Gadianton wrote:According to a witness, after the friend arrived, he suggested that the three of them just go elsewhere. One of officers said “it’s too late for that.” I think that was a lost opportunity, especially given the larger context of relations between the police and black folks in Philadelphia.
possibly.
I totally agree that if there was any sign the guys were willing to pack it up and go their way before making the arrest, then that's what should have happened. Especially given all the customers were on their side. But to be completely thorough, we'd have to rule out whether or not there are mandatory arrest laws in that area that cover that particular situation. I kinda doubt it, but a huge stimulus for cops is CYA, and if there was a risk of getting in trouble for letting them go, then what?
The police commissioner said they had no policy that addressed this situation, so I doubt there was a mandatory arrest statute or policy. If there had been, I think someone would have cited it by now. The only context I’m aware of mandatory arrest statutes applying is domestic assault. Does California use them in other contexts?