Flipping the bird at a cop doesn't warrant arrest, federal court rules

[Jenna]

A New York man arrested after he gave the finger to a police officer can sue police for malicious prosecution, a federal appeals court ruled Thursday, overturning a lower-court decision that deemed the officer's response reasonable.

Swartz was in the passenger seat when he noticed a local officer, Richard Insogna, in a police car using a radar device. Expressing his displeasure, Swartz reached "his right arm outside the passenger side window and extending his middle finger over the car’s roof," according to court documents.The couple continued their drive, but upon reaching their destination and getting out of the car, they saw an approaching police car with its lights flashing.Ordering them to get back into the vehicle, Insogna told the couple this was a traffic stop and requested their documents. Swartz told his wife not to show the officer anything, prompting Insogna to say, "Shut your mouth, your ass is in enough trouble." Then, after checking the woman's license and registration, Insogna called for backup, according to court documents. Three other officers soon appeared.After being told he and his wife were free to go, Swartz tried to speak with Insogna, but the other officers stepped in front of him.Swartz was arrested after he either muttered or shouted, depending on whose account one reads, that he felt "like an ass."
At the station, he was told he had been arrested for disorderly conduct, a charge that was later dismissed.

A lower-court in Albany had previously tossed out the couple's claim because police insisted they had stopped the couple out of concern for the woman's safety.In his deposition, Insogna said Swartz's gesture made him "concerned for the female driver, if there was a domestic dispute.”But the appeals court deemed his conclusion unreasonable. "Indeed, such a gesture alone cannot establish probable cause to believe a disorderly conduct violation has occurred," court documents read.

Court: Flipping the bird at a cop doesn't warrant arrest - U.S. News

[Pudge]

Well yeah. Not to slam the officer, but c'mon man....really? Tuck the ego away.

[lewisipso]

Give em one back. Works for me.

[Rhino]

There are people and organizations that literally make a living off suing government agencies for things like this. Don't fall into that trap. I usually smile and wave.

[That Guy]

Wink and smooch. Takes the wind right out of their sails.

[Pudge]

Wink and smooch. Takes the wind right out of their sails.

And again, sir. We think wayyyyyy too much alike.


Now, I'll admit, I generally do like to turn around and go back when someone yells "fuck the police" in public. It's amazing how terrible my hearing is, so therefore I do have to go back and ask if they need assistance. I've never had anyone that needs anything when I return. Arrest them for it? Nope.

[Xiphos]

Any idiot who was conscious in academy law classes for at least half an hour knows that's a stupid arrest. Basic freedom of speech.

Now if he gave a turn signal and didn't turn, that's a different story.



Know your laws!

[pgg]

I used to like when they would sniff and say "I smell bacon" I'd just sniff and say "I smell chicken"

[That Guy]

I used to like when they would sniff and say "I smell bacon" I'd just sniff and say "I smell garbage"

FIFY

[keith720]

Give em one back. Works for me.

I agree. What's good for the goose....

[keith720]

I used to like when they would sniff and say "I smell bacon" I'd just sniff and say "I smell chicken"

I use somewhat the same, only I tell them I smell ass.