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In a fit of rage, a Honolulu police officer grabbed a camera out of a woman's hand and slammed it on top of the car she was in.

The woman, a producer for a Hawaiian public access television show, ended up with a gashed finger.

The officer, who then appeared shaken by his actions, ended up writing his name and badge number on a card, courteously explaining how she could file a complaint.

And this guy is trusted with a gun?

The incident occurred last week while President Barack Obama was visiting Hawaii. The news crew were filming a segment for a program called We Are Change, Hawaii.

They pulled up to where the president was staying, were denied access and were quickly on their way before they realized they were being followed by police and secret service agents.

Then they pulled into a gas station.

According to KITV.

The women said police vehicles and up to five officers surrounded the car, demanded IDs and registration without explanation.

Then without warning an officer reached into the car and grabbed Jones’ camera.“He grabbed it out of my hand and then he slammed it on top of the car,” Jones said.

She said the camera was damaged – the automatic lens cover no longer worked.Jones’ fingers were gashed by the sharp edge on the camera mount.

She said the officer appeared shaken by what he'd done and courteously showed her how to complain, writing his name and badge number on a card with contact information for the Honolulu Police Commission.

Kane said other officers on the scene would not let them make a criminal complaint against the officer who grabbed the camera.

So essentially we have our everyday run-of-the-mill attack on photographers.

Call me jaded because my main question is not how can these officers get away with this. They do every time.

My question: is R. J. Hampton really a woman?

Hampton, who is part of the news crew, is described as a woman in the KITV article, but as a "pink-shirted man" in this Blaze article.

KITV also referred to Hampton as B.J. Hampton in the video, so not only is there confusion about his or her gender, we are not even sure if we have the right name.

Hampton can be seen and heard in the video, so let me know what you think.

A Photography is Not a Crime reader who prefers not to be named wrote the following letter to the police chief.

Dear Chief Kealoha,

It is with much consternation, indignation, and indeed anger, that I bring the following video to your attention.

http://www.kitv.com/r/26327764/detail.html

In this video, that clearly shows an officer of the Honolulu police department committing, what is an assault and battery with injury to a member of the press. The video clearly shows there is no reasonable cause that she has committed, or is about to commit any crime. Yet, she is subject to unreasonable police power in the form of assault, battery and physical injury. How does your department justify such egregious actions on an innocent citizen, and a member of the press?

I have always held the view that LEO's should be held to the same, if not higher, standard of the law, than other citizens, as they have a extraordinary powers and enhanced awareness  of the law.

I would urge you to deal with this rogue officer's criminal behavior in a swift and decisive manner, in the form of termination, and criminal charges of assault and battery. Nothing less, would send a message that his behavior is tolerated and condoned by the department. In addition, I hope the reporter pursues damages under

Given this officer's behavior, I am at odds how this fits with the department stated objectives of:

INTEGRITY

We have integrity. We adhere to the highest moral and ethical standards. We are honest and sincere in dealing with each other and the community. We have the courage to uphold these principles and are proud that they guide us in all we do.

RESPECT

We show respect. We recognize the value of our unique cultural diversity and treat all people with kindness, tolerance, and dignity. We cherish and protect the rights, liberties, and freedoms of all as granted by the constitutions and laws of the United States and the State of Hawaii.

FAIRNESS

We act with fairness. Objective, impartial decisions and policies are the foundation of our interactions. We are consistent in our treatment of all persons. Our actions are tempered with reason and equity.

This officer's behavior does not display any of your stated objectives. His behavior shows the worst in which we expect from our law enforcement officers. No reasonable cause that a crime has been committed, or is about to be committed, yet physical abuse and injury has been.

Again, swift and decisive action is important to send a clear message to all other officers your the system. I

 look forward to your response in this matter,