Are we, the good people of Harbor Country tired of our very own sub-par group of law enforcement officials? Tired of lack of results when the local police are called upon to provide their services? Tired of the gross abuses of the badge? Lack of respect? Police harassment? Entrapment? Squad car tailgating? Excessive use of force? Unnecessary attention? Less than probable "probable causes" for stops, searches, and seizures? Are we tired of reporting and complaining about these injustices to the higher-ups and superiors with little or no results?
The time for change has come. This is our new forum to speak up and speak loud. It is a sad day when such things as this are necessary. But as far as the "Watchful I" is concerned , when a public servant fails to serve the public- someone else should be appointed to do so. These men and women are picked to PROTECT and SERVE! Not to harass and abuse! If your income and earnings are collected via the local taxpayers, then you are expected to respect and assist the local populous. Law enforcement officials are supposed to be of respectable moral character, not lazy layabouts.
Well, enough is enough Harbor Country! This is OUR forum, this is YOUR forum, your mouthpiece, your microphone, your megaphone, your soapbox, your podium, and your pulpit, all in one. Shout it loud from the basements to the rooftops!
We encourage you to be as vocal as possible in voicing your complaints and concerns regarding the area's "finest". Here is your place to report these incidents of injustice. If an officer is so sure about his/her motives for stopping or questioning we the people, then we the people should have no hesitation as to whether or not we should openly report and discuss these incidents. Let's keep it clean, decent, and honest. If one is in violation of the law, then one shouldn't expect otherwise. They haven't taken away our Freedom of Speech yet!
I shudder to think that things such as this are needed, but I'm no longer so sure. Maybe if we can get things back to a respectable standard...
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130 comments:
As a resident of a "private" community in Harbor Country, some of my neighbors and I have recently experienced a number of incidents involving the local police dept. following us through the neighborhood- as well as having to put up with officers tailgating us through our small snow and ice covered roads. I'm sure I'm not alone in considering such behavior to be both unprofessional and, above all, unsafe. So much for leading by example.
Thank you, who ever you are!!!
Hopefully this blog will help "reign in" the local cowboys...........I mean "Law Enforcement Officals".
It's not a symptom, but rather a culture of small-town cop mentality. Little excitement in the area, not enough drug busts, domestic disturbances, thefts and the like to keep them busy, so they get off on tailgating. It's called intimidation. They WANT you to know "who's boss", and expect you to flinch when approached by them. Sadly, as a result they
only get a forced respect, and not one of genuine homage and admiration. On a couple of occasions I had some vandals break porch lamps and other things
on my property. Where were these officers then? They never even came to issue a police report. A friend of mine was also once tailgated by a Chikaming cop on Lakeshore Rd. near Union Pier. While being followed, my friend had to brake for a squirrel that crossed his path, and unfortunately
ended up hitting the squirrel. Immediately the cop turn on his lights and pulled him over. He bolted my friend's car, screaming "you see what you
did!!" My friend just remained calm and quiet during the tirade. After a few moments of this kind of bullying, the cop cooled his jets, because there is no law for accidentally running over a squirrel! It's a pervasive
attitude of these officers who think they "own" the law. NO, they are just as subject to it as anyone else is. It's only when blogs like these and citizens who catch cops on tape acting like schoolyard thugs, is when they show to the world that they are abusing their authority and bring shame on their profession. The very law these cops think they own, is free to everyone. It's called the Constitution. It was put in place to protect us from the dictates of a police state.
I thought people were being over sensitive or maybe up to no good when I heard about the police in N. B. pulling people over for something as minor as an air freshener hanging from their rearview mirror, until it happened to me! I was tailgated so closely, I was afraid. Especially since I am a woman. I am terribly disappointed with the caliber of officers hired and what they are trained to do if this is how they are “protecting” us. Maybe they should work in Detroit first and get a perspective of what "just cause" is and is not. I have heard from others that they are really looking to harass the casino goers for revenue. If this is true, they should notice if it is a locals’ license plate number.
In case you are wondering, why do people have to sign these anonymous? So, we do not get harassed for speaking the truth.
Actually, I think people are, and will continue to sign anonymously
because, there are a good number of Cops will try get revenge for is said here, and I, for one, will continue to sign anonymously because of that fear...
Its too bad that we have to post anonymously, but some of the posters are absolutely correct. First of all, there are too many cops and they have nothing to do. I know that burglaries are commited, but also know first hand that these cops do not investigate crimes thorougly. Instead they like to hide in the car wash parking lot amongst othe places just to harass people. I have heard there are 27 New Buffalo Cops. WHY? I myself had cops do stuff to me, but fear to elaborate. Also under what authority do tribal police pull over motorists?
This is happening more and more all over the nation, not just here. Its the police state coming to fruition. It's time to take the country, states and localities back. We need to look at returning to our constitutional roots and make these clowns abide by those limits. A good start is to vote Ron Paul in The Michigan Primary on January 15th and then maybe run for office yourself.
Great blog! We need a place to talk about what's going on in our community, since the local law enforcement is the problem. I, also have had an unpleasant encounter. My house was broken into, while I was at work. I called the police, they came, quite promptly. The problem was, they didn't believe me. I was very politely accused of wanting insurance money. They said there was no visable way that someone broke in. I was very upset and discouraged. Many power tools, cd's alcohol and a large jar of change was missing. I called a locksmith the following day to change my locks. He showed me how one of my doors was pried open (visible forced entry). I asked the locksmith if my situation was common. He laughed and said the cops wouldn't know a forced entry if they were watching it happen. The police don't want to investigate. Needless to say, I didn't file a claim with my insurance, I didn't want my rates to go up. I just wish the police would do their jobs.
I agree, we dont' need jack booted thugs, we should get rid of them all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In case you're curious, law enforcement does scan the internet for blogs as part of their job to find illicit activity. It's very likely they've discovered this blog, and probably scoffing at the idea that we "little people" have any legitimate complaint. Be suspcious if you find a blog entry here extolling the virutes of law enfocement, doing a good job, yada, yada. It's probably a cop posting a good one for his boys.
Actually we, and the media have enormous impact on how cops behave. On-board dash cameras in squad cars meant to catch crime on tape, has also snagged cops screaming profanities at little old ladies while they drag them out of cars, forcing them face down on the road, or tazing people without provocation. There's more and more cell phone cameras and vid cams out there capturing boys in blue doing what they shouldn't do. WE ARE WATCHING!
We shouldn't have to have blogs like this to report incidents of bad cop behaviour, but as long as they continue to set bad examples and less than professional conduct, then they have it coming.
We have the power to demand of our legislators to put stronger laws in place to protect us not only from criminals, but protect us from cops who view civil rights as a nusiance. Ironically, one of the worst fears of a cop is finding themselves in jail should they be found guilty of breaking the law. Why do you think they put up a blue wall when there's an investigation of a cover-up? A cop in jail is their worst nightmare. Maybe stronger laws for police misconduct threatening jail sentence and not a mere demotion or firing would put a chill down their spine and make them think twice about their treatment of citizens. Civil rights are written in law. WE have the power to demand that law enfocement strictly adhere to these laws.
As a 17 year veteran officer, field training officer, and shift supervisor for a large department I believe that most of you have little understanding of law enforcement and activities. Perhaps this lack of understanding could be improved with better public relations or conversations. This blog is nothing more than a group of like-minded individuals who have nothing better to do than bash officers who risk their lives daily to protect you while you are leading your 9 - 5 jobs. Shame on you!
I would be willing to bet that none of you would walk up to an unknown car at 2Am and not know who was in the car. Did that person commit a crime that I am not aware of and are they intending on harming me?
Some of you bloggers have cited being stopped for less than probable cause. Go to the library and get the Michigan motor vehicle code. Yes, having a dangling ornament is listed there. The police do not make the laws, they enforce them according to their discretion and department policy and procedures. Simple minded blogger, don't you know that criminals can be apprehended by traffic stops. These are criminals that my cause harm to you or your loved ones. Take a look back at some of the major criminals that have been apprehended by traffic policing. Simple minded blogger, try to see the big picture.
I would agree with you that a police car behind you can make one nervous. Would you prefer the officers to be sitting in the office or out on the street? I'm sure you will not give an honest answer, it is much more fun to complain about something you have little knowledge of.
My suggestion based on experience and not on a distant semi understanding of law enforcement is that you open up a channel of communication with the department that you believe is "Out of Control." I believe that it is funny how you bloggers won't list your names. So, you have an option. Sit at home and type about things you know very little about, or try to walk a mile in someone else's shoes. Leave your comfort zone and learn something new.
Merry Christmas
You bloggers have absolutely no idea what law enforcement officers are forced to deal with day by day. You have no clue about what the job requires and what these men and women are subjected to. It is easy for people like yourselves to sit safely at home and complain about a traffic ticket or how an officer had a stern tone with you. You are not the ones out there risking your life for complete strangers. You are the ones who sleep at night and past judgement in the morning. You are the ones who spend weekends and holidays with your families. Police Officers are the ones who sacrifice. They are the ones that are abused. And they are abused by the very people that they risk life and limb to protect. And yet everyday Police men and women go out onto the streets knowing full well how you feel about them and knowing that they may not be coming home. They accept this and do it without a second thought and they do it for you. So, you can continue to be smug and selfish or you could say thank you to Police Officers because it is because of them that you can enjoy the holidays safely with friends and family.
