Cops Who Commit Crimes Must Be Promptly Punished

Few things more greatly undermine the public's confidence in a police department than when the system shows them to be above the law.

All talk of equal justice and such is meaningless when in practice, those sworn to uphold the law are routinely allowed to disregard the law.

You can pick any town, or city in this country, and there are probably well publicized cases where police have clearly violated the law, but as if often the case, rather than be promptly arrested, -- as would be the case for the rest of us mere citizens -- the accused criminal cops are placed on extended periods of paid leave before any serious or disciplinary action is taken. If any is ever taken at all.

When officers break the law, they need to be arrested. Swiftly. Just like anyone else would be. The preferential treatment must stop.

No community will cooperate with the law, or work in partnership to help solve crime if they feel police are able to break the law and get away with it.

All the cameras in the world, be they dashcams, bodycams, or even hidden cams are worthless if there isn't the political will to aggressively pursue and prosecute, those who abuse the public trust, by abdicating their duty to uphold and protect the law.

Citizens should not be fooled by political overtures meant to seem as if accountability is being sought, when in  truth, where the rubber meets the road, nothing really happens.

Two months later, after brutally beating down a citizen, in a video that's been seen by anyone in Baltimore even half awake, Baltimore Police Officer Vincent Cosom is still being paid, and still uncharged with a crime. Despite the police commissioner, and even the mayor and others explicitly stating what they've seen on the video is inexcusable and unjustifiable, thus far, all we've gotten is cheap talk and no action.

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Researcher, independent investigative journalist, and entrepreneur, A.F. James MacArthur has been a member of the underground news network for over 20 years. During this time, he's been a frequent subject of attack by government officials under the guise of law enforcement. Although closely watched and followed, he's often boycotted from being given any credit for his work by mainstream media.
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Email MacArthurMedia@gmail.com, @BaltoSpectator on twitter, Spreaker web radio, BlogTalk Radio, Baltimore Spectator on Facebook,YouTube channel

Police Fail To Follow Own Policy On Cameras

James MacArthur/MacArthur Media

A recent, highly publicized incident, involving the assault and harassment of a photographer at a crime scene by Baltimore Police, have thrust the issue of First Amendment rights into the public consciousness. 

Incidents of Baltimore Police violating the First Amendment rights of citizens are not new here. Truthfully there have been many well documented instances for years now. The beleaguered department seems to have a particular penchant for displaying a gross disregard for the rights of citizens.

It is notable that the only time the issue seems to get played up in the media, is when the victim of this abuse is someone other than a person of color. Put simply, when black people are being routinely harassed, threatened and intimidated by Baltimore Police, The Baltimore Sun, and nearly every other local media - who mostly only follow the lead of the Sun - make little if any mention of it, and quickly move on, implying a tacit approval of police misconduct going on under their watch.

That is, until it involves their own. Then and only then, is it a big deal, even spurring a public apology from Police Commissioner Anthony Batts, and the launching of an immediate investigation. If only the everyday citizens of Baltimore, daily dealing with abuse from overly- aggressive, poorly trained, heavy handed officers, could be so lucky.

Instead, having no voice, they typically suffer in silence, taking their place among the choice-less, with media ignoring the role of being a voice for the voiceless.

Addendum:

In November 2012, the Baltimore Police Department finalized and adopted a formal policy for dealing with photography and video. Despite being sent to every officer via email, discussed during roll call, and plenty of media mention initially, General Order J-16 has become in practice, nothing more than mere suggestions. Well written words of damage control.

Having absolutely no effect on officers behavior, with no punishment or discipline mechanism in place for violators, the rights of citizens in Baltimore continue to be crushed by the cops.

In the video below, the author is seen talking to Baltimore Police Commissioner Anthony Batts, while surrounded by police. Police were initially threatening arrest for doing nothing more than standing on a sidewalk and taking pictures. Courtesy of Justin Fenton/The Baltimore Sun.

Baltimore Police General Order J-16: photo, video policy

Upon discovery that a bystander is observing, photographing, or video recording the conduct of police activity:

1. DO NOT impede or prevent the bystander's ability to continue doing so based solely on your discovery of his/her presence.

2. DO NOT seize or otherwise demand to take possession of any camera or video recording device the bystander may possess based solely on your discovery of his/her presence.

3. DO NOT demand to review, manipulate, or erase any images or video recording captured by the bystander based solely on your discovery of his/her presence.

4. For investigative purposes, be mindful of the potential that the bystander may witness, or capture images/video of events considered at some later time to be material evidence.

