyer in the country will be begging to represent this man who was so severely beaten, and take 25% of the guaranteed millions he's going to get from the city.

Police who break the law should be held to the same standard as regular citizens who break the law. Absolutely no quarter should be given.

Sent by Dr. J | 12:11 PM ET | 05-09-2008

Great Job guys. Keep it up. All the ignorant a**wipes who post comments here are the computer democrats. You know... the ones who post on Youtube and forums, but have never been to a national convention or try to right anything thats wrong. Like I said, keep it up.

Sent by Ignorance is Bliss | 12:19 PM ET | 05-09-2008

Yeah, if someone killed a couple of my friends I wouldn't want to retaliate. I wish the cops would have shot the guys in the car. When criminals start getting the crap kicked out of them, then maybe we'll start seeing a decrease in the crime rate.

Instead of a slap on the wrist and a place to live (prison) that is probably a lot safer and nicer than a ghetto.

Yeah, I said it.

Sent by Progressive | 12:19 PM ET | 05-09-2008

If Civilians have a 3 strikes rule
Cops should be given a 3 strikes rule also

Sent by Edgar Cota | 12:31 PM ET | 05-09-2008

At what point should we adopt a "shoot first" mentality when dealing with the police? I'm already to the point that I carry a pistol daily, and it's not because I'm afraid of criminals - it's almost solely to protect myself from police officers and their "taze first" approach to problem-solving.

Sent by Jes | 12:41 PM ET | 05-09-2008

Guys, don't even bother responding to "people" like "Lewis Edgar". They are most likely plants from the police department and associated agencies. Just ignore them. They want citizens to see "both" sides to a story that doesn't have sides in the first place. They are hoping that citizens will become unsure of themselves and not do anything about this.

Sent by Dan Franks | 1:10 PM ET | 05-09-2008

> Yeah, if someone killed a couple of my
> friends I wouldn't want to retaliate.

I wouldn't. I'm a Christian.

Sent by Barry Wright | 1:13 PM ET | 05-09-2008

It amazes me how quick people are to sympathize with violent criminals before policemen. The beating was clearly excessive, but the cops were dealing with violent people. If you want an effective police force, this kind of thing is going to happen every now and then.

Sent by anon | 1:40 PM ET | 05-09-2008

Sure, they could have pulled over - but perhaps they were afraid of this very thing.

Never the less, they didn't and the cops got riled up, and then, beat them.

That's not right - in fact, it's illegal - officers who act outside the law can not be relied to uphold it. Period. There is no debate to that.

If the officers are unable to act professionally, they need to not be officers; ever again, anywhere - blacklisted.

That's not to say that if they get snippy or yell they get fired - that's human and just needs reminding from their Chief (or counseling and PTO), but when they take things to a physical level, game over.

I don't care if they're stressed out - I'm not allowed to beat my wife and child when they get bitchy and throw tantrums - the cops shouldn't be allowed to beat people trying to run.

It's due to cops like these (there's TONS of examples now, thanks to media and the camcorder wielding public) that I don't trust cops. At all. Which is a VERY sad state of affairs.

It's scary really.

Sent by Chris Jacobs | 1:45 PM ET | 05-09-2008

Way to go Philly PD, you confirm my distrust of police and embarrass your entire department with thug behavior worthy of gangs. This is the kind of thing that makes people hate the police. I will never come to Philly now, city of brotherly love what a crock.

Sent by Tad Rees | 1:45 PM ET | 05-09-2008

I myself was released from jail this morning at 9am. Technically, I am a criminal. I was arrested on drug charges, but am now clean and ready to live my life. I would never harm another soul, ever, but you'd be suprised just how much these cops get off on threatning a skinny young boy like myself with tasers, night sticks, and spray. And the constant mind games they'd play; things like refusing to turn the lights off some nights "for their safety", when it's obvious I just want to sleep. Going days without telling me the time (just because). Denying things like toilet paper, extra toothpaste, promised phone calls. Getting put in SHACKLES (your ankles and wrists cuffed and then attached by chains tied tight around the abdomen)when you're alone in a cell...? I realize that for some inmates it's necesary- some refuse to behave, some reject authority, but I was always the utmost cooperative. I once overheard a group of deputies gloating about the times they were "fortunate" enough to get to shoot someone. "Got him in the stomach, he tried to run, so i put one right in the middle of his back and he dropped like a sack". No bullshit. Who's policing the police?

