Title: Cop "Protecting and Serving" by Issuing Citation to Man in Wheelchair for Not Having Proof of Disability Source:
Free Thought Project URL Source:http://thefreethoughtproject.com/ma ... ss-confiscated-proof-disabled/ Published:Apr 13, 2015 Author:Jay Syrmopoulos Post Date:2015-04-13 16:03:46 by Deckard Keywords:None Views:705 Comments:2
San Diego, Calif. In a telling display of law enforcements lack of common sense, Joey Canales, 31, had his transit pass seized by a transit cop prior to boarding the trolley. The cops reason for seizing Canales transit pass was that the man, whos been disabled since he was born, did not have written proof that he was truly disabled. Apparently, the fact that Canales was in a wheelchair was not convincing enough.
A stunned Canales recorded the encounter as the officer confiscated his bus pass and proceeded to write him a citation. He can be heard on video incredulously saying,
Its his job to confiscate my card because I dont have sufficient proof Im disabled. Obviously I am. Ive been disabled since I was three days old.
What is most disheartening is that Canales uses the transit system to get to work and without his pass will be left with no means of getting to work.
Also, during this ridiculous display, the officer wrongly tells Canales that he cannot film him. However, Canales remains diligent in asserting his first amendment right.
Does it really make sense to put this mans ability to earn a living in jeopardy for not having documentation of a disability as he sits in a wheelchair?
I have an obvious disability. Im not trying to scam you. My disability is not hidden, Canales can be heard saying on the recording.
After attention was drawn to this incident, due to the video going viral on social media, Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) spokesman Robb Schupp made a statement to NBC San Diego. He stated that MTS requires all people with discounted fares to carry proof of eligibility.
Proper documentation is a Medicare card. Disabled placard receipts can also be used as proof of disability, according to MTS.
Canales believes that this is a matter of principle and not just about himself, but about all people with disabilities.
Its not just about me its about other people with disabilities in the community. I dont feel that anybody with an obvious disability should have to prove that they are in need of such special passes, Canales said.
While the refrain from police apologists will be that the officer was just doing his job; should we not have an expectation of law enforcement using common sense in the carrying out of their duties rather than simply blindly following policy?
Acceptable Identification? I dont need no stinkin acceptable identification!!!
"Canales hopes the increased awareness will help get the MTA regulation changed."
No, he doesnt.
Canales is playing games to get his 15 seconds of fame on social media.
He was REQUITED to show proper identification to purchase the discounted fares when he purchased the tickets at either the MTS Transit Store, Albertsons, or other participating outlets.
He had to show one of the following:
Drivers license (for seniors)
Medicare card + government-issued photo ID
Valid MTS Senior/Disabled ID card
Valid NCTD Senior/Disabled ID card
State of California DMV Placard ID (the white placard receipt from the DMV) + government-issued photo ID
State of California Senior ID card
When Canales purchased his discounted tickets, he was made aware that: Trolley code enforcement officers and bus drivers will require proper identification of people using discounted fares.
Written up for using publick transportation under special circumstances? Interesting. What if he was on his way to a voting poll? He would be denied voting, wouldn't he?