Letting Em Get Away With It

Police Corruption And Brutality Not Always Easy To Prove

Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? --
 Who will guard the guards themselves?
 People often fear reporting police misconduct

By A.F. James MacArthur Ph.A.L.

"We have too many corrupt police officers." Last week when Baltimore City Councilman Carl Stokes said those words while discussing the seeming non-stop bloodshed and violence coursing through the city, the statement brought instant polarization. Responses ranged from those wholeheartedly agreeing 100%, to others being deeply offended and insulted.

Does he have any proof, was asked by many who were quick to criticize the councilman's claim as being unsubstantiated. Even the Fraternal Order Of Police chimed in via Twitter.

But has anyone considered having solid "proof" meeting the level of evidentiary standards acceptable by a court of law, is not always that easy to obtain? Lack of "proof" certainly doesn't prove something hasn't happened.

Truth is, many cases of police corruption, intimidation, and even brutality are cleverly concealed. Sometimes it'll be years after the incident before even the slightest inkling of it finds its way to some form of official report.

By it's very nature, proving wrongdoing by police is not only difficult, but the one seeking proof does so at great personal risk. At the low end, one faces potential harassment and veiled threats, at the other extreme, there are cases where people have showed up dead.

It's certainly not within the scope of this story to give a ton of specific examples, but the reader is cautioned to not take this to mean it doesn't happen.

"We take the hit at people, and say they’re not telling the police what’s happening. That’s absolutely false. People tell the police.." - Baltimore City Councilman Carl Stokes

As someone who's personally called 911 in Baltimore on numerous occasions to report crimes, with less than satisfactory results, I've seen first hand how reports of crime was ignored by police, creating the statistical appearance of nothing having happened.

The rhetorical question comes to mind; if a crime occurs and the police ignore it, has a crime really taken place at all? If residents call the police to report street crime and see no results, how can they feel confident in reporting possible criminal wrong doing by officers and be taken seriously?

In a statement released by the Fraternal Order of Police, it suggested Stokes statement was dishonest: "Mr. Stokes’ comments are an affront to every honest and hard working Baltimore City Police Officer, not to mention those brave police officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice while working to protect our city streets.  Mr. Stokes’ comments are outrageous, inflammatory, and untrue..."

There's no question the Baltimore Police Department is made up of many good officers, but is there any denying by a close observer that it also has more than it's fair share of bad characters?

It's not like people who see cops committing crime can just feel safe and confident that going to officials with complaints will yield results.

Even when well known crime reporter Justin Fenton recently had an incident with Baltimore Police, he chose not to file an official report. The path he picked to pursue his complaint is not one available to the typical citizen of Charm City.

Someone else would have been treated worse.

Interesting. Batts' security put hands on both of my shoulders and removed me from asking a question to the commissioner...
— Justin Fenton (@justin_fenton) June 26, 2013

The police physically interjecting on a reporter merely trying to do his job ranks way up there in police wrong doing. Under the First Amendment, an incident like this could realistically be pursued for potential criminal wrongdoing. At a minimum, an internal affairs complaint. 

We reached out to Fenton via email to ask  for more details on the incident. His response was quite revealing:

"As I posted on Twitter, I was removed from asking a question of the commissioner at City Hall. Some asked what I was asking about at the time, but that wasn’t so much the issue as I hadn’t really gotten the question out. I spoke with the commissioner later, and I’m confident this particular kind of thing won’t be an issue again nor will it affect our coverage."

In the scale of police wrong doing, this incident is clearly on the minor side of things, but the principle involved is major.  Were it more serious, and involving the average citizen, would they be able to cut through red tape and middlemen to go straight to the Police Commissioner with their complaint? Probably not. Even this incident, public as it may have been, does not exist on official stats. Because Fenton did not file an official complaint.

Whether or not he should have taken things further is left to individual opinion. The point is, were he an average citizen being roughed up by cops for whatever reason, without the possibility of being able to tweet or write a column about it, he probably would have just stayed quiet and moved on with his life. Most people don't have the public platform that a Baltimore Sun reporter has.

It's not far fetched to imagine the same response takes place when individuals are subjected to treatment far

Some Baltimore Police officers will literally say this.

worse. Talk to enough people in Baltimore, especially in economically challenged, disenfranchised neighborhoods, they'll tell you crimes by cops are not only a normal occurrence, but that they take place with routine frequency.

People don't feel safe reporting on incidents they're personally involved in. Someone witnessing an incident of police misconduct not directly affecting them is even less likely to come forward with all the risks involved. This lack of filing official complaints, including Fenton's incident, further bolsters the culprits feeling of immunity and emboldens their impulse to keep carrying on their abusive behavior.

Cops commit crime all the time that will never be reported or documented, because people let them get away with it. We're all to blame.

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After an unconstitutional imprisonment lasting 6 months, denied bail, tortured, assaulted and forced to endure inhumane conditions in the notorious Baltimore City Detention Center, A.F. James MacArthur, the original independent, established leader in on-scene, feet-on-the-street, Baltimore crime and emergency incident reporting  emerged undaunted and unafraid. Baltimore's premier independent crime correspondent and street reporter is a multimedia journalist who also covers urban decay and public corruption. Email MacArthurMedia@gmail.com, @BaltoSpectator on twitter, Spreaker web radio, BlogTalk Radio, Baltimore Spectator on Facebook,YouTube channel

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Open Letter To Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake

To The Honorable Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Mayor, City Of Baltimore

Dear Madame Mayor;

Last night I called the police after witnessing a serious crime, and I was deliberately ignored!

I am writing this letter to make you aware of a problem that you have openly stated your concerns about: the Baltimore Police Department, accurate reporting of crime, and improved relations between the citizens of Baltimore and the police.

After sitting through numerous conferences, events, forums and meetings and listening to yourself, Police Commissioner Bealefeld, City Council President Jack Young and others speak of making improvements, I must say, as a citizen, I’m largely unable to see any difference at the street level where the rubber meets the road.