Martin Dzuris responds to SGT
SGT’s post only validates the dissatisfaction with the unprofessional conduct of some of our local officers. It also exposes the mind set of such officers.
Citizens who are displeased with the conduct of our local law enforcement are according to SGT:
- simple minded
- ignorant, because they have little understanding of law enforcement and activities
- individuals who have nothing better to do than bash officers who risk their lives daily to protect them
- leading 9 - 5 jobs
- cowards, because they won’t list their names and “wouldn’t walk up to an unknown car at 2Am”
- stupid, because they don’t see “the big picture” and comment about things they know very little about
So, if you complain about police conduct you are a simple minded stupid ignorant unappreciative coward leading a 9-5 cushy job with nothing better to do than bash cops.
SGT, I do know that criminals can and are apprehended by traffic stops. We would apprehend even more criminals and make everyone safer if we would set up road blocks and check everyone and every car, search every building and property on regular basis and set a curfew. O what the heck, lets just install permanent Marshall Law.
It is not about being nervous because there is a police car behind you. It is about officers breaking the laws they are suppose to uphold. There are officers who will come from behind in high speed with bright’s on (without the siren on) and will get right on your butt so they can read your license plate. It puts us in danger!
MICHIGAN VEHICLE CODE (EXCERPT)
Act 300 of 1949
257.643 Distance between vehicles; violation as civil infraction.
Sec. 643.
(1) The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of the vehicles and the traffic upon, and the condition of, the highway.
257.626 Reckless driving on highway, frozen public lake, or parking place; violation as misdemeanor; penalty.
Sec. 626.
(1) A person who drives a vehicle upon a highway or a frozen public lake, stream, or pond or other place open to the general public, including, but not limited to, an area designated for the parking of motor vehicles, in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving.
(2) A person who violates subsection (1) is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 93 days or a fine of not more than $500.00, or both.
257.626b Careless or negligent operation of vehicle as civil infraction.
Sec. 626b.
A person who operates a vehicle upon a highway or a frozen public lake, stream, or pond or other place open to the general public including an area designated for the parking of vehicles in a careless or negligent manner likely to endanger any person or property, but without wantonness or recklessness, is responsible for a civil infraction.
I do agree with you on 2 accounts. There should be an open line of communication and better public relations. However that is the police departments’ responsibility and not ours!
People should try to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes. How about taking your own advice? Next time you get pulled over by a bad cop, do me a favor and refrain from pulling out your officer ID and try to endure the treatment regular citizens endure.
What is really disturbing to me is the fact that you are a supervisor and field training officer. I can only assume that you direct and train officers in the spirit of your entry here. If that is true than God help us, that is all we need, more officers like you.
SGT, you don’t even stop to think for a second that there may be some validity to some of the complaints posted here. You right away dismiss them all. Who is really simple minded?
Interestingly enough, you forgot to mention your name as well, something for which you look down upon when others do so on this blog. Double standard?
You wish us Merry Christmas-empty words on your part. Jesus Christ came to serve and not to be served. He sacrificed himself for us without whining how his sacrifice is not appreciated. He sacrificed himself for every one- including those who despise him. Most importantly He loves us and demonstrates patience toward us, gives us grace and forgives us our trespasses. And when He chastises us for our transgressions He does it with love. Take a page from Jesus’ book, be more Christ like.
No, I don’t sit around all day with nothing better to do than bash officers (after I am done enjoying my 9-5 cushy job of course). I know quite a few officers whom I respect and appreciate. Perhaps I lack the amount of law enforcement to your liking; however I do know how a public servant is supposed to behave. And last time I checked, police officers are still supposed to be public servants.
SGT, in your pursuit of criminals and effort to “protect us”, you fail to remember our civil rights. My rights are more precious than your protection. Therefore, no thanks. Your price is too high. I’d rather protect myself.
A topic this important can not be summed up in one entry. For more on this topic, tune into Martin Dzuris Live, Monday January 7th between 6 p.m and 7:30 p.m. on WRHC 106.7 FM. To make a comment call the Martin Dzuris Live show between 6-7:30 p.m. on Jan 7th or go to www.dzuris.com.
Good show Martin, besides, they speed to catch a speeder. They cut people off all around town ( done to me and my wife), pull u-turns everywhere and any time. Fly 100 mph plus to go to the gas staion (seen it myself). I could go on, but why? Ol Sarge seems to think he's a hero and all his men in blue ( wait,I mean black paramilitay garb)are superior to all of us. Maybe only the ones with the cushy 9-5's. You can tell by his tone that he see's himself in an "us and them' mentality, which in itself is scary. I would definately worry about him.
Hey Martin, you really are a liberial!!!!
When I came across your page, I was rather disturbed by some of the comments made about your local police officers. I appreciate your right to speak your mind so I would like to do the same.
I have read many of the complaints and it was mentioned that people were being pulled over for items hanging from their rearview mirrors. I would like to first say that yes, it is a valid traffic stop and second, the police do not make the laws, they simply enforce them. If you don’t like it, write to your local senator and complain to them about it. For those of you who don’t know, I would like to point out that David Berkowitz “Son of Sam”, who killed 6 people, injured 7 others, and was responsible for more than 300 arson fires, was caught because of a simple parking ticket for parking in front of a fire hydrant. Ted Bundy and Randy Kraft, who together were responsible for up to 97 murders, were both caught because of a simple traffic stop for erratic driving. You may think these were minor violations and being pulled over was just “harassment” by the police but I’m sure the communities in which these murderers roamed are happy to have police who care enough about the minor violations to do something about it.
As for the woman who thought the police should go to Detroit to “figure out what just cause is”, I think you should take a little trip there yourself. And for safety’s sake, bring your Kevlar vest. Miss, you are most certainly correct that in Detroit, you will not get pulled over for an air freshener hanging from your mirror. But, try calling the cops in Detroit for help and see how quickly they arrive.
You may all whine and complain about the police and how they are harassing you but the fact of the matter is; they wouldn’t have a reason to “harass” you if you weren’t breaking the law. The men and women of law enforcement are willing to give up their lives for yours even now, as you bitch and complain about them. I should think you will all be ashamed of yourselves when one of these police officers is there to save your life or the life of someone you love. Because of the dedication of these officers, you may never have to realize that mistake so maybe some appreciation is due.
Hail Annoyed and Sarge!,
They are the saviors of us all.
The Supreme court has ruled that cops do not have to protect anyone, just the general welfare of the public. Wonder why the signs on the cars no longer say "to serve and protect". Maybe because they don't. Command respect the heroic cops who pull people over and get free food at restaurants and discounts everywhere they go for showing their badges? Respect should not be commanded, but earned. This page would not exist if there wasn't a problem. Besides, isn't expecting "freebees" a form of intimidation. "Oh I'm a cop, don't I get a break?" HAHAHA Whats the matter, don't you make enough? Oh wait, could they pull over people who have done nothing wrong at all? Could that actually happen.I'm sure annoyed doesn't think so. Maybe while they are tailgating you with the spotlight in your mirror; blinding you and then you swerve, your weaving in traffic huh? Is that how they get their PC? How about being stranded on the side of the road, broke down. Is that PC to do an ID check, run the plate, look in the car, just protecting themselves huh? Annoyed must either be a cop, be married to a cop or have a cop family member. Never in my life has a cop helped me; NEVER!
Wasn't is just recently that a former NB city council member and also a New Buffalo cop sentenced to prison for being a sexual predator. Then again another one in Bridgman smashed up a van with elderly people while driving like a nut. How many times are these incidents unreported or just undisclosed? Annoyed, do you believe that your rant about how thankful we should be is going to change the minds of those who have experienced this harassment first hand. Maybe you believ this all made up? Yes there are good cops, but cops are not the law, they are supposed to enforce the law and not just issue tickets, but do investigations and help people who have been hurt, damaged and injured, which they rarely do. BTW why the hell are there 27 cops in New Buffalo anyway. What do they do? How is this justified to the taxpayers?
I find it funny that anyone who disagrees with your point of view must automatically be involved with a police officer. I’m sorry to disappoint you but I’m not involved with a cop, I just disagree with your opinion. I don’t feel the need to disrespect those that put their lives on the line for me. I have been helped by the cops on a few occasions but I’ve also received a few tickets. Did I deserve them? I most certainly did.
I am interested in hearing some facts about how you figure the police do not protect and serve. According to the Associated Press, 186 police officers were killed in the line of duty this year alone, including 1 from Michigan. I guess you would like that number to be higher to prove to you that they are still doing their jobs.
I find it ridiculous that you would point out 2 police officers who have committed crimes as if that proves some kind of point. There are crimes committed every day and I’m sure they come from a variety of careers. There are teachers who’ve been caught for molesting children yet I’m sure you would still send your children to school. There are doctors who have been caught drunk driving yet I’m sure you still go to the doctor when you are sick. So, why should you disrespect the entire group of police officers because of a few bad apples?
You complain about freebies that police get but do you know of any police that get these “freebies” and do you know that they ask for them? Did you ever think that maybe those of us who respect what those officers do for us choose to give them something for their service? I guess I’m just someone who believes that we should pay them back for the fact that they offer their lives up for us every time they go to work.
