Dallas, Texas
A Dallas police officer is on administrative leave after bragging on Facebook that she cut a hospital worker's face by throwing a boot at him during a dispute, 1 of several inflammatory posts by the 6-year veteran.
Dallas police tell The Dallas Morning News that 32-year-old Sr. Cpl. Cat Lafitte is under investigation over the incident and whether she violated department policy on social networking.
Lafitte also has posts disparaging homeless people. The newspaper is reporting she posted a picture of a small black boy surrounded by officers with the comment, "Quick, sprinkle some crack on him!" That post had apparently been removed Friday.
Source
Friday, February 18, 2011
Residents Videotaping Houston Police Officers Worries HPD's Chief
Houston, Texas
Houston Police Chief Charles McClelland went on the defensive Thursday during a meeting with local journalists, saying officers have made recent traffic stops in which residents leave their vehicles to take pictures or shoot video — encounters he says could endanger officers and that have increased following the release of the Chad Holley beating footage.
"Officers are telling me that they're being provoked," the chief said. "Even when they try to write a simple traffic ticket, people are jumping out with cell phone cameras scanning their badge numbers and their nametags. And I've asked them to remain calm and treat people with respect and dignity."
McClelland said he is concerned that an intensifying anti-police sentiment in the community could increase negative interactions between Houston Police Department officers and residents.
"This rhetoric can give someone a free pass to try to assault a police officer or kill a police officer, and I'm not going to allow that," he said. "My officers should be able to go out here and work in the neighborhoods and keep this city safe without fear and without hesitation."
And, the chief implored the community - naming himself, activists and journalists - to "lower the rhetoric."
But community activists who have been involved in organizing two town hall meetings this month strongly disagree with the reasons why the police chief may be receiving more reports about people documenting encounters with police.
Activist Quanell X called the chief's reaction to this increasing phenomenon "inappropriate."
"I believe citizens have a legal, constitutional right to record and film police officers in the line of duty. I don't see anything wrong with the public recording," Quanell X said. "I believe no decent police officer has anything to be afraid of. I believe the rogue cops who like to beat, kick and stomp people may have a whole lot to worry about."
The chief, who leads a force of 5,300, said the vast majority of officers do not brutalize people.
But Pastor D.Z. Cofield, president of the NAACP Houston branch, said residents are responding in the best way they can - by creating their own record of events.
"I hope Chief Charles McClelland recognizes that what his officers are now complaining about is a fear many of the citizens of Houston have lived with for decades," Cofield said. "And while it may be true that the vast majority of the 5,300 HPD officers do not brutalize citizens, far too many are complicit because they sit silently by with full knowledge of those who do brutalize citizens."
"I respect the opinion of citizens, individuals, activists that are out there in the community," Chief McClelland said. "I certainly haven't had my head stuck in the sand and I am listening to what they're saying and their complaints."
He implored residents and leaders to "be responsible" in their words and their tone.
Source
Disgraced Texas Badges Opinion:
We can certainly understand why the Chief is worried. It is even more obvious why Houston Police Officers are objecting. Suddenly, they are under the microscope and are having to think twice before acting. The fact that they feel "provoked" is questionable.
So again, Chief, we understand your concern. However, citizens have the right to protect themselves. It appears that your officers are to blame for the fear of the citizens of Houston, Texas. While waiting for the perfect solution, the best option for citizens to protect themselves against lies, false reports and brutality, is to use photos and videos. We will continue to encourage this. As for the safety of the officers, the video below seems to show that they know how to take care of themselves.
Houston Police Chief Charles McClelland went on the defensive Thursday during a meeting with local journalists, saying officers have made recent traffic stops in which residents leave their vehicles to take pictures or shoot video — encounters he says could endanger officers and that have increased following the release of the Chad Holley beating footage.
"Officers are telling me that they're being provoked," the chief said. "Even when they try to write a simple traffic ticket, people are jumping out with cell phone cameras scanning their badge numbers and their nametags. And I've asked them to remain calm and treat people with respect and dignity."
McClelland said he is concerned that an intensifying anti-police sentiment in the community could increase negative interactions between Houston Police Department officers and residents.
"This rhetoric can give someone a free pass to try to assault a police officer or kill a police officer, and I'm not going to allow that," he said. "My officers should be able to go out here and work in the neighborhoods and keep this city safe without fear and without hesitation."
And, the chief implored the community - naming himself, activists and journalists - to "lower the rhetoric."
But community activists who have been involved in organizing two town hall meetings this month strongly disagree with the reasons why the police chief may be receiving more reports about people documenting encounters with police.
Activist Quanell X called the chief's reaction to this increasing phenomenon "inappropriate."
"I believe citizens have a legal, constitutional right to record and film police officers in the line of duty. I don't see anything wrong with the public recording," Quanell X said. "I believe no decent police officer has anything to be afraid of. I believe the rogue cops who like to beat, kick and stomp people may have a whole lot to worry about."
The chief, who leads a force of 5,300, said the vast majority of officers do not brutalize people.
But Pastor D.Z. Cofield, president of the NAACP Houston branch, said residents are responding in the best way they can - by creating their own record of events.
"I hope Chief Charles McClelland recognizes that what his officers are now complaining about is a fear many of the citizens of Houston have lived with for decades," Cofield said. "And while it may be true that the vast majority of the 5,300 HPD officers do not brutalize citizens, far too many are complicit because they sit silently by with full knowledge of those who do brutalize citizens."
"I respect the opinion of citizens, individuals, activists that are out there in the community," Chief McClelland said. "I certainly haven't had my head stuck in the sand and I am listening to what they're saying and their complaints."
He implored residents and leaders to "be responsible" in their words and their tone.