SHOTS FIRED, POLICE IGNORE WITNESS


Early this morning I was awakened by a very loud commotion involving a large group of young men, standing around, arguing loudly, on the verge of getting into a physical altercation.  Within moments of my looking out the window, a young man pulled out a pistol, fired several shots in the air, and the group began to disperse.

After reporting the incident via 911, I was pleased to see what appeared to be a speedy response.  What bothered me though was when I made numerous attempts to get the attention of responding officers, but was flatly ignored by all.

At one point, one nearly struck me with his patrol car as I tried to flag him down.  Note, he was moving at an extremely low speed (perhaps five miles per hour), with flashing lights on as he went by with his windows open.  Besides my frantic arm waving, I also attempted to verbally get his attention, this was all to no avail.

Standing inches away from his open drivers side window, it would be IMPOSSIBLE for him not to have seen me.  Being the only one standing there at the time, it’s not as if I blended in.


ROUTINE UNDER REPORTING


When witnesses are ignored it makes it easy to avoid paperwork and not file a report.  When reports are not filed, it makes it easy to show statistically that crime is down.  When the city, and media report crime is down, and the perception by the majority of citizens is that is pure nonsense, this is the reason why.

If this has happened to me on numerous occasions, one must wonder just how widespread is it?  It’s not just rape victims.

Because of my many attempts in the past of going through internal affairs, speaking to district supervisors, and even the commissioner; concerning officers failing to live up to their duties of protecting and serving the public.  I feel there is no other choice but to turn to you.  Will you also ignore me and continue to allow the status quo to continue?

With all of the robberies, assaults, stabbings, shootings, and murders that have occurred recently in this north Baltimore neighborhood, I am truly disturbed by police ignoring a citizen complainant who was also an eye witness.  Reminds me of when I was a witness to murder and was ignored and offered no protection, despite the shooter being aware that I knew who he was.


VICTIMS TREATED LIKE SUSPECTS



Too many times in the past, Baltimore Police have made me the subject of investigation in response to my complaints, rather than focus and place efforts on actually following up on the reported criminal activity.  This is shameful.

Madame Mayor, I should also point out, due to past experience, I know that my complaint leaves me wide open to retribution, revenge and ridicule by those who would rather keep the truth in the dark.

While I often feel I stand alone in a place resembling a war zone in sight, sound and atmosphere, the truth must be told.  This is a large part of the reason Baltimore city continues to lose it’s tax base.  People are moving away.  Even the cops don’t want to live here, and 80% to 90% don’t!  Not my numbers, but those of Commissioner Bealefeld himself.  What message does this send?

In conclusion, I must again express my extreme displeasure in what has been a lengthy pattern of systematic avoidance, ignoring and lack of action to address criminal activity on the part of Baltimore Police that I have PERSONALLY brought to their attention.

When will we see a true and genuine effort to fully reform the standards, practices behaviors and procedures of this department?



Sincerely disgusted and discouraged;

A.F. James MacArthur, Ph.A.L.



P.S. In the interest of being somewhat brief, I won’t even go into the numerous incidents of police officers currently involved in the court system as criminal defendants, accused of all sorts of violations, assaults and out right criminal activity including and up to MURDER against the people of Baltimore.  The time for change is NOW!  TOMORROW WILL BE TOO LATE!


P.P.S  A more fully detailed account of the above incident, and numerous others will soon be published; chronicling how the city and it's police department has largely abandoned and systematically ignored all hope of improving this area.

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Ousted Police Official Speaks Of Widespread Corruption

Internal Affairs Official Charges Department With Scapegoating

By A.F. James MacArthur Ph.A.L.

Although she was hired to probe internal corruption and wrong doing within the Baltimore Police Department; JoAnn C. Woodson-Branche stated at a press conference today, that her efforts to hold police officers accountable were routinely thwarted by her superiors.

When recommendations for punishment of rogue officers were made, Woodson-Branche stated she routinely saw them ignored, with many officers never having to face consequences for their actions. She also spoke of being micro-managed and often stonewalled by Deputy Commissioner Deborah Owens, a former Wendy's fast food restaurant manager with numerous EEOC complaints against her as second in command of the department.

Woodson-Branche was fired in April. After her dismissal, 50 cases against officers were summarily thrown out. The department claims the cases were flawed and rife with error, but Woodson-Branche is crying foul. She believes the department is using her as a scapegoat and a diversion so that the real issues facing the department could continue to be ignored.

In what is appearing to be just the opening rounds of what promises to be a long and contested battle, numerous accusations of criminal malfeasance and coverups were briefly mentioned or alluded to. The Baltimore Police Department has said it will not respond to specific accusations made by Woodson-Branche, nor will it discuss any specific details of her being relieved from duty.

RELATED:

An article by Justin Fenton of Baltimore's daily diminishing news journal states:

But one allegation sure to make waves is that the department quietly agreed to drop a case in which one of the accused was the president of a group for black officers. In return, Woodson-Bracnhe said, the officer agreed that the group would not speak out about a separate case in which another officer alleged that his white supervisors had forced him to view a Ku Klux Klan Web site.

Sgt. Kelvin Sewell, who is black, said that he was forced to view racist material on the Internet, and critics of the department alleged that the case against two white officers wasn't being taken seriously. Woodson-Branche said the Vanguard Justice Society, a group for black officers, was prepared to speak out about the case.

But its president, Sgt. Darryl Massey, was facing internal charges himself alleging that he and seven others were abusing overtime, in some cases doubling their salaries. Woodson-Branche said that Massey agreed not to speak out about the Sewell case if his case was dropped. When the department cleared dozens of cases this month, Massey's was among them.

Baltimore Police Dept. Needs Complete Overhaul

By A.F. James MacArthur Ph.A.L., Managing Editor/Publisher

"Why is it that officers in Baltimore can't seem to find enough criminals to arrest, and instead resort to creating them? Do the cops not know where to look?" -- Regina Holmes, Editor In Chief, InvestigativeVoice.com

Allow me to attempt to answer this: YES, the cops know where to look, but most don't care to. It would be risky and require lots of hard work. When you actually go after "bad guys with guns," there's a chance of getting shot. When you go after a good guy with a gun, like me, you know that I will be compliant and cooperative. This allows you to rack up an easy statistic to allow you and your superiors the feeling that you are actually going out and protecting and serving. Never mind that my gun is legal and that as a citizen I have a right to keep and bear arms, and to defend and protect my life. Why would you care?