You may believe this page wouldn’t exist if there weren’t a problem but I disagree. You can scour the internet and I’m sure you will come across thousands of pages dedicated to people ranting about something. People will complain about anything they can in order to put blame on someone else. Maybe people should learn to accept responsibility for their mistakes and stop blaming someone else for all of their problems.
Someone told me to check this blog out and "what a joke it is".To all of the people who don't like our local police and say they don't do the job correct: Tell someone who can change it! All of this talk is nothing more than an opinion and everyone has one. This web site will not solve any problems and it's just a bunch of people talking to hear themself and to stir things up. If all of the people who are having the problems they say they are would go to the Chief of police and tell them things might change(or might not). This blog will not change anything in our local law enforcement that I am sure of, the only thing it will provide is entertainment to all who have a boring life...
Well, this blog is a great way to get the message across and to those who take this site as a joke, you must be pretty dense. Bad cops are no joke! This is a forum where people an express their concerns and hopefully, the Chiefs of Police in these communities and other officers will consider what people's feelings are about the way they are treated. Sgt was free to post on this site and exposed himself as to what he truly is. I would invite everyone to post their encounters with the police here as well as Policemen posting their encounters with the public. After all there are at least two sides to every incident, sometimes three.
I would like to address several posts I have read here so far.
I do know, first hand that some cops do things outside the scope of their duties and for personal gain, meaning not for the benefit of the general welfare of the community.
I have personally been exposed to both unlawful and unprofessional behavior by local officers. I will not mention any names or municipalities, but the police out there who do these things know who they are.
Next. I would like to adress Sarge. People like you with authority scare me sir. It certainly shows that you have a superiority "Us and them" complex. You obviously believe that everyone out there is stupid and you are the law. Good thing you are not Judge Roy Bean. It is my belief that you would justify any action to protect yourself or your brothers in arms despite of what disastrous consequences your actions would inflict on someone's life and or family. "Just doing my job" or what you have been told is your job does not make it so, nor does it fit within the confines of constitutionally designated limits. As far as I know, almost all police take an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution of both the State and of the Nation. I would assume that if you have the courage to take that oath and defend peoples rights, you should educate yourself as to what those rights truly are and take extraordinary steps to keep from infringing on those rights. I must admit though that some people are quite ignorant about the law and grant permission to be searched and waive all of their rights unknowingly, but that is their own fault. On the other hand, it is your duty to honor and PROTECT the constitutional rights of those who claim them, if indeed you know what these rights actually are and for the record, you do not need to be a lawyer to understand them. In addition, just because judges have been legislating law from the bench and circumventing our Constitutional rights does not mean that it has become the law of the land. For those who get called to jury duty you should know that the judge does not tell you what your rights are because the law does not require him to do so. Although there is a lot more to it than this, most Americans are unaware of their right to trial by jury, but even fewer know that the jury has more power than anyone else in the courtroom and that in pursuit of just verdict, jurors are free to judge the merits of the law itself, its use in the case at hand, or the motives of the accused, despite of what the judge tells or instructs them to do. It is the law, feel free to look it up.
Some other posts discuss police breaking the law to uphold the law. Seems kind of a double standard to me and also police requesting discounts and free stuff. To that I will personally respond. I used to run a business, and I have been personally been asked to give discounts by Police with comments like, "I'm a cop (pull out their badge), don't I get a Police discount?" or "Does that total reflect my police discount?" So I can honestly answer "yes" I have had numerous encounters with police asking for something because they were cops. Actually some would even try to see if I could bypass the sales tax, ugh!
And I would also like to address Annoyed's statistics about the dangers of being a cop and those being killed in the line of duty (KLDD).
Annoyed your stats show that 186 police were killed in 2006. Tragic as it may be, police officers are not even on the list of top 10 most dangerous occupations. They are paid quite well and enjoy a wide array of benefits including family benefits through their departments and their unions(FOP), which assist their families if they are killed or maimed. Also, as some have written, they go into this profession knowing what they are doing. On the other hand, perhaps similar respect should be shown to the following occupations and death statistics for last year; just to put it all into perpective.
Top 10 dangerous jobs
The occupations with the highest fatality rates in 2006.
Occupation Deaths per 100,000 workers
Fishermen 141.7
Pilots 87.8
Loggers 82.3
Structural iron and steel workers 61.0
Refuse collectors 41.8
Farmers and ranchers 37.1
Power linemen 34.9
Roofers 33.9
Drivers 27.1
Agricultural workers 21.7
These stats are per 100,000 workers. There are approximately 18,760 separate police agencies in the U.S. with approximately 940,275 employees which makes the stas approximately 19 deaths per 100,000 police officers. As I said, though tragis, it is not any worse than many other jobs, some of which pay far less and have fewer benefits.
I have nothing against good cops who respect my rights and the rights of others, but there are many who don't and who use the power and authority irresponsibly and this blog would not exist if this didn't happen around here.Personally, I do not get pulled over (we will see if I do now), I try to follow the rules of the road and have no issues, but I have seen things and heard stories from others as to what goes on around here. Some of these stories I take with a grain of salt, due to the storyteller's motives, but other ones, such as the Union Pier break in is just too similar to another one I have heard about. I hope some more information gets posted here about the goings on in the Area, especially they ones with questionable nature. We have to realize that the counrty and localities are taking a turn which is away from the constitution and toward a fascist type state. The "look" of police uniforms and thei actions reflect this. The courts also condone this behavior and legislators pass laws protecting Police from being personally liable for their actions. This is unacceptable, or at least should be. It is time to bring this country back to a constitutional government and respect the rights of the people who live here. A right to travel the highways and biways of this nation has been converted to a priviledge with thousands of codified rules and regulations which is more for making money for the government and filling the judges pension funds than it is about protecting the populace. Cops generate revenue, thats why municipalities adopt motor vehicle codes; because they get money for doing so. Tickets, generate revenue for a multitude of businesses; judges, those who run traffic schools, the legal profession, court clerks and court employees, probation officers, drug testing agencies, townships, ect. It's all about money and control of your life. If you want some of that back I suggest going to the Polls on Jan 15th and voting for the Champion of the Constitution to be America's next president; Ron Paul. Thank you for the opportunity to post this.
Ray Kirkus
New Buffalo
I would like to hear some some stories of rude conduct by citizens toward police officers. Every one seams to be experts on Law Enforcement.
and as for the 10 most dangerous jobs. I would say that your statistics are right but you fail to note that those jobs are all accidental deaths. There are criminals driving around right now with guns under their seats waiting to be pulled over so they can get their shot at a cop. that doesnt sound like falling off a roof. and im saying that the police are targeted every day weather it be all the bitching you do here or the criminals on the streets waiting for their oppertunity.
Hmm...the cop is tailgating someone to read the license plate to call in a potential stop. Hmm, WE DON'T TELL YOU HOW TO DO YOUR JOB but you as public tell us every day how to do our jobs better but yet you won't quit your job and wear a badge. You "think" you know the law and that is all that matters. You're all against the police until it is you who need us most. Then you call us and when we only have one officer available for an entire township you get mad when it takes us 2 hours to answer a call when we have 3 calls holding and dispatch priorities the calls and then we might take the call over the phone. No, we don't own the law but we've been sworn to uphold the law. By the way the Tribal Police pull over people based on cross deputization agreement with Berrien, Cass and Van Buren Counties...which means they can stop you just as a county deputy in any of those counties. Yes, there are some "bad" cops out there that make the rest of us appear the same way, however, that is not normally the case.
Marty,
So since Jesus Christ forgives then local law enforcement is supposed to forgive the crime and not take someone to jail?
Read the laws people...U-turns area only illegal in areas that are posted illegal for making a U-turn.
Speaking of cops taking free coffee and perks...seems like every job entails some sort of "perk". Whether it be a profesor at a college getting free or discount tuition, a teacher getting "free gifts" for teaching someone's child, to the JC Penny employee that gets a percentage off of purchases. Everyone chastises the police for taking the cup of coffee but see yourself in your own job and think about that time and if you ever took a perk.
If you have a legitimate complaint on an officer, get the name of the officer and contact the Chief of Police in the local jurisdiction. I know at least my Chief looks into these and does a formal investigation on all citizen complaints.
Police breaking the law to catch that speeder. Hmm, you're going 70mph in a 55mph zone. We pull out and go 55mph to try and catch you. Simple math...we can't catch you going 55mph if you continue to go 70mph hence that is why we speed.
If you think your civil rights have been violated then hire a lawyer and take the case to court.
Again, I'm not saying that there aren't bad cops out there I'm just saying that not all of us are bad cops. Just think if you had a crime occur and there was no one to come assist you in the matter. What would you do, how would you feel?