Now, by no means do I want to live in a society without law enforcement. I admit my crimes and take full legal responsibility for my actions. I simply ask that the police be held to the same laws and codes of conduct that any civilian is.

Sent by fresh air | 2:01 PM ET | 05-09-2008

The cops were stressed? That is the excuse to beat up the civilians? If the cops can not handle their job professional they shouldt be cops. I dont care if 100 cops where killed, it doesnt give the law enformenent the right to go around and beating people up.

This is unjustified. The forced used was excesive.

Do you want to blame the donut companies for putting too much sugar inthe doughnuts? How many excuses do you give the military industrial complex, over citizens rights.

We are the people, they server us. Let me repeat, they serve us and if you dont like that changed the constitution. Oh wait thats just a god damn piece of paper anyway.

Sent by andy | 2:02 PM ET | 05-09-2008

Wow people read the entire story! These men were pulled over after someone in their car was WITNESSED BY OTHER COPS shooting someone in the middle of the street!!! This is not a traffic stop, these men were ATLEAST accomplises to ATTEMPTED MURDER, SO DON'T ACT LIKE THEY DIDN'T HAVE IT COMING!

Sent by Cameron | 2:19 PM ET | 05-09-2008

Nobody cares that a cop was shot because cops are robots. People try to point out their humanity, but I've never seen it. Just blind enforcers of the law. Robocops. The problem is their programs often malfunction and they become savage assclowns. When cops start acting like people, we'll care.

Sent by Joad | 2:32 PM ET | 05-09-2008

These police officers may not of had the right to do wha they did but in my opinion i would have beat the suspects down as well because they deserved it. I hate cops even though they protect us i cant stand them but in this case i believe they had a right to do what they did because i woulda have done the same exact thing and im pretty sure anyone in america would have done the same damn thing. Im sick of the violence in american people need to grow the fuck up i swear make something outa ur selves and stop being lil fuck bitches. The people run america and no one else if the people fuck everyhting up there will be no fucking america, so do yall want to live like people in iraq and die for no fucking reason and be dirt poor? grow the fuck up

Sent by Bryan | 2:46 PM ET | 05-09-2008

They should have been beaten harder...criminals deserve this and then some.

Sent by Annonomous | 3:41 PM ET | 05-09-2008

You treat people the way you want to be treated. If you treat them with respect, they will treat you with respect. If you beat the shit out of someone when you're supposed to be impartial and uphold the law, they will not trust you. If you arrest someone for doing something that you do, they will not respect you. What we have now are two sides, the cops, and the people the cops are out to get. It's a war, and neither side is right. In my opinion, the police act like criminals in worse ways than the criminals themselves. Something has to be done, because it's just getting worse and worse.

Sent by Dr. J | 4:00 PM ET | 05-09-2008

@progressive

You said: "I wish the cops would have shot the guys in the car. When criminals start getting the crap kicked out of them, then maybe we'll start seeing a decrease in the crime rate.

That's not progressive thinking, that's caveman thinking. When you treat someone like an animal, that's what you get. Progressive thinking is about showing someone why they're wrong. It's about rehabilitation and treating them like a human, showing them what that's like. It works. Your caveman system does not, as seen in the above video and in America's prison system.

Sent by Dr. J | 4:06 PM ET | 05-09-2008

I am from Philly (Port Richmond) and I say these 4 fuckers (3 in the car) that were shooting up my town deserved what they got. Don't be a punk if you can't handle a police beating.