Meanwhile the only thing being served is a self important, self inflated ego, while the majority of serious crimes in the city go totally unsolved. The Baltimore Police Department has a less than .500 batting average in solving serious crimes. Anyone, from Commissioner Bealefeld, to anonymous apologists who think I'm wrong, I challenge you to pull out the statistics on case closure rate, and we'll review together, and you will lose!

It is much too easy to criminalize someone who is an easy target, but is actually innocent. To the typical lazy, unscrupulous, morally corrupt cop in Baltimore (not all are this way), and there are many. While I do not intend to pile on, there is a serious problem that is still not being addressed by the city.

Merely throwing money at something does not fix it. Particularly when we have yet to see one single city official come out and harshly denounce what was allowed to happen in the police department for so long. Too long!

Here's the deal; at this point, the stories have been published, obviously the creditability and veracity of the victimized officers have been sustained. Hence the multi-million dollar settlement.

Shame on the city for spending years fighting the truth rather than taking serious steps to remedy the situation. Instead it was left to fester and stink like a gangrenous wound on an appendage no longer useful. At that point, the only option left is amputation. Let's cut off the head, and the roots (other racist commanders) that prop it up, and start all over again.

City leaders ought to be embarrassed that they've allowed this condition to persist for so long. Though not the source of the problem, I hold Mayor Sheila Dixon 100% responsible for initiating the change that MUST TAKE PLACE.

No stranger to city government, having served nearly 20 years as a council member, City Council President, and now Mayor. Dixon was in office throughout the time period in question. Therefore, as far as I'm concerned, part of the problem.

Madame Mayor; it's now time to be part of the solution. Massive reform and a complete overhaul of the Baltimore Police Department MUST HAPPEN NOW! Anything less would show a lack of commitment to our community, insincerity in improving race relations, and only lip service when you say you want a safer city.

Like Commissioner Bealefeld has told me many times, it's time to stop talking and start taking action. The action needs to start at Baltimore Police Headquarters.

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To my regular readers who've been following my story, let's see what they do to me next? Is another false arrest imminent? More harasmment, perhaps being shot and having it deemed justifiable? Or perhaps a kangaroo court guilty verdict, it will be interesting to see. Trust me, the enemies of freedom are ever hard at work.

Baltimore Police, Major Shake Up Coming? Could Bealefeld Eventually Be Implicated?

Claims Of Crime And Malfeasance In The Department

In the latest chapter in the ongoing saga of accusations hurled towards the Baltimore Police Department the woman who's job it was to discipline officers speaks out. In Baltimore's daily paper, we learn JoAnne C. Woodson-Branche is "prepared to pull back the curtain on the cesspool that exists within the Police Department's disciplinary oversight unit."

The statement was released through ace defense attorney Warren A. Brown. It went further to say; "the truth will not only vindicate attorney Branch [sic], but should lead to a major shake-up of the Baltimore City Police Department and those ultimately responsible for its operation."

It should be noted this statement comes right on the heels of the department settling a federal racial discrimination lawsuit for $2.4 million dollars.

An exclusive Investigative Voice interview of one of the officers victorious in the law suit reveals further the level of criminal activity that many local critics know to be all too common and routine within the Baltimore Police Department, there we read;

For Antoine Travers, an officer who joined the force in 1982 and was fired in 1997 for insubordination. the victory marks the start of a healing process of wounds that began when a white supervisor threw a trash can at him during roll call in the Northwest District in 1994.

“He knew I was documenting what was going on, they were violating people’s rights.”

One day, Travers said, the same lieutenant pulled up on the corner of West Belvedere and Beaufort avenues.

“There were twenty people standing on the corner and he started frisking one guy, asking him if he had any drugs,” Travers recalls.

“When they didn’t find any, a white sergeant went into an alley and found some drugs and they were going to arrest him,” he said. “But the guy broke away, and ran into a house; they chased him and shot him in the back.”

“I said to the lieutenant, 'Why did you do that? He didn’t do anything wrong.' ”

Because Travers was taking notes on what he believed was the racist behavior of the white officers, he soon found himself facing termination for insubordination after speaking out that day. In 1997, he was fired after three years of fighting for his job.

“I just felt like I had to fight. If they could shoot Joe Citizen for no reason, what could they do to a police officer?”

BPD - A Police Department In Turmoil

We don't need cops forcing other cops to view objectionable Web sites, for fear that what they do behind office doors reflects how they handle themselves in public. But that's grown men with guns playing college frat house games. We certainly don't need cops playing text-message games with citizens who are wanted on charges involving violence. Read more at Peter Hermann's blog on The Baltimore Sun.

Baltimore Police & The KKK - Two Officers Disciplined

One accused of showing Ku Klux Klan Web sites to black officer, Commissioner Bealefeld's brother involved

FLASHBACK: Our original video released last Friday boldly stated that there are members of The Baltimore Police secretly belonging to the Ku Klux Klan.

Apparently Mayor Dixon and others heard us. Now will some believe our sources are accurate and we know what we're talking about?

The Baltimore Sun reports details of the disciplinary action have not been released. This occurred on the same day we learned a district commander was suspended for "integrity issues." So the questions is this. Are these incidents all isolated, or do we have some major institutional problems within the Baltimore Police Department? Think about it. Or does the Spectator need to dig up a whole lot of dirt and compile as many factually accurate incidents as we can to show a clear pattern?

Want something good to investigate? Let's get the true facts, and reveal to the public, which high ranking, and or highly visible members of the Baltimore Police Department, sworn and civilian, were released or discharged, because they were getting too close to the truth. Too close to learning about, and possibly exposing the dirty secret of the extent of Ku Klux Klan involvement, by numerous officers.