Hey, when is the movie coming out? A few years ago there was a comedian that made a show about "nothing"....! This blog is really about "nothing." "Nothing," is going to come out of this blog, because all of you sit around and type your complaints about police misbehavior instead of taking action. Voicing your opinions? Well "nothing" is going to happen by using this blog to "voice your opinion." This blog is a waste of internet space with a bunch of ignorant people, ignorant meaning "without knowledge or education," about police work. Instead of sounding ignorant on this blog, take your complaints to the chiefs. It is there job to control out of control police behavior. The saying, " the chiefs will not do anything about it anyways," is not an educated response. Police chiefs have to investigate officers, and make recommendations within the officers files. The police chief is suppose to notify the complainant about the status of the investigation regarding findings and other things. So, instead of wasting your time on this non-educated blog, go to your local police department and sign, "I mean SIGN" a complaint on the officer who was allegedly violating your rights or breaking the law. When I say allegedly, when making a complaint to the chief, it better be factual, or the person making the complaint can be charged with "filing a false police report," if the complaint is found to be "bogus." It sickens me to see this blog because of the "nothing" that comes out of it. I am a cop, and I have risked my life to save four lives in my twelve years of experience. I hold myself to a high moral standard, integrity, and the committment to serving my community with the most professional police service possible, and it sickens me to see the people I serve look at me now and wonder, "is this the cop that this stupid blog is talking about." Grow up and get a life Martin. There are bad officers, and I do not doubt that, but take the steps to see that they are punished for their bahavior instead of whining on this ignorant blog making the rest of us look bad, having people look down on us, and the community not trusting us. I am a good cop and have a great reputation within the community I serve, and will not stand for the stupidity of this blog to bring me down. I will not "waste" my time to come back to this blog, or listen to your ridiculous radio service, so do not bother replying to me.
To all of the people who don't like the police in this area. MOVE SOMEPLACE ELSE!!!!
Dear "sickens me", deal with it. This blog was created to expose BAD COP BEHAVIOR. We don't need a lecture to appreciate lives on the line and the hero stuff. We don't need to "file a complaint" with your chief. If you're a cop and see bad cop behavior in your own ranks (which I'm sure you see more of than we do), then YOU need to deal with your own. What's the matter? Blocked by your own blue wall? Don't want to stick your neck out to report your own buddy that's abusing authority? Yea it's true isn't it. Cops won't rat out other cops. That too, is bad cop behavior.
Yes you SHOULD be sickened by all you read here even if we do sit back in cushy jobs and bitch all day. Doesn't it tell you that the boys in blue have a public image problem? No one here so far was complaining about good cops. Yes the few that do make you look bad should be YOUR problem not ours. YOU need to flush out your own toilet. It shouldn't be the job of public citizens to fix your blue wall culture. If you can't find a way to deal with your own, then you're going to continue to have blogs like these. If you hate to have so much bad stuff being said about cops, then just try to use all that power you think you have to get the Constitution changed to eliminate freedom of speech. Just you try. Last time I looked our country wasn't being run by a gestapo.
In the meantime, I luv it! We have the right to say what we want, vent, bitch, criticize and complain, make accusations, waste our time in the comfort of our cushy homes and jobs. And you can choose to read it or not. But you don't need to preach to us that police officers should be admired and respected for saving lives and putting their own lives on the line. It's not what this blog is about. You're missing the point. Wake up and smell your free coffee. Bad cop behavior. Get it?! You will be a hero if you turn in your own - downloading child porn, taking bribes, shaking down drug dealers, using police property for personal use... you know, all the stuff you're not supposed to do. All the stuff that the free speach media tells us about. The stuff you try to cover up. Clean up your own ranks. Then all the bitching will stop. It's very simple.
Dear Expose Bad Police Behavior. Your response shows your lack of intelligence.
To Mr. Martin Dzuris:
Can you tell me what our lord and savior said about casting judgement? If I remember right, WE are not suppose to cast judgement, only God. Therefore, you say your Christ like. I will not judge you, but you opened the door for people to cast judgment on police officers by opening this blogg. I thought it was our job to help Jesus by saving soals by being Christ like and preaching his word. However, since this blogg has been created, it has caused a great deal of "judgement" to be casted upon God's Children. Mr. Dzuris, you may say that this blogg is about bad officers, however, like I said, it has planted the seed of judgement in the people of Harbor Country not only to frown upon bad officers, but makes the rest of the good officers look bad, furthermore, casting judgement when the citizens read this blogg, moreover people who go out for dinner or to work on a daily basis and see a New Buffalo City Police Officer, Chikaming Police Officer, Three Oaks Police Officer, and a Bridgman POlice Officer, the citizen now is casting judgment on that particular officer, even if the officer is a good cop. Mr Dzuris, my words to you are and lord forgive me for being judgemental, you are a hipocrate.
Didn't some of you bother to read the preface/disclaimer at the very first page of this blog? This is not the place to defend good and professional cop behavior. Or complain about good cops that rightfully pulled you over. It's not what this is about. We have good and lawful reason to expose unprofessional and illegal activities of law enforcement officers. Don't you get it??!!
There is so much concern about law enforcement looking bad because of bad cops, and we all should be. We have good reason to appreciate the honorable work these good officers do for us. But we equally have good reason to reveal true experiences about some in this profession who ignore and trample on civil rights and abuse their authority. So don't be getting all sanctimonious and condemn these efforts to expose unprofessional behavior. Don't accuse everyone of throwing out the whole bushel of apples, when we're only pointing out the bad ones. Maybe some of you think we "lack intelligence". If that were true, you still don't need a lot of intelligence to figure out that bad and unprofessional behavior should not be tolerated. That's what this is about.
We don't need to be reminded about appreciation for the work good officers do. You're not getting the point. We want to tell our own experiences and to warn others of unprofessional conduct. If the police department starts to look bad as a result, then its their problem. They need courageous good officers to report those that abuse their position. They should not have to rely on private citizens filing complaints on officers because it's easier than confronting their own blue code of silence.
So who determines what unprofessional behavior is? A citizen who knows little about law enforcement, Michigan laws, and whose only law enforcement knowledge comes from watching CSI, Law and Order, and movies like Training Day. I'm sure there are some incidents of unprofessional behavior out there, but for most of these situations there is an explaination for a cops behavior. Citizens have to understand that times have drastically changed in the world and for the police. The police have to constantly look over their shoulder to see who's around them these days, and this is not only in a police uniform, but off duty. When the police are off duty, and sometimes with their children, they constantly are looking for that person they arrested last week. Someone mentioned worrying about retaliation from the police.....WELL, the police also worry about retaliation from the citizens they have arrested or have written tickets to, this door surely swings both ways. And to the writer who is clearly off his/her meds..........when you say,"Blue Wall Culture" if you mean that the police stick together, ya.... you are probably right. But all jobs are like that. You have a lot in common with someone with the same job as you, so it's very unfair to just point your finger at the police for sticking together. That's every profession. Maybe YOU need to wake up and smell your .99 cent cup of coffee. To the New Buffalo City Police Department.....I'm glad you all work for your paychecks. Thanks.
When I first moved to Chikaming TWP. a few years ago, I was actually warned by residents about the cops here. For that reason -and many others, I think this blog is a great idea.
I've felt intimidated by a particular officer who (very obviously) used to whip around and follow me to my destination every time he saw me. Being a young woman and new to the area, it really frightened me.
I can also speak from first hand experiance about the "freebies" that are expected by some of the police. I used to work at a restaraunt that offered a 50% discount to cops. One time I actually had to cover the remaining cost of his already 50% off meal. When he got the bill, he turned up his radio(to respond to the dispatcher), threw a couple of bucks on the table and ran out to his squad car where he sat for a good 3 minutes before driving off. He didn't even leave enough to cover the bill! If the police want to complain about low pay, try making $2.50/ hr. and relying on tips to survive and then have something like that happen to you. I had to pay the rest of his bill out of my tips. I was hoping he'd come back after his shift or the next day to repay me, but he never did.
These are just two of the unprofessional experiences I've had with the police here. To go into further detail would be too specific to the incidents.
Tribal police pull over motorists because Sheriff Paul Bailey has deputized them. Therefore they have the same authority as any other law enforcement officer in the State of Michigan. I won't disagree that New Buffalo has become more aggressive; and I do think that they're unfairly targeting out of state drivers as well as their own residents.
As a local teen I would just like to voice my opinion! Let me start out by saying that there are great police officers in New Buffalo! They are the ones who are here to protect and do their jobs, not harass innocent people. I was raised to treat everyone with respect and I always do, but it gets really hard to do when our local police officers treat me like a criminal. I am constantly followed by police officers for no real reason. I obey all the traffic laws and have nothing to hide, yet i am still "stalked" like a criminal.For example, on a weekend night I drove to my friends house just for us to hang out, just her and I, and I am followed from my house to hers. When i pull into the driveway the police officer drives by slowly waiting for me to turn my car off, then zooms by and continues to circle the block till about an hour later when we decide to go back to my house across town where I am followed all the way back. The officer continues to circle the block till i leave a little while later to bring her back to her house where I am followed again, and then again when i drive back home alone that night. I think it's ridiculous that two girls who choose to have an innocent night hanging out, not partying like the a lot of other kids, are followed like this! It's sick! It's also sick that officers will sit at a stop sign and wait for someone to get to it and won't turn until the other person does so they can follow them. Thats not reasonable cause.. thats boredom. I have voiced my concern to people and they have talked with the police chief who said that i could personally call him if it continues to happen. We can't blame the entire police force because it is not their fault. They trust their officers to act professional, and it's sad that some can't. I hope that somehow things can be changed so we aren't terrified to drive in our own town!! Oh and for a certain young and cocky NB police officer. It wouldn't hurt to smile every once and a while. If someone gives you a friendly wave, it's OK to wave back instead of shooting a pissed off glance at them.
thank you!
