Police officers are expected to uphold the law, maintain professionalism, and present themselves in a calm and composed manner. That is the standard most people picture when they think of law enforcement. Of course, anyone who has spent time online knows that police encounters vary widely. Some officers are praised for their hard work, while others are criticized for abusing their authority. And occasionally, a clip surfaces that leaves viewers completely stunned. That was the case in Lynn, Massachusetts, where a recent viral video showed a police officer who appeared extremely unsteady on his feet. The officer looked dazed, confused, and unable to stand straight, which led many online to describe him as being “higher than a kite.”
The video, recorded by a man who encountered the officers late at night, begins with the cameraman questioning what is wrong with the unsteady Lynn officer. The police officer is surrounded by several colleagues, but none of them appear eager to address the situation. The cameraman repeatedly asks what is going on, insisting that something is clearly wrong and demanding to speak with a sergeant.
Instead of calling a supervisor, the Lynn officers tell him to back off. One police officer even steps in front of the shaky cop, attempting to shield him from being filmed. When pressed, the officer tries to explain the situation by claiming his partner has “a bad back” and has been “working a double.” The explanation only frustrates the cameraman further, who insists the officer is in no condition to be on duty and calls the group a disgrace.
The video ends with the unsteady officer sitting inside a patrol car while the other officer continues arguing with the man recording. Once the video reached the internet, reactions exploded. Many viewers were shocked, claiming the officer looked clearly impaired and questioning why he was still on duty. Some pointed out the public safety risks of an officer in that condition handling a weapon, responding to calls, or interacting with civilians.
“It doesn’t matter that he’s coming off a double or has a bad back,” one user wrote. “He is unfit to serve, unfit to carry a weapon, and unfit for any authority. And the cops covering for him are unfit for letting it happen.”
But not everyone jumped to conclusions. Some internet users urged caution, suggesting that there could be medical explanations. One person shared their own experience, explaining that a diabetic employee once appeared similarly disoriented during a low blood sugar episode. “I thought he was high as a kite,” the user wrote, “but he came back the next day and told me he was having a diabetic episode.”
