Was the officer's conduct acceptable in the video showing his interaction with the Virginia police?

As a former police officer I believe the Officers created the problem and then mishandled it

I watched that video when it was first made available. I was incensed. I was angry. I was disheartened. I would have been confused, too, if I were that young man. The commands of the VA Police officers involved were confusing and contradictory. Neither of them was in charge of the situation yet both of them acted like they were in charge. One officer would give a contradictory command to the other officer and the other officer would inappropriately escalate the situation because HIS commands weren't being obeyed. I would have been scared for my life had that been me.

I don't know what led up to that altercation (there are two sides to every story), but what I did see was unprofessional and the VA Officers involved were borderline hysterical (not in the funny, ha ha sense but the deriving from or affected by uncontrolled extreme emotion sense). Neither of them had control of the situation and each was overcompensating.

I wonder how many other drivers those two have done this to and have been found "justified" in their actions because there was no camera recording the incident.

In my humble opinion, 2LT Nazario did absolutely nothing wrong. In fact, he did everything right. He pulled over into a lit area for everyone's safety, he tried to obey their orders, and when he was confused he expressed that confusion explicitly.

Alas, but if you go back and do more research, he was pulled over just 2 weeks prior for the exact same thing by another Police Dept. for the exact same thing. I don't condone the actions of the Windsor Police Dept. Officer's at all and the one who maced the Lt. should have and was fired. But this Lt. was warned about the Tinted windows of the Van and having the Temporary License Plate in the window which could barely be seen was a bad choice. He should just put it in the normal License Plate Holder and no more issues would arose about the Temp Tag. But in fact it did just a few weeks later indeed in Windsor.

In my "Opinion"... This Junior Officer had a chip on his shoulder and was looking for a confrontation so he could demonstrate his "Superiority" and get his minute(s) of fame and notoriety on social media. He was using his position and rank in the military as an excuse to get out of a possible ticket which further escalated the whole situation unnecessarily but he was caught up in the current political environment and trying to make a name for himself. Many law enforcement officers have served in the military and are veterans themselves. If this officer had taken the time to recognize that, he could have de-escalated the whole situation. The officers explained this at the end of the traffic stop. They cut him a break but he was intent on suing anyway otherwise why would he have taken the time to meticulously place his camera in a position where it could capture everything. The average person does not do this. My "advice", Just comply and let them do their job and everyone goes home. Instead, he was looking to create a conflict and his conduct was just Deplorable! Instead of being reprimanded by his Command and others, he was applauded for his "Bravery and Conduct" further, he was commended by the CSM of the Army. If this is the way today's military conduct themselves then I would be ashamed to serve. This conduct was never tolerated by any branch of the service during my time in the military and our officer corps was always held to a higher standard than our enlisted personnel. Cancel culture, politics and fear have all entered into the arena and are running rampant throughout the service. This officer brings much shame to the uniform and those who wear it! It is not to be used as a bargaining chip at the poker table. I spent my time serving in both the Army National Guard and Active Duty Navy not to mention 26 years in the fire service 12 of which I was a Company Officer and Chief Officer. I have been stopped by law enforcement a few times and never used my position as a means to get out of a traffic stop. If I did something that warranted a traffic stop the I took my licks just as any other citizen and had my day in court. My advice to young troopers, sailors and airman... Comply with the lawful orders of a law enforcement officer. You don't have to like it or agree with it but the street is never the place to have your argument. You'll get your day in court be it civilian or military and in that setting you can argue your case. If you win, you will leave with not only the apology of the court but the officer as well. If not, play stupid games... win stupid prizes.

The number of people here (and elsewhere) proclaiming that one should comply with all police orders, lawful or not, is alarming.

I feel that the liberal media and public just look for ways to make law enforcement officers look bad. Our local TV stations routinely show what some officer did in some state far distant from us. When you consider that we are a nation of over 350 million people, you must realize that law enforcement officers are constantly involved with an altercation someplace at all times. Would you risk your life for less than $40,000 a year? The military may not pay as much to some, but you do have food, clothing, health and lodging provided. I have noticed that many times the video shown has been edited to only show what the officer "supposedly" did wrong. Many of the "victims" are hardened criminals out on bond for another crime they committed and are awaiting court date. I wish that these LEO bashers would start riding with these officers during high crime time and in dangerous areas. They may start having a different opinion as to who is doing the abuse. Just think what would happen if all law enforcement officers quit at the same time. Just call you local liberal news person to come to your aid. Just remember, don't roll the dice if you can't pay the price. I am sure I will be labeled a racist for my opinion, but I was an auxiliary police officer for 20 years and have seen what really happens.

The Law Officer could have handled it better, however a 2nd Lt should have acted completely different, scared, wow wouldn't he be a good one to go into battle with, scared, WAIT, he is only a 2nd Lt, we called them "Butter Fingers" as most of them had to be told how to walk and chew gum. Sad for the PD Officer, but he did over react, possibly more of a "pissing" contest you might say.

I was standing next to my disabled Rent a car, and a police car stopped to help me, Ltc in uniform. I had picked up a rag from the litter on the ground and checked the oil. There was none. I dropped the rag on the ground where I found it. The officer ordered me to pick it up. I did not like the insult, but he had the gun. Maybe the young man had served in VN and did not like Army officers. This young man abused his authority and is an example of a bad policeman. He probably would have enjoyed sticking it to a person of some rank. Sometimes you just have ignore a piss ant.
Ltc Bob Hattler
USA Ret.

I concur.

No! Or For anyone else!