As someone who has worked closely on numerous occasions with the Chikaming police, I can say there is a high level of transparency in how things are conducted and run in Harbert.
Chief Stormont and his staff don't have many of the same challenges police departments in larger communities, but they have their own, unique challenges:
Covering a large area with only a handful of full-time, and many part-time officers who work 40 hours a week for neighboring departments; being unable to expand personnel during the summer months when the population grows dramatically; dealing with a small but vocal minority of tourists who look down on anyone who doesn't live in Cook County...
In addition, Chikaming Township has a civilian-run Public Safety Board made up of residents who oversee the operation of the police, fire, and first-responder unit -- meetings are open to the public, the board makes direct recommendations to the Chikaming Township Council, and the police and fire chief report on a monthly basis directly to the board.
I commend the intent of a blog such as this. The originator states quite clearly on the front page the purpose of the blog. But, just like much of what is posted online, I have read entirely too much unattributed information that reads more of sour grapes than of constructive criticism.
Cries of Small Town Cop Mentality are narrow-minded, and wouldn't be tolerated in an open forum were they pointed at a minority group.
If you have a true concern about the law enforcement community, I think it's a good thing to post it here. THEN, share your concerns directly with the head of that law enforcement agency. Blog-posting alone merely creates suspicion. Open, mature discussion leads to resolution that benefits everyone.
So...all you "scared" citizens think our police are heavy handed huh, HA! you're all so very lacking in perspective. Travel, go to Kenya, Iraq, Russia. You will come back completely in love with our police here. I am a father of two young girls and I am damn glad that New Buffalo and the other surrounding police depts. are out there keeping drunk drivers off our roads, making criminals feel their presence and providing us with security. If one of these police radars me while I drive or does a pass by to check me out, I put on my brakes and oblige, they are not bullying me, they are searching for my enemies, the bad people that want to hurt me and my family. I will stay out of their way and let them search, I will support them. And I live right next to several local police officers and I can tell you they are as human as I am, if not more so because they risk their own safety 24/7 to ensure mine. That's not a God complex, that's a Guardian Angel.
OK...Per the Blogs "Rules" I won'tt post positive compliments for the good things the local police have done or are doing. I guess that's not supposed to count towards the BIG picture. Then let me pose a question
Q- How many of you Anonymous posters that are complaining of harrasment are drunks, reckless teens looking for trouble, Chicagolanders driving as if Red Arrow were the Dan Ryan, litterbugs, drug mules, just plain irresponsible drivers, Hoosiers coming up to buy your sunday booze in our state (we know you're already drunk when you arrive, you're here because you ran out and need more), pedophiles that like our many nice schools as hunting grounds, vagrants that think the beach should be an easy target, burglars that know there are million dollar homes near the beach, etc, etc. I wonder as I read these posts.
And how many are normal decent productive citizens who simply want to be treated with courtesy and respect by the Police.
And as for looking at Kenya, Iraq, Russia - I have one question. So if I had flees in my house, should I ignore them and be thankful I don't have cockroaches?
Interesting set of comments: Some intelligent, some emotional, some supportive. I understand the techniques police use to apprehend those that violate the laws the politicians enacted. I understand how police step around the Fourth Amendment to justify probable cause and then establish reasonable suspecion after they find something. This is a limitation of our constitution and the vasilation of our Supreme Court between liberal and conservative ideologies.
A summary of the comments suggests a few officers are not professionally suited for the job in Harbor Country. This is not uncommon, but as suggested, you need to take your complaints to their supervisors. Police officers have rights too and they can't be discharged just because they talked harshly to the public. Progressive discipline must be established, so document and continue to document to the chief of police and the matter will eventually be corrected.
For those officers reading these blogs, the bottom like is you do need to be professional; which includes refraining from an unprofessional response to the garbage that comes out of your clients' mouths. Did you expect they would kiss your ring and salute everytime you acknowledged their existence? I also know your response: you try it for a while and see how you would respond. I have already in places and people far worse than you generally experience. I just have one suggestion to those that act outside of the professional standards: Are you establishing your authority or are they pulling you string? So who is actually in charge in these situations? Ever think of that?
I don't know many of the current officers there but I have known many in the past. Most of these individuals where very professional and commendable officers doing a difficult and unappreciated job. If you have problem officers, get on the politicians and chief, but don't forget to commend the good officers too. They need the kind words so they don't become cynical or psychotic like the bad officers.
To: Martin Dzuris
You seem to be more educated then the rest of us in harbor country. You know, the one's who support their local cops....Here's some questions for you.
1) When is it ok for the police to follow you?
2) What do you recommend the police ask you, when you get stopped?
3) If you think you can do it better, why don't you run for office? Or try an become a cop yourself?
Now, I know that you probably going to respond using a bunch of euphemisms and "what if's." And, I listened to your last radio show, and you constantly say, "the police should clean up their house." I think you should clean up your act. A lot of us are thankful for the police! We get stopped for minor stuff, but we move on. Why can't you?
Thanks for a job well done, harbor county cops!
flees?
I think the majority of our local officers are just fine
The problem is if we just kept the majority of them we would still have way too many of them !
Oh and by the way - the " your license plate bulb was dim " is getting a bit old
especially as you managed to get my info to run a check it cant be that dim
For the most part, New Buffalo has had a decent police force. However lately it seems the younger officers do have this intimidation tactic of tailgating you. I had this happen one afternoon. Can we tailgate them?? I don't think so. They want to make you nervous and do something wrong. The one young officer followed me right up to my drive from Rt 12 and he was right on my bumper!! I think he was pissed that I slowed down to exactly 45, then 35 as posted on Rt 12. I never saw this type of action before. Do they not have anything better to do or do we have way too many police for this little town of 2,300? Is this a high crime area? NO! Police are suppose to be your "friend" but not so today, in this time. They are out to get you on something. I bet the cops per capita here are way over average. We have way too many police here. We have a K9 unit, motorcycle, jet ski, next a helicopter maybe??
i really don't think individuals who can't even spell "caught" should be able to post comments...ignorance is abundant enough in life, this is just another outlet for it.
i've benn living here in new buffalo for the past few years, and before that i lived in the city of chicago. The police officers here in this town are RIDICULOUS!! I live on one of the main roads here in new buffalo and last summer one nite at around 2am i had my windows open and i was up watching t.v. well all of a sudden i heard a car from the distance accelrating, next thing i know i a new buffalo police car zooming down the street going about 80 mph. Here's the kicker, he DID NOT have his sirens OR headlights on. This is extremely careless. unacceptable behavior. I think this blog is targeted to kind of unprofessinal behavior. Not crying about a ticket that they might of recieved. I am VERY glad they started this up. I think people who live in this town should be aware of how these police officers conduct themselves on duty. These are supposed to be the people who "protect ans serve" not drive wreckless down a street just cause they can!
I'll poste it again since it was erased.
To the Harbor Country Police Officers, New Buffalo, Three Oaks, Bridgman, and Chikaming, please refrain from using this site. It is only fueling the fire. There is no need to voice your opinion about this site, because deep down, we know that we are doing our jobs to the best of our ability. To those police officers who conduct themselves in a professional manner, I commend you, and I am glad to work with you as your colleague. We (the professional officers) know our goal is to provide professional police services in the efforts of preventing, deterring, and detecting criminal activity with the best efforts of protecting the innocent from falling prey to criminals. Keep up the good work.
You Friend and Colleague
This Forum is to REPORT BAD COP behavior. Google "bad cops", and you'll see its a national problem. Thanks for our constitutional freedom of press, we have the right to expose them, without needing to lump them with good cops. Here are just a FEW examples:
http://www.badcopnews.com/category/michigan/
http://www.reportbadcops.com/code_of_silencer.htm
http://www.badcops.org/
http://video.aol.com/video-category/bad-cops/101902
After reading these comments, you can understand why this blog exists. No, we are not crazy fools here, we are all concerned of the police tactics in Harbor Country. I thought it was just me in observations, no, I now know A lot of us feel the same from experience. Something is very wrong in the way police act today. I think they were trained on these shoot up video games or something. No wonder people are reluctant to be in New Buffalo driving around. I see more cops here pulling people over than I ever have in any place I ever lived. I can't wait to sell my house and get the hell out of here. And you bet I am anonymous.
It has been probably erased because you posted it 5x, under each post once. One of your comments was left under the latest posting. How many times do you have to have the exact same comment posted?! We get it! Once is enough.
Sounds like criminals running a blog in an attempt to turn the table on the officers that watch them closely. We're not buying it.
Law enforcement...thank you for keeping our streets safe!
Spent 31 summers in New Buffalo. Never had a problem with the police.
the population of newbuffalo is a rough 2,000 people. any one know what the population of new buffalo is durring the summer months? I hear its like 10,000 or so on the weekends. if that is just for new buffalo what is it like for other communitites in the area?
Nothing has changed in 20 or more years. I have been stopped for "going too slow" as I went 20mph down the main drag late one nite. My mom was with me as we left for vacation very early one am and the cop pulled me over and demanded to know where I was going. Remember the famous incident of about 10 or more years ago when an elderly lady was following an ambulance which carried her husband who was being rushed to the hospital with a stroke? The cop pulled her over and said she could not follow the ambulance. He would not listen to her explain. She struggled of to try to make a call to have someone come and get her. She and her attorney sued the city and got 20,000 and the cop had to go to "sensitivity training", but apparently nothing has changed.
