Police Station Intimidation South Florida - Page 2

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Police Station Intimidation South Florida (Page 2 of 4)

Posted: 2/3/2006 2:31:33 PM EDT

[#1]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Hell, if someone walked in asking for a complaint form, I'd be asking some questions too.

Right, because every citizen is assumed to be a criminal, and the laws meant to keep the peasants in line don't apply to officers.

No, because like every officer on the planet I'd be wondering why some jackass with a video camera is demanding that I give him something that everyone knows does not exist.

I've never even HEARD of a hardcopy "complaint form"

But hey, if silly statements such as your gives you a woody, go for it.

Posted: 2/3/2006 2:38:57 PM EDT

[#2]

Quoted:
Hell, if someone walked in asking for a complaint form, I'd be asking some questions too.

why?

hand them the form, and read it when they r done..

Posted: 2/3/2006 2:41:44 PM EDT

[#3]

Since we now know not all departments have a so called complaint form.

What's the issue with sitting down and filling out a simple witness statement?

Pretty much the samething.

Posted: 2/3/2006 2:44:20 PM EDT

[#4]

Miam scares the crap out of me. Both sides of the law.

Posted: 2/3/2006 2:44:50 PM EDT

[#5]

Quoted:
Since we now know not all departments have a so called complaint form.

What's the issue with sitting down and filling out a simple witness statement?

Pretty much the samething.

Pretty much the same thing -except with the additon of possible intimidation.

Posted: 2/3/2006 2:45:25 PM EDT

[#6]

Quoted:
A government agency that lacks a form for something........

Posted: 2/3/2006 2:46:25 PM EDT

[#7]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Since we now know not all departments have a so called complaint form.

What's the issue with sitting down and filling out a simple witness statement?

Pretty much the samething.

Pretty much the same thing -except with the additon of possible intimidation.

Here's the form fill it out. Pretty simple to me.

Posted: 2/3/2006 2:46:55 PM EDT

[#8]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Hell, if someone walked in asking for a complaint form, I'd be asking some questions too.

why?

hand them the form, and read it when they r done..

Already covered that on page 2.

Posted: 2/3/2006 2:47:57 PM EDT

[#9]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Since we now know not all departments have a so called complaint form.

What's the issue with sitting down and filling out a simple witness statement?

Pretty much the samething.

Pretty much the same thing -except with the additon of possible intimidation.

Here's the form fill it out. Pretty simple to me.

Thats fine -yet that is not what was reported to have taken place in Metro dade ,was it?

Posted: 2/3/2006 2:51:36 PM EDT

[#10]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Since we now know not all departments have a so called complaint form.

What's the issue with sitting down and filling out a simple witness statement?

Pretty much the samething.

Pretty much the same thing -except with the additon of possible intimidation.

Here's the form fill it out. Pretty simple to me.

Thats fine -yet that is not what was reported to have taken place in Metro dade ,was it?

Every department has a different procedure. Still simple. Some just want to make something out of nothing.

Posted: 2/3/2006 2:53:45 PM EDT

[#11]

In NH the process is very simple:

1) Fill out a Form 4 Police Complaint Form
2) It may take anywhere between 2 weeks and 12 months to hear back about your complaint.
3) The police have the right to lose the Form 4 at any time.
4) There is no way to find out if your Form 4 was lost.
5) You have the right to file another Form 4.

Posted: 2/3/2006 2:56:27 PM EDT

[#12]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Since we now know not all departments have a so called complaint form.

What's the issue with sitting down and filling out a simple witness statement?

Pretty much the samething.

Pretty much the same thing -except with the additon of possible intimidation.

Here's the form fill it out. Pretty simple to me.

Thats fine -yet that is not what was reported to have taken place in Metro dade ,was it?

Every department has a different procedure. Still simple. Some just want to make something out of nothing.

Bama, with all due respect to your fine profession (sincerely) .I would hardly call "Take one more step and you'll see" something from nothing.

Posted: 2/3/2006 2:57:14 PM EDT

[#13]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Hell, if someone walked in asking for a complaint form, I'd be asking some questions too.

-Yea, but are you supposed to?.....

~
- Sure I am. Its about being responsive to the needs of the community, or so they say. I'm sure if someone came in, asked, and I told them that we dont have a form for complaints, and went about my way I'd be labled as a JBT or uncaring SOB by some of the people around here.

Actually, if you stated there was "no form" for complaints, you might be met with

(South Miami PD
tester: You said there's not a complaint form that I can just -- there's nothing I can just get and take and fill out?
officer: That ain't hte way it works.)
<end>

(Hollywood PD
tester: So there's not, like, a form or something? That's the only way to do it.
officer: Yep.)
<end>

(Hallandale Beach PD
tester: Do you have a complaint form or something?
officer: No, you'll have to talk to a sergeant.)
<end>

(Sunny Isles PD
tester: Yeah, I'm trying to find out how to file a complaint against an officer? Have you got a complaint form?
officer: No, you have to talk to a sergeant.)
<end>

(Miami Springs PD
tester: Okay, so like, there's not a form or something?
officer: No.)
<end>

(Miami Beach PD
tester: Okay, there's not, like, a form or anything like that I can take?
officer: No.)
<end>

