More internal problems in Police department

[RecycleMichael]

This from KTUL...

Theft Accusations Inside Police Department Creates Tension Among Officers
Tuesday April 24, 2007 9:39pm   Reporter: Yvonne Harris    

 
Tulsa - There is tension among Tulsa's police officers and it could be getting worse. Black officers claim there are problems with the department's discipline. That's because a white officer remains on duty after being accused of theft. NewsChannel 8's Yvonne Harris shows us it's an awkward problem.

From domestic calls to burglaries, Officer Marvin Blades wants people to know they can count on him. But, some of his fellow black officers want to know if they can count on fairness within the Tulsa Police Department. At issue is a white officer who allegedly stole another officer's jacket, then bypassed the normal disciplinary process and received preferential treatment.

"The department is put on notice by officers action that he as taken property from another officer within the halls of the police department," says Derrek Lewis with the Black Officers Coalition. "And, if he does that to an officer, why wouldn't he do that to any citizen?" Some not only consider this an embarrassment but a black eye for the department.

"Ninety-percent of the officers don't care for this to come out," Lewis says. "But, when it comes out it affects all of us." That includes citizens like Philip Cervantes, who is tired of vandals in his neighborhood. "If the morale is low, they won't have so much incentive to come over here, extra effort to make the public feel more safe," Cervantes says.

For avid walker Helen Powell, she wants to know police are looking out for her and her property. Her family has been the target of thieves. "We have had a lot of things taken from our yard and garage," Powell says. "Moped, baby swing, Santa."

While Powell knows morale can affect officers' performance, she hopes they always stay focused on catching the bad guys. Some of the black officers have consulted an attorney and are planning legal action. The Fraternal Order of Police says the officer who is being accused is still employed and that no further action will be taken.

[Conan71]

Blades is the TPD's version of Rev. $harpton. [B)]

[rwarn17588]

And people wonder why the mayor wants an outsider as police chief. Sheesh.

[sgrizzle]

"Guilty until proven innocent" is how this story reads. Someone stole something and the whole thing was a white boy coverup. Be interesting if we had any actual information. Did someone just accidentally pickup the wrong jacket? Was it real theft? Did the person who had the item stolen press charges?

Observe it first as to how it would be handled with civilians. If someone is caught red-handed with stolen merchandise, they often times get arrested.

Either someone is making a mountain out of a molehill or there is an officer who shouldn't be there. Either way, this story doesn't scream "our department is full of police chief material" to me.

[Conan71]

Given the history of one of the people quoted:  "I'll take 'Mountain Out Of A Molehill' for $200 Alex!"

[iplaw]

I still don't see how this story relates to the search for a new chief...

Apparently an internal investigation was done, and there are, as of yet, unsubstantiated claims of racism.

For all we know, this incident could have been handled properly, or it may not have been, but at this point no one knows.

Why are we jumping to conclusions?

[Conan71]

I dunno, maybe another extortion attempt by the BOC.  Worked the last time.

[MH2010]

The consent decree is coming to an end and the BOC needs something to keep it going.

[RecycleMichael]

You guys both make it sound like just the Black Officers Coalition is doing this for attention.

I don't doubt that, but what about the officer who stole the jacket? Why is he still on the force?

[iplaw]

Read the story again, no one has any evidence that whitey stole his jacket to begin with.  You can't fire someone for allegedly doing something that no one can prove.

[Wilbur]

quote:Originally posted by MH2010

The consent decree is coming to an end and the BOC needs something to keep it going.

It will never come to an end and Bullock won't let it.  Just look how long he dragged out Hissom, or how long he dragged out the prison suits.  Decades, not just a couple years.

[RecycleMichael]

quote:Originally posted by iplaw

Read the story again, no one has any evidence that whitey stole his jacket to begin with.  You can't fire someone for allegedly doing something that no one can prove.

Your language is not called for.

Please go back and read the story again. It states that "...the department is put on notice..." that this occurred. Are you implying that the department would take such a measure without proof?

[MH2010]

The incident was investigated and it was determined that the officer did not steal the jacket.

The BOC is trying to make something out of nothing.  The consent decree is coming up for review by Judge Kern later this year because it is set to expire.

[sgrizzle]

quote:Originally posted by MH2010

The incident was investigated and it was determined that the officer did not steal the jacket.

The BOC is trying to make something out of nothing.  The consent decree is coming up for review by Judge Kern later this year because it is set to expire.

Now that is helpful information.

Everything in the story said that someone said or was told or "put on notice" the jacket was stolen. No-one ever officially first hand said it was.

[iplaw]

quote:
Your language is not called for.

Lighten up.

quote:
Please go back and read the story again. It states that "...the department is put on notice..." that this occurred. Are you implying that the department would take such a measure without proof?

What? That they would investigate an allegation that someone's jacket was stolen?  No one has proof that this guy did it.  Just an allegation.

THAT'S WHY THE TITLE OF THE STORY SAYS "THEFT ACCUSATIONS"