Go Jump in a Lake

[abbey1227]

INSIDER
Arizona cops told drowning man 'I'm not jumping in after you' as he begged for help, body camera transcript shows
Natalie Musumeci    Mon, June 6, 2022, 9:59 AM

A man who drowned in an Arizona lake last month begged for help — but local cops didn't rescue him.

"I'm not jumping in after you," one cop told Sean Bickings before he drowned, according to a police transcript.

The three Tempe police officers who didn't step in were put on paid leave as authorities investigate.

A man drowned in an Arizona lake last month and as he pleaded for help, struggling in the water, local cops standing by refused to rescue him, according to officials and a police body camera footage transcript.

"I'm drowning," Sean Bickings, 34, told Tempe Police Department officers during the May 28 incident at Tempe Town Lake, according to a video transcript released by the city and reviewed by Insider.

One officer responded to Bickings, "Okay, I'm not jumping in after you," moments after another cop instructed Bickings to head over to a pylon, the transcript shows.

"Please help me. Please, please please," Bickings pleaded, according to the transcript. "I can't touch. Oh God. Please help me. Help me."

Bickings, whom city officials described as an "unsheltered Tempe community member," ultimately drowned after he jumped into the lake but wasn't able to swim.

Tempe police referred Insider to the city when asked for their response to the incident. In a statement, Tempe City Manager Andrew Ching and Police Chief Jeff Glover called Bickings' death "a tragedy."



Police body camera footage released by the city shows what led up to the moments before Bickings jumped into the water.

Tempe cops were called to the scene just after 5 a.m. on May 28 about a reported dispute between Bickings and a woman who identified herself to cops as his wife, officials said.

When officers arrived, they spoke to Bickings and the woman, who officials say cooperated with police and denied that any physical confrontation had taken place.

"He didn't do nothing wrong. We have a bad habit of interrupting each other sometimes," the woman told cops, according to the police body camera video.

Officials say that Bickings climbed over a 4-foot metal fence and jumped into the water as cops were running the couple's names through a database to check on any outstanding arrest warrants as part of standard procedure.

"Neither were being detained for any offense," the city said of the couple.

Seconds before Bickings jumped into the water he said to the officers, "I'm gonna go for a swim … I'm free to go, right?" the body camera video shows.


The officers told Bickings that he was not allowed to swim in the lake. "How far do you think he's going to be able to swim?" one officer asked, the footage shows.

Shortly after, an officer could be heard radioing that the "subject" had jumped into the lake.

The actual drowning was not included in the video footage released by police and instead, a disclaimer was shown on the video before it ended: "Due to the sensitive nature of the remaining portion of the recording, a transcript of the sensitive portion of the event is being provided for full transparency."

Moments after Bickings went into the water, a cop asked him, "So what's your plan right now?"

"I'm going to drown," Bickings began saying. "I'm going to drown."

During the ordeal, police and Bickings' apparent wife argued, with her saying at one point, "I'm just distraught because he's drowning right in front of you and you won't help," according to the transcript.

Earlier in the transcript, a cop said to the woman: "If you want to help your husband, then talk to your husband, talk to your husband into coming over."

At one point, two different officers said that another officer is "going to get the boat," the transcript says.

According to the city, Bickings "swam about 30-40 yards before repeatedly indicating he was in distress. He soon went under and did not resurface."

The three Tempe police officers who didn't step in to save the drowning man were put on paid leave as the Arizona Department of Public Safety and Scottsdale Police investigate the officers' actions, the city said in a statement last Friday.

www.yahoo.com/news/arizona-cops-told-drowning-man-145907410.html

[Prometheus]

"Protect and Serve!"

[abbey1227]

Jun 6, 2022 22:32:31 GMT Prometheus said:

"Protect and Serve!"

I'm guessing you were not a fan of that SCOTUS ruling?

And yet, IIRC, you've come out and suggested that we've come to expect wayyyyyyyyy too much from the police and other govt entities?

[Prometheus]

Jun 6, 2022 23:03:00 GMT abbey1227 said:

Jun 6, 2022 22:32:31 GMT Prometheus said:

"Protect and Serve!"

