Racial Profiling, Harassment, Threat & Intimidation By Baltimore Police

The message below, sent to Commissioner Frederick Bealefeld, of the Baltimore Police Department, details the most recent incident of officers violating my civil rights.  Copies were also sent to various media.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


To: Frederick H. Bealefeld III Commissioner, Baltimore Police Department

CC:  FBI, Honorable Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Baltimore City Council, Members Of Media

Civil Rights Advocacy Groups

Copies will also be sent via U.S. Postal Service

Commissioner Bealefeld,

I would like to draw your attention to an unfortunate incident regarding Officer K. Rodriguez and others, taking place in the Southern District.  Rodriguez was the primary antagonist, accompanied and assisted by Officer Perry.  Officer Rodriguez's conduct displayed a lack of good judgement, lack of common sense, and most distressingly, a fundamental lack of understanding of the constitutional and civil rights of a citizen and a member of the press.  His conduct also had a clear overtone of racial discrimination. 

A person behaving in such a way as was displayed by Rodriguez should not be allowed to serve the public and, presents a serious liability to the Baltimore Police Department, the City of Baltimore, and to the citizens of this city.

I have personally witnessed and been subject to a systematic, continuous, perilous pattern of harassment and routine violations of my constitutional and civil rights, by the Baltimore Police Department.  The purpose of this message is to bring to your full and complete awareness the most recent incident, ranking among the most egregious violations of my rights by members of this department (see 'Details Of Complaint' below) 

Being so informed, by allowing these actions to continue, you would be considered criminally compliant, by your inaction to prevent.

Pictured left to right, Larry "The Celebrity" Cab Driver,  Police  Commissioner Frederick H. Bealefeld III, & the author.

As a well known, respected, highly popular figure on the local news scene, I deserve the ability to practice my craft, as a constitutionally protected activity, without unnecessary and undue harassment, and infringement by the Baltimore Police.

In the past, attempts to handle these matters at the district level, and even through internal affairs, have proven to be largely futile and wholly ineffective.  This is only the latest incident, in which your officers have singled me out while attempting to report the news, for a special brand of harassment and intimidation.  I was once even arrested for nothing other than refusing to put away my camera, while in a public space.  It is my fear that this situation will continue unabated until it rises to the level of someone getting hurt.  This of course is entirely unnecessary, and preventable, by action only you can take.  

Covering breaking news at a clandestine meth lab explosion.

A memorandum of understanding, increased training and awareness as to the rights and duties of the press in a free and democratic society seems in order for members of your department.  The willful and oppressive, intimidating, threatening actions of those sworn to protect and uphold the law will not be tolerated.

Commissioner, you must turn this around.  Your response and intended remedy to this most pressing matter is desired. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE.  

Yours In Freedom And Truth

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

Independent Investigative Journalist

Director

MacArthur Media International

Direct: 410-205-6397

Crime & Community Reporter

InvestigativeVoice.com

News & Commentary

1010 AM WOLB,

Larry Young Morning Show

Taxi Talk in The Afternoon

P.S. Having practiced journalism in various forms, for nearly 20 years, photographing and interviewing among others a wide array of politicians and elected officials, including  Presidents, senators, congressmen, local leaders and all manner of celebrities and popular figures, around the country and even overseas, covering all manner of breaking news and emergencies, no where have I experienced more issues of harassment and ill treatment by police, than in Baltimore City.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DETAILS OF INCIDENT WITH OFFICER K. RODRIGUEZ, BALTIMORE POLICE DEPARTMENT

On the night of 4 September, 2011, shortly before midnight, I received information from a source there was a rescue underway for a person in the water near the Potee St./Hanover St. bridge, believed to be a suicide jumper.  As a member of media covering issues of public safety, I responded to the area in attempts at gathering information for a story.

Upon my arrival, there was no crime scene tape, or officers cordoning off an area.  I walked several hundred feet towards the center of the bridge where there was a large gathering of people. Among them were numerous civilians and members of both the Baltimore City Fire Dept. and the Baltimore Police. As I begin to walk around the perimeter of scene, taking wide angle photographs and making notes, the first person to acknowledged me was a uniformed, white shirted, commander of the Baltimore Police. I did not take note of his name, but he acknowledged me with a friendly smile, wave, head-nod and the words 'how you doing?'