ACTION NEEDED NOW!

developing... stay tuned for much more...

Secrets And Suppression Within Baltimore Police

PR Man Anthony Guglielmi Continues Crusade Of Secrecy

An Editorial by A.F. James MacArthur, Managing Editor, The Baltimore Spectator

The top story of Baltimore's newest independent news outlet, Investigative Voice, is entitled, SUSPENDED - Eastern district commander suspended during 'integrity' probe. Sadly, when you read the story, few confirmed facts are to be learned. Of course, this is no fault of author veteran investigative reporter Stephen Janis. No, the blame lies squarely on one man. Baltimore Police Department head spokesperson, Anthony Guglielmi. A Bush Administration castaway intent in bringing Baltimore into the Brave New World. A world in which government authorities are steeped in secrecy and masked by darkness. So much for the "Sunshine Laws." Guglielmi doesn't believe in them.

The same person who crafted (according to Commissioner Bealefeld, if he is to be believed) the now much maligned, clearly misguided, backwards policy of no longer releasing the names of officers involved in shootings, Guglielmi seems to have a problem with his job. For a man who is supposed to release public information, in his entire, less than six months tenure, he has done anything but.

So today, we learn a police commander has been suspended for "integrity" issues, no further details availble. Thanks a lot Guglielmi, and this is not a big story is it. Baltimore Sun, WJZ, everyone else? HELLO, IS THIS THING ON! A police commander of one of the most troubled and violent police districts in Baltimore has just been suspended, but I go to your website and I learn the Terps and the Bears are moving forward in college basketball playoffs.

What a town, what place. No wonder public corruption continues to steam roll and flatten the poor taxpayers of this town.
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NOTE: As a visual and graphic site, we like to attach, relevant pictures and video as much as possible, however there are no available pictures of Mr. Secret, Anthony Guglielmi available. Last time I was in his presence, his mean, menacing look would not have made for a flattering photo, so exercising extreme restraint and better judgement, I declined to take the shot (pun fully intended).

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ABUSE: MD Cops Savagely Beat Man! **VIDEO**

Trust Us! -- Police Fight A Losing Battle

After Decades Of Deception, Dereliction, And Abuse, Baltimore Police Demand Trust

by A.F. James MacArthur, Managing Editor, with T.R. Mencken, Editor In Chief
(EARLY DRAFT -- be part of the process, email suggestions or corrections, or use the comments link below article)

A.F. James MacArthur with Baltimore Police Commissioner Frederick Bealefeld III. After an interview near police headquarters.

So the police kill yet another man in Baltimore, the second one in less than two weeks, and they want us to automatically give them benefit of the doubt. They tell us it was justified, and we are supposed accept this without question and go about our way. Move along people nothing to see here.

The Baltimore Sun may be content in doing this. Perhaps all of the major TV and radio outlets in Baltimore will too. Then there are all those who rashly criticized us for daring to question the police. Excuse me? So I take it the police have never lied before. There have never been any officers accused of filing false reports, wrongful death, and even murder? No cases of lies and cover up have ever been proven right? Nope, not here, no way.

DISCLAIMER: I actually like Baltimore Police Commissioner Frederick Bealefeld. I believe overall he's doing a good job with the department. But when he asks us to trust him and his department, that's when I have to part ways. It's nothing personal.

TRUST NO ONE

Whenever someone says to me, "trust me," instant red flags go up. For me, trust is always earned, never asked for. Bealefeld along with his misguided, ill informed, fascist, US Constitution non believing, Chinese Democracy adherent PR man, Anthony Guglielmi have asked the people of Baltimore to trust them. When Bealefeld went before the Batimore City Council and was asked to explain the Guglielmi dictated policy of not naming officers involved in shooting, he said officers were threatened last year, 23 to be exact. What he didn't say was, not one single threat to an officer in Baltimore was related to an officer involved shooting. Imagine that. Have they earned your trust yet?

A born skeptic, even if my own mother tells me she loves me, I may trust her, but not until checking it out. Words have to be consistent with actions. Don't believe me, ask my ex wife, we're still friends, she'll tell you. It is a very dangerous environment indeed when citizens of a free republic just begin to unconditionally trust the government. Ronald Reagan used to say "trust, but verify." You can't just go taking someone's word because they say so.

HERE ME OUT ON THIS ONE

Consider this; It was this same blind trust that allowed the Nazi of Germany to gain a foothold among the public. At first everyone proudly and openly supported them. Heck, Adolf Hitler was the popularly elected Chancellor. No one ever questioned anything. As they gained more and power due to unconditional public support, it was not until the ovens were already hot and burning, and the gas (Zyclon B) was flowing freely, gassing prisoners, it was only then did people begin to question. At that point, it was already too late. There's a simple principle illustrated here, hope it was not lost.

I suppose if I didn't have first hand knowledge of the police setting up two brothers to be killed (it was admitted to me in strictest confidentiality), I would be more reluctant to question. Now before any fool runs at the mouth saying, how do we know this is true, who are his sources? Let me remind you, remember Valerie Plame? When you deal with secret sources and operatives, particularly those still in place, the last thing you do is offer them up in attempts at establishing credibility. Just think for a moment how foolish, immoral, unethical and wrong that would be.

From my experience working in law enforcement and intelligence off and on over the years, there's a few things I've learned. One of them is; there's often more than meets they eye. Another is, the truth is indeed out there. At times in more ways than we think. If I hadn't seen the things I've seen, and learned what I've learned, I suppose I would be quick to accept whatever account of an incident the police gave. But I know better.

After being setup, jailed, embarrassed and rediculed on numerous occaisons, only to have nearly every charge against me eventually dropped and defeated, perhaps I have learned that in many instances, like the City Council of Baltimore now know, you can't always trust the police.
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A.F. James MacArthur's experience in law enforcement dates back to his days as a teenage confidential informant. Eventually going to the police academy, U.S. Marine Corps, and working for local, state and the federal government in various capacities at various agencies over the years, his journey from boyhood to manhood has been a meandering wild ride.