If you think in the line of fire a police man, a husband with a wife and 3 kids is going to let you take his life for free, think again scum.

Punks and druggies have nothing to lose hence the life they choice. In comparison police contribute way more to society than the street rats they arrest. I hope the beating changes their lives forever.

Sent by John | 4:14 PM ET | 05-09-2008

the entire point for america is to be free and break down the ties and the discrimination between our fellow americans...just because you look like a hoodlum you should not be discriminated and beaten like that. this comment is for lewis edgar..the dumbass

Sent by Nick | 4:20 PM ET | 05-09-2008

"America is over.

The people we should be able to trust are worst than the criminals. Police, politicians and corporations are all alike.

America is now a third world country."

-robin leigh

YOU ARE CLEARLY MISTAKEN. Learn all the facts before you make assertions. There is so much WRONG in what you said I want to throw up. People like you deserve what these criminals got.

Sent by Zach | 4:39 PM ET | 05-09-2008

You people that support this in here should be ashamed!

Hodlums, punks, they deserve it!

WTF

Have you ever read the constitution?

What country do you think we live in because I thought it was The United States of America, I didn't realize there were two were only "good" people have rights.

Wow, I'm ashamed that I share the same country with people like this and people like YOU!

Sent by Joshua Abell | 4:47 PM ET | 05-09-2008

looks more like a gang initiation!!! im tired of police brulatility, they abuse their power. No wonder i have a problem with authority lol, yes i was arrested once and yes they were a abusive...police are soppose to be here to serve and protect us and law exists for the purpose of calming down chaos but... its obvious that there are loops in the system ... the world needs to think before they act , lord have mercy !!!

Sent by yarelis vannessa | 4:49 PM ET | 05-09-2008

to those condoning police brutality because of the stress police face, READ THE CONSITUTION. You cannot freely give away your freedoms. The founders of this nation warned against the power of governments and their tyrannical rule. All suspects of crime are deemed innocent until proven guilty by a trial of their peers. This is an absolute crime against all American's civil liberites.
the purpose of law enforcement is to enforce the law. 15 people visciously beating 3 is a violation of assault and battery to mention 1. If we do not hold government officials accountable for their actions no one will and we will all be oppressed.

Sent by tom | 4:55 PM ET | 05-09-2008

Just by being a suspect in an attempted murder case does not justify the use of excessive force by a police force. Police who go beyond the reach of law endanger the entire system of law. To say that any criminal had a beating 'coming' is to place yourself under the same conditions, that is, to allow the police to use whatever force they desire beyond the reach of law for whatever reasons they will. Frankly, 'they had it coming' is a totally subjective statement--this justifies the idea that, if I was a police officer and believed that you had it coming, I would be validated in using whatever means I felt necessary.
It's a slippery slope with police go beyond the reach of the law, which is determined in the system of checks and balances, that is, fair process by a governing body, to create their own law. These officers have brought themselves above the law, and, doing this, jeopardize the entire situation of law.
People defending the police because 'they were stressed' or 'their buddies have been killed' or 'the criminals deserve beatings' present the same spineless illogic that leads to wars of aggression, justification of torture, and the road to the fascist state that justifies any means to achieve any ends.

Sent by Jon | 5:06 PM ET | 05-09-2008

First of all, NOBODY deserves to be beaten savagely like that regardless if they are hoodlums or not. I am truly apalled that an adult would say something like that. On the other hand, it's that ridiculous comment from an idiot like you that I would expect. And let me guess, you probably don't look like either of the victims ~ if you get my drift.

Sent by Glendora Franklin | 5:14 PM ET | 05-09-2008

Civilized world is so cool. In my country the cops will kick your ass just for not smiling at them :)

Sent by me | 5:16 PM ET | 05-09-2008

this is simply unacceptable, we need to pay police officers more and significantly raise the qualification for entry, find people who can think beyond the immediate consequences of there actions. Its events like this that negate the value authority figures and reduce public confidence in them.