(Pembroke Pines PD
tester: Is there a form around here I can take?
officer: No.)
<end>

(Coral Gables PD
tester: No generic form?
officer: No.
tester: Okay.)<end>

(City of Pinecrest PD
tester: Is there a form or something?
officer: A form? No, there's no form.)
<end>

(Wilton Manors PD
tester: You don't have a brochure that I can leave?
officer: There's no form, there's no brochure, there's nothing like that.)
<end>

However, if you were to want to be labled as a JBT or uncaring SOB, you might follow these examples

(Lauderhill P.D.
tester: Yeah, I wanted to find out how to file a complaint against an officer. I just want to find out how you do it. Do you guys have a form or something that I could take with me.
officer: Well, you got to tell me first, and then I got to hear what's going on. You've got to tell me what the complaint is.
tester: Do you have a complaint form that I can, like, fill out or something like that?
officer: Might not be a legitimate complaint.
tester: Who decides that?
officer: I'm trying to help you.
tester: Like, if there's a form, why can't I just take it and leave, right?
officer: No, you don't leave with forms. You tell me what happened, and then I help you from there. Do you have I-D on?
tester: Why?
officer: You know what? You need to leave.
tester: Why?
officer: I'm going to tell you one more time, because I can't do this anymore with you, okay. You're refusing to tell me what you want to do, okay. You're refusing to tell me who's involved, where it happened, what transpired. You'e not cooperating iwth me one bit.
tester: I was just asking if you guys have a complaint form, like if there's some way for me --
officer: Out of my way.
tester: To contact Internal Affairs.
officer: You can do whatever the hell you want. It's a free country.
man" You're cursing at me.
officer: Where do you live? Where do you live? You have to tell me where you live, what your name is, or anything like that.
tester: For a complaint? I mean, like, if I have --
officer: Are you on medications?
tester: Why would you ask me something like that?
officer: Because you're not answering any of my questions.
tester: Am I on medications?
officer: I asked you. It's a free country. I can ask you that.
tester: Okay, you're right.
officer: So you're not going to tell me who you are, you're not going to tell me what the problem is.You're not going to identify yourself.
tester: All I asked you was, like, how do I contact --
officer: You said you have a complaint. You say my officers are acting in an inappropriate manner.
officer: So leave now. Leave now. Leave now.
tester: I'm not doing anything wrong.
officer: Neither am I. It's a free country.
officer: I'm not in your face. I'm standing on the sidewalk. It's a free country. One more step forward, and you'll see what happens. Take one more step forward.)

(Miami-Dade PD Midwest Station
man" Yeah, I'm trying to find out how to file a complaint against an officer.
officer: What station does he work at?
tester: I'm ont saying he works at this facility. I'm trying to file --
officer: My question is where does he work at? He works here at this district? Just try to answer my question. I think you think this is a big conspiracy.
tester: I want to find out how you file a complaint. That's what I'm asking.
officer: If you think you can walk in here and go straight to the director of Metro Dade Police without telling me any details, you can't do it. And I -- for some reason, you think that, I don't know why. You think it's a big conspiracy, that we're going to hide some information about what happened to you, I don't know. Is it a traffic ticket? Is it something, you know, (?) complaint. That he stole your lunch money, did he steal your money, did he have sex with your wife, what?)

(Hialeah Gardens PD
tester: I want to know, how can I go about filing a complaint against a police officer?
officer: Where did the incident happen? What street?
tester: Sir, I --
officer: I'm here to hear the complaint. I'm going to take the complaint, so you've got to speak to me so that we can discuss this and see what we can do. Speak to me about it. When did this happne?
tester: Sir --
officer: Leave. Leave.
tester: So you're not going to take my complaint?
officer: Yes, I'm trying to! ANswer my questions!
tester: I don't really want to discuss it. I have --
officer: I'm going to investigate it!
tester: Is there any other way I can go about it?
officer: Do you have psychological problems or what?)

(Sea Ranch PD
cop; We don't give you -- we don't give you a form. Where do you live?
tester: I don't want to say.
officer: You don't want to say?
tester: Where are you going?
officer: You want to play hardball? We'll play hardball. I want ID.
tester: For what?
officer: I'm asking you for ID right now, that's why. Here, hand it to me. Hand it to me.
tester: Are you kidding me? Here.
officer: I said, hand me your ID. What are you doing here? This is --
tester: I came to ask you how to file a complaint.
officer: This is very suspicious.
tester: Asking how to file a complaint is suspicious?
officer: Why don't you shut up?
officer: I say this is very suspicious, that you pull in here at this time of night --
tester: Eight o'clock?
officer: You're constantly butting in.
tester: I'm constantly butting in?
Mike: Sir, I would like to leave.
officer: I would love it, but he's got your driver's license, so you're just going to have to stay.
Mike: Sir, are you detaining us?
officer: Okay, could I give you a ticket right now for improper backing.
Mike: You can do whatever you want, I suppose.
officer: Okay, that means yes, I guess you're saying, right? ANd for backing up, correct, yes?
Mike: I was backing up, sir, because I was leaving.
officer: But because I'm a nice guy, okay, I'm going to give you a warning. Is that fair?
Mike: Yes, sir.
officer: Okay.)