Wearing a bright safety orange "incident vest" clearly displaying with large letters and the word "PRESS" along with my name, in addition to the camera hanging from my neck, there could be no mistaking who I was and my purpose for being there.

Several uniformed officers also acknowledged my presence in a friendly and courteous manner as did members of the Fire Dept.  It was not until I was seen by a sergeant, wearing no name tag on his uniform, did the troubles begin.

The sergeant immediately began to rudely and aggressively question me and told me I could not be there. Having been to literally hundreds of crime scenes over the years as a reporter, photojournalist or in some of other capacity, I found his actions to be quite strange and off putting, as I was not in physically in the way, or interfering with the ongoing search and rescue operations, nor was there any danger presented to myself by being there.

I politely identified myself as a member of media, and told him I was here to do a story, and that under the law my actions were permissible.  I asked if there was a designated area he would like me to stage in; he then continued to speak to me in a rude, aggressive and threatening manner stated I would be arrested if I did not leave immediately. He then signaled two officers towards me.

Immediately Officer Rodriguez rushed towards me reaching out with his hands as if to grab me, while Officer Perry backed him up displaying a pair of handcuffs. This action shocked me, as I was not aware of having committed any crime, and I felt the officers were about to falsely imprison me, then later articulate a conjured up reason as to justify an arrest.  This has been done before.

In a clear, stern voice, I informed the officers that I broke no law, and if any of them were to touch me, it would be a violation of my rights.  Rodriguez got within inches of my faces and began to address me in a very uncivil, ridiculing manner.  When he told me to "turn around and get out of here," I told him he was standing way too close to me, and I would never turn my back on someone acting in such a threatening manner. He then gestured as if to strike me or place hands on me again.  At this point, I told him his actions are unnecessary and uncalled for, I would be vacating the area, and if he should touch me, I would consider this an assault. 

Due to the immediate threat displayed by Rodriguez's and Perry's aggressive posture, I began to walk backwards off the bridge.  Fearing some sort of attack from the officers was imminent, I wanted to keep them within eyesight.  All the while,  other civilians on the bridge who happened to be white, did not have this sort of personalized police attention I was receiving.  The officers followed me for a distance of several hundred yards, well away from the scene of the incident.

Fearing for my safety, and believing the situation may escalate, as we were now a great distance away from the scene and supervisors.  I called 911, informed them of the threatening and harassing actions of the officers, and requested a supervisor respond to our location. I remained on the line so the operator could hear the commotion and interaction between Officer Rodriguez and myself. The 911 call lasted over 11 minutes, yet no supervisor ever showed.

At some point during the incident, being unable to gather information for my originally intended news story, I informed the officers they would now be my story, and I would be taking photographs and video of them, so their actions could be documented.  Officer Rodriguez began to violently protest, reaching out as if to grab my camera, then shielding his face, and continuing to threaten me, all the while advancing on me.

What was most disturbing is, while I willingly attempted to leave the scene, I see no reason why the officers felt it necessary to shadow me, essentially stalking and harassing me for several hundred feet.  The scene was that of a search and rescue, there was no danger posed my presence.  No possibility of gun fire, disturbing evidence, risk of explosion etc.

It is my belief that the sergeant and officers were hiding behind the badge, and using the guise of law to willfully and deliberately violate my freedom of the press among other civil rights, their threatening behavior not withstanding.  Judging by the fact of the white civilians in the same area not being harassed, it is also my belief, that the aggressive actions were precipitated by my being a black man, to which this department has a long, dark history, of unfair, illegal, violent and brutal actions, going against all form of decency and human rights.

Incidentally, the entire time, personnel on the bridge, in addition to the FoxTrot Unit (police helicopter), were searching and scanning the area with spotlights, looking for the victim.  Officers Rodriguez and Perry were not helpful in this, as they spent an inordinate amount of time, a great distance away from the scene, while harassing me.  That night the victim was never found.  Two days later, a body was found floating in the immediate vicinity, all evidence indicates this was the body of the person being searched for on the night of the incident.  

Perhaps a rescue might have been effected, while the individual was still alive, were resources more fully and appropriately applied to the situation.

Interesting Sun Reader Comment on The Baltimore Grand Prix

The comment below was from the most recent Baltimore Sun article attempting to present both sides of the argument, for an against the Baltimore Grand Prix.