Sent by Joshua | 5:33 PM ET | 05-09-2008

This is what you get when you let people who barely graduated high school into the police force.

Sent by h8pigs | 5:39 PM ET | 05-09-2008

I would being willing to bet my year's salary that if the 4 suspects had shot and killed one of your friends or relatives (or even an innocent white person), most of you defending the suspects would shut your mouths. But instead all they did was shoot some drug dealer, which according to the logic of some of you makes it OKAY. I agree that the cops went beyond the law in what they did, but does that mean the suspects shouldn't be punished? What do you expect the cops to do to fleeing suspects, give them a pat on the back and say "good jog"?

Sent by Cameron | 5:51 PM ET | 05-09-2008

IN RESPONSE TO thinkbeforeyouspeak

Maybe you shouldn't be a f*cking cop if you wake up with p*ssy thoughts in your head like that

Sent by kevin konrad | 6:21 PM ET | 05-09-2008

It has absolutely nothing to do with who was shot and killed. If it was a relative, I would perhaps desire the sort of revenge that the police in the video used. Fortunately, the purpose of law is to prevent 'revenge' as a legitimate type of punishment. The system of law, which the police enforce, is supposed to promote justice, not revenge.

Do you see the difference between what is a civilized, rational response and a simple act of passion? Obviously many people responding to the video do not. The rule of law allows for us to live in a civil society. How difficult is it to understand that making exceptions for violations of the law leads to the breakdown of all law! According to the logic of some, becoming a police officer somehow allows for the punishment of criminals. Wrong! Being a police officer means the enforcement of law--that which allows for a civil society to function and allows for the society to punish.

What elevates this country over third world dictatorships that throw political and social dissidents into prison for the wrong word or look is the fact that we have something called DUE PROCESS OF LAW. Law applies to everyone equally--a persons status or economic situation should not affect the process of just law.

No one said anything about shooting someone being 'okay'--but even this statement assumes that the suspect is already guilty--the exact opposite of what makes the American legal system great: innocent until proven guilty.

Sent by Jon | 6:27 PM ET | 05-09-2008

I love how the video is titled 'police fight with suspects'

lol... 'fight'? really?

Looks like they beat the shit out of them for no reason. I'm pretty sure that's not fighting, that's more like a Nazi concentration camp.

Sent by harrison schaerr | 7:06 PM ET | 05-09-2008

Congratulations, Lewis Edgar, YOU are what's wrong with your country. The rest of us are laughing at you.

Sent by dnm | 8:10 PM ET | 05-09-2008

I'm sure the "hoodlum's" deserved some tough treatment, but stop already!!!! We get the point! It's just not right. The hoodlum's will get their punishment in other ways which I hope hurts them worse!

Sent by Loredana Dio | 8:13 PM ET | 05-09-2008

Reading the "feel for the cops" posts above recalls to mind the many cases in the US and UK of police and other 'in stressed circumstances' professionals who sue/claim for health benefits on exposure to an on the job incident involving stress.

What I'm trying to say is that wearing the uniform is supposed to mean officers are selected, trained, and professionalized in their judgments, skills, and behaviors for the job - especially for those incidents when the job goes "active" and you have to really work and not just 'show up'.

Hence it's precisely when things get hot, emotional, dangerous that that selection, training, and professionalization is supposed to be at work - and not the usual "we're stressed", "angry", "just 'saw' a shooting", etc post-beat 'em up excuses for gang thuggery with a badge that usually passes for 'policing' in America (try living in the 'community' for a while where the mere sight of the badged "we can get away with anything" thugs brings stress and concerns to an otherwise okay day). What they did (on tape) regardless of what just went down isn't justified or even, given the claims for professional training, understandable. What do 'they' do? Recruit the police from amongst "like me" beefy drinking buddies with a propensity for unguided violence? And as to the above post about DUE PROCESS OF LAW elevating this country above third world places we all ought to stop drinking the kool-aid and be honest about the real, day-to-day, life-to-life differences between the principle (Due Process) and the practice (Dues process i.e. "how much ya got if you want some of this 'justice'?).

