General Discussion

I generally try to give police the benefit of the doubt and recognize that sometimes use of force, including lethal force, is justified and necessary. It's simply a reality of law enforcement. It's right there on the label. I've also worked with cops, so my perspective is a little different because of that.

This was by no means justified or necessary. They screwed up from the moment the interaction started in just about every way that matters, right down to their tactics. Then they got angry because one of them was a dumbshit and deployed pepper spray and it got all over everyone. When they caught up to Mr. Nichols again, they were mad and decided to punish him, and punish him they did.

They deserve the charges they got, and they deserve the prison sentences they're going to get. I cannot see how any jury could vote to acquit them. Their lawyers will literally be defending the indefensible.