Capt. Buzz Nichols at 8:00 AM September 04, 2011

I lived in Long Beach, CA when the Grand Prix came to that city.  I’ve also lived in Baltimore, so I know what you are in for.  Two words: mayhem and chaos.  Just as in Long Beach, this venue is for the enjoyment of the few (wealthy and influential), while disrupting and inconveniencing the rest.  

Here is what you are experiencing this weekend :  People are dead because rescue medics are not be able to get to you in a timely manner.  There is a spike in crime, because law enforcement are tied up with directing traffic in circles and crowd control.  Businesses have to close because customers are not able to get to them.  Public transit is interrupted for the many that need it most.  If you are along the race route you are not allowed to leave your home, or get back to it if you have.  

And then there is the noise, the litter, the drunks, and people that could care less about their behavior.  The only people that will make money are the promoters (already wealthy at the expense of tax payers).  And a first time event of this magnitude will cause problems that no one previously thought of.  It took Long Beach about three years before they got it close to right.  Here is another thing.  The cars don’t just show up and race.  There are a few days of practice for the drivers and their crews to prepare.  And then a few days of after event clean up and dismantle of the course.  

I'll Show You Mine, If You Show Me Yours

Sometimes, a simple trip to the bathroom, turns out not quite so simple.  Originally published in 2007 -- A.F. James MacArthur

At one time in my youth, I worked briefly at an organic market in Southern California.  After I left the place I remained on pretty good terms with the staff and owners.  I still shopped there on a regular basis despite my unceremonius departure.  As an athlete, I am constantly pushing fluids, usually water.   Everywhere you see me, there'll be a water bottle nearby.  The new airport restrictions on fluids really suck by the way (no pun intended, but I love sucking water)  It's a conspiracy I tell you.  I am now forced to abandon my water bottle, and purchase the overpriced stuff from the airport vendor once I'm past security.  But I digress.


While in the store, I had a sudden urge.  I mean, I had to go like a race horse.  I ran to the restroom, reached up for the handle of the single occupant mens room, and as I turned the knob, that sinking feeling hit.  OCCUPIED!  The door was locked.  My spirit was crushed and my bladder about to explode.  After waiting around doing some kind of funky squirm dance, I saw a woman come out of the single occupant ladies room.   Hmmmmmmmmm.....


COVER ME, I'M GOING IN!

Look left, look right, coast clear.  When I locked the door behind me a strange feeling hit me.  First off, I truly felt like I was somewhere I didn't belong.  It didn't look much different than the mens room, but there was just a hallowed ground kinda aura to the whole thing.  Somehow it seemed cleaner, somehow it smelled better.  Even looked better with the tasteful art and the bouquet of flowers.  How come they don't put this crap in the mens room anyhow?


As I relieved my self I thought of how as a man, out in the wilds, this process was so instinctively simple to accomplish.  No need to pull down my pants, no need to squat no big deal.  Just turn my back toward where people are, unzip, and discreetely do what I gotta do.  With women it is so much more of a production.  Is that why you guys tend to do it in groups?  You need a look out and a cover person.  But seriously, after my time in the Marine Corps, I got to the point where I could go pee most anywhere, anytime.  There was really no shame.  Hey, it's a natural process, we all gotta do it.


So after several minutes, I was done.  After washing up I was ready to exit.  I stepped out and there was a woman waiting.  The look of shock and horror on her face was unreal.  You would have thought I was OJ and she just witnessed me killing Nicole Brown Simpson.  Sensing that this lady was going to start trouble I quickly utilized my military escape and evasion training and attempted to vacate the scene.  Oh no, not good enough for this lady.  She was locked on target.


Now mind you, the bathroom was a single occupant type, and I locked the door.  Should this really have been a big deal?  Well I guess she must have thought so.  Before I knew it, I heard from behind, "THERE HE IS!"  She was pointing me out to the store manager.  Now, the simple act of heeding a nature call had turned into  a strange man hanging around, going in and out of the ladies room.  I swear, some people.  After much explaining, I was let off the hook but with a stern warning.  The guy was serious too.  He did not buy my story.


FLASH FORWARD YEARS LATER...

