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News :: Civil & Human Rights |
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“I’m a cop. Watch your back.” |
Current rating: 0 |
by Brian Dolinar
Email: briandolinar (nospam) gmail.com (verified) |
03 Aug 2006
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Court Watch Sets Its Sights On Sheriff’s Deputy Ryan Garrett. |
On August 1, 2005, Sheriff’s deputy Ryan Garrett appeared in court with his attorney Tony Novak. Garrett is charged with official misconduct and filing a false police report (#06CF136). He is currently suspended with pay.
In once incident, Garrett sent another Sheriff’s deputy to test Garrett’s estranged wife for a DUI. She tested negative and filed a complaint against her husband. It is well known that police officers have troubled marriages and unusually high divorce rates. Garrett and his wife had been separated for several months and he had become vindictive toward his wife’s boyfriend.
In a second incident, it is alleged that Garrett stalked his wife’s boyfriend Ty Kellums and threatened him with the comment, “I’m a cop. Watch your back.”
The State, represented by Mr. Ziegler, dismissed one of two counts, but added two additional counts: one of intimidation with intent to inflict physical harm and a second to take action as a public official. These charges carry a possible sentence of 2-10 years in prison.
Garrett’s attorney Tony Novak (who is also representing Sgt. William Alan Myers charged with tasing an inmate – #05CF2105) filed a motion to dismiss the charges. Novak’s argument was an interesting one. His explanation to Judge Difanis was that police – by wearing a uniform, a badge, driving a marked squad car – are always saying to the public “I’m a cop, watch your back.” Novak attempted to portray these comments as simple as a “good morning” greeting.
If I remember correct, the police motto is “To Serve and Protect” not “To Intimidate and Harass.” This was a bold effort by Novak to put a friendly face on fascist behavior.
Judge Difanis admitted that the emblems of an officer can be intimidating to the public, appearing to agree that the police should be a threatening presence.
Ziegler argued that Garrett’s comments, when taken in context, provoked a breach of the peace.
Difanis denied the motion to dismiss. Garrett is set to appear in court again on August 23 at 11am for a preliminary hearing.
Also, mark your calendar for Aug 25, 1:30 in Courtroom B, when Sgt. Myers is expected to agree to a plea bargain. Assistant State’s Attorney Troy Lozar is prosecuting Myers.
BD |
This work is in the public domain. |
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Re: “I’m a cop. Watch your back.” |
by anon
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: 0
06 Aug 2006
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Brian,
Just come out and say it. You hate the police. It's obvious in your postings, but it would be nice just to see you put it in writing. Quit dancing around it.
I do have one question. Since you have such an obvious disdain for police or really anyone in any position of authority, how do you propose the criminal justice system should work? Or in your perfect world, would there even be a criminal justice system?
I'm not joking, I really want to know how you think (although I suspect that your answer will be somewhat humorous). |
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Re: “I’m a cop. Watch your back.” |
by BD
BD (unverified) |
Current rating: 0
07 Aug 2006
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We emphasize that we want GOOD police officers
and GOOD police work.
Not the kind of perjured testimony of Off. Hediger
and complete lack of investigation that might have exonerated Patrick Thompson.
We've talked to several cops who are also against bad seeds like Off Hjort for giving the police a bad name. Even cops can be critical - does that mean they hate all cops?
We want a reversal of trends that have incarcerated 2.3 million people, most for non-violent crimes, and mostly African American.
These still growing numbers have escalated since 1980, the Republican "revolution," and the War on Drugs. America was perfectly safe before 1980. Why the turn to incarceration???
The prison industrial complex is a reaction to the civil rights era. Having black neighbors was too great a threat and mass incarceration has been the response. To quote Nina Simone, "You don't have to live next to me. Just give me my equality."
BD
BD |
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Re: “I’m a cop. Watch your back.” |
by Mike
michaelrich0221 (nospam) hotmail.com (unverified) |
Current rating: 0
10 Aug 2006
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Would you happen to have any information on the plea bargain Myers is expected to agree to? |
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Re: “I’m a cop. Watch your back.” |
by sightseer56
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: 0
16 Aug 2006
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I agree that if the cop did what he is accused of he needs at least to be fired even if he escapes jail time. It is understandable he might be upset, but that dosen't justify his actions.
Now, as far as the crap about all the poor incarcerated folks are concerned, the hell with them. The fact of the matter is if you break the law, however unfair you might think it is, you pay the price. If you don't like the law or don't believe it is working, work through your legislators and change it. Don't snivel to us that any group deserves a pass. It is called personal responsibility. If these criminals don't have it, regardless of their race or gender, society dosen't need them as they are nothing more than leeches.
Sorry to be so blunt and I am sure you will have your sensibilities and your self imposed guilt hurt by what I say but it is still face. Hard fact, but fact. I have no responsibility for any son of a bitch tghat treats the law as something to be obeyed or not based on his own discretion and pleasure. |