Posted: 2/3/2006 2:58:02 PM EDT

[#14]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Why give anyone a hard time if they just want a form? Its the attitude.

Attitude works from the other side as well. Being rudely pestered for something that does not exist would set off just about any one. (Hell, posters on here want to shoot people picking thru their garbage) Since their INTENT is to show pissed off folks, (Remember who these guys are.) I'm quite sure they weren't all bunnies and snowflakes.

Why not just say. "We don't have a form" if you don't have a form. If they really don't have one then that's the end of it. If you want to file a complaint you need to ID yourself and speak with us, if not, well we don't take anonymous complaints. It's not hard to just spell it out and be done. Why start threatning people, trying to write-up bullshit tickets, or demanding they hand over an ID for being in your presence?

In most of those it got nasty quickly. I didn't see the whole thing so maybe there was more but it seemed to degenerate into a demand to identify yourself, and submit to thier initial questions instead of a simple statement that they don't hand out forms and you'd need to be interviewed to file the complaint.

For the record, I say they should not have to take anonymous complaints. How the hell would they even determine if the officer and you were even present at the incident before they start raking him over the coals? You want to start an investigation on that basis, with that kind of fear, I'd imagine IA would be more appropriate.

Posted: 2/3/2006 2:59:16 PM EDT

[#15]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Since we now know not all departments have a so called complaint form.

What's the issue with sitting down and filling out a simple witness statement?

Pretty much the samething.

Pretty much the same thing -except with the additon of possible intimidation.

Here's the form fill it out. Pretty simple to me.

Thats fine -yet that is not what was reported to have taken place in Metro dade ,was it?

Every department has a different procedure. Still simple. Some just want to make something out of nothing.

Bama, with all due respect to your fine profession (sincerely) .I would hardly call "Take one more step and you'll see" something from nothing.

So they found the one officer who acted like an ass. Big deal.

This whole deal was a setup.

Posted: 2/3/2006 2:59:28 PM EDT

[#16]

The lesson here is if you want to file a complaint, get a lawyer.

Posted: 2/3/2006 3:04:22 PM EDT

[#17]

Quoted:
When you complain at a resturant do you ask for a form or a supervisor....when you complain anywhere else do you ask for a form or a person with firing power over the said employee....

Yup double standard......

Almost every resturant I've been in you can get a comment card and either mail it to the manager or corporate office. All you have to do is ask. And of course, I don't have to fear retribution froma resturant. I mean they can't spit in my food if I don't return.

Seriously, if you can't understand why talking to a cop about a complaint about a cop isn't intimidating by its very nature, then you have some serious issues.

Posted: 2/3/2006 3:05:58 PM EDT

[#18]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Thin blue line my A$$ in each of the Departments I worked for you had to talk to a supervisor. If the complaint was in reference to a crime it was turned over to a Detective and the DA....if the complaint was abusive lanuguage or similar it was taken seriously.....in other words the Officer was always assumed to be guilty and was at the very least written up at the worst asked to quit....with no other evidnce other than the complaint....

When you complain at a resturant do you ask for a form or a supervisor....when you complain anywhere else do you ask for a form or a person with firing power over the said employee....

Yup double standard......

There's always a double standard here when it comes to LEO's.

Usually, it's from the LEOs. If a cop is accused of doing something wrong we're told to "wait for all the facts." If someone is arrested, we're told they're a dirtbag.

Posted: 2/3/2006 3:07:44 PM EDT

[#19]

The video tape must be inconclusive.

Posted: 2/3/2006 3:08:10 PM EDT

[#20]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Since we now know not all departments have a so called complaint form.

What's the issue with sitting down and filling out a simple witness statement?

Pretty much the samething.

Pretty much the same thing -except with the additon of possible intimidation.

Here's the form fill it out. Pretty simple to me.

Thats fine -yet that is not what was reported to have taken place in Metro dade ,was it?

Every department has a different procedure. Still simple. Some just want to make something out of nothing.

Bama, with all due respect to your fine profession (sincerely) .I would hardly call "Take one more step and you'll see" something from nothing.

So they found the one officer who acted like an ass. Big deal.

This whole deal was a setup.

Like that cop that shot that MP on video was setup?

Posted: 2/3/2006 3:10:01 PM EDT

[#21]

Quoted:
Since we now know not all departments have a so called complaint form.

What's the issue with sitting down and filling out a simple witness statement?

Pretty much the samething.

What's the issue with the desk officer handing them a witness statement and telling them how to fill it out and then giving it to IA, if the dept has one, or supervisor?

OR,

If the policy is "no written complaints, all complaints have to be handled by a supervisor" why not POLITELY explain that to the person and explain why that policy exists? Customer service, believe it or not, is part of a cop's job.

Posted: 2/3/2006 3:12:35 PM EDT

[#22]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Since we now know not all departments have a so called complaint form.

What's the issue with sitting down and filling out a simple witness statement?

Pretty much the samething.

Pretty much the same thing -except with the additon of possible intimidation.

Here's the form fill it out. Pretty simple to me.

Thats fine -yet that is not what was reported to have taken place in Metro dade ,was it?

