Excessive Force Alleged Against NLPD (CT)
Wednesday, January 4th, 2012http://www.theday.com/article/20111217/NWS01/312179930/New-London-police-accused–of-brutality
A few of my thoughts:
This is a difficult, but potentially important scenario playing out.
SETTING THE SCENE:
A halfway house (SCADD) has a highly intoxicated individual attempting to be dropped off by his girlfriend. Before being let inside, he blows a 0.385 on a breathalyzer according to the intake nurse. Protocol for someone that intoxicated is to call 911 and have them transported to the hospital. The SCADD nurse calls 911.
Ambulance and Fire are first to arrive at scene. The 6 staff members of SCADD are also outside with the intoxicated man and his girlfriend. The man, barely able to speak, let alone walk, is attempting to plead for his girlfriend to take him home. Apparently, someone from Fire or Ambulance relays a message to PD dispatch that the man is heavily intoxicated and arguing with his girlfriend.
POLICE ARRIVE:
The NLPD are last to arrive on scene. According to a sworn witness statement (acquired and released by the newspaper covering the story) the 1st Officer on the scene, parked and sprung from his car, ran right for the drunk man, grabbed his short from behind and threw him to the ground. The 2nd Officer has arrived by this point and allegedly starts punching the “suspect” (at this point VICTIM) in the face as 1st Officer cuffs the “suspect”. Even after cuffing, it is alleged that the 2nd Officer slammed the “suspect’s” head into the concrete several times. It was also reported that one of these officers had kicked the “suspect” in the gut, but that was not included in the one witness statement that the newspaper acquired. a 3rd & 4th Officer arrived and maced an already handcuffed “suspect”.
It should also be noted that it is alleged that Officer 1 did NOT identify himself nor ask the “suspect” to step back and speak to him. It is alleged he entered the scene determined to take the “suspect” down. The nurse who called 911 stated that she never indicated that the “suspect” was a danger to anyone, only that he needed to be transported to the hospital because of a dangerously high blood alcohol content.
A Seargant arrives on scene and Officer 1 was allegedly heard stating that the “suspect” was attacking his girlfriend as justification for his actions. All 6 non-emergency witnesses (SCADD staff) maintain that ‘suspect” was NOT attacking his GF and at no time did anyone believe he was a threat to anyone but himself.
The “suspect” was thrust into the back of a Police cruiser. The SCADD nurse who had placed the 911 call reiterated to the Officer that she had called because the “suspect” needed to be transported to the hospital – and with a BAC of .380, he STILL needed to go especially after the ordeal he had been put through. The Officer responded, “he’s going to jail”.
The FD Chief was alleged to have told SCADD staff that the State’s Attorney has assured him and the PD that this type of force is acceptable whenever dealing with an intoxicated individual. It’s important to note that the FD Chief was reportedly NOT yet on the scene to witness the Officer running to and slamming the suspect to the ground. Also the FD Chief has not responded to media requests for clarification of his statements since the incident.
WHAT TO WATCH:
The Mayor is brand new and just assumed office a few weeks ago. He is the City’s first elected Mayor in 80+ years under our new Charter. He is a Progressive/Libertarian type and well liked among the young professionals, artists and students. One of his very first acts as Mayor was issue an Executive Order to the PD to look the other way when they observe marijuana use on private property. New London, like many urban municipalities are strapped for cash, and focusing PD resources on violent crime and gang activity are far more a priority than dealing with minor marijuana infractions. Posession of a half ounce or less is now a misdemeanor in CT. (The States Attorney eventually ruled that the EO wasn’t in line with State law. No harm, no foul).
The Chief of Police has been on the job for 3 years. She has spent her entire career with the NLPD. She is also considered a Progressive who has tirelessly attempted to root out bad/under-performing Cops, improve relations with the community through outreach (ex: answering emails directly, actually walking through neighborhoods and speaking with residents), and is not a fan of force without justified provocation. It is also believed that she was fully on board with the Mayor regarding the EO on marijuana enforcement.
The caveat here is that, if not for the new Mayor, she was going to retire because there were factions within the NLPD (ol’ boys club) and the old City Council that were trying to force her out by undermining her authority. The voters clearly sent a message to the PD’s old guard with the election of the new Mayor who very publicly supported the Chief during the campaign.
They Mayor and Chief immediately began an investigation and now we await word on what their findings are.
In my view this potentially is a case study on what happens when good people assume positions of authority and leadership and are just beginning to shape how to lead their administrations.
More importantly, it could serve as a rebuke of the kind of tactics that are alleged to have occurred.
The Chief is known for wanting more compassionate policing. She see’s no advantage in intimidating the very citizens that employ her and her Police force. Yet, this situation is the type that can be marred by internal politics (i.e. Police Union) and community relations calculations.
Through all of this, the mugshot of the “suspect” (victim) still has not been released to the public.
I’ll keep you updated as best I can.
-Broderick Cicero
Excessive Force Alleged Against NLPD (CT) is a post from Cop Block - Badges Don't Grant Extra Rights