I'm guessing you were not a fan of that SCOTUS ruling?

And yet, IIRC, you've come out and suggested that we've come to expect wayyyyyyyyy too much from the police and other govt entities?

Which ruling?

As "first responders," I think life-saving is within their mandate

[abbey1227]

Jun 7, 2022 0:16:26 GMT Prometheus said:

Jun 6, 2022 23:03:00 GMT abbey1227 said:

I'm guessing you were not a fan of that SCOTUS ruling?

And yet, IIRC, you've come out and suggested that we've come to expect wayyyyyyyyy too much from the police and other govt entities?

Which ruling?

As "first responders," I think life-saving is within their mandate

It was a ruling that while that motto on the side of patrol cars is quaint and comforting, it is technically not the policepersons' duty to observe it entirely.

from 2005......  www.nytimes.com/2005/06/28/politics/justices-rule-police-do-not-have-a-constitutional-duty-to-protect.html 

[Prometheus]

Jun 7, 2022 0:50:44 GMT abbey1227 said:

Jun 7, 2022 0:16:26 GMT Prometheus said:

Which ruling?

As "first responders," I think life-saving is within their mandate

It was a ruling that while that motto on the side of patrol cars is quaint and comforting, it is technically not the policepersons' duty to observe it entirely.

from 2005......  www.nytimes.com/2005/06/28/politics/justices-rule-police-do-not-have-a-constitutional-duty-to-protect.html 

See the second half of my response.

[abbey1227]

Jun 7, 2022 12:51:32 GMT Prometheus said:

Jun 7, 2022 0:50:44 GMT abbey1227 said:

It was a ruling that while that motto on the side of patrol cars is quaint and comforting, it is technically not the policepersons' duty to observe it entirely.

from 2005......  www.nytimes.com/2005/06/28/politics/justices-rule-police-do-not-have-a-constitutional-duty-to-protect.html 

See the second half of my response.

And yet the court disagreed.   

It looks to me like this person had already shown that they were a bit off mentally. YOU gonna jump in the water and risk being drowned yourself?

I understand that your opinion is they should.

[Prometheus]

Jun 7, 2022 21:46:54 GMT abbey1227 said:

Jun 7, 2022 12:51:32 GMT Prometheus said:

See the second half of my response.

And yet the court disagreed.   

It looks to me like this person had already shown that they were a bit off mentally. YOU gonna jump in the water and risk being drowned yourself?

I understand that your opinion is they should.

The court has been wrong before and is about to be wrong again.

What's your point?

[abbey1227]

Jun 8, 2022 0:27:46 GMT Prometheus said:

Jun 7, 2022 21:46:54 GMT abbey1227 said:

And yet the court disagreed.   

It looks to me like this person had already shown that they were a bit off mentally. YOU gonna jump in the water and risk being drowned yourself?

I understand that your opinion is they should.

The court has been wrong before and is about to be wrong again.

What's your point?

my point is irrelevant   

[abbey1227]

www.insider.com/rescue-expert-doesnt-blame-arizona-cops-not-saving-drowning-man-2022-6?fbclid=IwAR2uEZN-zrTI0M-YgFLUSRK3rD1qV0pcfUxvg9ho5ck2aukBtG16W9i2F34

Water rescue expert says he 'doesn't blame' Arizona cops for not jumping into lake to save drowning man and 'putting their own lives in danger'

[ant-mac]

[abbey1227]

Jun 9, 2022 11:21:28 GMT ant-mac said:

This Steve guy is a typical modern day moron, imo  Monday Morning QBing of police.......while he sits comfortably in his spot.

First off, what's the specific timeline there? Was that guy told "I'm not going in after you." BEFORE he swam out too far? or after he'd already yelled "I'm drowning"?

Second off...... I don't doubt for a second, if a car had plowed off the road and ended up upside down in the water, those cops would have rushed into the water to help.