Every department has a different procedure. Still simple. Some just want to make something out of nothing.

Bama, with all due respect to your fine profession (sincerely) .I would hardly call "Take one more step and you'll see" something from nothing.

So they found the one officer who acted like an ass. Big deal.

This whole deal was a setup.

So the officer knew it was a setup and acted like an ass because of it?

This is a horrible case of rationalization. You excuse piss-poor behavior because you don't agree with the exercise instead of holding those accountable who are giving your profession a bad name by their lack of professionalism.

The arrogance drips from your post.

Posted: 2/3/2006 3:13:07 PM EDT

[#23]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Since we now know not all departments have a so called complaint form.

What's the issue with sitting down and filling out a simple witness statement?

Pretty much the samething.

Pretty much the same thing -except with the additon of possible intimidation.

Here's the form fill it out. Pretty simple to me.

Thats fine -yet that is not what was reported to have taken place in Metro dade ,was it?

Every department has a different procedure. Still simple. Some just want to make something out of nothing.

Bama, with all due respect to your fine profession (sincerely) .I would hardly call "Take one more step and you'll see" something from nothing.

So they found the one officer who acted like an ass. Big deal.

This whole deal was a setup.

Like that cop that shot that MP on video was setup?

And down into the crapper we go

Posted: 2/3/2006 3:13:48 PM EDT

[#24]

I worked for a short period as a dispatcher and meet some very cool cops who go out the way to help people. I have friends who are cops and do not get upset at something as simple as having someone ask them for a form. If they did not have it fine. But why follow someone with your hand one your pistol saying " Take one more step forward and you'll see what happens" This guy has issues. Some people should not be in Law Enforcement period.

Posted: 2/3/2006 3:15:38 PM EDT

[#25]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Hell, if someone walked in asking for a complaint form, I'd be asking some questions too.

-Yea, but are you supposed to?.....

~
- Sure I am. Its about being responsive to the needs of the community, or so they say. I'm sure if someone came in, asked, and I told them that we dont have a form for complaints, and went about my way I'd be labled as a JBT or uncaring SOB by some of the people around here.

Actually, if you stated there was "no form" for complaints, you might be met with

(South Miami PD
tester: You said there's not a complaint form that I can just -- there's nothing I can just get and take and fill out?
officer: That ain't hte way it works.)
<end>

(Hollywood PD
tester: So there's not, like, a form or something? That's the only way to do it.
officer: Yep.)
<end>

(Hallandale Beach PD
tester: Do you have a complaint form or something?
officer: No, you'll have to talk to a sergeant.)
<end>

(Sunny Isles PD
tester: Yeah, I'm trying to find out how to file a complaint against an officer? Have you got a complaint form?
officer: No, you have to talk to a sergeant.)
<end>

(Miami Springs PD
tester: Okay, so like, there's not a form or something?
officer: No.)
<end>

(Miami Beach PD
tester: Okay, there's not, like, a form or anything like that I can take?
officer: No.)
<end>

(Pembroke Pines PD
tester: Is there a form around here I can take?
officer: No.)
<end>

(Coral Gables PD
tester: No generic form?
officer: No.
tester: Okay.)<end>

(City of Pinecrest PD
tester: Is there a form or something?
officer: A form? No, there's no form.)
<end>

(Wilton Manors PD
tester: You don't have a brochure that I can leave?
officer: There's no form, there's no brochure, there's nothing like that.)
<end>

Seems some of the officers went that route and were still asked repeated questions..... the same would probably happen here even though we dont have a form for people to fill out.

Posted: 2/3/2006 3:21:25 PM EDT

[#26]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Since we now know not all departments have a so called complaint form.

What's the issue with sitting down and filling out a simple witness statement?

Pretty much the samething.

Pretty much the same thing -except with the additon of possible intimidation.

Here's the form fill it out. Pretty simple to me.

Thats fine -yet that is not what was reported to have taken place in Metro dade ,was it?

Every department has a different procedure. Still simple. Some just want to make something out of nothing.

Bama, with all due respect to your fine profession (sincerely) .I would hardly call "Take one more step and you'll see" something from nothing.

So they found the one officer who acted like an ass. Big deal.

This whole deal was a setup.

Like that cop that shot that MP on video was setup?

Try to keep the subject on topic. I know it's tough but please try.

Posted: 2/3/2006 3:22:58 PM EDT

[#27]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Since we now know not all departments have a so called complaint form.

What's the issue with sitting down and filling out a simple witness statement?

Pretty much the samething.

What's the issue with the desk officer handing them a witness statement and telling them how to fill it out and then giving it to IA, if the dept has one, or supervisor?

OR,

If the policy is "no written complaints, all complaints have to be handled by a supervisor" why not POLITELY explain that to the person and explain why that policy exists? Customer service, believe it or not, is part of a cop's job.

I would say it is because the majority of complaints are pure BS.

Posted: 2/3/2006 3:24:24 PM EDT

[#28]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Since we now know not all departments have a so called complaint form.

What's the issue with sitting down and filling out a simple witness statement?

Pretty much the samething.

Pretty much the same thing -except with the additon of possible intimidation.

Here's the form fill it out. Pretty simple to me.