5. BEFORE taking any police action which would stop a bystander from observing, photographing, or video recording the conduct of police activity, Officer(s) must have observed the bystander committing some act [deemed criminal, such as obstruction, disorderly conduct or interfering with an officer's lawful duties].

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Researcher, independent investigative journalist, and entrepreneur, A.F. James MacArthur has been a member of the underground news network for over 20 years. During this time, he's been a frequent subject of attack by government officials under the guise of law enforcement. Although closely watched and followed, he's often boycotted from being given any credit for his work by mainstream media.
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Get Better Connected With Me

Email MacArthurMedia@gmail.com, @BaltoSpectator on twitter, Spreaker web radio, BlogTalk Radio, Baltimore Spectator on Facebook,YouTube channel

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Police Torture Admitted To, Chicago Mayor Apologizes

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel responded Wednesday to a two-decade saga of police torture in a way none of his predecessors had done before: He apologized.

A secret unit operating under the direction of former Chicago police commander Jon Burge carried out systematic torture of suspects in criminal cases, mainly African-Americans on Chicago's South Side, to produce false confessions between 1972 and 1991.

In total, the city of Chicago has spent about $85 million for settlements and legal fees related to police torture cases. Cook County has spent about $10.7 million.

With at least 100 cases pending, the city faces heavy demands for compensation to victims. Mayor Rahm Emanuel has set aside more than $27 million to settle lawsuits for 2013 alone.

Read Full Story

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Police Sgt. suspended 28 days without pay for arresting man for video recording

Man was arrested, for recording another arrest. 

WECT TV6-WECT.com:News, weather

By Adam Wagner
StarNews Online

A Leland [North Carolina] Police Department officer was suspended for 28 days without pay after arresting a teenager who was video-recording another arrest.

"(Citizens) can't interfere with what (police) have going on. You may ask them to step back a certain distance from a scene, but you can't prevent videoing or taking pictures," David Hollis, Leland town manager.

Sgt. John Keel arrested Gabriel Self, 19, on Aug. 18 while Self filmed him questioning a suspect outside the Buy & Go gas station, 9413 Ploof Road S.E.

Self's arrest spurred Leland Police Chief Mike James to conduct a department-wide workshop about its recording policy to avoid future incidents. Keel will receive additional training.

Read more

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Commissioner To Cops: "Do What Is Right"

Even when sleeping, Baltimore Police

 are "ever on the watch."

Cops Caught Sleeping Prompt Email From Baltimore Police Commissioner
By A.F. James MacArthur Ph.A.L.
Agitator-In-Chief
@BaltoSpectator

The Baltimore Police Department, with it's many problems, scandals and public relations disasters, has a new issue to deal with. Police officers caught-on-camera, sleeping on the job.

Several recent incidents, captured on smart phones from citizens, have created a flurry of buzz in the news and on social media. However, cops caught sleeping in cars isn't exactly new, nor unique to Baltimore.

Incidentally, the picture below, of a Baltimore Police officer sleeping in his car, was taken just blocks away from MacArthur Media world headquarters. Although I didn't take the picture, I easily could have. I've actually seen cops sleeping on that exact parking lot on Greenmount Avenue, the infamous "Corridor Of Death."

Being Black, It's Easy To Be killed For No Good Reason... Beyond Trayvon

A small sampling of tragedies you may not have heard about.

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Detroit Does It Again -- Cops Pretending To Be Cops Caught Committing Crime

Like their city, The Detroit Police Dept. is 

falling apart.

Over Aggressive Criminal Cops And A Dying Decaying City Go Hand In Hand

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

Agitator-In-Chief

@BaltoSpectator

When a city goes downhill,  morale plummets and it shows in many ways.

In the latest bit of bizarre criminal corruption coming out of Detroit, we learn of two police sergeants who went around posing as pretend cops beating and robbing people.  One of the the two unidentified cops had 20 years on the job. We have to wonder how much of this supervisors moral defect was passed along to his subordinates during that time.

"Using a police officer’s badge and gun to commit crime is a particularly egregious threat to the community" Timothy Groh, FBI Special Agent 

Of course, this isn't the first time two Detroit Police officers were busted for pulling people over and robbing them. Maybe the sergeants learned from these two guys.

Our Nation No Longer Has Cops -- Commentary

Originally published in The National Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Shame. A MacArthur Media transparency project.

"It's now a national standard that cops have a very low IQ. After candidates are determined to be of extremely low IQ, they're put through a battery of psychological tests to identify and select sociopaths to be hired and trained.

Moral thinkers need not apply.

