[Mpls] re:Lt. Arradondo removed from the Police Community RelationsCouncil

[Michellehill64 at aol.com]

Dennis Plante Writes:

It would seem that one thing everyone would have learned by now is that 
2nd-hand information is very unreliable.  I would've suggested Ms. Hill 
place a call to CP Samuels office to verify an issue such as this.

I have to wonder how a group of citizens at the Sabathani Center could have 
gotten information of this type in the 1st place.  Is it possible that it 
has very little to do with a complaint of police brutality, and much more 
to do with the 5th ward election?


MICHELLE HILL RESPONDS: 

Well, I hate to admit it, but I missed church this morning. I thought I would 
respond to my friend Dennis Plante's post. Sabathani is a community Center 
for everyone. I enjoy going there for ceramics and conversation with people in 
my age group. Women I have been friends with for a very long time. You will be 
amazed at how many people are talking about the 5th ward election, as well as 
candidates in all other wards. We talk about it, give our opinion and move on 
to the best topic.........our grandchildren. 

Secondly, I did something even better, late last night and early this 
morning, I spoke with members of the Black Police Association, as well as, Community 
Activist Ron Edwards, who they each deferred further inquiries to.

Based on those conversation, my only hope is that when the investigation into 
"alleged brutality" is done, the two African-American officers good name will 
be restored. One of the officers I have known for many years. He lived in 
North Minneapolis for a long time and has many ties to the community. He has been 
an officer in North Minneapolis for well over 20 years. The other Black 
officer has the same ties to the North Minneapolis Community, and my children have 
said that he too is well respected in the community and is a graduate of North 
High School. 

Apparently, CP Samuels first brought the matter to the 4th precinct 
commander, who is also African-American, and before the commander could do his job, CP 
Samuels brought the complaint to Chief McManus and the Mayor (my jury verdict 
is still out on whether the mayor had any involvement). Did CP Samuels not 
believe that the African-American commander could effective deal with the 
complaint or does he have personal issues with this particular commander?

According to an email, THAT I RECEIVED A COPY OF THIS MORNING, this 
particular 4th precinct commander and CP Samuels have bumped heads in the past, which 
culminated in an email circulated by CP Samuels, against the commander. Before 
you accuse me of stating second hand information, I read the email, which was 
brought to IHOP this morning. I'm sure that CP Samuels will not lie about 
that, since I came from him. 

DENNIS PLANTE WROTE:
It would seem that one thing everyone would have learned by now is that 
2nd-hand information is very unreliable. 

MICHELLE HILL RESPONDS:
As to the use of second hand information, isn't that what CP Samuels used to 
make his complaint against the two African-American officers? Surely he is not 
asserting that he was a witness to the incident. 

DENNIS PLANTE WROTE:

Is it possible that it 
has very little to do with a complaint of police brutality, and much more 
to do with the 5th ward election?

MICHELLE HILL RESPONDS:
Everytime CP Samuels actions are challenge some of you make it about the 5th 
ward election? That record is warped in my opinion. If you want to make it 
about the 5th ward debate, that would be your choice. It's really about the power 
a city council person has to make MPD Internal Affairs respond more quickly 
to allegations of  alleged "Use of Force." I also question why he went over the 
head of the precinct commander, who by the way, according the black officers 
I spoke to, is the President of the Black Police Officers Association in 
Minneapolis? 

One of the best things I heard this morning was that some of the black 
officers are requesting the a special federal investigator be called in to 
investigate the allegations, since there is political involvement. The sad part about 
it is that the officers hands are tied in giving thier version, since, as they 
said, the MPD Policies will not allow them to talk about an on-going 
investigation. 

DENNIS PLANTE WROTE:
I would've suggested Ms. Hill place a call to CP Samuels office to verify an 
issue such as this.


MICHELLE HILL RESPONDS:
Dennis, since you and CP Samuels are good friends, could you call him for me, 
since I have no intention of doing so. Please make my position clear, "I 
STAND IN SUPPORT OF THE TWO AFRICAN-AMERICAN OFFICERS!" 




Respectfully,

Michelle Hill

Cleveland