Thats fine -yet that is not what was reported to have taken place in Metro dade ,was it?

Every department has a different procedure. Still simple. Some just want to make something out of nothing.

Bama, with all due respect to your fine profession (sincerely) .I would hardly call "Take one more step and you'll see" something from nothing.

So they found the one officer who acted like an ass. Big deal.

This whole deal was a setup.

So the officer knew it was a setup and acted like an ass because of it?

This is a horrible case of rationalization. You excuse piss-poor behavior because you don't agree with the exercise instead of holding those accountable who are giving your profession a bad name by their lack of professionalism.

The arrogance drips from your post.

No matter what the profession you will get an ass every now and then.

And the whole deal was a setup by the news crew.

Thank you.

Posted: 2/3/2006 3:24:46 PM EDT

[#29]

Complaint forms are good, they have a purpose, but officers don't liked to be jerked around with someone wasteing thier time and money of the tax payers

Posted: 2/3/2006 3:26:56 PM EDT

[#30]

Not bashing cops -I appreciate the fact that they have a hard road to hoe. I dont think I could do the job.

yet -If I in MY profession was to have been asked for something I SHOULD have and clearly acted in a hostile way towards my customer or coworker-guess where Id be today.

If you answered "the unemployment line" you are absolutely right.

Ok - Bama -heres another scenario -Say you wife goes out of town to visit someone . During her travels to lets say Anywhere USA she has a run in involving the police - after said incident she decides to lodge a formal complaint against the investigating officer for gross misconduct and vast unprofessionalism. When she arrives at Anywhere PD she is immeditely treated much like the man in the afore mentioned story.

Which one would you hop up to defend then?

Not picking -no setups -just and honest question.

Posted: 2/3/2006 3:27:07 PM EDT

[#31]

Quoted:
I worked for a short period as a dispatcher and meet some very cool cops who go out the way to help people. I have friends who are cops and do not get upset at something as simple as having someone ask them for a form. If they did not have it fine. But why follow someone with your hand one your pistol saying " Take one more step forward and you'll see what happens" This guy has issues. Some people should not be in Law Enforcement period.

Was there a video of this?

After a while of wearing a gun for a living your hands land on both sides of your hips. One has a gun on one side, and a flashlight, radio, extra mag pouch on the other.

You are right some should not be in law enforcement.

Posted: 2/3/2006 3:29:02 PM EDT

[#32]

Quoted:
Not bashing cops -I appreciate the fact that they have a hard road to hoe. I dont think I could do the job.

yet -If I in MY profession was to have been asked for something I SHOULD have and clearly acted in a hostile way towards my customer or coworker-guess where Id be today.

If you answered "the unemployment line" you are absolutely right.

Ok - Bama -heres another scenario -Say you wife goes out of town to visit someone . During her travels to lets say Anywhere USA she has a run in involving the police - after said incident she decides to lodge a formal complaint against the investigating officer for gross misconduct and vast unprofessionalism. When she arrives at Anywhere PD she is immeditely treated much like the man in the afore mentioned story.

Which one would you hop up to defend then?

Not picking -no setups -just and honest question.

I take up for my wife.

Posted: 2/3/2006 3:31:17 PM EDT

[#33]

I agree the media is just looking for a story. Also I can understand that there are a lot of false complaints filed all the time. But why act so hostile over somthing so simple? I watched the new report and the reporter looked like a clean cut College kid. The reaction dispalyed by some of the cops is questionable. But this is South Florida.

Posted: 2/3/2006 3:32:54 PM EDT

[#34]

Quoted:
Quoted:
I worked for a short period as a dispatcher and meet some very cool cops who go out the way to help people. I have friends who are cops and do not get upset at something as simple as having someone ask them for a form. If they did not have it fine. But why follow someone with your hand one your pistol saying " Take one more step forward and you'll see what happens" This guy has issues. Some people should not be in Law Enforcement period.

Was there a video of this?

After a while of wearing a gun for a living your hands land on both sides of your hips. One has a gun on one side, and a flashlight, radio, extra mag pouch on the other.

You are right some should not be in law enforcement.

What if I said " Take one more step forward and you'll see what happens" to you one night while you are on duty -would you take that as threatening?

Posted: 2/3/2006 3:45:21 PM EDT

[#35]

I'm from a smaller dept in NE PA and we have such forms and I handle all the complaints.

They can come in make a non-formal, or verbal complaint about an officer. I'll talk to them, see if their complaint or issue has any validation. Usually, they just want to pitch a bitch and take it no further. I will talk to the officer about the situation.

If someone wants to make a formal complaint about an officer, they are given a "Citizen's Complaint Form" to fill out, explaing in detail their problem or issue. It then gets forwarded to me and I will follow up on it. I then have to put the results of my "investigation" into a report, along with my recommendation, and send it up to the chief for his review.

Posted: 2/3/2006 3:47:05 PM EDT

[#36]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Since we now know not all departments have a so called complaint form.

What's the issue with sitting down and filling out a simple witness statement?

Pretty much the samething.

What's the issue with the desk officer handing them a witness statement and telling them how to fill it out and then giving it to IA, if the dept has one, or supervisor?