Y'all are famous, big article in today's HP!
what the cops in Benton Harbor, Benton Twp where 75% of the arrests in this county are. Where 80% of the violent crime takes place. What are they supposed to act like when they dumped on all the time. Cops act like they are treated. Cops do not make people speed or committ crimes. They are however criticized all the time for doing their jobs. Where does it all come from. If you are not a cop dont bash them because you do not know what it is like.
I was tailgated on Jan. 10, 2008
from Lakeside to the middle of Three Oaks at 7am by Chickaming Township police, a total of 6 miles
Don't they have something better to
do that early in the morning? However, seeing that I own an old truck, that isn't a illnois-plated
Landrover, it happens all the time
to me!!
For most people the word ''COP'' leaves a bad taste in there mouth unlike a dunkin donut..i am not a drug user,or do i drink or steal, i mind my own business and keep to myself, but if i need to stop at a gas station and see cops in the parking lot usually getting donuts or popcorn i will drive as far as i have to,to get gas somewhere else because i dont want to see them ...i am a nice, clean cut man with no tattoo's or piercings to raise there suspicions and i usually have my family with me when ever i go somewhrere...i have just lost all respect for law enforcement....just like president bush...so sarge think about me the next time you eat a donut which will probably be pretty soon...your simple minded blogger
Just like all the boring, worthless blog's out there, this one too will pass. Get a Life!!!
Just so you know, when you use the word "I" alone, it's a capital letter. Just trying to help out the simple minded blogger.
I smell bacon....all of the negative posts on here are either cops or cop lovers...which i am neither..i think this sight is great....can i have another donut!!
I have experienced some of these police tactics i see police profile people there police they can do that i guess if you have nothing to hide you ok but what bothers me is when you get a ticket or go to court and it boils down to who to believe 90 percent of the time the court will go with the cop.Bruce hartford
One comment by Police is to enforce the law what happened to to the illegal aliens why aren't they rounding them up!Watch out for the lawn cops too!Bruce from hartford
Janis Joplin sung, "Freedom's just another word for nothin' left to lose" and that was never truer than right now in Harbor Country! It seems like everytime I go to Holland, Michigan or Connersville, Indiana I never see any highway patrol cars stopping anyone but when I go to Union Pier or Lakeside (a matter of a few hundred feet from my driveway) I see about a dozen or more cops waiting for me or some other unlucky citizen to make a mistake so they can pounce down on him (especially him!) or her (not so much!) and write tickets or arrest them for something totally unrelated to why they stopped them for. The cops always have a sneer on ther face and look like they are very mean. One of them, I don't know his name or age but he is a man, is especially mean looking. Like a mean guy from a movie a video game! They tailgate me or them while I cling to my wheel and work the gas pedal ever fearful of what might happen. I have never been stopped by them but I know a man who has and he said it was as pleasant as it was uneventful! Why can't the police just stop guilty people and write them tickets and leave us alone unless we do something wrong!
Well said, Jack 104. You have hit the nail on the head with your comments. I got stopped once by a cop who asked me if I had been drinking even though I stopped drinking a few years before. He must have checked my record or something because I got no ticket. Another time I got stopped for speeding 42 in a 30 zone right as you go into town. I mean doesn't the police have something better to do than to stop people right when the speed limits goes down. I would of had to put on the breaks hard to slow down that much that fast. My dad started driving in 1938 with no drivers license and he never got a ticket until last year when a cop pulled him over for speeding in a construction zone. When my dad told him that he wasn't used to the lower speed limit the cop told him to pay more attention. My dad felt very disrespectful by the police. Its no wonder everyone wants the police to stop some one else!!!
Being a cop, has to be one of the most worthless occupations ever..........I'm not impressed!!!!
I'm like you. It seems like everytime you step out your dore you are supected of being a crime. Last winter I was harased for not using my driveway as a basketball gound. And then about three yers ago my daughter who was pregnant and a miner was yelled at by another boy because of something she did at school and the police treated her like a crime instaed of him. Kepp up the good job watchfulli because you need to say the word!
I got stopped in Harbert for not signling a turn when there was no one around to see it. The cop said he was right behind me but he wasn't. I know a guy who works on houses for the chicago crowd (fips) and he says that cops never stop chicago people because they argue too much and never pay there tickets so it doesn't pay. Since when does one person have the right do something that every one else cant do? I think cops have too much time to look for things maybe they should work shorter shifts.
I used to be a twp constable back in the 60's and we weren't paid unless we produced work. Maybe that would be a good idea to bring back. The police would have to account for their actions or not get paid. Who agrees with me?
Hey, let's clean up the language. There might be ladies present.
i'm tired of being held down by the "man" to. its about time we went down to city hall and told them were not gonna take it no more. i listen to my old mans scanner and i here cops talking about "packages" and "25" and the "TA". We know what they mean by all that. there not folling anyone with that code stuff. its all about sex and drugs for them 24/7. my brother was a MP (military police) in the army a few years back and he told me that him and his buddys used to get drunk all the time and have sex with girls that they hardly new. gee it must be nice to get paid to do all that. He says he only did it when he wasn't working but thats hard to believe. i'll bet a lot of our local cops drink and have sex too.
We live along the lake in the summer and on weekends. We have a beautiful modern home on a couple of acres overlooking the New Buffalo harbor and it's a nice peaceful refuge from my position as a trader on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. We entertain frequently in the summer and around Christmas time. Our 47-foot Carver is docked at Oselka's and we entertain there, too. All the local people are most accomodating when we need something or have a request for special consideration. All of them, that is, except the police. Last summer my teenage son parked his Porsche on the street near the marina so that it might not get dinged by a car door or careless bicyclist. When he returned to it a few hours later he found a parking ticket on the windshield. I asked my attorney to contact the City Manager. We were later told that the City Manager doesn't dismiss parking tickets. Since when? It seems like he would be more than happy to grant this one simple request after his blundering Nazi police force had overstepped their authority in the first place. Or have they forgotten that I pay almost $5000 in property taxes on my home and dock every year? The local police have their priorities askew.
I couldn't agree more with what Anonymous said. The way things are going it seems like the whole world is topsy-turvy. I don't know if the tail is wagging the dog or if the cart is leading the horse but it's about time someone did something about it!
Maybe things have changed for the worse but when Mrs. Folle was teaching us at Gardner School back in the 1940's we learned one thing for sure: government is BY the people. Since when does the government have the right to send out police to look for trouble where there isn't any? Since when does governemnt have the right to arrest you or give you tickets for things that aren't in the constitution? What did our forefather fight against in WWII or earlier wars? Maybe a few of these so called cops should look at the constitution every time and again and see what it says about that! Until then I'm not signing my name.
greetings hc; this is my second time commenting on the n b police department. people around here are apparently a little upset with a number of the cops here. although ive had problems with some of them over the past few years . it seems to me that the canine officer is doing his job correctly. so in interest of fairness i thought i should make that clear.
Dear Mr. Upset that your son got a ticket on his PORSCHE for illegal parking...........Wah!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do you think because you own a summer home that you don't have to follow the simple laws the rest of us citizens do!!?? So, can I park my 1999 vehicle in an illegal area because I'm afraid it might get stolen........GET REAL!!!!!!!!
I just wanted to say to all.. Give your self a pat on the back... Way to go and bash on the police the police that one day might be coming to your house to help one of your love ones that just has had a heart attack. You think that being a police officer is easy you go out there everyday strap on the vest and gun and you think that your job is hard.. ha please.
You have no idea what runs though your mind when you put that uniform on everyday. For one am i going to come home tonight will i see my family again... You think about that when you go to your office job or whatever you blogers do.. It looks like nothing since you are on here complaining about the police... If you want to complain so much then go to there chiefs and do something about it instead of sitting there crying about it... RIGHT..
Yea i know i probley will get comments back but i don't care i work with most of the police officers that you are bashing there yea there are some bad apples but isn't that in every job.. you can't sit there and say that at your job there isn't one person that is bad if you sit there and say there isn't you are lying...
I have been pulled over a couple of times yea i have had a mean state trooper give me a ticket but you want to know what i deserved it and the reason he was mean was because he has to put up with people like all of you...
I think New Buffalo does a good job do you even know how many arrest they get a night do you know that there are bad people that travel through your town all the time... so look at it that way stop complaining about it...
The reason why they are tailgating is to get the plate so they can call it in to lein to make sure the vehicle isn't stolen or to call out a traffic stop.. Do you know how many things go wrong on a traffic stop if you arn't careful alot.. lets just put it that way..
What if we put up a blog about all of your guy's jobs would you like that maybe stop bashing the law and go out and do something about it are you going to go out and risk your life i don't think so.. so sit in your big houses and come here only in the summers don't complain about it if you don't live here all year around...
Another thing don't bash the firefighters and EMS workers do you want your house to burn down i don't think so or do you not want an ambulance to take you to the hospital when you are having a heart attack.. why can't we all get along...
Stop being scared and write your name you think you are so big and bad and you sign it anonymous you are so big and bad...
Well i want to say good job to all the police officers, dispatchers, firefighters, EMS workers and the men and women that are fighting for our country....
