I'm glad they issued the apology and reprimand. Was it enough under the circumstance? I don't know.
I just recall reading something in his blog a day or so after the incident that he was hesitant to even wear his pistol again. A perfectly law abiding citizen was worried about legally carrying his pistol because of the officer's actions.
I note that the Knoxville officer that roughed up ColtCCO (like Officer Kuehnline with the videotape kid in St. George, Missouri) threatened to make something up to have reason for an arrest when it became clear that he was a clueless asshat.
Any police officer that threatens to use their authority to commit an illegal act shouldn't just be disciplined. They should be fired and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
An apology from the chief is nce, but a public apology from the officer, perhaps in Colt's place of employment, would be more appropriate.
As someone else already noted, the parallels between this incident and the recent events in Missouri are profoundly similar, in the sense that both officers chose to use the threat of their powers of arrest in an illegal manner.
Lame. No mention of the officers threat to fabricate charges, which means its POLICY in that department.
Wrist slap. Paperwork. I'd sue, though I bet you have a hard time finding a local lawyer who would bring a case against the local dept. Locals have to make a living in that county, in that court and usually this kind of misbehavior means that things are seriously out of kilter in a big way- all the way up through the judges, not just some arrogant bully with a badge who likes pushing citizens around.
On the one hand, lying to send someone to the clink, or even threatening to, HAS to be a firing offense. On the other hand, if he gets canned, he might get a job in MY neighborhood......
Just adding up the score... He breaks the law, he wears a badge, his word will be taken in any court over an civilian's, and he threatens in front of witnesses to make up charges.
It seems to me every civilian this cop encounters is at risk.
Reprimand? Good grief, what does it take to lose the badge?
I'm glad they issued the apology and reprimand. Was it enough under the circumstance? I don't know.
ReplyDeleteI just recall reading something in his blog a day or so after the incident that he was hesitant to even wear his pistol again. A perfectly law abiding citizen was worried about legally carrying his pistol because of the officer's actions.
The officer committed assault and battery. He should be in jail. Just like a peasant would be under the same circumstances.
ReplyDeleteI note that the Knoxville officer that roughed up ColtCCO (like Officer Kuehnline with the videotape kid in St. George, Missouri) threatened to make something up to have reason for an arrest when it became clear that he was a clueless asshat.
ReplyDeleteAny police officer that threatens to use their authority to commit an illegal act shouldn't just be disciplined. They should be fired and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThe best way to handle this is to make some noise, else it will happen again.
ReplyDeleteletters@knews.com
(Can't give you a link - blogger doesn't support href=mailto...
An apology from the chief is nce, but a public apology from the officer, perhaps in Colt's place of employment, would be more appropriate.
ReplyDeleteAs someone else already noted, the parallels between this incident and the recent events in Missouri are profoundly similar, in the sense that both officers chose to use the threat of their powers of arrest in an illegal manner.
Very sad.
Hell, sad to say it, but he's lucky he didn't get tasered when it happened.
ReplyDeleteI notice no mention in the letter about discipline for threatening to manufacture false charges.
ReplyDeleteThat should be a firing offense.
Not trying to be mean, just that someone with such lack of control should not carry a weapon on the public payroll and operate under the color of law.
Maybe a sandwich board with the apology on it and make the officer walk up and down in front of the WalMart for 12 hours straight, for starters.
ReplyDeleteLame. No mention of the officers threat to fabricate charges, which means its POLICY in that department.
ReplyDeleteWrist slap. Paperwork. I'd sue, though I bet you have a hard time finding a local lawyer who would bring a case against the local dept. Locals have to make a living in that county, in that court and usually this kind of misbehavior means that things are seriously out of kilter in a big way- all the way up through the judges, not just some arrogant bully with a badge who likes pushing citizens around.
On the one hand, lying to send someone to the clink, or even threatening to, HAS to be a firing offense. On the other hand, if he gets canned, he might get a job in MY neighborhood......
ReplyDeleteJust adding up the score... He breaks the law, he wears a badge, his word will be taken in any court over an civilian's, and he threatens in front of witnesses to make up charges.
ReplyDeleteIt seems to me every civilian this cop encounters is at risk.
Reprimand? Good grief, what does it take to lose the badge?
Bob@thenest
ReplyDeleteYou really don't want to know.
Len Davis
Antoinette Frank