For the most part, I agree with the
bold print part of what you are saying. The clear exception to this is there are certain actions that are the DUTY of the police officer but beyond the protected actions of a common citizen. Ironically, that is what is central to the point of this video. A police officer has a duty to apprehend those suspected of committing a crime, particularly where injury or intent to injure is concerned. A civilian trying to apprehend that girl very well may have been arrested. An officer of the law is compelled to make that arrest within the boundaries of due force. The argument here is was tackling her due force. I say yes, you say no. Now THAT is making it simple.
Unless I'm mistaken it's been reported that the officer in question has been suspended. If that is so, the question is why?
While I agree with you that an officer has a duty to apprehend someone who has committed a crime, he also has a duty to exercise judgment as to the level of force he uses in effecting apprehension. In this case the subject is a fifteen year-old girl, technically a categorical juvenile delinquent. If the officer had been advised by the dispatcher of her age and the nature of the complaint, which, unless an assault charge was made, is disorderly conduct, a relatively minor misdemeanor offense, the method he used to detain her could, under the circumstances, be considered excessive.
I recently watched an episode of
COPS, a police documentary in which an undercover marijuana
"buy-and-bust" operation was filmed. A young man approached the undercover cop posing as a pot dealer, purchased and pocketed an item, handed over some cash and proceeded to walk away. Suddenly a uniformed cop ran at him from the side, slammed violently into him, knocking him to the ground. A second uniformed cop ran up and, in spite of the fact the fellow was offering no resistance, jammed his knee forcefully onto his neck, grinding his face on the pavement, as handcuffs were applied.
I don't know if this video, which I am very surprised was cleared for broadcast, resulted in a lawsuit -- but it certainly could. It was a clear example of excessive and unnecessary force. But the police would explain it as occurring within the guidelines of
"procedure." Which is like saying because their only tool is a hammer every situation must be treated like a nail.
I believe the same circumstances apply in this case.