First, I grew up in the Akron Canton area and 40 years ago Canton was a Rat Hole. I have no doubt at all that today it's an even worse Rat Hole. Tip to anyone considering visiting the Football Hall of Fame, drive a rental and make sure you purchase the Theft Insurance, because it's about 50-50 you'll need it. BTW, back in the day LA was a slange reference for Lower Akron. Chissie Hinds of the Pretenders hails from Lower Akron and while she has immense talent if you've ever seen her you'll know what the typical resident of LA looks like. Meaning they are damned ugly and mainly descendents of transplanted inbred WV Hillbillies. Venture into some areas of Lower Akron and you'll start to think you wandered onto the set of Deliverence. While LA is bad, Canton is worse.
Second. The most abused drug by Police Officers is Steroids. IMO what we are seeing is a perfect example of Roid Rage and that "police officer" probably has major rage issues because he can no longer "get it up" and has testicles the size of peas. So, to compensate he does hooker patrols so that he can abuse those who are still capable of actually using the services of a hooker. Probably also hits the singles bars looking for suspected drunks for the same reason.
Third. Latest word is that officer is now on unpaid suspension and the Canton PD has initiated the process of firing him. Since it is a union shop that will take some time. Hopefully at some point the Feds will step in with some Civil Rights charges. Rumor from my brother in the area is that the Canton PD is also looking into hanging a few Felony charges on this miscreant. Quite simply the Canton DA and Chief of Police are both somewhat shocked by this video and really really really pissed off that this officers supervisors didn't take action sooner.
Fourth. I believe that the Victim in this case WAS Trolling for Hookers. I don't buy his phony balony story for one second. That doesn't excuse the "officers" conduct but bad things happen when you go out trolling for hookers, you could get AIDS, have your throat cut for 20 bucks, or get shot by some impotent "cop" tweaked up by Roids. Word to the wise, don't do it.
Finally, in regards to Notification, I am in Favor of it. As for why, look that the number of Police Officers who have been shot by people carrying illegally in the last few years. Notification advises the Police Officer in advance that you have been certified by the State and FBI as not being a Felon or having a history of engaging in crime. Without notification if a Police Officer spots that you are carrying that encounter will quickly elevate to a Felony Stop and you'll be looking down the barrel of a gun. I don't care if it's mandatory or voluntary, if I am ever stopped while carrying I will be presenting my CPL right along with my license. If that officer want to take temporary posession of my firearm for his safety I'm also fine with that, I would just ask that he drop the mag before taking it from my holster. That way I can only get shot once if his trigger disclipline is really horrible and hopefully retire comfortably after recovering from my wound.
BTW, in 40 years of driving I have not once been treated with anything except courtesy and respect by every single police officer I have encountered. While the evidence is quite clear that there are some bad apples on police forces all over this country, my experience is that they are probably pretty rare. Or, because I have always treated the police with respect and been honest with them, even the bad apples treat me well. Quite simply, a simple "hello officer how may I help you" and a friendly approach can go a long way towards making things go smoothly. BTW, I am not a Saint when it comes to driving within limits, however that approach has resulted in my recieving very few citations in 40 years of driving and more warnings than I can count.
