What they’ve captured is on one hand humorous and unbelievable, and on the other hand quite despicable.  Many videos depict police officers purposefully keeping they’re identity’s anonymous, conducting illegal searches, and simply harassing those who show interest in their conduct.

For instance, one video shows an arrest of young woman outside of a downtown bar, who is abruptly taken to a dark alley to be detained in a paddy-wagon by six male police officers.  Even if this is standard procedure for the police department, city leaders may want find a better way to achieve they’re goal of hauling in drunks downtown.

By far, the most intriguing video captured by Modesto Copwatch depicts Modesto Police Officers taking pictures of a young man who was accused of having a knife by City Council candidate Robert Stanford.

The most troubling portion of the video occurs when police are asked if the young man is being arrested.  A police officer quickly replies that he was being arrested for violation of curfew.  Even after ten minutes of detention, the clock had yet to reach 10 P.M.  A knife was never found.

After the young man is released, CopWatchers get a few words from Stanford, who goes on to say that he “knows what gangsters look like…..they look like that kid”.  We’re sure Mr. Stanford meant well, but the video reflects a rather aggressive tone toward Copwatchers.  Potential elected officials should be expected to deal with such events in a more respectable manner.

While these videos may reflect a few poor instances of police conduct, to the individuals whose rights were violated, such conduct will forever scar their impression of police in Modesto.

The city does not elect its police chief, thus, for any type of relief, those claiming egregious misconduct are forced to plead their case to the Modesto City Council.  Waiting for the council to look into police conduct is probably unlikely, at least from those currently sitting on the council.

Next up, a quick review of candidates for Modesto City Council.