The result is brain-dead psychopaths who will obey any order without question and who are totally incapable of understanding human rights and thus are always willing TO KILL YOU without the slightest hesitation.

Our nation no longer has cops. We have heavily armed enforcer street gangs behind badges."  Ralph E Berkeypile Jr

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Feeling Surrounded, Baltimore Spectator Confronts Police Commander

Tyrone West, killed by Baltimore Police.

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

Agitator-In-Chief

@BaltoSpectator

At the vigil last night for recent in-custody fatality Tyrone West, there was a noticeable, heavy police presence. Many people observing this were quite taken aback.

Candle holding supporters, family and friends gathered on the corner of Kitmore Rd and Kelway Rd. 

With uniformed officers all around, in addition to plain clothes units circling in cars, it felt as if Baltimore Police were preparing for something big to go down. Mind you, this was a peaceful vigil, planned to remember a man, who witnesses say was beaten and stomped to death by Baltimore Police.

It should come as no surprise, but I'm not big on looking all around and seeing nothing but blue uniforms. 

Neighborhood welcome committee. There were much more than this.
(@BmoreBloc/Baltimore Spectator)

There were lots of murmurings in the crowd about the heavy presence. Some gave glares and stares. Others weren't so subtle, even calling out the police on the mic while addressing supporters attending the vigil. No doubt, Baltimore Police were an unwelcome presence on this street corner. Just last week they'd killed a man on this very spot.

Police are used to people being afraid and intimidated by them. After All, they've proven time and time again they have the power to kill at will, and suffer no repercussions, always finding a way to justify their violent acts.. So for the average citizen, fear of confrontation and contact is not unreasonable at all.

Unfortunately for those employing psychological tactics of intimidation, some of us aren't so easily moved. Instead of guessing and wondering why the hell there were so many police, I decided to step away from the crowd, and as a dutiful investigative journalist, go to the source and just ask. 

I'd like to thank my brave team of independent, underground guerrilla journalists, the Certified Bomb Technicians, for coming along to not only document the "interview,' but their presence also ensured Baltimore Police would be on their best behavior. An uncommon occurrence these days. 

Below is a raw video clip. A better one is coming, stay tuned for that. The sound isn't that great, but the visuals are priceless. Notice the group of cops on the right, immediately scurrying away from the presence of our cameras. Capt. Johnson on the other hand, being a commander, was somewhat obliged to maintain a professional presence.

Never be afraid to confront your enemy and face your accusers.

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Community activist, independent journalist, and entrepreneur, A.F. James MacArthur is used to not being welcomed in public places.

Email MacArthurMedia@gmail.com, @BaltoSpectator on twitter, Spreaker web radio, BlogTalk Radio, Baltimore Spectator on Facebook,YouTube channel

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Artscape Was Great Until... An Open Letter To The Mayor

Artscape regular, James MacArthur, with a subtle message.

To The Honorable Madame Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake

One of the highlights of my summers in Baltimore has always been Artscape. This year was no exception. My visit to the annual free festival was nearly perfect, until a most unfortunate incident. 

Although [this time] I wasn't the primary target of the sheer rudeness and brusque treatment given to visitors by members of the Baltimore Police Department. What I saw at the end was quite disheartening.

The city spends a lot of time and money encouraging people to visit Baltimore. Not only do we need them to come to our festivals, we need them to spend their money here. The economic boost is unquestionable. It would be great if the police, by their actions, didn't undermine this effort.

"If I go on the internet talking bad about Baltimore Police, this is something I'm gonna have to deal with repercussions of..."

"Artscape is closed, you gotta shutdown!" said the unidentified policeman, his tone firm and gruff. Hardly the way to speak to a vendor. These folks spend big money to be part of city promotions.

Police have a legitimate job to do, but this doesn't mean when they do it, all courtesy and tact should be discarded.

While vendors were finishing up their final sales, the police returned several times hammering home the message in the same impolite manner.

For vendors who'd spent good money for the opportunity to sell there, back to back temporary emergency closures on account of hazardous weather, had already put a dent in expected sales. With piles of already prepared food still on hand, attempting to sell off a few last minute items to hungry patrons shouldn't be treated as a disruptive act.

Welcome To Baltimore

Even visitors were not spared. They too were doled a dose of the unique customer service experience by these shining ambassadors of the city of Baltimore. Pedestrians walking into an area, that had just minutes before been wide open all day, were sternly told to turn around and leave "ARTSCAPE IS CLOSED!" 

Community Welcoming Committee: Note hand placement of cop on the right.

Despite the out of control violence our city is currently in midst of, if we're to see any true sustainable growth, it's not just the bad guys that will have to get their act together.

