Why are cops given the benefit of the doubt often in abuse cases?

Question

This kid falls off a bridge breaks his back, THEN gets tasered 19 times by the police. The kid was 16. I'd say that's a bit harsh, but hey I might just be old school.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lpzn4ST0C9E

Answer 1

Why do you say that they're given the benefit of the doubt as a rule?  There are abusive cops, and then there are cops who aren't but get tagged for it nonetheless.

Answer 2

You seem to be making leaps of logic when asking this question. A broken neck doesn't automatically disable someone. The kid could have been fighting, shoving, yelling, screaming, uncooperative with the police. I don't know the full story, but it's amazing how people immediately jump to conclusions.

People don't just fall off bridges. He was either attempting suicide, s******g around or had a violent encounter with someone and was pushed. Anyone of those don't put in a good state of mind for an encounter with police seconds later.

Answer 3

Because most people think that cops are always truthful & honest. They probably enjoyed tasing him that many times.

Answer 4

Because police officers are held to a higher standard than a civilian and they are allowed to tazer a suspect until they feel they can detain him. New times new weapons.  

Answer 5

that is true  if the kid has a back thats blown to h**l you dont need to subdue him any further    cops are usually cool but that was not cool

Answer 6

Probably because of the honesty and integrity of the people (i.e. criminals, convicts and suspects) they generally deal with who accuse them of brutality.

As odd as it may seem, people tend to disbelieve crooks, thieves, drug dealers, etc more than they distrust cops. Shocking, isn't it?

Answer 7

people tend to view police officials as honest and truthful protectors and many find it hard to believe an officer would break the law.  Some officers forget this is a job they are hired to perform fairly and impartially.

Answer 8

Because they have cop friends! Cop friends help!