MacArthur has received numerous threats to his life, including some from the police. Except one instance, the threats and intimidation reported to police were dismissed without even cursory investigation. Unlike police officers, as a civilian, Mr. MacArthur is not allowed to be armed while dealing with well armed would be adversaries and assailants. One one occaison getting shot was the result, on another MacArthur had to disarm a knife wielding assailant, holding him down while police responded.
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A Retired Cop Speaks Out!

I'm a retired captain from the Baltimore Police Department who is now an independent security management consultant, and the proprietor of Roland Park Security Consulting service. I also help people who are relocating to Baltimore find a reasonably safe rental property where they will be comfortable. You can visit my website at www.buzoncrime.com.

David Simon and the not-naming of the police who kill

Buz is still reeling from reading the David Simon piece, which is the cover story in this week's City paper concerning the new police department policy of not naming police officers who fatally use force on anyone--except at the Commissioner's Discretion. He also writes a piece on March 1st on Washingtonpost.com. It was quite embarrasing to read that he, once one of the few reporters who supported the police is now ostracizing this "once proud" department and calling the policy "cowardly". We have a number of thoughts about this situation, sometimes some of them in conflict. So, we'd like to share some random, iconoclastic thoughts with readers, and maybe some feedback will come:

• I touched somewhat on bewilderment as to how or why this policy evolved in a previous post. All evidence points to the arrival of Anthony Guglielmi as the police department spokesperson. The policy was announced soon after he arrived in that position. If in fact he is the genesis, he has done the Commissioner a disservice. He apparently is tone deaf in the struggle the department has had in getting and holding public support.
• Of course, part of the reason could simply be that this is an idea which has gotten into the heads of the rank and file, and is reacted to as wonderful by the Fraternal Order of Police. It's an "idea whose time has come." Ideas are powerful, and they don't necessarily have to have any rational logic. The are in effect, "a solution walking around to find a problem".
• The Commissioner probably felt he had to throw the FOP a bone, since they are still pissed off at him for revoking their ability to work off-duty in bars and nightclubs, thereby curtailing some $$$ for them and their opportunity to look at pretty women and get paid for it.
• I remember that a year or two ago I read that Baltimore County, in an agreement with its FOP, started a policy of only giving the first name of officers who in the line of duty fatalize somebody. It was not announced until after the first fatality occurred and got little notice and no hue and outcry. It's interesting, your humble consultant thinks, tht the city police arre scrutinized and everything and every fault is published or TVed. But in the counties, hardly any foible is ever reported on (of course now hardly any reporters are left to report on anything anywhere-especially in the counties, and the paper is named the Baltimore Sun).
• Buz noted that the FBI, New York City Police, and Philadelphia Police, along with several others also have not naming policies, and he wonders how that affects reporting on those agencies, if at all.
• We note that 911 call-takers do not use their names, and only give numbers; this has been in effect for many years. (But 311 operators give a name, supposedly their real name(?).)
• Buz notes that Ravens cheerleaders also only give their first name to prevent harassment from weirdos. (Of course, they are not armed + with arrest authority+3,000 colleagues as David Simon points out for police.) [Of course, also, the most famous Ravens cheerleader did give her name as a (?) fitness/publicity/personal achievement thing--Molly Shattuck.]
• From a policy making point of view, the Commissioner just could have implemented it quietly til the first fatality occurred. And he could have simply left the officers' names off of the face sheet of the report and written a followup with all the information including officers' names. They used to do this for bank tellers' names to give them some breathing room from aggressive reporters initially.
• A better public policy would be to simply withhold an officer's name on a case-by-case basis should evidence of a threat surface. It's not clear at all what this policy is supposed to in reality accomplish. Surely, the people who were on the scene of the incident and witnessed it know who the officer is (though some may not know his/her name). And, in any case, if the incident makes it to court, opposing counsel have the right to know all of the witnesses against their client--and the name of a defendant officer if they decide to sue.
• It is observed by your writer that many police have, at the very least, an antipathy towards reporters who second-guess policing. This has gone on for many years, and many reporters are viewed by police as "the enemy". I suppose this is the final revenge of the cops against the press. And it's a shame; as Rodney King said, Can't we all just get along. As an avid newspaper reader for more than 50 years, I feel it's important for a citizen to get the news about crime regularly and in depth.
• I think TV news are the big culprits here, though. When we worked in Police Communications many years ago, often a call would go out on the air for an assist or a shooting. Not less than a minute would pass when young TV reporters would burn up the phone lines asking what is going on. Um, we don't have any units on the scene yet. It's easy to imagine them calling an officer's wife for comment after hubby shoots someone. (Of course, it then would be the department's fault for giving his name out so soon.)

Whew. I could go on and on, about different aspects of this, but I am sure some past Public Information Officers of the department are not in agreement with this policy. Their role should be a cooperative, reasonably friendly, and understanding working relationship with the press. Mike Bass and Regina Averalla come to mind.

ANOTHE ONE: Police Shoot Man After 90 Minute Stand Off

Name Of Officer Involved Released!

by A.F. James MacArthur, Managing Editor, with T.R. Mencken, Editor In Chief

(EARLY DRAFT -- be part of the process, email suggestions or corrections, or use the comments link below article)

The Baltimore Police shot and killed a man this morning. Exactly a week after a Baltimore City police officer, with 3 shootings during his 4 years on the force, shot and killed a suspect, drawing suspicion from many including Maryland State Delegate Jill Carter and NAACP President Marvin "Doc" Cheatham. An independent investigation has been called in that one.

Today, many there are many unanswered questions after yet another shooting by the Baltimore Police. A man armed with a machete who was holding his granddaughter hostage was shot and killed following a struggle.

