Q&A: What’s Your Take on Police Officer Arresting Professor Gates?

NEW YORK—Police Officer Crawley was called to Professor Gates’ home in Cambridge, Mass. to investigate a domestic disturbance. One thing led to another, and Professor Gates was arrested, which in turn led to widespread national attention. So is this incident about race, abuse of police power? Or is it just two men unwilling to back down?

Cindy Lee Bergersen, 56, Manhattan, Interior designer
“The police officer did play it by the book but sometimes you have to use common sense.”

James McCaffrey, 25, Queens, Police officer
“I can't make that decision; you really have to be there.”

Derrick Williams, 46, Queens, Paralegal
“Speaking from personal experience I can understand where the professor is coming from. I might act the same way he did. I may be wrong and apologize later, but racism exists whether we like it or not.”

Shannte Organ, 21, Manhattan, Substitute teacher
“The police officer did overreact somewhat. He could have been more lenient, and maybe Obama could have used a better word than stupid.”