I hope one day you won't need any of there help.....
Oh I so believe Nichole. You go girl. Thanks for being a great Police officer!!
come on people!!! you say there's crime in new buffalo, were? you don't see drug dealer on the corner, no guns on the street, it's not like you have crack houses here. you cops really need to quit over playing your role. this is like maybarry, and we have a bunch of little barneys running around. get real!!!
No drugs in New Buffalo.......No guns on the streets......No crack houses.....These must be the statetments of a very wise man or woman who knows New Buffalo very well. Sounds like YOU need to get real!!! YOU have absolutely NO clue. Step out of the closet that you have been living in.
A couple things for Had it up to hear.You was going over the speed limit and did you know that the speed limit was slower at town limits or not . Also sounds like your dad needs to go to driving school to learn the driving laws. I'm not a policeman and when I get a ticket I might not like it but if I was wrong I was wrong.
No need to insult spelling or grammar errors. No need to call us all simple minded. Again, if you don't agree with this blog, and you think the police are doing their job, then STOP reading..
But for the rest of us, I am sick of hearing about how police put their life on the line for us. Maybe they do, but that is a choice THEY make when becoming police officers. That hazard of the job does not give them the right to intimidate others and do their public service poorly.
I work around hazardous conditions to help people (I choose not to give more info for fear of harassment) and I don't complain about my working conditions and feel as though the world owes me because I CHOOSE to take a personal health risk everyday while I work.
So to all the police who are perusing this site: THANKS FOR RISKING YOUR LIFE FOR ALL OF US!- but in the meantime, please do your job and treat us fairly. I did not personally make the decision for you to go into law enforcement- so please don't act as though the public owes you anything.
I think some of the people that are posting these comments need to sit down and watch Talladega Nights "The Ballad of Ricky Bobby" with Will Ferrell, drink a couple beers and open a new bag of double stuffed Oreo cookies........maybe that's just me.
I think every one is right! There is absolutely no crime in HC. There are no Drunks driving from the downtown bars at night. there are no felons driving on red arrow Hwy. from Michigan City to Benton Harbor. There are no Home Breakins. There are no Drug runners, Running drugs and money from Chicago to Detroit comming right through New Buffalo Twp. on I-94 and Red Arrow. There are no Families fighting. There are no people driving on a suspended drivers license. I really dont think there are any criminals, any where with in a 20 mile radius of HC. I will leave my door wide open and leave for a month and you know what.......Reality...........When I come home I bet every thing in my house will be gone. any one that says there in no crime in hc is living in an alternative reality.
As far as too many cops in HC. I think they should sit in the office and not work! I dont think they should come out of there office and do their jobs. I think that my tax dollars should be give for free and not worked for.
because I pay taxes they work for me! Reality! taxes make up a city budget, the city council distributes the money there for the police aultimatly answer to the city council whom are voted into office by the people.
every thing is all hunkie dorie. I just want to complain about something I know nothing about!
To: "As far as too many cops in HC. I think they should sit in the office and not work!"
Well no, but maybe in the unemployment line like a lot of people in this screwed up State with the highest unemployemnt rate in the US. As for drugs, you know, make it a medical problem not a law enforcement problem. The War on Drugs is a total failure. It won't work , is not working and will never work, but it's costing us BIllions of $$. We have more people in prison than any other industrialized Nation, most on drug issues. AS for drinking and bars, OK, don't license any, don't take tax money on liquor, close the State liquor commission and make Michigan a dry State! Now watch your economy really take a dump. I tell you, I know a lot of people who refuse to come to New Buffalo because of the cops patrolling the few bars we have. This town is almost dead in winter and may be comatose soon!!!
While reading the posts a few days ago I got a brilliant idea. Let's get together and file a class action lawsuit against law enforcement. They may not listen to us on this blog or if we call the police station but they would have to lsiten if we filed a lwsuit that ended up costing them millions of dollars. There must be a lawyer in Chicago or Los Angeles that would take the case for a portion of the proceeds. Lets show them who pays the bills.
Someone posted about a rapist who also was a politician and a cop. What was his name? I looked at the sex offender cite and couldn't anyone?
I am sick and tired of being singled out when I drive down the street for doing nothing. When are the cops in this town going to realize they don't get to be judge jury and executor of people who just want to go to work party a little and see some friends. And I disagree because Hillary is the only one with the power to change the laws for us.
i herd about this web sight from a frend end he remind me of when i was herassed by the cop a few yers ago. it was dering school but have droped out end was hangig out down town not bothing any one. a cop came up to me in his car end aksed what i was doing end i said nothin but he woldnt leaf me a loan. i end up gittig arested for not doing his orders. i spent a nigt in jail for doing notin. that is such b---. i moved away end get a job and hardly hafe any troble.
I used to live in New Troy. There was this cop named Colstein who used to hide from us and try to catch us smoking dope. I think he got fired or transfered somewhere else because I never hear of him any more. Sometimes he would break up parties and we never knew what he did with the beer. Makes you wonder.
I have read all the posts here and there seems to be a common thread to this whole blog: fear. Fear of being pulled over, fear of reprisal, fear of the police, and fear of getting into more trouble for exposing the truth. It shouldn't this way in America, people. This is the land of the free, the home of the brave, and the place where we run the country. I for one have never seen a cop who was worth his pay. They speed while they burn gas we paid for, they eat free or almost free food at restaurants that the average working family cannot even afford to eat at, and they get backstage passes to just about every show they want to. They call it 'public service' but its more like 'public disservice'. I saw a group of off duty cops at a bar in Michigan City and they were the rudest most belligerent bunch of idiots you have ever seen. I knew if I said anything to them they would call the City cops and have me arrested so I just minded my own business. No wonder I have no respect for them.
Police have speed traps at these places: Chippy's on US12, I94 by Union Pier, US12 by Redamaks, anywhere in Grand Beach, Red Arrow highway in Lakeside. They try to hide but they stick out. There might be more. BE CARFUL!
Shummy will get squished for mentioning that New Troy cops name, but I remember him too. He used to only stop people under the age of 21 so he could look for booze and drugs. If he didn't find any he would write you a ticket. He even wrote the town mayor a ticket! That got him suspended and he went to work in Galien. He had to quit when they caught him chasing people outside the city. He was old then so he's probably dead by now.
I'm among the most pro law enforsement persons in the county.
On July 4th, 2006 (or whatever day fireworks were launched off the pear in celebration), a fight broke out on Lake Street (St. Joe).
As usual during the 7/4celebration Lake St. was packed.
The responding St. Joe police car flew down Park St. and on to Lake St. much, much, faster than anyone could safely nsvigate threw the dense crowd.
Those on Lake St., (including myself, on a bicycle near Outpost Sporting store),were screaming at the cop to slow down, the cop seemed to be invigeratet by the by the people yelling (obviously he didn't realize why everyone was screaming at him).
This was amoung the most careless driving I've ever seen. It spured weeks of talk with residence and our out of town guest.
Hopefully someone eles that was there will comment on this incident also.
Bill
5592
the fireworks were
The responding
Well, Mr. Citizen, it seems you’ve figured me out. I seem to fit neatly into the category where you’ve placed me. I’m stereotyped, standardized, characterized, classified, grouped, and always typical. Unfortunately, the reverse is true. I can never figure you out. From birth you teach your children that I’m the bogeyman, then you’re shocked when they identify with my traditional enemy… The criminal! You accuse me of coddling criminals…Until I catch your kids doing wrong. You may take an hour for lunch and several coffee breaks each day, but point me out as a loafer for having one cup. You pride yourself on your manners, but think nothing of disrupting my meals with your troubles. You raise hell with the guy who cuts you off in traffic, but let me catch you doing the same thing and I’m picking on you. You know all the traffic laws… But you’ve never gotten a single ticket you deserve. You shout “foul” if you observe me driving fast to a call, but raise the roof if I take more than ten seconds to respond to your complaint. You call it part of my job if someone strikes me, but call it Police Brutality if I strike back. You wouldn’t think of tell your dentist how to pull a tooth, or a doctor how to take out an appendix, yet are always willing to give me pointers on the law. You talk to me in a manner that would get you a bloody nose from anyone else, but expect me to take it without batting an eye. You yell something’s got to be done to fight crime, but you can’t be bothered to get involved. You have no use for me at all, but of course it’s OK if I change a flat for your wife, deliver your child in the back of the patrol car, or perhaps save your son’s life with mouth to mouth breathing, or work many hours overtime looking for your lost daughter. So, Mr. Citizen, you can stand there on your soapbox and rant and rave about the way I do my work, calling me every name in the book: But never stop to think that your property, family, or maybe even your life depends on me or one of my buddies. Yes Mr. Citizen, it’s me… the cop!
The author of this was a Virginia Trooper killed in the line of duty.
I agree with the last comment... so true:) Also the officer that worked in new troy that we aren't suppose to say name still works as a police officer in Three Oaks and he is a very good guy.........
