WPLG investigative reporter Jeff Weinsier is suing Miami-Dade school board and the three Dade county police officers who arrested him for “false arrest, emotional distress and malicious persecution”.
The cops were sent by Miami-Dade School Board to make Weinsier leave the public sidewalk next to Miami Central High School and go across the street. After Weinsier repeatedly refused to comply one of the officers cuffed him while he was standing on the public road near the sidewalk. After the arrest they found a loaded concealed weapon for which Weinsier had a permit.
Later all charges were dropped by the state attorney’s office because the video tape from incident showed Weinsier was on public property and has a constitutional right to be there.
Now let’s see if the idiots in the media who reported that he was arrested because of the gun would correct themselves!
Local10.com – Local 10 Reporter Suing School Police, Board
Video from the incident:
These stories get me so angry. You’d think a police officer would know two constitutional rights: the right to assembly and the freedom of the press. But hey, that did stop the “patriot” act.
I am happy Mr. Weinsier is taking this next step with the legal system. This reality check for the school authorities as well as other police officials is long overdue.
Frankly, I look forward to the individual officers getting this education and hope it helps them clearly understand what they can and can’t do in the future. Or face some kind of negative personal effects should they decide to ignore this education.
Too long journalists have walked away after being illegally abused by overzealous officials. Watching the results of this latest legal move will be interesting. Even if it all ends in a quiet legal settlement away from public eyes. My preference is a more public settlement. But I don’t see any way Weisner can lose and the effects of this victory will benefit all.
Once again, Jeff has revealed a menace to society at personal risk to himself. Thanks, Jeff!
Anyone want to ask why the School Board has a Police Department? Isn’t this the kind of duplication we talk about when taxes are discussed? Isn’t this part of why Johnny can’t read? The Schools should have a police department and real educators should run the police academies. This may be why both institutions are so screwed up and ineffecient.
GOOD FOR JEFF. HE’S AWESOME! I HOPE POLICE WILL NOW LEAVE JOURNALISTS ALONE AND LEARN TO RESPECT THE FIRST AMENDMENT.
I agree.. The money spent on these cops can be better spent on actual education!
I hope the Miami Dade School Police learn a valuable lesson. “Stop violating the First Amendment!”
I am taking a criminology course at a university herein Alberta. All I can think is that has to be the fattest cop I have ever seen!