Source
Disgraced Texas Badges Opinion:
We can certainly understand why the Chief is worried. It is even more obvious why Houston Police Officers are objecting. Suddenly, they are under the microscope and are having to think twice before acting. The fact that they feel "provoked" is questionable.
So again, Chief, we understand your concern. However, citizens have the right to protect themselves. It appears that your officers are to blame for the fear of the citizens of Houston, Texas. While waiting for the perfect solution, the best option for citizens to protect themselves against lies, false reports and brutality, is to use photos and videos. We will continue to encourage this. As for the safety of the officers, the video below seems to show that they know how to take care of themselves.
City of Houston to Launch Complaint System for Citizens to Report Houston Police Brutality and Misconduct
Houston, Texas
Mayor Annise Parker is implementing a new system that will allow citizens to directly file complaints against any city employee.
It's what the public in Houston has been demanding: Independent oversight of the Houston police department.
But what's missing is subpoena power.
Today Mayor Annise Parker announced sweeping changes as a result of that Chad Holley beating we've seen caught on tape. Houston Police officers are seen kicking and punching the 15-year-old burglar.
Those new changes include the creation of an ombudsman. That person would serve as intermediary with the public. He would take their complaints against police officers instead of them going to internal affairs.
The mayor also says she's revamping the citizens review committee and renaming it the independent police oversight board with the authority to examine all police probes and disciplinary actions.
Parker says while the changes will require an executive order, residents can begin taking advantage of the new system now.
Source
Mayor Annise Parker is implementing a new system that will allow citizens to directly file complaints against any city employee.
It's what the public in Houston has been demanding: Independent oversight of the Houston police department.
But what's missing is subpoena power.
Today Mayor Annise Parker announced sweeping changes as a result of that Chad Holley beating we've seen caught on tape. Houston Police officers are seen kicking and punching the 15-year-old burglar.
Those new changes include the creation of an ombudsman. That person would serve as intermediary with the public. He would take their complaints against police officers instead of them going to internal affairs.
The mayor also says she's revamping the citizens review committee and renaming it the independent police oversight board with the authority to examine all police probes and disciplinary actions.
Parker says while the changes will require an executive order, residents can begin taking advantage of the new system now.
Source
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Midland Police Sued by Family of Unarmed Man Fatally Shot by Police
Midland, Texas
Midland, Texas - The family of a man shot and killed during a standoff with police has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city of Midland.
The plaintiffs claim that Paul Holland did not have a weapon in his hand as he exited his home that day, therefore there was no need for officers to fire weapons.
Documents show that Holland’s wife did call police that day for a welfare check, worried about her husband who had previously been hospitalized for his mental condition.
Source
Midland, Texas - The family of a man shot and killed during a standoff with police has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city of Midland.
The plaintiffs claim that Paul Holland did not have a weapon in his hand as he exited his home that day, therefore there was no need for officers to fire weapons.
Documents show that Holland’s wife did call police that day for a welfare check, worried about her husband who had previously been hospitalized for his mental condition.
Source
Lubbock ISD Police Chief Under Investigation After Being Found In Bar, Drunk, In Uniform
Lubbock Independent School Districts Police Chief is on paid administrative leave while Lubbock Police investigate an incident in the Depot District.
According to police reports, Mark Hinshaw refused repeated requests to leave La Diosa before an employee called police at about 11 p.m. on Wednesday
The reports say Hinshaw was wearing his badge and handgun, and that he was intoxicated.
The female employee said she felt threatened by Hinshaw's actions and words.
Source
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Town Hall Meeting on Houston Police Department Violence Draws Hundreds
Houston, Texas
Dozens of people lined up to tell stories of harsh or frightening treatment at the hands of local law enforcement officers at a town hall meeting Tuesday night that was inspired by recent high-profile instances of alleged police brutality.
Dubbed "A Call to Action," the meeting drew an enthusiastic gathering of several hundred to the Community of Faith Church in north Houston. It was another in a series of meetings that are taking place at predominantly black churches around the city following the release of a tape showing a handful of Houston police officers beating and kicking handcuffed teenager Chad Holley as he lay on the ground.
"Houston has a problem!" thundered the Rev. James Dixon II, pastor of Community of Faith, drawing a standing ovation. "This is not a new problem. It is a problem that has persisted for decades in our city."
Source
Dozens of people lined up to tell stories of harsh or frightening treatment at the hands of local law enforcement officers at a town hall meeting Tuesday night that was inspired by recent high-profile instances of alleged police brutality.
Dubbed "A Call to Action," the meeting drew an enthusiastic gathering of several hundred to the Community of Faith Church in north Houston. It was another in a series of meetings that are taking place at predominantly black churches around the city following the release of a tape showing a handful of Houston police officers beating and kicking handcuffed teenager Chad Holley as he lay on the ground.
"Houston has a problem!" thundered the Rev. James Dixon II, pastor of Community of Faith, drawing a standing ovation. "This is not a new problem. It is a problem that has persisted for decades in our city."
Source
Harris County Deputy Faces Excessive Force Lawsuit & Investigation After Video Contradicts Arrest Report
Houston, Texas
A Harris County Sheriff’s deputy is in the hot seat on grounds he engaged in some unnecessary rough housing while apprehending a woman at a Target store.
According to the surveillance tape, it appears the deputy grabs the woman, slams her up against a wall and tackles her to the ground.
"I don't know. I was talking to him and then next thing I know, I'm in handcuffs. Beaten up," said Gonzalez. "He says I resisted arrest and failed to (show my identification), which none of those are true."
After watching the video, the Harris County District Attorney’s Office dropped both charges against Gonzalez.
Source
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