Quote:
Originally Posted by Ocala Mike
I agree with the first part of the sentence, but not the second. If what you suggest is ok, why then did the police dispatcher specifically say to Z that "we don't need you to do that"?
Why is every organized neighborhood watch group in my area specifically instructed to observe and report suspicious activity, but never to follow and confront?
Someone either earlier in this thread or, possibly at another website, raised the issue that "following" a person under certain circumstances may constitute the criminal act of "menacing" in some jurisdictions.
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It wasn't until it became apparent that Zimmerman was following Martin on foot that the dispatcher made the comment. He made the comment for obvious reasons. The police don't want people to put themselves into a dangerous situation. As I've said in previous posts, it is probably not a good idea to get out of your car and follow a person on foot.
I think it is relatively safe to follow a person in your car but even then, you should keep your distance. The police don't want you to end up in a confrontation with the suspect for the obvious reason, mainly that someone may end up getting hurt.
But the truth of the matter is, we have no evidence that Zimmerman planned to confront Trayvon. It appears that he followed him on foot simply so he wouldn't lose him. At some point, as we heard on the 911 tape, he totally lost him. Then at some point, he stumbled upon him. Once they release the interrogation interviews with Zimmerman, then we will see if I am right that Zimmerman ended up in close proximity to Martin by mistake. As I said in a previous post, I think it is likely that he never intended to get closer than within 50 yards or so but after he lost him and then went around a couple of corners, they ended up practically face to face. Now if it turns out that Zimmerman intentionally confronted Martin (purposely came up close to Martin in to engage him in a confrontation), then Zimmerman has more culpability for the incident than he would have if he stumbled upon Martin by accident, after turning a corner. With most of these laws, "intent" is very important. Even if Zimmerman did intentionally engage Martin in a verbal confrontation, if Zimmerman was attacked from behind while walking back to his car, after the verbal confrontation had ended, I think that severely lessens Zimmerman's culpability.
What you said about "menacing" may very well be true. But as you said, it is probably only under certain circumstances that it would constitute a criminal act. I highly doubt that the police are going to charge someone (who called the police) with menacing for temporarily following a person while they are waiting for the police to arrive.