In an indoor stand off, the Spectator wants to know; Were other non-lethal options possible? Tear gas, bean bags, rubber bullets, etc? Also, the Spectator would like to know, is it routine to storm a building after just 90 minutes? Could negotiators been given more time to "wait it out?" Were the typical methods such as cutting electrical power and other utilities used? Without a credible witness besides the four year old child, do we know that anyone, the child included was truly in imminent danger? We know that police often lie about their account of events (see shocking video proof, even in Baltimore cops lie about events, only to be proven wrong by video, in my situation, the case was thrown out after the officer was a no show at a recent hearing)

Police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said officers tried to negotiate with 48-year-old Samuel Cosby for 90 minutes early Saturday before a tactical team was sent into the home. Police say officers found Cosby on the third floor holding a machete and the four-year-old girl and tried to gain control of the knife.

During the struggle, Officer Garfield O'Toole shot Cosby multiple times and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Guglielmi said Commissioner Frederick Bealefeld decided to name O'Toole and added officers did everything possible to try to end the situation peacefully.


Baltimore Secret Police -- What's Up Baltimore Special Presentation from MacArthur Media on

RELATED: Police To Reconsider "Secret Police" Policy

A Week Ago: Police Shoot Man During Narcotics Investigation

BALTIMORE SECRET POLICE -- A Special Presentation of What's Up Baltimore?

MAYOR DIXON: END SECRECT POLICE IN BALTIMORE NOW!

Baltimore Spectator Calls For Lawsuit Against City, Police!

Did Commissioner Frederick Bealefeld Lie To City Council?

Police Threats Not Related To Shootings -- Justin Fenton Tosses Eggs In Bealefelds Face

Sun Editorial Denouncing Secret Police In Baltimore

ABUSE: MD Cops Savagely Beat Man! **VIDEO**

BALTIMORE SECRET POLICE -- A Special Presentation of What's Up Baltimore?

Baltimore Secret Police -- What's Up Baltimore Special Presentation from MacArthur Media

The Baltimore Police Department wants to be able to shoot people and cover it up. A controversial new policy introduced by department spokesman Anthony Guglielmi has caused massive uproar in Baltimore. With just one simple policy change, Mr. Guglielmi and the Baltimore Police Department have marched us ever closer to a FASCIST POLICE STATE. Communist "Chinese Democracy" is here.
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MAYOR DIXON: END SECRECT POLICE IN BALTIMORE NOW!

Secret Police, Guglielmi & Bealefeld Blasted By MacArthur On Live Radio

by A.F. James MacArthur, Managing Editor, with T.R. Mencken Editor In Chief

(EARLY DRAFT -- be part of the process, email suggestions or corrections, or use the comments link below article)
At 17, A.F. James MacArthur enlisted in the U.S. Marines. A qualified expert rifleman able to drop human sized targets 1000 yards out!
NOTE: Ordinarily I would never preface any piece with a disclaimer.

Anthony Guglielmi's job is to speak for the department, to guide and advise the commissioner and to set his public agenda. But more than that, Guglielmi has a responsibility to the public to be honest, open, up front and to warn his boss when policies contradict the mayor's mission to restore trust in the department. If not, then Mayor Sheila Dixon needs to step in and order her commissioner to reverse a policy that flies in the face of what she's trying to accomplish. You can't ask the unarmed citizens of the city to stand up to criminals when the armed protectors want to hide.

A HISTORY OF FAILED POLICING

Baltimore is a tough city, whose streets are ruled by tough thugs. Peter Hermann's article quoted above lays it out and sums it up better than any I've seen. Even going into the thousands of false arrests made by Baltimore Police over the years. Excellent piece, but I need to add. The Baltimore Police made over 700,000 arrests, and it was under Martin O'Malley as Mayor. According to Stephen Janis, formerly of The Baltimore Examiner, now the head man at Investigative Voice, Baltimore had the highest rate of arrests of any American city. And YES, this was from the directions and orders of Martin O'Malley. No wonder no one trusts the police.

MOST MURDERS IN BALTIMORE ARE NEVER SOLVED

This would have been great if there was a noticeable benefit to the public. Sadly, crime in Baltimore continued to escalate out of control. The only true result of this failed policy is a public that has even more distrust of the police than ever before. This has led to the "Stop Snitching" culture and is responsible for the remarkably low and dismal closure rate the Baltimore police have with murders.

At this point, the only logical thing to happen next is for Mayor Sheila Dixon to firmly order the Baltimore Police Department to immediately cease and desist this futile policy. The policy came out of no where. So suddenly did it emerge that the City Council had to hold a hearing with the Police Commissioner Bealefeld in order to learn of it. This happened weeks after the policy was already introduced. No tell me, what kind of ass backwards affair is this.

If it came about suddenly, it should be ended suddenly.

Mayor Dixon, please, for the sake of justice and liberty, of abiding by the law, and for the people of Baltimore, END THIS UNNEEDED POLICY NOW! IT IS BAD FOR BALTIMORE.

BREAKING: Police To Reconsider "Secret Police" Policy

You Complained, The Spectator Spoke, City Hall Listened

by Wisdom Youth, Intern/Special Assistant to the Managing Editor
12 March 2009
(EARLY DRAFT -- be part of the process, email suggestions or corrections, or use the comments link below article)

After a fiery Baltimore Spectator editorial yesterday calling for a lawsuit against the City of Baltimore and the Baltimore Police Department, we learn the policy of not releasing the names of officers who shoot citizens is going to be revised per request of Mayor Sheila Dixon. The editorial written by Spectator Managing Editor A.F. James MacArthur was one of the most strongly worded along with a host of stories and editorials from the Baltimore Sun denouncing the "Secret Police" policy.

MacArthur was asked to comment on this latest development in the ongoing saga/feud involving differences between City Hall and the police department. "Having studied criminal justice at advanced level, along with years of practical field law enforcement experience, I was very disturbed to city police taking a huge step backwards."

In an article in The Baltimore Sun, reporter Justin Fenton quotes police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi echoing words first stated by MacArthur. "What works in the federal government, New York and Atlanta may or may not work in Baltimore." Guglielmi had frequently pointed to other jurisdictions with similar policies but seems to have conceeded that it may not be the best option for Baltimore.