So a couple weeks ago I'm in the Boston Market restaurant in Greenbelt Maryland.  I gotta go again.  After ordering my food, I make my way to the mens room.  I reach up, open the door and step in.  "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!"  The shrill ear piercing shriek nearly caused my heart to stop beating.  I look over and a handsome young lady with her pants around her ankles shot to her feet and quickly pulled up her panties.  As I immediately recoiled like a viper having just struck some helpless prey I was puzzled.  What the?  Had I entered the wrong door.  A quick look at the universal symbol on the door reassured me that I was not out of line.


Now in complete shock, yet slighlty amused, I waited in the lobby area.  An older woman, who it turns out was accompaning her said to me, "she didn't have it locked?"  Within a few minutes, a complete red faced girl walked out of the mens room and profusely and embarrasingly apologized to me.

I turned to her and simply said, "it's ok, I'm a doctor."  No complaining to management, no accusations, no desire to cause further embarrassment.  Wish that had been my fate when it was me years earlier.  Some people are just so sensitive.

The Battle Of Baltimore - How To Win It! (originally published 2007)

Summer's here and another election grows near.  

While politicians talk, criminals continue to walk.  

The streets of Baltimore are dangerous and deadly

 as the battle wages on.  

Gone is the hope of growth and mobility.  

Gone is the the hope of peace and prosperity.  

Mamma's crying and she just won't stop.  

She looks around and it's only getting worse.  

She pleads with heaven as baby boy lies in a hearse.  

Another one bites the dust.  

In the police there is no trust.  

Leadership is corrupt and the system is broken.  

On the news lies continue to be spoken,

 but on the street it's reality we meet. 

Thousands have died, many more will follow.  

The empty promises ring hollow as I watch another young man who tried and tried to flee the hood, get taken down buy the gunman's bullet.  

The system in place, it ain't no good.  

It continues to fail the neighborhood.  

Keifer will you crack down on the reefer man bringing down my block?

Ms. Dixon you've gotten your licks in, 

you were temporary, but were you exemplary?

Will you make a difference?  

To me it makes no sense how the bloodshed continues.

In this city there's an all out emergency,

but a sense of urgency I do not see.  

The powers that be, continue to fail you and me.  

Our pleas they ignore as they show us the door.  

Do they really care?  If so, where does it show?  

Not in my neighborhood, not on my street. 

Stand up people, now move your feet!  

Take action, only we can save ourselves.  

Cuz truly it shows, they don't really care about us.  

Fuss if you must, but take action! 

Stand up and fight, rise up with all your might.  

Our community can no longer be a haven for the criminal mavens.  

Without fail they should be in jail, but really it starts with you.  

What you do is make the call.  

Be relentless and report them all.  

If you don't who will?

Do you want to see them continue to kill, kill, kill?

The time for us to work together has begun, 

one by one we can reclaim these streets. 

Block by block, we need to take stock.  

Be proud of your place, stand up to the criminal disgrace.  

For only we can save us.

There ain't no harm in trying to reclaim the charm.

LEGALIZE IT! Jamaican National Commission On Ganja Recommends Decriminalization

Top government officials in Jamaica reviewing commission's recommendations to decriminalize possession of small amounts of weed.

Related:

California Lawmaker Eyes Legalizing Marijuana, $1.4 Billion Revenue Potential

Weed Vs. Weapons, Which Poses Greater Threat? -- Baltimore Police Misguided Focus Possibly Cost A Man's Life

A Brits Warning On Guarding The Second Amendment -- America, Don’t Let This Happen to You

So with gun legislation tightening up gun crime has gone up too, in fact ten-fold since the handgun ban, illegal pistols are rife in our towns and cities, I cannot help think that those children died in vain.

In the UK it is a right to own a shotgun, a privilege to own a firearm and damn right illegal to own a pistol, you in the States have the right to bear arms, fight tooth and nail to retain that right, Obama is looking at our unjust and antiquated legislation as a model for his own.

Read more...

90 Girls Pregnant At Same High School In Memphis

Ah yes, another place with issues to make Baltimore feel, we're not that bad.

MCS Board working to deal with pregnancies at Frayser High - WMC-TV 5 - Memphis, TN

Bible City USA! Baltimore Commemorates National Bible Week

"Anytime you want to offer prayer or read scriptures for the city, I mean that's what we need," "We have so much evil and violence in the world today." -- Baltimore City Council President Bernard C. "Jack" Young

For a city with seemingly a church on every corner, it's perhaps fitting, that Baltimore has been selected as this year's National Bible City.

