You credit the Mpls Police Federation with far more power than they have. The Federation does not reflect the opinions of the vast majority of officers. The main job of the Federation is to uphold the conditions of the labor contract signed by the city, civil service rules which apply to all city employees and state and federal labor laws. If they win a case involving the disciplining or firing of an employee, it is because the city didn't prove their case. There are also times when they don't win or even fight the firing of an officer. Last year, I believe six officers were fired by the department.
I have often pondered the attitiude of some to demand that one group, the police, strictly and rightfully uphold the civil rights of all, but at the same time limiting and, in some cases, even attempting to deny those same civil rights to the the police themselves. Fortunately, or for some, unfortunately, the US Constitution applies to police officers rights along with everyone elses. People might want to consider this fact before they demand an officer be fired and thrown in jail before allegations against him or her can be substantiated. Radical idea, I know, but fair. I also question your knowledge of how the 'rank and file' feel about anything. Do you personally know over 400 Mpls police officers? Have they all confided their opinions to you? Or are you confusing real officers with what you see on TV and in the movies? And speaking of confusion, you seem to be confusing respect with fear and blind obedience. A leader will not change someone's attitude by instilling fear, but people will follow the lead of someone they respect. Finally, I envy you your Chief. He is a good communicator who seems to be able to work with both the St Paul Police Federation (yes, they have one, too), the elected officials, his officers and the community. The press seem to like him, too, although in fairness, the St Paul Pioneer Press has always been far more friendly towards the police than the Trib. Gee, you'd never guess he was a native St Paulite who came up through the ranks of the St Paul PD? So much for the argument that ONLY an outsider can run the police department. Anne McCandless Jordan TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. 2. If you don't like what's being discussed here, don't complain - change the subject (Mpls-specific, of course.) ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
