** (Disclaimer: This video content is intended for educational and informational purposes only) **
Dash cam video shows Maine State Police Trooper Stephen Murray, who stops a motorist for driving 29 miles over the speed limit. After running a license check, Murray learns the motorist has two prior speeding convictions, and before returning to the motorist, double checks to make sure his cruiser's video camera is on. It is not. He turns it on and this is where the tape picks up. As Murray approaches the vehicle, you may notice the driver's disposition right away; he is very negative and hostile, and obviously agitated with the stop. As the trooper tries to explain the violation, the driver denies he was speeding and becomes even more enraged. You may also notice the trooper's behavior throughout the incident. His ability to remain calm and composed is key; it likely kept the motorist from attempting an assault or other physical action. The trooper displays a high degree of tolerance: He lets the driver vent about the increased cost of living; and he even lets the driver get away with swearing and cursing and making rude remarks aimed directly toward the trooper himself.
Officers have a great deal of discretion. In this case, the officer chose not to write a ticket for the insurance violation or for the littering violation, knowing this may have escalated the incident. Unless it is a physical assault, a peace officer is expected to take verbal assaults, and Trooper Murray proves it can be done. Had the subject filed a complaint, the video shows how Trooper Murray remained courteous at all times. Although knowing the camera was on may have contributed to the way Murray acted, the video would prove to superiors and to a judge or jury that the officer had acted in a professional manner throughout the incident. Trooper Murray saw nothing noteworthy in this video. He waited two years before showing it to his supervisors. Maine has been using it for training ever since. Maine now has a policy that interesting or unusual video must be turned over to the training division. And, the Academy has increased training from an 18- to a 22-week course. In addition, when this incident took place. Trooper Stephen Murray is no longer with the Maine State Police. His departure was not related to this incident. The motorist in this case pleaded not guilty. However, he did not show up for court, and the judge suspended his license.
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