Did Mutilated Missing Baltimore Teen Fall From An Airplane

In a tale that's becoming stranger and more twisted by the day, the search for an explanation of how the mangled body of teenager Delvonte Tisdale, originally from Baltimore, wound up on the lawn of a house in Boston.

While the story lists the boy being from North Carolina, those who've been following the story know that he and his family are originally from Baltimore.

AP Version

PREACH ON! -- Anti-Facebook NJ pastor acknowledges threesome with wife and church assistant

A pastor who said Facebook was a "portal to infidelity" and told married church leaders to delete their accounts or resign once testified that he had a three-way sexual relationship with his wife and a male church assistant.

RIP James MacArthur

Stage and screen actor James MacArthur, who played "Danno" in the original version of television's "Hawaii Five-O," died Thursday at age 72.

Actor who played Danno on 'Hawaii Five-O' dies

RIP James MacArthur

Actor who played Danno on 'Hawaii Five-O' dies

Two Cops Accused of Robbing Undercover Officer

Two Cops Accused of Robbing Undercover Officer 'As far as corrupt cops, if they want to continue to do what they're doing we will find them, we will arrest them and they will be prosecuted, period,' - Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey

United Tastes - Lake Trout Remains a Fried Favorite in Baltimoreom

It's not trout, nor is it from a lake, but you can't go far on a Baltimore street without running into a shack pedaling this funky fried food favorite. The mystery that is lake trout tackled by the New York Times.

Lake Trout Remains a Fried Favorite in Baltimore

Legal titan Murphy says Jessamy has "failed"

Legal titan Murphy says Jessamy has "failed"

"Her record has been one disaster after another, and it's plain to see. The statistics on her office have been accurately quoted, and they're awful. It's time for a change."

Maryland Gov. Would Sign Marriage Bill

If Re-elected O'Malley Promises To Sign Marriage Bill

Environmental Militant James Lee Shot and Killed After Taking Hostages at Discovery Channel Headquarters

Environmental Militant James Lee Shot and Killed After Taking Hostages at Discovery Channel Headquarters

Maryland Politics - O'Malleys on pace to earn $1.2M during 4 years in Annapolis

$60,000 annual pension from Baltimore City among incumbent governors earnings.

Maryland Politics - O'Malleys on pace to earn $1.2M during 4 years in Annapolis

Baltimore Among Least Safe Cities For Children

Baltimore Ranks Near Bottom In List of Safest Cities For Children

RUNNING GUNFIGHT — Teens on foot and bike shoot it out in Irvington

RUNNING GUNFIGHT — Teens on foot and bike shoot it out in Irvington

Priest Has Sexual Affair With 17 Year Old Girl, Results In Pregnancy

Reading, PA Priest Has Sex With Student, Impregnating Her

Page Croyder Interview Teaser

James MacArthur Interviews Former Deputy State's Attorney Page Croyder on Baltimore State's Attorney's Race

Paris Hilton Mug Shot Tally Reaches Three (And Counting) | The Smoking Gun

Paris Hilton Mug Shot Tally Reaches Three (And Counting)

WHAT FUTURE BALTIMORE? — Of pools, politics and pensions

WHAT FUTURE BALTIMORE? — Of pools, politics and pensions

The dim dark reality of Baltimore current trajectory if left unchecked.

Police Commissioner: “We’ve Got Batman.” $ The City That Breeds

Police Commissioner: “We’ve Got Batman.”

Man Charged With Spraying Shoppers With Semen - WBAL Radio - wbal.com

Man Charged With Spraying Shoppers With Semen

Baltimore Crime Beat: Scared, worried about crime - Baltimore crime news: Police, courts and police stories in the city and central Maryland - baltimoresun.com

Baltimore Crime Beat: Scared, worried about crime

Wayward reptile nabbed in Patapsco - baltimoresun.com

Wayward reptile nabbed in Patapsco

Child hit by police car in West Baltimore

Child hit by police car in West Baltimore

HEDGING HIS BETS — O'Malley still coy about endorsing Jessamy

HEDGING HIS BETS — O'Malley still coy about endorsing Jessamy

In Regards To Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Patricia Jessamy & Crime Stats

Don't Give Me No Broccoli & Tell Me It’s Greens

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

Baltimore has seen no shortage of horrific crimes and human atrocities.  City residents live in daily fear of life and limb, calculating their odds at being the next victim.  A point lost on local politicians. 

