[jolinar of malkshor]

Originally Posted by Iowa_Flames_Fan

So having now read the actual police report, I can see why charges were dropped.

Here's what happened, by the police officer's own admission.
1. He asked Gates to step outside. Gates refused, as is his right when he is residing peacefully within his own home.
2. He asked Gates for ID. Gates complied.
3. The police officer, without establishing probably cause, entered a private residence without permission and without identifying himself and showing proper identification first.
4. Gates never left his own porch.
5. Gates' only crime was to call the guy a racist. Which, given that the guy immediately assumed Gates was a criminal upon seeing him inside the house, is at least understandable even if you don't feel that it's true.

If it were me, I'd walk away. You're a cop--you don't get to arrest someone because he called you a nasty name. It's understandable to be upset when someone calls you a name you don't like. It's not understandable to then abuse your power and arrest him when he's committed no crime and you know that he's committed no crime.

My prediction: Crowley will be suspended without pay, and possibly fired. Gates will sue and be awarded damages. Life in Cambridge will continue as normal, complete with outdoor chess games in Harvard Square and sushi on every street corner.

Can you provide the link where you aquired this info?

Thanks