OR,

If the policy is "no written complaints, all complaints have to be handled by a supervisor" why not POLITELY explain that to the person and explain why that policy exists? Customer service, believe it or not, is part of a cop's job.

I would say it is because the majority of complaints are pure BS.

I don't see where it's the job of a guy (or gal) at a desk to attempt to determine that before they even have a chance to file a complaint in the first place!

The guy was asking if he could get a form to fill out to file a complaint. Not if he could get a cop removed from the force. Just a freaking form, and for that, in America, where the government is supposed to exist of, by, and for the people, he apparently needs to be grilled on who he is and why he wants the form before he can get it.

If the complaint is bogus, let the people who handle COMPLETED complaint forms deal with it - don't hassle someone who just wants a blank form.

Doing that is pretty sad.

Posted: 2/3/2006 3:53:37 PM EDT

[#37]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Since we now know not all departments have a so called complaint form.

What's the issue with sitting down and filling out a simple witness statement?

Pretty much the samething.

What's the issue with the desk officer handing them a witness statement and telling them how to fill it out and then giving it to IA, if the dept has one, or supervisor?

OR,

If the policy is "no written complaints, all complaints have to be handled by a supervisor" why not POLITELY explain that to the person and explain why that policy exists? Customer service, believe it or not, is part of a cop's job.

I would say it is because the majority of complaints are pure BS.

I don't see where it's the job of a guy (or gal) at a desk to attempt to determine that before they even have a chance to file a complaint in the first place!

.

- Heaven forbid we actually talk to someone and attempt to resolve an issue in the quickest manner possible. A lot of "complaints" are resolved through simple dialouge

Posted: 2/3/2006 3:56:32 PM EDT

[#38]

Quoted:

No matter what the profession you will get an ass every now and then.

And the whole deal was a setup by the news crew.

Thank you.

Walking into the police station to request a simple form is a 'set up'?

Did you see the video or the entire report?

I saw this done here locally. There was no setup. There was no 'controversy' until the polce, who had the form, refused to hand them out.

That's not the fault of the guy who went in.

That's not the fault of the news crew.

It's the fault of the cop who thought it was his job to keep an ordinary citizen from getting a sheet of paper and possibly filing a report.

All the 'good' agencies (the ones who who were generally regarded as having the best reputation before this) in the area handed out the form in seconds - some even asked, politely, if he had any questions, and some told him the procedure on where to go from there.

You can't 'set up' a professionally run organization.

Posted: 2/3/2006 3:58:07 PM EDT

[#39]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Since we now know not all departments have a so called complaint form.

What's the issue with sitting down and filling out a simple witness statement?

Pretty much the samething.

What's the issue with the desk officer handing them a witness statement and telling them how to fill it out and then giving it to IA, if the dept has one, or supervisor?

OR,

If the policy is "no written complaints, all complaints have to be handled by a supervisor" why not POLITELY explain that to the person and explain why that policy exists? Customer service, believe it or not, is part of a cop's job.

I would say it is because the majority of complaints are pure BS.

I don't see where it's the job of a guy (or gal) at a desk to attempt to determine that before they even have a chance to file a complaint in the first place!

.
- Heaven forbid we actually talk to someone and attempt to resolve an issue in the quickest manner possible. A lot of "complaints" are resolved through simple dialouge

but that's not what he asked to do. He wanted to get a compaint form. Not talk to theguy on duty about his problem. At least here, he didn't even state he was the one with the problem. He just wanted a 2 cent piece of paper and the cop could have handed it to him and been done in 3 seconds.

Posted: 2/3/2006 4:00:33 PM EDT

[#40]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Since we now know not all departments have a so called complaint form.

What's the issue with sitting down and filling out a simple witness statement?

Pretty much the samething.

What's the issue with the desk officer handing them a witness statement and telling them how to fill it out and then giving it to IA, if the dept has one, or supervisor?

OR,

If the policy is "no written complaints, all complaints have to be handled by a supervisor" why not POLITELY explain that to the person and explain why that policy exists? Customer service, believe it or not, is part of a cop's job.

I would say it is because the majority of complaints are pure BS.

I don't see where it's the job of a guy (or gal) at a desk to attempt to determine that before they even have a chance to file a complaint in the first place!

.
- Heaven forbid we actually talk to someone and attempt to resolve an issue in the quickest manner possible. A lot of "complaints" are resolved through simple dialouge

but that's not what he asked to do. He wanted to get a compaint form. Not talk to theguy on duty about his problem. At least here, he didn't even state he was the one with the problem. He just wanted a 2 cent piece of paper and the cop could have handed it to him and been done in 3 seconds.

I'm not worried about the report itself. I'm addressing the issue of why the officer contacted might ask questions instead of just handing out a form.

Posted: 2/3/2006 4:05:18 PM EDT

[#41]

Quoted:
I agree the media is just looking for a story. Also I can understand that there are a lot of false complaints filed all the time. But why act so hostile over somthing so simple? I watched the new report and the reporter looked like a clean cut College kid. The reaction dispalyed by some of the cops is questionable. But this is South Florida.

I agree. I've always felt you should act so you won't be embarrased or locked up if/when the video comes out.