My colleague at The Investigative Voice, Stephen Janis, wrote an excellent piece, begging to stop uttering the oft touted “crime is down” refrain, city elected official and the Baltimore Police Department continually attempt to drum into our heads.

They say that statistically, crime is down, but anyone taking this as cause for celebration is part of an exhibit of a classic case, of collective denial.

First off, anyone willing to trust these stated statistics for crime in Baltimore, is either deliberately in denial, or decidedly clueless. I ask you, is this what we want in a State's Attorney?

AN ALTERNATE REALITY FOR POLITICIANS

At this point, it is an indisputable fact that crime has been systematically downgraded and routinely under-reported and even ignored. Not only has this been reported time and time again, as a journalist, I've even had the fortune and fortuitous pleasure of witnessing it myself. So I know it happens.

Larry Gibson, Mrs. Jessamy, Mayor Rawlings-Blake; non of them have spent much time, if any, at active crime scenes. So to put it frankly, when they speak on the issue, in all due respect, they typically don't know what they hell they're talking about.

Showing up at photo-ops and speaking a few empty and shallow words do not count. In Mrs. Jessamy's case, her silence at a community rally in Charles Village – held at the exact spot of the brutal murder of Hopkins researcher Stephen Pitcairn--  was particularly disturbing. It represented a lack of a willingness to take responsibility or to be held accountable. At least Police Commissioner Bealefeld had the balls to say he was "sorry" they [Baltimore Police] "failed to protect" us. For this he will continue to get a level of respect from me.

It is understandable why people like Mayor Rawlings-Blake, Jessamy and others speak the way they do. They live a reality vastly different than the typical Baltimorean. With their chauffeured driven luxury SUV's and full time bodyguards, how fair is it for us to expect them to get it?

DIMINISHED PERSPECTIVE

I invite any of our elected leaders to do a ride along with me as a crime reporter/photographer to see things first hand when all the bloody gore and guts are still out in the open. Before the fire department has hosed it all down and cleaned up.

Accidentally walk into a pool of a victim's blood like I have. See someone's brain matter splattered all over the wall moments after their head was blown off. Smell the sickening, stomach churning, unmistakable, unforgettable, foul stench of a rotting corpse. Then tell me if you feel crime is down. Better yet, tell me if you think this city is safe.



Follow Me On Twtitter

FaceBook -- Lets Be Friends!

Killer of girl in 1991 charged with carjacking - baltimoresun.com

When Justice Fails The Bad Guys Win, Hermann Shows Us How Killers Are Set Loose To Wreak Havoc

Baltimore Crime Beat: Charles Village residents, city officials converge at stabbing site - Baltimore crime news: Police, courts and police stories in the city and central Maryland - baltimoresun.com

Fenton Blogs About Charles Village Community Rally In Response To Killing

Maryland Politics: Franchot, O'Malley weigh in on Charles Village killing - Politics and Policy from Baltimore, Annapolis and Washington - baltimoresun.com

Franchot, O'Malley weigh in on Charles Village killing

BANG, BANG! Chirp, Chirp

A True Tale Of Two Bullets & Two Birds


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

After witnessing gunfire right outside my window and the accompanying speedy, yet unimpressive response by Baltimore Police, I decided to take matters into my hands.  As a former investigator, I know a few things about gathering evidence, so I decided to canvass the area.

Unlike the police officers who just slowly drove through the areas, barely bothering to come out of their cars, I took to the streets.  As police officers stood around doing nothing, one or two on foot, others sitting in their vehicles, I felt forced and compelled as a citizen to take action.

Pounding pavement moments after the incident, with full knowledge the shooter  was most likely still being in the immediate vicinity I set out.  Armed with nothing more than the power of observation, I interviewed several witnesses.  I also canvassed the area searching for spent shell casings, bullet fragments, or anything else that my prove useful.  The police did not.

In the early morning darkness, my visual canvass yielded very little.  However, later in the morning after the sun had risen, my routine daily walk produced a strange ironic coincidence.