When asked why he was so troubled and passionate in speaking against the policy, MacArthur added, "In this city we have enough trouble of the people not trusting the police. As time went on, with the recent marked increase in police shootings in Baltimore, the policy would have only served to further widen the gap between citizens and the police. The us versus them mentality is one often perpetuated by police, and it's bad for everyone."

No date or time table has been given for when a revised policy will be ready. The Baltimore Spectator will remain aggressively vigilant on this issue. When the "Secret Police" policy changes, Spectator readers will be among the first to know.
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Wisdom Youth is a student of Morgan State University. His role with MacArthur Media is more integral than can ever possibly be put into words. Mr. MacArthur would also like to publicly give credit to the Baltimore Sun and Justin Fenton for being a strong voice in opposing this policy and pushing for change.

**NEW TALK RADIO SHOW**

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Baltimore Reporters Need To Grow A Set!

FOREWORD: I'm still leaving, but there's still a few parting shots left. I used like six shooters, and I usually kept two on me for extra firepower (before the BPD disarmed me, thanks for leaving me vulnerable to my enemies and offering no protection in return, only false, empty assurances -- remember the things I've seen, the things I know, the killings I was way too close too? probably not, again, thanks... FOR NOTHING!)
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Secret Police Policy Wrong For Baltimore -- Public Trust Sagging

by A.F. James MacArthur, Managing Editor, with T.R. Mencken Editor In Chief
11 March 2009
(FINAL -- be part of the process, email suggestions or corrections, or use the comments link below article)
At 17, A.F. James MacArthur enlisted in the U.S. Marines. A qualified expert rifleman able to drop human sized targets 1000 yards out!
NOTE: Ordinarily I would never preface any piece with a disclaimer.

A recent Baltimore Sun editorial, denounced the Baltimore Police Department policy of not releasing the names of police officers who shoot citizens. If this speaks for many of you, if you share the same view, if you truly have a mission to get out the truth, if truly you care for the citizens of Baltimore. If the City Council and Mayor Dixon won't do a damn thing about it. There's only one thing left to do.

SUE THE BALTIMORE POLICE DEPARTMENT

The department, along with the City Of Baltimore are in direct violation of numerous laws (wouldn't be the first time). The federal Freedom Of Information Act, and the Maryland "Sunshine Laws" just to name a few. If not the letter of the law, certainly the spirit of the law. THIS IS WRONG! TO PUT UP WITH IT IS WRONG! TO TOLERATE IT IS WRONG!

So as Baltimore Police Commissioner, Frederick Bealefeld once said to me, we need to stop talking about it, and do something. Sue em already! Overturn this thing now! I can guarantee it cannot, nay, it will not, stand up in any court of law, if justice is a creature, rare as it may be, that still exists.

Before I close, let me help you a little. Get with the ACLU, the NAACP (yes, they can help), and all the other groups interested in truth and justice, and do this together. We all may differ in mission and purpose, but on this, we can all be united.

Who will initiate this? My time in this place is short. My resources now severely limited. I once worked with a staff of four in a small office running a company with several million dollars sales per year. Now, I'm just a mere blogger, a citizen/activist journalist. No influence, no reach, and a tiny limited audience.

Maybe the mainstream media will pick this up, but chances are they won't. Too many are afraid of making waves, of stirring things up, of losing precious access, or no longer getting good quotes. Who ever picks up this torch and runs with it will do the people of Baltimore a big service and will be a hero to me. That same torch will shine light on the darkness. The darkness that surrounds this town where corruption and deception runs rampant. When the police shoots someone, we need to know as much as possible in a timely fashion. It is all our business. What do they have to hide. If they keep secrets, how can we trust them?

Like a dam that has broken, it will take a lot more than just a little boy and his little finger to fix this. When you do it, don't give me any credit. I don't need it, I don't want it. Just do it! PLEASE!!! Consider it a parting gift from me to you and to the people of Baltimore. They deserve to know the truth. Like my friends in intelligence used to say, you never saw me, I was never here.
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AFTERWORD: Despite what has been said by some, T.R. Mencken actually is a real person. He's been a mentor, I've known him for a while. A bit reclusive, he prefers to stand back and be out of the spotlight. The entire project of the Baltimore Spectator was actually his idea to help me get out the story of one of my many false arrests and harassment at the hands of the Baltimore Police Department.

With a final trial coming up, injustice and evil can still prevail, and I could wind up locked in jail. We'll see...

PLEASE FORWARD TO ANY AND ALL WHO MAY HELP -- STOP BALTIMORE FROM DRIFTING EVER CLOSER TOWARDS CHINESE DEMOCRACY, AN OXYMORON IN ITSELF

**NEW TALK RADIO SHOW**

Discuss this story and other topics on the new show "SPEAK UP"with James MacArthur Live from The Bunker- Heard World Wide

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Shooting From The Hip -- Editorial - My Harshest Ever

Frederick Bealefeld's Police State/Baltimore's Chinese Democracy 2009

by A.F. James MacArthur, Managing Editor
11 March 2009 - 0600 hrs
(REVISED -- be part of the process, email suggestions or corrections)
At 17, A.F. James MacArthur enlisted in the U.S. Marines. A qualified expert rifleman able to drop human sized targets 1000 yards out!

NOTE: Ordinarily I would never preface any of my pieces with a disclaimer.

THE BATTLE OF BALTIMORE CONTINUES

While we all acknowledge that Baltimore is a messed up place with an out of control crime rate. Well, maybe not all of us, many still seem to be in deep denial. A large part of the burden to turn this place around, falls on the police department. Whether or not Baltimore can ever be turned around remains debatable. When over 200 murders in a year is a 40 year low, and a cause to celebrate, folks, we really have a problem. A big stinking, nasty, rotting fish left out on the docks in the midday sun problem. The crisis faced on our streets, the Battle Of Baltimore, should be given the priority given to a foreign war by Washington. (read full story)

Shooting From The Hip -- Editorial - My Harshest Ever

Frederick Bealefeld's Police State/Baltimore's Chinese Democracy 2009

by A.F. James MacArthur, Managing Editor
11 March 2009 - 0600 hrs
(REVISED -- be part of the process, email suggestions or corrections)
At 17, A.F. James MacArthur enlisted in the U.S. Marines. A qualified expert rifleman able to drop human sized targets 1000 yards out!

