I am amazed that the guy can walk after a hiding like that- Can anyone tell me the circumstances, looks like the cops were pretty keen to get this dude as evidenced by thier numbers and cars...

^^^ they were all bored and love a good chase and ass kicking. I liked how they seen the chopper on em with the camara and shit then acted like they didnt do shit. the mexican cop in the corner sticks his hands in his pockets and whistles as he walks off the camara view.

Actually, Wolfer, I agree with Bagoblood: I would like to know the whole story - a picture may be worth a thousand words, but a single word can alter your perception of a picture.

The police are trained to not pussyfoot around working up to the level of physicality they need to make a person submit - they go a level above what they deem necessary, so as to not induce escalation of the criminal's resistance. What I wonder is why these police officers thought this individual was going to give them a hard time (other than having already tried to evade arrest).

Obviously the fellow was not a model citizen out on a jog that could be stopped with a verbal request, but what did they know about him that made them decide to use that level of force? Lord Kahuna, could we please see your source? Thank you.

I just watched the clip a few more times, and noted something of interest - by the time the man is grounded, he's already covering up, like he's expecting to be hit in the face. Interesting detail.

Second interesting detail: just as the police alter their attitude about halfway through the clip (whether from the citizen's sudden drop in resistance or from noticing the helicopter I can't tell), the citizen likewise changes his attitude from resistance to utter docility (whether from being cowed or from noticing the helicopter, I again cannot tell).

Still hoping for the rest of the story, m'Lord Kahuna.

Well actually Prof, I see it as a bit of overkill that 3 officers have to stomp on your ankles with military issue jump boots while 2 other pound you in the back of the head and back while your being held face down. Im pretty sure these men are taught to take a man down even with force without pulverizing a citizen and breaking bones to get him to stay down. Those cops were pretty big. Dont tell me that cops dont use excessive force cause you and I both now that a load of crap.

In war you may shoot enemys or neutral people for 2 reasons:
1 - if your life is threatened
2 - becourse you have the power to do so.

There are very few 'holy' people out there, folks, and, as abu grahib told you, even americans aren´t.

In the Stanford Prison Experiment the prisoners -accepted- the sadistic treatment through the guards, which could be a reflex to avoid more pain, this could be an explanation for your first detail, professor.
Another conclusion from the S.P.E (and maybe Abu Grahib, the circumstances are unclear) is that guards/soldiers/policeman, this kind of human, dont need reasons to do this.

I'll see your abu grahib and raise you a Hitler, sir.

Wolfer, I agree that the police use excessive force - in fact, I said as much when I said 'they go a level above what they deem necessary.' Escapees also use extraordinary force in escaping: extraordinary force meets excessive force.

As to whether it was overkill or if the guy would have continued to resist if they didn't use the old 'shock and awe' tactic to get it through his thick skull (not literally) that he should stop resisting... well, I'm waiting on the rest of the story from Kahuna before making a decision.

On one hand, I have the old saying 'knock some sense into him' replaying in my head. On the other hand, I have a quote from South Park rerunning: Cartman's voice saying, 'Yeeew Weeeil Respect Mah Authoritah!'

exact

Its a hawd job but someones gotta do it...

if I was a cop I would kick his ass for making me run

He was probably downloading music illegally.

What a lawless animal.