One of my dogs began pulling hard on the leash towards a particular spot on the ground.  Looking closely, I observed a young robin madly flapping it’s wings but unable to take flight.  With all it’s might the poor winged fowl could not get off the ground. I felt pity and compassion for the desperate little creature as I pulled my curious dogs away.

Shaking off the sadness of the sight, we moved on with our walk.  Things remained uneventful until we rounded a bend to approach home.  Directly across the street from the after hours club where two shots were fired into the air, there lay another bird, this one half dead, and not able to move, save for blinking it’s eyes. 

Though both birds were still alive upon my discovery, it wouldn’t take a veterinarian to determine that both would soon be dead, there was no hope of saving them.  Much as I wished something could be done, I had to abandon all hope.

Living in Baltimore, I continue to encounter strange metaphors and symbolic observations that mirror real life situations.  So while Baltimore Police may wish to disguise that fact that shots were fired the night before, natured provided a reminder.

I thought to myself, could it be related?  Is it possible?  What are the odds of a gun randomly being fired into air; producing two bullets, killing two birds?



Follow Me On Twtitter

FaceBook -- Lets Be Friends!

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.

RELATED:

NEWS FLASH: -- Shots fired early Saturday morning outside popular after-hours club

Violence Reduction Symposium -- Open Letter To Mayor Sheila Dixon

Follow Me On Twtitter

FaceBook -- Lets Be Friends!

COURTROOM SPECTATOR! – The Baltimore Spectator Ordered To Jury Duty

Part 1 – Bitter Reluctance  – Why I Wasn't Enthused About Serving

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED TO APPEAR IN ROOM 240 COURTHOUSE WEST, ST. PAUL AND LEXINGTON STS… FAILURE TO REPORT FOR JURY SERVICE MAY RESULT IN PENALTIES UP TO $1,000 FINE, OR UP TO 60 DAYS IMPRISONMENT OR BOTH.

When I first opened the official notice, I was a bit troubled.  Not that I have any problem with doing my civic duty, but to me the whole situation was filled with irony.  Not to mention the potential of severe economic loss caused by a day, or many days of no real income.

You see, one of the last times I was in that very building, for what was to be a routine preliminary appearance for a hearing, I was taken into custody upon entering.  I was held without a charge for 40 days!  Yup, 40 days of no income, 40 days of my house left unattended (broken into several times), 40 days of mental anguish being held and having not committed a crime. This is a place I’d sooner never re-enter unless I was some sort of plaintiff suing the pants of this city for all that it put me through. 

If you’re not familiar with the story of the abuse and harassment I’ve suffered at the hands of Baltimore City Police, I’ll have to save it for another time.

Read more...

URBAN WARFARE -- Marines Patrol Crime Ridden Gang Territory -- LOS ANGELES!

Police Patrolling American City Have Lessons Useful For Combat

In a secret training exercise lasting about a week, police officers and members of the military worked the streets of LA together. Members of the United States Marine Corps went on patrol with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).

Covering some of the roughest, toughest neighborhoods, the idea was to give the combat trained troops skills in dealing with individuals that are more criminal than military combatant.

During the exercise, the Marines wore civilian clothes and were never ID'd as being members of the military.

While the idea of police training the military is interesting, it also has some disturbing connotations. This time the Marines were merely unarmed observers, but what's next?

Read More: Cops Show Marines How to Take on the Taliban | NBC Los Angeles

KILL ZONE: 58,000 Dogs Killed In Last Three Months In Iraqi Capital

With Security Issues Stabilized, Hussein Era Animal Atrocities Resume

NOTE: Despite numerous rumors and murmurings to the contrary, managing editor A.F. James MacArthur is still covering and producing local Baltimore news, commentary and editorials.  Stay tuned for a series of installments via InvestigativeVoice.com and right here at The Baltimore Spectator.

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

UPDATE 1408 hrs est: The AP published a story AFTER this report giving more details than were available when we published originally.  It states there are 1.25 million stray dogs in Baghdad.  The Drudge Report has also just picked up the story.

Claiming a rise in fatal dog attacks on humans, officials in Baghdad say 20 teams made up of shooters and veterinarians roam the streets daily, shooting and poisoning the many strays in the city.  Of course, no one has given the hard stats and figures on this supposed rise in fatal attacks on humans, but no worries, this is Iraq after all, so it's certain everything is above board and on the up and up.

