To the editor:
I urge the city to release the police investigation of the ticket-fixing scandal. It would clear the air to assure the public that there is not a cover-up.
Secrecy makes all officers suspect, including the 99 percent who obey the law. Treating the incidents as only violations of departmental gratuity policy contradicts media reports. It sure looks like bribes to me. I call it a bribe when police accept payments in exchange for not doing their duty. They were bribed either not to issue tickets or to cancel tickets already issued.
Bribery often involves other crimes. Did other officers assist to “fix” the tickets? Did members of the force commit fraud or perjury in “fixing” the tickets? Were they part of a conspiracy? The payments — KU athletic tickets — were stolen; did anyone who benefited know they were receiving stolen goods? Did the bribe recipients evade income taxes by not reporting bribes or “gratuities” as income? Release of the investigation could show it was thorough and that the department knows the difference between gratuities and bribes. Or not.
Public officials — including police officers — no less than private citizens should obey the law or face consequences. When the police commit crimes or when they apply the law for personal gain or prejudice, they threaten the rule of law.
The public has a right to know when police break the law; hiding behind the screen of personnel matters undermines public confidence in the police. Lawrence police and citizens deserve better.
Comments
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acornwebworks (Kendall Simmons) says…
Unlike many others, I can wait till the police investigation is completed before demanding that it be released. Kinda like how I can wait until a trial is over before proclaiming someone guilty.
lgreen17 (Laura Green) replies…
The investigation started last May. I think they have the facts and can release the report.
cato_the_elder (anonymous) says…
Excellent letter.
jaybird79 (anonymous) says…
Give it up. They will tell us only what they want. Disgraceful. I can't believe we are letting this corrupt work group called the LPD carry assault riffles! Best armed criminals in the county now. Look out folks, the boys in blue are the big gang in town and they get what they want. 10% raises each year when other city workers go without, adding extra officers and 100 grand worth of new guns. The worst part is that we have to keep paying the fiend, or else crime goes up, thats their best bargaining tool. Give us more or else. The mafia in KS.
cheeseburger (anonymous) replies…
Don't bother calling them for help when your mouth writes a check your body can't cash!
Cai (anonymous) says…
I have to agree with Kendall. they're investigating still.
in this country, we still (supposedly) get fair trials. once there is one? sure, release those verdicts and reports. but we, as individual citizens, particularly without all the facts shouldn't get to be judge, jury, and executioner.
jafs (anonymous) replies…
But, if we don't know the facts, how can we judge whether or not the investigation is a good one, and the outcome is correct?
Cai (anonymous) replies…
I'm all for getting access to the entirety of the investigation when they're done. But you have to LET them do their jobs BEFORE you get to judge based on what is, by definition, crappy and/or biased media coverage.
oneeye_wilbur (anonymous) says…
I would prefer to see how many tickets the perpetrator got and why his boss, Lew Perkins didn't fire him. Who wants an employee that gets repeated traffic offenses over two years?
I had a traffic ticket dismissed by the City Prosecutor but could only offer a fancy Recycle Cart in exchange and he declined .
Laura Routh probably wants to be on a Citizen Advisory board for the police department and the way the commissioners and mayor appoint people, she will probably get it. After all, she was a campaign donor to Mayor Cromwell's run for office.
lgreen17 (Laura Green) replies…
Laura Routh calls a spade a spade and signs her name to it.. She doesn't go around anonymously slandering people.
smitty (anonymous) says…
***Secrecy makes all officers suspect, including the 99 percent who obey the law.***
By the numbers that have already been exposed that percentage won't float. IMHO it is LPD systemic, including the city hall's past actions in under the table methods of our(Lawrence's) police corruption.
FBI Bulletin
http://www.fbi.gov/stats-services/pub...
Police Corruption
An Analytical Look into Police Ethics
Leadership
Leadership constitutes an integral part of police work, and the head of an organization holds the ultimate responsibility for its shortcomings. Conversely, this individual greatly can influence the success of an agency. As such, leaders have a significant impact in preventing corruption.
In working toward the goals of a department, the top executives play a primary role in forming the organizational climate. Those who strive to maintain a high standard of ethical conduct can serve as the key to prevent corruption and maintain the public's trust.4 As one researcher explained, principled leaders do not act to protect their own egos, try to put on a good appearance without substance in their decisions or efforts, or attempt to intimidate those under them. Instead, principle-based executives who work with their subordinates can take an important step toward creating an ethical climate by developing an agenda that explains the moral purposes of the department.
somedude20 (anonymous) says…
that opening doors chick is kind-a cute but I do not believe she painted that picture.
goodcountrypeople (anonymous) says…
What are you a card-carrying sexist, somedude20? You sure ain't cute, so kindly stay of out people's space in public. Door-openers are intrusive and patronizing. Avoid giving yourself way too credit about how "helpful" you are. Please just remember that you have no right to recruit strangers to play in your personal dramas. Presumptuousness does not win friends.
somedude20 (anonymous) replies…
Selling the Drama was a great record. Although, I like their follow up record Secret Samadhi better. They have cards to get sex? Like, buy 4 get the 5th free? Thanks for the tip The Doors are OK. Break on through, break on through.
You are slow so I shall help you. At the top of the page was an attractive woman in front of a painting (an ad for a door opener)
You can use 3 dollar words but if you have no reading comprehension, you are the dumb you see!