NOTE: Ordinarily I would never preface any of my pieces with a disclaimer.

THE BATTLE OF BALTIMORE CONTINUES

While we all acknowledge that Baltimore is a messed up place with an out of control crime rate. Well, maybe not all of us, many still seem to be in deep denial. A large part of the burden to turn this place around, falls on the police department. Whether or not Baltimore can ever be turned around remains debatable. When over 200 murders in a year is a 40 year low, and a cause to celebrate, folks, we really have a problem. A big stinking, nasty, rotting fish left out on the docks in the midday sun problem. The crisis faced on our streets, the Battle Of Baltimore, should be given the priority given to a foreign war by Washington.

All else is futile until we get this crime problem fully under control. The population will continue to shrink (see my announcement), tourist numbers will remain flat, or even possibly decline, and public confidence has already taken a leap off a cliff. Again I say, this is a war, and fighting it has got to be our top priority with appropriate resources available to support the fight. With this being said, the resources and those who use them must be under the control and over site of the public, as represented by City Council.

Commissioner Frederick Bealefeld appears to be a capable field general. Moral on the force appear to be up, and strides have been made in reducing crime in certain areas. But at what cost? Public confidence in the Baltimore Police is low, and getting lower. As a 30 year police veteran, Bealefeld naturally wants to out his cops first. But this has to be balanced with the interest of the public. WE CANNOT HAVE SECRET POLICE. NOT NAMING OFFICERS WHO SHOOT, IS ANOTHER STEP TOWARDS SECRET POLICE, CAN ANYONE SAY GESTAPO?

The decision to stop releasing names of officers who shoot must be reversed now! It is wrong, it is illegal, and is a misguided attempt to protect officers. Let me let you in on a little secret. Police work is dangerous work. That's why they're allowed to carry guns 24/7 and the rest of us sheep are on our own in fending off the wolves. Never mind the rights granted us by the Constitution of The United States. This is Baltimore, a city/island unto itself. The Constitution was thrown out here a long time ago. Don't believe me, just ask the over 700,000 people arrested in the eight years Martin O'Malley was mayor. The same people who mostly saw their cases dropped, charges thrown out, with lack of evidence and no probable cause (more on this matter later). The results, except under Norris' brief reign, O'Malleys tenure saw crime rapidly escalate with the streets becoming a dangerous killing fields, where blood flowed like rain water.

WHERE WAS THE COMMISSIONER?

When Deputy Commissioner Deborah Owens clumsily fumbled and stumbled over her notes in attempting to answer some rather basic questions at the hearing, I was truly embarrassed for her. Jack Young was visibly ticked off. And by ever right, he should be. Young cried out the Commissioner was supposed to be here and the courtesy of a simple phone call would have been nice. Who's running the show anyhow?

So Bealefeld get's to kick out council members from meetings (remember Comstat?), Sheryl Goldstein and others from the Mayors office get to secretly dictate and push and pull the strings, then Anthony Gugliemi, the PR man, gets to develop departmental policy (see video). Just like in the hearing at City Hall, I'm confused. Instead of gaining insight, and learning some answers, I'm left not only with more questions, but certainly more disgust.

AN WINNABLE WAR WITHOUT PUBLIC SUPPORT

Public safety is a concern to all. We must strive hard in achieving it. But at what cost? An us versus them mentality, the kind psychologists tell us most cops develop after only a few year on the force, this is often among the root cause of many instances of civil rights violations, police misconduct, and abuse of power. This may be necessary for self preservation on the streets, but it does not make for good policy making.

CITY COUNCIL MUST ACT IMMEDIATELY!

Not releasing the names of officers who kill while on duty is bad business. I don't care if the FBI or other do it. This is the Baltimore Police Department. They do not have the reputation of the FBI. Let's keep it real folks! If this is not done, then we must all step out of the way, and let the stormtroopers goose step in their jackboots, ever closer towards a totalitarian police state. Remember, Nazification did not happen over night.

So as my friends in China continue to celebrate (this is true), telling me of all the increases in government transparency and growing civil rights. I sit back and weep. For in the home of the formerly brave and the used to be free, our rights are shrinking and the sun is setting on what used to be, is supposed to be, a government of the people, for the people, and by the people. Yeah right, give me a better fairy tale to tell my children.

RAWLINGS-BLAKE & YOUNG TO BE COMMENDED

What ever their true motivations were in bring up yesterday's hearing, which was supposed to be about police overtime reduction and increasing homicides, Council President Rawlings-Blake, and Public Safety Committee Chairman, Jack Young deserve a few kudos. Harsh questions must continue to be asked. We cannot just simply take the first answers given. Imagine if the detectives interrogated this way.

When Bealefeld testified before City Council, he said there were 23 threats to officers last year, and this was used as justification for the secret police policy, you guys bought it. Now, thanks to Justin Fenton of the Baltimore Sun, we learn that this was a bunch of bull. Not one of the the threats was related to a cop shooting someone. Even worse, one threat was from one cop to another. Let me tell you, you never gonna stop fratricide. Wait a second? Did I say that? Think it hasn't happened here already? Ha!

By the way, now that we see there really was no justification or actual threats uttered, and this policy has been ushered in under false pretenses. Let me ask you this; the egg on your face, is it scrambled or fried?
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While the announcement of the closing of The Baltimore Spectator was made on Monday, perhaps it was not clarified, indeed a closure is coming, but Monday WAS NOT the last day. Sorry for any confusion, and thanks for all the support, letters, phone calls and words of encouragement.

Stay tuned for more, there's a lot I still have to get off my chest before my work here is done.

ALSO SEE:

Police Threats Not Related To Shootings -- Justin Fenton Tosses Eggs In Bealefelds Face

Sun Editorial Denouncing Secret Police In Baltimore