Re: Westside Police Complaints:

I have empathy for the citizens of the Westside Community. As I've been in their shoes. I can also give a play-by-play explanation of what's going on and why. I even remember Susan Blaine when she was lieutenant and was supervisor of some kind over some rogue cops patrolling the St. Elmo community. I will never forget one particular meeting I attended  where she was speaking to residents. I voiced my concerns about cops under her charge behaving unprofessionally and dishonorably against primarily young black males in the community.

Blaine looked right at me, then through me as if I wasn't there and directed her attention to another St. Elmo citizen, more to her liking I guess.

Another neighbor contacted Blaine on my behalf, concerning my concerns. To which Blaine told the neighbor, "I support my officers." I took that to inform anyone questioning unprofessionally behavior of any kind that no matter what officers under her committed that she would support them. No matter what they did or how they dishonored the profession, mistreated citizens or tarnished their badge.  Her response revealed a lot - perhaps a lot more than intended. I also found myself on the receiving end for police harassment, simply because I was willing to take a stand and speak out. To tell these citizens they should go to the police to complain about police is like telling the rape victim they should go to the other rapist down the street to complain about the rapist living next door. The victim is likely to get raped twice. Brutally so, at that.

I don't think the police department wants to address complaints about their cops misbehaving, or do anything about them when they do. They're more like than not to go after the victims. That's how abusers get away with their trade for so many years. They choose their victims wisely. They make sure they belong to the right club or trusted profession.

Brenda Washington 

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Once again Brenda’s mindless blathering pointed at the local law enforcement has absolutely no merit to them. Instead of throwing out accusations saying that police officers are misbehaving and harassing citizens why don’t you try to give examples?

The generalization’s implied by Brenda comparing police officers to rapist are pathetic and insulting.

In my more than 20 years of law enforcement I have seen plenty of bad officers come and go. Some have left of their own accord while others have been run out on a rail or put in jail. I have personally been involved in the putting in jail part on several occasions. Those few bad apples have yet to spoil the entire basket of well intended and professional officers.

Let’s not forget that the law enforcement community is a cross section of society and therefore will always produce a bad seed on occasion just like every other profession.

The continued spewing of racism and hate for law enforcement by Brenda only makes her look as pathetic as she really is.

Mike Cox