Sent by Kyle Manjaro | 3:01 AM ET | 05-10-2008

"why doesn't the murder of 3 police officers disgust anyone here? Why is it just the murderers getting their asses kicked that is so repulsive?"Amen man. The stupid liberal bullshit I have read here sickens me. I used to try to show people the truth but have since decided you dummies are getting exactly what you deserve.

Sent by Joe Rama | 7:52 AM ET | 05-10-2008

Looks bad,How ever these 3 "Brothers" were not pulled over for a minor traffic infraction!I guess attempted murder is just"keeping it real"in the Black community these days.These Cops are less than week from having an officer killed by 3 bank robbers in Philadelphia.They see the constant needless slaughter by Blacks on Blacks everyday!Where is Al Sharpton for these innocent victims in the Black community?I guess Black on Black crime is ok with him and other" so called "civil rights leaders.So Sad.

Sent by Jim Price | 10:55 AM ET | 05-10-2008

Hey Kevin Smith: you don't know the context of the situation? It doesn't matter, justice is supposed to be served by a court not POLICE. You sound pretty uneducated. NPR is biased..? I agree, Fox is much more objective

Sent by bleek | 11:38 AM ET | 05-10-2008

I am sickened by this, but I think the ultimate solution (beyond a zero-tolerance policy of excessive force, followed by dismissal of these officers, and criminal charges if the non-aggressive individuals were hurt) is requiring a more-intelligent "think-through" approach rather than (what appears to be) a completely physical approach. I will stop short of demonizing the police, but there is no reason (especially considering all the resources available to them) that these types of situations can be handled without the application of (all-too-often) deadly force. I also think the "kick-punch-zap-shoot first" and "ask questions later" philosophy is nothing more than appalling laziness. Police work is *work*, and requires smart, hard-working people to be of any benefit to the society they are supposed to serve. Finally, addressing the inevitable PTSD that affects most police after doing this kind of work for a time should be a normal part of the law-enforcement job experience, and not just a band-aid when one goes too far and unnecessary dead people are the result.

Sent by One Mainah | 12:23 PM ET | 05-10-2008

So many videos of pigs behaving badly. No wonder the numbers of shot cops continues to rise. They are just another instrument of the tyranny that is rising all around us. The cops may want to keep in mind that there are a lot more of 'us' than 'them', and we know how to use weapons too.

Sent by Ron | 2:23 PM ET | 05-10-2008

Everyone keeps saying the article doesn't mention the people involved were "criminals," but under the eyes of the law they AREN'T criminals. They are SUSPECTS. For all we know they could be the wrong guys. That happens a lot more than people would like to believe.

On top of that, it is not an officer's place to be a judge and jury. If that's the way we want it, let's just all move down to South America. My family (many of whom are both police and attorneys) are disgusted with these men's actions.

These police officers might as well go shoot other cops. Their stupid actions have endangered the lives of others across the nation by adding to the nation's already growing distrust of authority.

Sent by Jane | 6:00 PM ET | 05-10-2008

The only thing that makes me sicker than this are people who think this beating was justified.

If its true that the people in the car are who kiled that cop then yes, I agree that they deserve the full penalty of the law. Unfortuatly for you sadistic bastards who believe in police brutality, there is no legislation in Pennsylvania or any state in America that permits cops to ruthlessly beat possible suspects to a muder.

I would have no problem with them ripping the people out of the car and then restraining them until they were cuffed and put in the back of the car but having fifteen cops kicking, punching and who knows what else, to these people does not accomplish anything. In fact, the only thing this will accomplish is alienate the public on law enforcement and make it easier for these criminals (if they are even criminals) to get off on their charges

Sent by rob | 11:04 PM ET | 05-10-2008

so...

Sent by Jeff Dalton | 12:23 AM ET | 05-11-2008