In the News: Harvard University Professor arrested at his home

July 28, 2009

Harvard University Professor Henry Gates was arrested at his home for allegedly breaking into his own house.  Professor Gates told the Police Officer at the scene that he is the owner of the house and a member of the faculty at Harvard University.  Professor Gates showed the Police Officer his Harvard University ID and his Massachusetts driving license as proof.  However, he was arrested by the Police Officer for “disorderly conduct” and taken to jail for several hours.  Later in the day, Professor Gates was released and all the charges against him were dropped.  President Obama was asked by the media to comment on the incident and he said the Police Officer acted “stupidly” to arrest Professor Gates.

As a Police Officer, what would you have done at the scene?

Now that the incident is over, should the Cambridge Police Department make any changes to their protocols?