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.

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**

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

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