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

[Dennis Plante]

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 REPLIES:
Are you asserting that CP Samuels should treat the 4th precinct differently 
because he is black????  I believe the protocal used by CP Samuels was 
correct.  The investigation that was started by the private citizen would 
have an impact on the 4th precinct, MPD in general AND City Hall.  I believe 
he was correct in informing all three.  I personally would want it handled 
that way to make sure that the complaint (filed by a private citizen), was 
promptly and effectively investigated.  Whether the police involved were 
black, or white.

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 REPLIES:
Once again and this was very-well communicated by Jose Valdez, CP Samuels 
did NOT file a complaint.  He informed the appropriate parties of the 
complaint that was filed by a private citizen that had called his office.  
To state otherwise is simply untrue.

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 REPLIES:
So, when a white officer is accused of "excessive force" while arresting a 
black, it's the police dept. that need to be investigated?  Yet, when a 
black officer is accused of "excessive force" while arresting a black, it's 
the "system" that needs to be investigated...  How will this ever equate to 
equal justice for that minority segment living in impoverished 
neighborhoods?


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!"

DENNIS PLANTE REPLIES:
And this is where are views differ.  I stand in support of good community 
policing and having a system in-place that holds ALL police officers 
accountable.  Whether they be white OR black...


btw- I have spoken w/ CP Samuels one-time in the last 3 months.  When I saw 
him at the PEACE BALL last weekend.

dennis plante
lind-bohanon