But what we had here was someone who was just being questioned......who decided to ignore warnings and being told he wouldn't be gone after in the water, who then decides to swim out so far that he ends up drowning. OH, WELL    And his wife? A part of this 'unsheltered' pair.........did they physically stop her from hopping over the rail and saving her husband? Not that we've heard thus far. So her complaint is others wouldn't do what she wouldn't do herself?

I disagree that it's a police officer's JOB to stop you from doing damage to yourself 100% of the time. At some point, YOU have to assume some of the responsibility for your actions.

As far as that custody case.....THAT is one of the biggest pain in the asses for cops/dispatchers with so many divorces and broken homes these days. Immature people who can't even pretend to get along for the sake of their own kids. Do you have Amber Alerts where you live? MOST of them are ridiculous custodial disputes. NOT kidnappings. Just 2 idiot parents fighting each other and using their kids as pawns. Again, if that mother was so upset, so afraid for her kids........WHY didn't SHE have a full on restraining order? Why didn't SHE go looking for him.....maybe even take a gun with her in case it was needed and save her own kids lives?

Lastly, Steve makes a ridiculous comparison between cops and doctors or fire fighters. Is a doctor's life in jeopardy when he goes to save a patient in distress? Not usually.

And all fire departments have very strict policies about WHEN it's permitted to enter a burning structure........even IF they know people are inside. They may arrive too late and previous history tells departments that sending men in is onl;y going to result in more burned bodies.

So Steve is more than welcome to become a police officer or a lifeguard if he wants. Maybe even put him on speed dial for every interaction with the typical 'unsheltered' person.......and we'll see how caring and kind hearted he remains after dozens of interactions.

[ant-mac]

Jun 9, 2022 12:44:05 GMT abbey1227 said:

Jun 9, 2022 11:21:28 GMT ant-mac said:

This Steve guy is a typical modern day moron, imo  Monday Morning QBing of police.......while he sits comfortably in his spot.

First off, what's the specific timeline there? Was that guy told "I'm not going in after you." BEFORE he swam out too far? or after he'd already yelled "I'm drowning"?

Second off...... I don't doubt for a second, if a car had plowed off the road and ended up upside down in the water, those cops would have rushed into the water to help.

But what we had here was someone who was just being questioned......who decided to ignore warnings and being told he wouldn't be gone after in the water, who then decides to swim out so far that he ends up drowning. OH, WELL    And his wife? A part of this 'unsheltered' pair.........did they physically stop her from hopping over the rail and saving her husband? Not that we've heard thus far. So her complaint is others wouldn't do what she wouldn't do herself?

I disagree that it's a police officer's JOB to stop you from doing damage to yourself 100% of the time. At some point, YOU have to assume some of the responsibility for your actions.

As far as that custody case.....THAT is one of the biggest pain in the asses for cops/dispatchers with so many divorces and broken homes these days. Immature people who can't even pretend to get along for the sake of their own kids. Do you have Amber Alerts where you live? MOST of them are ridiculous custodial disputes. NOT kidnappings. Just 2 idiot parents fighting each other and using their kids as pawns. Again, if that mother was so upset, so afraid for her kids........WHY didn't SHE have a full on restraining order? Why didn't SHE go looking for him.....maybe even take a gun with her in case it was needed and save her own kids lives?

Lastly, Steve makes a ridiculous comparison between cops and doctors or fire fighters. Is a doctor's life in jeopardy when he goes to save a patient in distress? Not usually.

And all fire departments have very strict policies about WHEN it's permitted to enter a burning structure........even IF they know people are inside. They may arrive too late and previous history tells departments that sending men in is onl;y going to result in more burned bodies.

So Steve is more than welcome to become a police officer or a lifeguard if he wants. Maybe even put him on speed dial for every interaction with the typical 'unsheltered' person.......and we'll see how caring and kind hearted he remains after dozens of interactions.

Steve might be many things... but a moron is not one of them.

And yes, the police officers did have a duty to try and save the guy.

Stupidity does not deserve the death penalty... at not on this occasion.

[abbey1227]

Jun 9, 2022 13:31:44 GMT ant-mac said:

Jun 9, 2022 12:44:05 GMT abbey1227 said:

Steve might be many things... but a moron is not one of them.

