Central Library
To 'Serve and Protect'?
RECEIVED Tue., July 12, 2005
Dear Editor,
Recently a TSU police officer arrested Dave Newman for “interfering with public duties” after he had just saved a man from drowning in the San Marcos River. His accomplice in the “crime,” upon seeing Mr. Newman's arrest, took off running. This man is considered to be unarmed and potentially dangerous as a do-gooder. San Marcos citizens are called upon to help bring this accomplice in.
Mr. Newman's trial is coming up and this not only requires the attendance of the arresting officer, but also Mr. Newman and all the personnel of the court: bailiff, judge, court reporter, etc. The rescued man will also attend the trial to give moral and financial support to Mr. Newman who criminally saved his life. How much will the court costs be? This is a great use of our judicial system, which is usually backed-up with cases, not to mention a wonderful use of the city's financial resources and manpower.
TSU's and the city of San Marcos' image has been negatively portrayed by state and national news. When a university policeman arrests a man for saving another man's life, there is something terribly wrong.
Next time, and there will be a next time, people may not be so apt to offer assistance to someone in trouble for fear of being arrested. What happened to the good Samaritan law?
I thought some of the duties of policemen were to “serve and protect.” This is a case of simple common sense and human decency, which seem to have been forgotten that Sunday afternoon. The type of attitude exemplified by the arresting officer could have resulted in the death of Mr. Abed Duamni. Mr. Newman was being a good citizen and doing his public duty as a good citizen. There are good Samaritan laws that are designed to encourage people to help a stranger who needs assistance by reducing the fear that if they do help, there will be legal repercussions.
Parents send their sons and daughters to TSU thinking they will be in a safe environment. Who will protect us (students, staff, and citizens) from the police?
Recently a TSU police officer arrested Dave Newman for “interfering with public duties” after he had just saved a man from drowning in the San Marcos River. His accomplice in the “crime,” upon seeing Mr. Newman's arrest, took off running. This man is considered to be unarmed and potentially dangerous as a do-gooder. San Marcos citizens are called upon to help bring this accomplice in.
Mr. Newman's trial is coming up and this not only requires the attendance of the arresting officer, but also Mr. Newman and all the personnel of the court: bailiff, judge, court reporter, etc. The rescued man will also attend the trial to give moral and financial support to Mr. Newman who criminally saved his life. How much will the court costs be? This is a great use of our judicial system, which is usually backed-up with cases, not to mention a wonderful use of the city's financial resources and manpower.
TSU's and the city of San Marcos' image has been negatively portrayed by state and national news. When a university policeman arrests a man for saving another man's life, there is something terribly wrong.
Next time, and there will be a next time, people may not be so apt to offer assistance to someone in trouble for fear of being arrested. What happened to the good Samaritan law?
I thought some of the duties of policemen were to “serve and protect.” This is a case of simple common sense and human decency, which seem to have been forgotten that Sunday afternoon. The type of attitude exemplified by the arresting officer could have resulted in the death of Mr. Abed Duamni. Mr. Newman was being a good citizen and doing his public duty as a good citizen. There are good Samaritan laws that are designed to encourage people to help a stranger who needs assistance by reducing the fear that if they do help, there will be legal repercussions.
Parents send their sons and daughters to TSU thinking they will be in a safe environment. Who will protect us (students, staff, and citizens) from the police?
Doug Yancey
San Marcos
San Marcos
[Editor's note: The charges against Mr. Newman have been dropped.]
