Presumption of 'innocence' vs 'guilt' & the Japanese police

[DoctorP]

Yes, but Miranda or not, one should not get body searched and handcuffed for speeding or stealing something. It's not like they are cold-blooded murderers.

What if he/she was hiding what they stole on their person. Shouldn't they be searched? What if they are hiding a weapon? Should I allow them to keep it....just so that I don't make them feel like a criminal!

[Maciamo]

What if he/she was hiding what they stole on their person. Shouldn't they be searched? What if they are hiding a weapon? Should I allow them to keep it....just so that I don't make them feel like a criminal!

What about the handcuffs then ? It may not be an accurate reflection of reality, but when I watch American series like CSI or Ally McBeal (very different series), I see people getting handcuffed for wearing a too short skirt in court (Ally McBeal), for making someone trip in a supermarket 'by accident' (again, Ally McBeal), or for small offences like that. When it comes to arresting suspects of serious crimes, they are 5 police cars full of policemen with guns drawn and shouting "drop your weapon" or "put your hands behind your head". This is typically American. Never seen that in Europe.

[DoctorP]

What about the handcuffs then ? It may not be an accurate reflection of reality, but when I watch American series like CSI or Ally McBeal (very different series), I see people getting handcuffed for wearing a too short skirt in court (Ally McBeal), for making someone trip in a supermarket 'by accident' (again, Ally McBeal), or for small offences like that. When it comes to arresting suspects of serious crimes, they are 5 police cars full of policemen with guns drawn and shouting "drop your weapon" or "put your hands behind your head". This is typically American. Never seen that in Europe.

Alley McBeal is a TV show....a comedy at that! Please don't take it as a serious reflection of society.

All people being arrested are put into handcuffs because it is procedure. When procedures are not followed, usually someone will be hurt or killed.

As for 5-6 police cars arriving to arrest someone...it happens, but not as often as you see on TV. If the person in question shot/hurt someone, or has been eluding capture then it is more possible to see this type of activity. If someone was caught shoplifting then usually only one car...maybe two.

[pipokun]

Drunken Japanese drivers like ones in TV programs like Japan Police 24hr must get shot in the US, I suppose.

[nice gaijin]

Drunken Japanese drivers like ones in TV programs like Japan Police 24hr must get shot in the US, I suppose.

Heh well I haven't seen the show you're referring to, but short of a suspect actively threatening others' lives, there isn't much they could do to get a cop to use deadly force on them. There are many "less-than-lethal" alternatives that are sought before the real gun is pulled.