Reader: If I Punched a Disrespectful Cop, Would the DA Drop Charges Against Me?

The Denver District Attorney's decision not to charge Deputy Thomas Ford for slugging an inmate was based in part on reports that the punchee had been verbally abusive and threatening. This rationale fired up many of the commenters who weighed in on our post about the development. Here's one memorable...

By Michael Roberts

August 27, 2014

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The Denver District Attorney's decision not to charge Deputy Thomas Ford for slugging an inmate was based in part on reports that the punchee had been verbally abusive and threatening. This rationale fired up many of the commenters who weighed in on our post about the development. Here's one memorable take.

Monkey writes:

Another example of police being treated differently than the people they arrest. If you hit someone in the face for standing up, or verbally assaulting you, you would be arrested by people who are taught to do the same thing. Imagine if this cops boyfriend was yelling at him, calling him names, and stood up when he approached him. Would anyone think hitting his boyfriend in the face was appropriate action? Would anyone think a jury would not convict a man who turned a verbal assault into a physical one?

Next time a cop is disrespecting me and refuses to do what I say, I guess I'll just hit them in the face, and the DA will dismiss all charges, right?

Send your story tips to the author, Michael Roberts.

For more memorable takes, visit our Comment of the Day archive.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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