This week, the beaches in Pinellas County, Florida are swarmed with spring breakers enjoying fun in the sun. The barrier islands off the coast of Florida have always been a mecca for college kids and anyone looking to party while schools are out. This year, the highlight of spring break is another viral video showing a Pinellas County Sergeant demonstrating atrocious officer safety and a blatant disregard for law, policy and the civil rights of his victim.
On March 8, a Pinellas County Sergeant, identified as Sgt. Bryan Bingham, was captured on video choking an intoxicated subject while in the midst of a crowd of rowdy onlookers, before slamming him onto the sand using an illegal take-down. The first problem with this situation was that Sgt. Bingham rushed into a crowd of people without backup. This is a violation of typical police policy in and of itself, not to mention that any one of the onlookers could have attacked him or, worse, grabbed his gun. Avoiding situations of disadvantage are paramount in all police tactical training. In Sgt. Bingham’s case, being a member of Pinellas County’s SWAT Team, you would think he would know better. This problem is all too common with police who, after a few years, think they can rush into any situation and save the day.
Besides the gross disregard for officer safety, Sgt. Bingham can be seen on the video grabbing the neck of the subject, later identified as Joshua McMahon. According to sources at Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, there is no pressure point or take-down that is allowed involving grabbing the throat or neck of a subject. Sources also stated that deputies are only allowed to utilize take-downs and defensive tactics that are taught by the agency, none of which involve grabbing the neck or throat of the subject. The Sheriff, Bob Gaultieri, was quick to defend the actions of this deputy, he stated, “Sgt. Bingham did what he needed to do to protect himself and the others out there and he handled the situation extremely well given the circumstances. We’re fortunate he wasn’t hurt and others weren’t hurt as a result of their actions.” The Sheriff coming to stand by this deputy, after being caught on video violating multiple policies, is yet another example of the ‘good ol’ boy’ system that is still in place in most police departments across the country. Based on the statements made by the sheriff, it is apparent that the brass will close ranks around Sgt. Bingham and no disciplinary action will occur.
If the Pinellas County Sheriff administration will not take action against this demonstration of atrocious police work, then it is up to us. Let the sheriff know that this unchecked behavior and the closing ranks around this deputy are unacceptable. Email the sheriff directly at [email protected] and demand this deputy be disciplined. I also suggest doing a public records request for Sgt. Binhgam’s disciplinary and use of force histories. Police brutality must come to an end. Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office… EXPECT US.
SOURCES:
Pcsoweb.com,. ‘Sheriff Bob Gualtieri 2 -‘. N.p., 2015. Web. 12 Mar. 2015. http://www.pcsoweb.com/sheriff-bob-gualtieri-2
TBO.com,. ‘Video Shows Deputy Take Down Two Men On St. Pete Beach’. N.p., 2015. Web. 12 Mar. 2015. http://tbo.com/news/crime/video-shows-deputy-take-down-two-men-on-st-pete-beach-20150310/
This is the same cooooopppp
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmWAnLTGmOM&t=80
Fuck you, get a fucking life and get a real job you pos “reporter”.
Cop did the right thing in this instance. He may not have adhered to protocol but he still served the public well.
What’s wrong is that your attacking the police officer and not the drunkin idiots. So it’s ok to get drunk and get in fights and resist arrest. But you have problem with a cop trying to arrest two dudes. Two vs one. What would you do in his situation? Oh wait you just rant how cops don’t know how to do their job. I bet you have a degree in criminal justice. You are part of the problem not the officer.
What’s wrong is that your attacking the police officer and not the drunkin idiots. So it’s ok to get drunk and get in fights and resist arrest. But you have problem with a cop trying to arrest two dudes. Two vs one. What would you do in his situation? Oh wait you just rant how cops don’t know how to do their job. I bet you have a degree in criminal justice. You are part of the problem not the officer.
well done for exposing these people,corruption runs rife and these are a prime example.
Looking at the comments here….
It’s typical that the cops show up when you don’t need them.
I did not see a fight until the cop did what he did I don’t know if we are watching the same video or not but no back up and yes they know people are there to get drunk. the new bud light commercial say drink and go out side for an adventure so I guess it all right until it happens to you?
wtf. why are those drunk fucks even involved? why is that cops knee in the poor kids body when clearly he aint going anywhere. not to mension the kid tapping out cause he cant breathe. AHHHH!!!!!!!!!!11 change is in order.
Bunch of idiots here agreeing with this moron of a writer. You people are the problem. I’m not implying police don’t do anything wrong but give it a rest nothing to see here but a couple of drunk beach bums. One was resisting arrest and the other was acting in a threatening manner to a police officer. They both got what they deserved at the least.
This group of cowards who will not show their face are not to be believed. They make their claims from behind a mask and don’t have the balls to stand up and go face to face with this cop or any cop who is doing their job. the next time some thug or punk is kicking their ass please feel free to call a thug to help
Eat shit, Anon, you guys are fucking posers, fucking wannabe Lulzsec.
You might read other articles on this and watch and listen to the crowd for a better understanding of the story. They were Happy to see the cop. Hmmm. That’s unusual for certain. In fact they Helped him restrain the 2nd suspect. Why? The best reason I could come up with was = these guys had been causing everyone trouble and they were Happy to see them Go! I’m not going to argue policy. But 2 on 1, I will do what I have to do too restrain them both. If that means breaking a leg? So be it. Even the cuffed one can hurt you if he gets on his feet and kicks. If you have no experience in fighting then like any job you need an expert to inform you of what the job entails. A desk job or a job involving violence. Yes he needed backup. Should of had backup. Didn’t. Not our call. May not of been anyone available for awhile and he saw these guys hitting a guy or a girl? Who knows. He didn’t wait. They resisted.
Interesting he does his job and this is an example of “everything that’s wrong with police”.
Sorry you are under qualified for your job. You think police are not supposed to keep peace
You must be a another fine Black Lives Matter supporter. Police obviously should let
Killers, robber, rapist, thugs do what they want to. Personally might I suggest when it
one of your cohorts decides to kill, rob, steal, rape you don’t call a policeman take it like
a man. Just let those around you know your wishes I am sure they will be happy to see you
go, just don’t expect any flowers or tears, those that know you for who you are will be
out celebrating. Respectfully yours.
The two thugs has a rap sheet longer than the golden gate bridge. They were resisting arrest and spitting on the officer. I think the haters need to do some homework before saying,”poor kid tapping out because he can’t breathe.”
are you for fucking real?