patricmcm

Re HBO's 2017 documentary "Traffic Stop"... Unsure as to the lesson intended by the filmmaker, I was near-immediately backed away from the set, astonished by the foolishness, self-consumption, and danger-inducing behavior exhibited by this woman. Her relentless, upswelling refusals to simply comply with the officer's repeated standard requests precipitously raised the heat on what could have clearly been a routine, mutually courteous stop. HBO's misguided effort to elevate this woman's inane and dangerous behavior will stun any average "street-wise" citizen. Contrary to their secondarily evident intent to posit a charge against police brutality, the "Traffic Stop" documentary far better provides a quick-learning tool for exhibiting to young drivers precisely how NOT to behave when stopped and addressed by police. This young woman has clearly never considered the degree to which it is vital that police determine there exists a safe and weapons-free situation before relaxing their level of concern. It is not possible for us, at first contact, to comprehend the many issues with which an officer may be contending. Mutual courtesy and regard - and quiet, clearly observable, demonstrated compliance - when stopped by police will near always secure a pleasant and safe day for all.

I was a senior infantry medic in the Vietnam delta,1968 to 1969, and served both in the field and commanding a secondary surgery and Battalion Aid operated exclusively by medics. Watching Pete, the documentary's primary medical operator, has provided a more accurate and recollective portrait than any other such film I have seen in 50 years.