I can't speak for Staten, Moss or any of the folks in that crowd but I can tell you that as soon as we got called about the incident, we sent a team of investigators to meet with three different sets of people who witnessed the incident, including folks who were not arrested. At this time, to protect their safety and keep our word to them, we cannot reveal anything else about them. However, they each gave nearly identical descriptions of the incident (though some did not see all of the incident) and they were not together when we talked to them and they had not communicated with each other since the incident occurred. We also conducted other research that I am not at liberty to divulge at this time.
Dennis Plante Responds:
I was under the impression (based upon previous published statements) that there were no witnesses to the allegations. Wth three sets of witnesses (to the allegation), it appears it should be an open and shut case. Whereas this is criminal investigaton, I do hope there is the ability to substantiate that the witnesses (to the event) had not had the opportunity to speak with each other, prior to being interviewed by CUAPB.
Believe it or not, CUAPB doesn't want to get snowed so we investigate cases to the best of our ability before we put out any kind of public statement. That's why we did not put out a public statement until very late Tuesday night after our team had done it's preliminary work, despite being hounded by the media for a statement. Our team continued to investigate yesterday and has some information that even the media is not privy to.
Dennis Plante Responds:
Based upon the statement that CUAPB DID put out, it would appear that the investigation (initiated by CUAPB) confirms the allegations made by the individual. Is this the case?
I feel we have acted in a completely responsible manner. However, I personally can't say the same about Moss, Staten and company. It was the height of irresponsibility to bring a man straight from jail after such an ordeal and let him spill his guts to the media, thus possibly blowing any legal case he could have.
Dennis Plante Responds:
It all depends upon what you feel the height of irresponsibility (in the matter) is. The subsequent actions of those that you've mentioned however, do beg the question as to whose's interests they have in mind. Are they really interested in affecting a positive change to a problem? Or, are they only interested in maintaining their own power-base? Shame on them....
As an individual that has a vested interest (I live in Jordan) in the outcome of such allegations, I am deeply interested in where this issue goes. I didn't just fall-off the vegetable truck, and I wasn't born yesterday. False allegations (made against police officers) DO afect my quality of life. The officers responding to calls I make (to protect myself and my property) become hyper-senstive to policing "minor" offenses, because of these allegations.
In recent memory I have called on individuals for the following offenses committed against myself and my property - public urination, dealing drugs, playing craps, throwing beers cans into my yard, burglary, theft, swindle, public riot, death threats, selling stolen property, etc... Forgive me for saying so, but based upon the evidence that has been made available thus far, I tend to lean towards the accused.
The allegations have been made... Regardless of the outcome, the (unfair) cycle continues. If the allegations are proven to be unfounded, then it still remains the "fault" of the system.
Roughly 3 months ago, I watched in disbelief as a MPD squad followed a group of 4 yound women who were walking down the middle of my street. The officer repeatedly told them that they needed to move to the sidewalk, as they were blocking traffic and creating a hazard. The officer (yes he was white) wated until one of them called him a name which I can't repeat and defiantely threw a soda can on the street next to his squad before getting out and writing a ticket. When this occurred, the officer was accussed by both the perp and her friends of sexual harrasment AND racial profiling. The only thing that I ask of members (on this list) is that they first ask themselves whether or not this is the type of life they would want for themselves and their neighbors. And secondly, how do we change it? Do we become less-lenient of offenders? Do we make-up for 300 years of racial discrimmination by policing differently in neighborhoods predominantly of color?
Dennis Plante Jordan
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