And yes, the police officers did have a duty to try and save the guy.

Stupidity does not deserve the death penalty... at not on this occasion.

I just disagree with that in this case.

The guy could have just remained on shore and waited for his name to return on their background check. But nope, he chose another path.

[ant-mac]

Jun 9, 2022 16:00:11 GMT abbey1227 said:

Jun 9, 2022 13:31:44 GMT ant-mac said:

Steve might be many things... but a moron is not one of them.

And yes, the police officers did have a duty to try and save the guy.

Stupidity does not deserve the death penalty... at not on this occasion.

I just disagree with that in this case.

The guy could have just remained on shore and waited for his name to return on their background check. But nope, he chose another path.

Yeah, the guy was an irritating dick.

But the last time I checked, that wasn't a death penalty offence...

Except maybe in Texas.

[abbey1227]

Jun 9, 2022 16:09:24 GMT ant-mac said:

Jun 9, 2022 16:00:11 GMT abbey1227 said:

Yeah, the guy was an irritating dick.

But the last time I checked, that wasn't a death penalty offence...

Except maybe in Texas.

But the state/police didn't execute him........he committed suicide. And I feel that's every person's right to choose for themselves. He chose poorly.

I think of it a bit like the Willy Wonka method to child discipline. "Stop......wait........don't" 

[ant-mac]

Jun 9, 2022 16:19:50 GMT abbey1227 said:

Jun 9, 2022 16:09:24 GMT ant-mac said:

Yeah, the guy was an irritating dick.

But the last time I checked, that wasn't a death penalty offence...

Except maybe in Texas.

But the state/police didn't execute him........he committed suicide. And I feel that's every person's right to choose for themselves. He chose poorly.

I think of it a bit like the Willy Wonka method to child discipline. "Stop......wait........don't" 

And sometimes, people have to be protected from themselves.

Which would make WW little better than a child abuser.

[abbey1227]

Jun 9, 2022 16:28:36 GMT ant-mac said:

Jun 9, 2022 16:19:50 GMT abbey1227 said:

But the state/police didn't execute him........he committed suicide. And I feel that's every person's right to choose for themselves. He chose poorly.

I think of it a bit like the Willy Wonka method to child discipline. "Stop......wait........don't" 

And sometimes, people have to be protected from themselves.

Which would make WW little better than a child abuser.

Gasp! How dare you!?  I suppose those Oompa Loompas' lessons were something to be ignored, as well?

I'm just reading an article on a Hospital worker of 11 years who was killed trying to 'protect a patient from himself'. So now the world has one less productive and useful person in it, and the loonball is still around. 

[ant-mac]

Jun 9, 2022 16:34:05 GMT abbey1227 said:

Jun 9, 2022 16:28:36 GMT ant-mac said:

And sometimes, people have to be protected from themselves.

Which would make WW little better than a child abuser.

Gasp! How dare you!?  I suppose those Oompa Loompas' lessons were something to be ignored, as well?

I'm just reading an article on a Hospital worker of 11 years who was killed trying to 'protect a patient from himself'. So now the world has one less productive and useful person in it, and the loonball is still around. 

Oh yeah, a child abuser and a slave owner... Lock him up.

Police officers are hopefully better equipped and trained to deal with such situations.

The hospital worker should've sort out back-up from security or law enforcement. 

[abbey1227]

Jun 9, 2022 16:53:47 GMT ant-mac said:

Jun 9, 2022 16:34:05 GMT abbey1227 said:

Gasp! How dare you!?  I suppose those Oompa Loompas' lessons were something to be ignored, as well?

I'm just reading an article on a Hospital worker of 11 years who was killed trying to 'protect a patient from himself'. So now the world has one less productive and useful person in it, and the loonball is still around. 

Oh yeah, a child abuser and a slave owner... Lock him up.

Police officers are hopefully better equipped and trained to deal with such situations.

The hospital worker should've sort out back-up from security or law enforcement. 

I'm kinda mystified by this belief that cops or security are so much better prepared for violent whackos than anyone else