But if we don't have forms, we don't have forms. If you want to complain this is the procedure. It's still simple. May not like it but that's the way it is. Want to change it? Go to the city council and address your issue.

Posted: 2/3/2006 4:06:51 PM EDT

[#42]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
I worked for a short period as a dispatcher and meet some very cool cops who go out the way to help people. I have friends who are cops and do not get upset at something as simple as having someone ask them for a form. If they did not have it fine. But why follow someone with your hand one your pistol saying " Take one more step forward and you'll see what happens" This guy has issues. Some people should not be in Law Enforcement period.

Was there a video of this?

After a while of wearing a gun for a living your hands land on both sides of your hips. One has a gun on one side, and a flashlight, radio, extra mag pouch on the other.

You are right some should not be in law enforcement.

What if I said " Take one more step forward and you'll see what happens" to you one night while you are on duty -would you take that as threatening?

Sure would. So I wouldn't step forward. Probably take a step back.

Posted: 2/3/2006 4:08:28 PM EDT

[#43]

Quoted:
Quoted:

No matter what the profession you will get an ass every now and then.

And the whole deal was a setup by the news crew.

Thank you.

Walking into the police station to request a simple form is a 'set up'?

Did you see the video or the entire report?

I saw this done here locally. There was no setup. There was no 'controversy' until the polce, who had the form, refused to hand them out.

That's not the fault of the guy who went in.

That's not the fault of the news crew.

It's the fault of the cop who thought it was his job to keep an ordinary citizen from getting a sheet of paper and possibly filing a report.

All the 'good' agencies (the ones who who were generally regarded as having the best reputation before this) in the area handed out the form in seconds - some even asked, politely, if he had any questions, and some told him the procedure on where to go from there.

You can't 'set up' a professionally run organization.

It was a set up by the video crew.

Don't like the departments procedure. Work to change it.

Posted: 2/3/2006 4:09:10 PM EDT

[#44]

Quoted:

I'm not worried about the report itself. I'm addressing the issue of why the officer contacted might ask questions instead of just handing out a form.

In the reports I saw on this, they weren't just asking questions to try to resolve the complaint - the tone was more confrontational. Like they HAD to keep this guy from getting the form because he was going to report something bad about one of them.

If the person really did have a complaint and only wanted to write it out, they definately would have felt like most of the cops who refused the form wanted to 'make' them tell them everything before they could get a form - when, I can imagine in most departments, that's not their role. Theyr'e not the ones investigating it,and if it doesn't involve them directly, they should let the citizen go through the procedures that have been established (for a reason) in order to resolve the complaint - instead of trying to head it off.

If you reverse it,and imagine a citizen coming in for an "attaboy" form to commend a police officer, I can't imagine any cop giving him the third degree before handing out the form.

In either case, case, it should be the same - hand out the form if you have it. If not, tell them the procedure they need to follow or who they need to call.

If you want to ask a question about what's wrong and the citizen doesn't feel comfortable talking to you about it, then don't harrass them in order to make them tell you who and what and where. Just hand out the damn 2 cent form and get on with your life and your job.

Posted: 2/3/2006 4:15:07 PM EDT

[#45]

Quoted:

If you reverse it,and imagine a citizen coming in for an "attaboy" form to commend a police officer, I can't imagine any cop giving him the third degree before handing out the form.

Nope they would just write a letter and it was put in my file.

But if you wanted to file a complaint. You had to tell the duty officer what the complaint was about, fill out a witness statement, the officer would then file an IO report and it would be investigated. That was the procedure. Don't like it. Call the Mayor.

Posted: 2/3/2006 4:16:15 PM EDT

[#46]

From fox6milwaukee.com

Some Police Guard Citizen Complaint Forms Some Police Guard Citizen Complaint Forms

(November 3, 2005)

If you're the victim of a crime, you know you can call police for help. But, what if it's a police officer's conduct that has you concerned?

Who do you complain to then?

The Investigators put 18 police stations in 15 southeastern Wisconsin cities to a hidden camera test. We asked them all the same question. How do you file a complaint against a police officer?

We never mentioned a specific incident. And we never named an officer. We just wanted to know the procedure, and if there was a form we could take home.

"Oh yeah, we have a form you can fill out," an officer in Oak Creek tells us.

"You guys have a form I can take?" our tester asks at the front desk in Greenfield.
"Sure," the officer answers.

We were in and out of Greenfield in 27 seconds. We had similar success in Brookfield, Germantown, Greendale, New Berlin, Racine, Wauwatosa, and Whitefish Bay. They all sent us home with complaint forms. Some even provided detailed written instructions.

"That's exactly what's supposed to happen," says Greg Slate, co-founder of the non-profit Police Complaint Center in Washington, D.C. Slate came to Milwaukee just to conduct our undercover test.

But, not every department was so accomodating.

Kenosha Police refused to give us a complaint form until we gave them basic information about the incident, like who we had a problem with, what happened, when it happened, and where. The Chief says their policy is to strongly encourage citizens to complain in person.

"99 times out of 100, they will sit down with us," says Kenosha Police Chief Daniel Wade. "And they will be glad to give us whatever information they wanted."