You may have not heard any reports of these incidents in the media, but I caution not to take that to mean it didn't happen. I spoke to a vendor and asked him how he felt about what was going on. In quite strong language, he vented and expressed his dissatisfaction.

I asked him for permission to record his interview, he flat out told me no. Then went on to add: "I live in the city. I don't want to be a target. If I go on the internet talking bad about Baltimore Police, this is something I'm gonna have to deal with repercussions of, I gotta live here!"

Somehow, I don't imagine having large segments of the population, living under a sphere of fear and terror, of those paid and sworn to serve and protect, is how we're going to make our city more attractive.

It was just two year ago when you said; "If Baltimore is to have a future, the leadership in the city has to focus on making the city a vibrant, growing city... if you're not focused on growing it, you're resigned to a slow death." You also famously stated you had a goal of seeing 10,000 new families in 10 years. Will there be a progress report issued on this to see how it's working out and where we're at?

Despite my own personal negative experience with the Baltimore Police Department, this brief account of some of what I saw at Artscape isn't good for the city. 

Again, I ask you and your administration to take seriously the repeated call for concrete ACTION towards reforming our police department. Not just talk. God knows we've already had too much of that. Common courtesy goes a long way Madame Mayor. You want us to work with them, they're gonna have to work with us.

Yours Truly;

A.F. James MacArthur

Citizen, taxpayer (during non incarcerated years), curator of common sense

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Community activist, independent journalist, and entrepreneur, A.F. James MacArthur is used to not being welcomed in public places.

Email MacArthurMedia@gmail.com, @BaltoSpectator on twitter, Spreaker web radio, BlogTalk Radio, Baltimore Spectator on Facebook,YouTube channel

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Mississippi State Trooper Gets 33 Months Federal Prison Time, Kicked, Stomped Woman

Christopher G. Hughes has been sentenced to 33 months in federal prison.

Per indictment, Hughes transported a woman to the jail and then, “acting under color of law,” threw her onto the concrete floor, stomped her head against the floor and kicked her “without legal justification,” injuring her and depriving her of her constitutional rights to freedom from excessive force and from unreasonable searches and seizures.

Without a plea deal, Hughes faced up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

There will be a full profile of Trooper Hughes in the next update of The National Law Enforcement Officers Hall Of Shame (LEOHOS)

Drunken, Shirtless, Off Duty Cop, Points Gun At Store Clerk

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Better Police/Community Relations? Jack Young Responds

Potential candidate for vacant Baltimore Police Training 

Academy commander position.

Suspicion and distrust of The Baltimore Police department remains high among city residents. A recent in-custody death of a man hasn't helped. For years city residents have expressed doubt about whose side are police really on.

For the last month, we've seen repeated cries and pleadings from police and city officials for increased "cooperation from the community." They say police desperately need our help in fighting out-of-control crime in Baltimore. To that, our response has been cooperation is indeed needed, but we must see the police extend a hand to the community as well.

Courtesy and professionalism, in our experience, is something sorely lacking among Baltimore Police. 

We asked Baltimore City Council President Bernard C. "Jack" Young for input. Originally published on North Baltimore Patch, here's how it went:

Publisher A.F. James MacArthur, a "serious threat to 

public safety." 

(Larry "Celebrity Cab Driver" Wallace/Baltimore Spectator)

Dear President Young; 

With the continued call for increased community cooperation with the police, what is being done by you and your colleagues to ensure people of protection when doing this? 

Also, there's a well known, well deserved reputation in the community, that the police don't really care about us, and view [all] us (black men) as criminal suspects.

When they respond to a scene, they're often rude and condescending to all present, including potential vital witnesses. I've heard no elected official address working with the department to improve community relations from their end. 

It's a two way street sir. If citizens are being called to cooperate, the police must be required to operate at a higher level of professionalism.

Baltimore City Council President Bernard C. "Jack" Young's response:

Jack Young gets it.

A F James MacArthur,

I for years have stressed to the leaders of BPD [Baltimore Police Department] the importance of customer service. And my very first conversation with Commissioner Batts centered on the absolute need to incorporate better customer service training into the teaching at the Academy. 

I have also told Commissioner Batts that I'm willing to address recruits personally and implore them to become great communicators. I know that the majority of our officers are hard-working, great individuals. 

But I've also witnessed officers being rude first-hand. I had a personal experience with this during a traffic stop years ago. I get it. It's something I talk about all the time. And whenever I encounter a police officer I make sure to let him/her know that treating people with respect (whether you think they're criminal or not) is a necessary part of their job.

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