Iraq once well known for numerous human rights violations (sorry Bush haters, it's true), seems to have reverted back to an old Saddam Hussein policy of shooting strays on sight.  You wonder how many escaped or missing pets get caught up in the dragnet? In Iraq, if your pet accidentally got out, chances are, you'd never see it again.  Oops, sorry little girl, we didn't mean to shoot Barney.

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated”-- Mahatma Gandhi 

After the the United States invaded in 2003, the wanton dog killing slowed down while more pressing issues were tended too.  However, since 2008, the doggy death program has silently been revived. The last three months were particularly deadly for the desert dogs.

Having spent several years working full time in animal control as an officer, cruelty investigator, and even once acting in the role of game warden, this story is very disturbing.  Any animal lover or pet owner should be deeply saddened by this approach.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FULL  DISCLOSURE: A life long swashbuckler, the author was once  part of a team that hunted down, and eventually shot and killed a rabid fox, that threateningly approached, then Vice President, Dick Cheney and his family (TRUE STORY!).




Follow Me On Twtitter

FaceBook -- Lets Be Friends!

WORLD EXCLUSIVE AUDIO: Mel Gibson's Explosive Racist Rant

"If you get raped by a pack of niggers, it will be your fault." -- Mel Gibson

Calling Oksana Grigorieva, the mother of his eight month old child, a "fu*cking whore", actor Mel Gibson also told her he doesn't want her, nor does he love her telling her she was "an embarrassment."  Gibson's bitter racist rambling was all caught on tape when his girlfriend secretly recorded him.

My bet is for Mel, it really was all about the sex, but poor Oksana probably thought it was love.  Oh, did you hear he also punched her in the mouth knocking out her front teeth?

Good one Mel, the real LETHAL WEAPON is that dirty mouth of yours.  I hope a bunch of misguided Christians continue to watch your movies and praise you for your inaccurate, propagandist movie Passion Of The Christ.  By the sounds of you on this tape, it sure sounds like you have a heaping helping of "the spirit" in you.

WORLD EXCLUSIVE AUDIO: Mel Gibson's Explosive Racist Rant 

Mexican Clown Busted In Sex Attack

Read Story...

VIDEO: Lindsay Lohan Court Room Meltdown

In what could have been the setting of a Hollywood courtroom drama, Lindsay Lohan found herself being sentenced to jail after repeatedly violating the terms of her probation.
After giving a somewhat lengthy and award worthy soliloquy before the judge, actress Lindsay Lohan totally looses it the court.  While being sentenced to 90 days in jail, and an additional 90 days inpatient drug rehab, to commence within two days of her release, Lohan finds the shoulder of her attorney a suitable pillow to cry on.

I know this is not a celebrity news blog, but some train wrecks are hard to ignore.  Take a close look at the collagen injected, trout pout lips on the Freaky Friday star.

BARE NECESSITIES: Welfare Recipients Get Cash At Strip Club ATM's

Widespread Welfare Fraud Easily Committed Despite Cash Strapped State Govt.

It's well understood that welfare cash is meant to pay for essential necessities, but a lap dance at a strip club?  While it can be argued that for some, this is a much needed service, this story shows the problem when welfare is doled out and not properly accounted for.  

Several weeks ago, The Baltimore Spectator reported on welfare cash being withdrawn at casino ATM's.

Reminds me of stories you hear about women using child support to pay for hair and nails and other things having nothing to do with the kids, but that's another story.

While the story is set in California, it's should serve as a cautionary tale to fiscally constrained governments across the land.  YES, this can happen where you live.  Chances are, it's already happening in one shape or form.

Besides the $12,000 recently discovered being withdrawn at the strip clubs, the casinos saw millions in welfare money come out of their cash machines.  And this is just what is currently known about.  Keep in mind these figures were produced by government accountants.  The actual figure could be fare worse.

Nearly $4.8 million has been withdrawn from ATMs at casinos and poker rooms with welfare benefits cards from 2007 through June, according to state officials. The vast majority of that, $4.4 million, was withdrawn at tribal casinos.

Rare 1970s BP board game promises oil 'thrills' comes back to haunt them | Metro.co.uk

Rare 1970s BP board game promises oil 'thrills' comes back to haunt them | Metro.co.uk