"I felt intimidated," says Timothy Lupi, a Kenosha citizen who tried to file a complaint against an officer who used a Taser on him. "He said, 'Oh, you're the guy Officer Torrez dropped.'"

Lupi says he found resistance every step of the way.

"One of our employees probably mishandled Mr. Lupi in the complaint process," says Kenosha Police Captain Randall Berner.

And after seeing our hidden camera video, Chief Wade says he has no problem changing department policy if that means giving out witness statement forms to citizens who want to put their complaint to paper first.

Waukesha Police refused to give us a complaint form, too. A supervisor later said it may require some retraining.

In Milwaukee, we tested four of the city's seven police districts. One of them - District 3 (2333 N. 49th Street) - told us there was no complaint form to give.

"No. Absolutely not," said the officer staffing the front desk.

At District 6 (3006 S. 27th Street) on the southside, the desk Sergeant to us to go to the Fire and Police Commission, but wouldn't give us a complaint form.

Two others - District 2 (245 W. Lincoln Ave.) & District 7 (3626 W. Fond du Lac Ave.) - gave us a complaint form with no resistance.

"We don't want to make it difficult for people to file a complaint," says Milwaukee Police Spokeswoman Anne Schwartz. "This Chief has a proven record of dealing very swiftly and very strongly with people that don't treat the citizens with courtesy, dignity and respect."

Other departments we tested ultimately gave us complaint forms, but not before putting up significant resistance.

Glendale police demanded to see ID, then said the complaint form couldn't leave the building. A supervisor later let us take one home.

Mequon police said yes, we could have a form, then wouldn't hand it over. A supervisor pressed us for details for 10 minutes before finally giving us the form. That supervisor also told us if we mailed in the form, it would end up in the trash.

West Allis police not only asked for ID, an officer threatened to run our tester for warrants. A Sergeant then told him to go away. Later, a Lieutenant warned he could be arrested for filing a false complaint.

Several police departments that put up resistance gave similar reasons. They said our tester - dressed in a coat on a relatively warm night - was acting strange. They said he kept his hands in his pockets and looked nervous. And they said his refusal to answer specific questions was out of the ordinary.

In all, 15 of the 18 police stations we visited gave us complaint forms. But, nearly half put up resistance. It's the kind of resistance that could easily discourage a citizen from taking that first critical step in the complaint process.

If you want to file a complaint against a police officer, you have several options.

1) You can complain in person to a supervisor.
2) Ask for a form, like we did.
3) Send a letter or email to the Chief. Just make sure you provide enough information so they can reach you to follow-up.
4) Check the department's website for information. Some have their citizen complaint procedure posted online.
5) If all else fails, hire an attorney to help you through the process.

yeah, it's all a setup. They made those police officers refuse to hand out a form they're supposed to hand out.

This was problably the sneaky part of their plot:

We never mentioned a specific incident. And we never named an officer. We just wanted to know the procedure, and if there was a form we could take home.

That's some kind of subtrefuge there.

Posted: 2/3/2006 4:17:33 PM EDT

[#47]

Quoted:
I'm not worried about the report itself. I'm addressing the issue of why the officer contacted might ask questions instead of just handing out a form.

Now, are we talking about questions like "Do you have ID", "Do you have psychological problems?" and "Are you on medications?"

Posted: 2/3/2006 4:17:36 PM EDT

[#48]

Quoted:
Quoted:

If you reverse it,and imagine a citizen coming in for an "attaboy" form to commend a police officer, I can't imagine any cop giving him the third degree before handing out the form.

Nope they would just write a letter and it was put in my file.

But if you wanted to file a complaint. You had to tell the duty officer what the complaint was about, fill out a witness statement, the officer would then file an IO report and it would be investigated. That was the procedure. Don't like it. Call the Mayor.

That's in your department.

Other departments ARE different and they DO have forms to take home.

That's what this is about. Not everybody is like your department - and if they have a form to hand out, they should just hand out the damn form and be done with it.

Posted: 2/3/2006 4:21:45 PM EDT

[#49]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:

If you reverse it,and imagine a citizen coming in for an "attaboy" form to commend a police officer, I can't imagine any cop giving him the third degree before handing out the form.

Nope they would just write a letter and it was put in my file.

But if you wanted to file a complaint. You had to tell the duty officer what the complaint was about, fill out a witness statement, the officer would then file an IO report and it would be investigated. That was the procedure. Don't like it. Call the Mayor.

That's in your department.

Other departments ARE different and they DO have forms to take home.

That's what this is about. Not everybody is like your department - and if they have a form to hand out, they should just hand out the damn form and be done with it.

If that's the departments procedure then hand out form. I agree. No questions asked, here ya go.

But it is apprent most department have process other than handing out forms.

So are you pissed off about the officers actions or that not all departments have a hand out form?

Posted: 2/3/2006 4:24:45 PM EDT

[#50]

Quoted:
Quoted:
I'm not worried about the report itself. I'm addressing the issue of why the officer contacted might ask questions instead of just handing out a form.

Now, are we talking about questions like "Do you have ID", "Do you have psychological problems?" and "Are you on medications?"

Nope.. questions like "what happened?" "What's your complaint?".

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Police Station Intimidation South Florida (Page 2 of 4)

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