Thursday, December 17, 2009
Southern district showdown
Residents of the Southern district had it out with police brass over the arrest of Union Square Community Association President Chris Taylor and a few other not so friendly run-ins. Meanwhile, Councilman Jack Young blasted the city finance department for piling on penalties for unpaid parking tickets.
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One has to remember that many Baltimore City police officers DON'T live in the city and are much more concerned about their paycheck then having a vested interest in doing the right thing. City officers are very aware that their lieutenants are keeping track of the number of arrests they make. So, to them, anyone standing within the city boundaries is a potential criminal ripe for arrest and a trip to the lock-up. Be careful out there, people.
That guy expects that because he donates money to the police department, that he should be allowed to stick his nose into a highly sensitive investigation into a juvenile sex assault? Maybe the arrest was overboard, but it sounds to me like he indeed got special treatment when the major plucked him out of central booking, and yet he's still upset and ready to wage war on the police department..
Cham-"many Baltimore City police officers DON'T live in the city"
What percentage ?
Baltimore Yeti, that is a very good question of which I would like an answer. The way the city police department works is that if you are a police officer and are within the confines of Baltimore City you have to carry your weapon at all times and if you witness a crime you must act. This means that if you live in Baltimore City, you are basically on duty even while off duty. This is the reason why many Baltimore City police officers don't live in the city. I learned this while reading an article about the city police take-home cars back in June and I can't find it for reference.
Back the the Union Square subject. Last night I was at the Southern District community meeting and Major Bloodsworth addressed this issue. His suggestion is don't argue with the cops. Although I see his point as this is the easiest way to avoid conflict with the police, I really don't like the idea. Major Bloodsworth brought in this IA type guy and told everyone to email him about their complaints about specific officers.
Complaints are assigned numbers and are supposed to be "taken seriously", but I'm not sure I believe them. I am sure that forms get filled out and complaints are discussed, but as the complaintee you have no idea whether the police really care or are they placating you. One has no clue whether the officer in question ever actually gets reprimanded. And as the complaintee you have no idea how long the complaint process is going to take, or if anyone is actually going to care.
This is why having the opportunity to address someone face to face is a far better option. If there is a misunderstanding it can be straightened out immediately. I, for one, refuse to play this email/fill-out-the-form game. I'll take the trip down the CB.
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