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

[wmmarks]

MICHELLE HILL:

> 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).
> DENNIS PLANTE:
> 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.

The police department operates on a military protocol. If you make a 
complaint, you make the complaint in the proper place and allow time for 
the complaint to be addressed. To file a complaint and then immediately 
go to one's CM and ask for assistance/support to address the issue, is 
to jump protocol. If the CM then goes to the Chief and the Mayor, again 
not allowing the department to address the issue, the CM has also jumped 
protocol. This leaves the inspector and internal affairs in a bind.

The inspector and internal affairs have to get corroboration as to the 
charges leveled against the officers named/identified. They have to 
interview the officers. They have to search out witnesses. They have to 
do the job.

If the complainant and the CM jump protocol, they are saying that they 
know the inspector and internal affairs will not do their jobs, so 
they're "going over their heads." That's a pretty insulting, belligerent 
stance to take on both their parts.

> WizardMarks, Central
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