Of course there are many good officers that should be respected. We have good police here in New Buffalo, but I think people here are pointing out some of the bad things happening to them, just as I got "tailgated" here one day, which NEVER happened to me here in many years. In fact until recently, never happened to me any where. I would match my driving record of some 40 years against any police officer. I use to drive 80 miles a day to work in Chicago traffic. People need to respect police and like wise, police need to not harass drivers for such things as a dim license plate light! And don't tailgate us, it's unsafe for you and me.
we talk about doing somethig about the cops, next time you see one on a stop, walk up and ask him why he's harassing the diver. we have the right as residents to ask him what's going on!!. these cops must know who pays thier wages. Lets do something!!! not just talk!!!
Just looking out for anyone thinking about walking up to an officer on a traffic stop.......Don't do it. Not a good idea at all.
So much ego defense mechanisms in place on this issue on both sides of the fence. The ends don't justify the means nor the means justify the ends. Wait a minute. Course they do in our society where the powerful and the powerless attempt to justify their behavior.
The legislators make the laws and the police get to interpret them which mean legislative intent can be ignored or expanded as a tool in power relationships. Course, one way to avoid this situation is to follow the rules until they are change. Isn't that insightful for some of you?
Police: we know you are there for enforcement and assistance; some of you do both with equal exuberance while others concentrate on one or the other. Your efforts to help are most often appreciated and, less often, your efforts to protect. Lets me honest, just because you are willing to risk your life to protect and serve does not give you the option to be abusive and misuse your authority. We use to call that Chicken *%$# policing. You know the intent of laws, don't abuse your power just because you can. If you make a mistake like the rest of us mere mortals, try admitting it. You will find that it will not destory your authority.
Policing is about discretion and decision-making. No matter what decision police make, it is very likely someone will disagree with their decision. Does this mean you should get cynical and defense? Probably; but ask yourself, should you if you were truly a professional?
For the citizen: if police get a free meal cause someone wants to honor their work or wants their presence in their establishment, it's their money so get over it. Does taint police professionalism; it can especially if they "extras" are demanded or expected. This is a different issue and we know the answer. Just like the citizens, you need to get over it too when it comes to citizens questioning your actions. You know that it comes with the job, just like an umpire, a parent, or whatever. Either act in a professional honest manner, or find a new profession where they don't expect so much from you.
I don't understand how this blog is supposed to solve a perceived problem without addressing the actual problem. Many people agree that there is a problem with abuse of power by police. How does posting a blog that shall not include an officer's name and will almost certainly not include the complainant's name address the root cause of the problem? Vague or non-existant details seem to be the rule. Most of the posts just say "I dislike the police because they treated me badly." What results does the victimized author expect? Do we really expect the police will get their feelings hurt and decide to become models of diplomacy? Will the ramblings of a few discontented individuals create new safeguards?
As for "tailgating", this has never happened to me, but it seems to be widespread. Maybe it's some sort of police tactic for identifying cars or people before they stop us.
My daughter was once "followed" from Union Pier to Three Oaks. After she told me about it I contacted the police officer and he told me that he hadn't been following my daughter, but was merely driving the most direct route from there to here after going to help a Chikaming officer. His explanation made sense to me and my daughter.
Discounted meals are surely a bad thing, but that's a subject best discussed with a police chief of mayor.
Police officers generally seem pretty disconnected or distant, but then I don't really know any to say hello to and they never speak to me so maybe it's just as much my fault. As for rude behavior, belittlement, or other specific problems, I would contact the officer or their superior. Or my elected official.
All in all, I can't imagine what it's like to be a cop and talking to strangers about problems all day or night, going to fights or the unknown trouble calls, and dealing with death and distrustful people. Makes my sales job look pretty good.
Tailgating by the Police is common in Watervliet TWP.
I know that this site was put up for complaints about law enforcement being rude and things. I have been stopped on several occasions; I have even been arrested in New Buffalo a few years back for a DUI. I never drink and drive after that, cost way to much money and grief. I treated the officer with respect and was treated with the same respect in return. Once while walking home after having a few to many drinks in the American Legion I was stopped by the New Buffalo Police and asked if I had been drinking. I told them that was the reason I decided to walk home instead of driving. They did frisk me down and checked to make sure I didn’t have any weapons on me. After all was done they gave me a ride home. I thanked them and told them to have a safe night and said good bye. I think most of the time if you are respectful of them they will be respectful of you. You have to remember if you give them a hard time you just may get one back.
As someone who works at the casino, I can tell you how many of the workers there are harassed and ticketed by the New Buffalo police.
Constantly followed, as others have said is a daily ritual.
Guests who even go there have complained about them, and said they won't go back because of the harassment.
I think Four Winds even funds the police!
Anyway, great blog...Thanks for doing it!
New Buffalo police rank right up there with the City of St. Joseph police.....They'll stop you for blinking your eyes...
one of the area's finest tried very hard to put me in prison, i was going through a divorce.. me and my ex to be were still getting along just fine, we decided together that we just grew apart..well a married officer with kids decided he didn't want me around so he arrested me a total of 6 times through the course of my divorce..domestic violence,stalking, felony stalking all trumped up charges me and my wife were like WTF...every time i was arrested the charges were dropped the following day by the judge a total of 6 times...well after arrest number 6 after i was in jail for all of about 1 hour after posting a $10,000 bond.. he called my ex to be down to the police station for questioning about 1:30 am... and finally the break i needed he came onto her while in the police dept on duty...the state police were contacted the next day, a warrant was issued for his arrest and he turned him self in a few days later...when questioned by the state police ..his first words were if i pled guilty can i have ''defered prosicution'' he lost his job,his wife and kids moved away...and i had recieved an appology from the state police fianally justice was served..but it was kinda scary because my life and my kids life were in this lunatic's hands...me in prison how could i provide for them...his deputy even went as far as to tell me i couldn't be in town anymore...i told him this wasn't the old west he couldn't tell me to leave town..i had grounds for a lawsuit but decided not to go ahead with it...so after that incident i am very bitter towards law enforcment
THANK-GOD FOR THIS WEBSITE,I PLAN ON DOING ALOT OF BLOGGING ON THIS WEBSITE. NOT BECAUSE I HAVE NOTHING TO DO IN FACT IM VERY BUSY. AS OF THIS MOMENT WE ARE GETTING READY FOR A COURT CASE CONCERNING MY SON. AN OFFICER FROM THREE OAKS HAS TARGETED MY SON FOR RETALATION AGAINST MY FAMILY. THIS IS SO FAR OVER THE TOP, THAT AFTER THE COURT DATE WE HAVE A FIRM (LAWYERS) THAT ARE GOING TO FILE A LAWSUIT. I WILL GO INTO MORE DETAIL AFTER THE COURT DATE. THIS OFFICER IS WAY OUT OF LINE AND HAS BEEN BULLYING PEOPLE FOR A VERY LONG TIME AND WE HAVE HAD IT. WE ARE GOING TO PROVE IN COURT THAT THERE IS A FALSIFIED POLICE REPORT HE HAS STALKED MY SON AND THERE IS SO MANY MISTAKES IN THE POLICE REPORT, THATS IT IS CONSIDERED GROSS NEGLIGIENCE,(THAT IS WHAT THE FBI TOLD ME,) SO WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO OUR DAY IN COURT BECAUSE EVERTHING THIS OFFICER SAYS WILL BE USED IN OUR CIVILSUITS.THIS OFFICER QUESTIONED MY SON ABOUT AN INCIDENT THAT HAPPENED IN THREE OAKS IN THE CLASSROOM, HIS GOAL WAS TO HUMILIATE AND INTIMIDATE HIM INSTEAD HE MADE EVERYONE IN THE CLASSROOM A WITNESS TO WHAT WAS SAID AND HOW UNPROFEESIONAL HE WAS. THESE REMARKS THIS OFFICER MADE ARE SO OUTRAGEOUSE ITS FREIGHTNING AND IN SUCH A BLATENT MATTER.
I WILL KEEP EVERYONE UPDATED AND LOOK FORWARD TO READING OTHER HORROR STORIES.
I can tell that most of the complainers here have never checked the COP WATCH web site. If they had they would know that the site says the best best way to prove the cops are abusing their position is to document it. Not walk up and demand to know why a cop is harrassing someone on a traffic stop or somehting like that (where you could be arrested for "obstructing"). The site says the best way to document this stuff is to use your camera! Check it out! Remember, bullsh*t walks, pictures talk.
I have a degree in the field of Criminal Law, and while I no longer work in this field, I have strong feelings about the way the New Buffalo Police Department conducts itself. This town is more dangerous to drive in than the downtown Baghdad. Especially if you are from out of town. The officers clearly want to intimidate and harass citizens. The volume of frivalous stops is scary. This the United States of America! We should feel safe driving around OUR towns without being subjected to frivalous stops and searches. Does anyone know anything about GESTAPO Germany? YOU KNOW what we are talking about. In New Buffalo, you will be presumed guilty before innocent. The tactics the these officers use to pull people over are insulting! I know of people that have been pulled over (usually on weekend nights) for having a license plate that "does not come back to this type of vehicle". After snooping around "looking" for probable cause, the officer will offer that maybe he/she made a "mistake" when entering the vehichle tag number. Others have been pulled over on 12 for driving in the left lane on a four lane road. I recently was driving down Marquette Drive when a vehicle merged into my lane. I held my course and wondered what the h#$$ the driver was thinking. It was a police officer. HMMM, a cop trying to goat me into reason to pull me over? Thank you for creating this website! I have much respect for the law and law enforcing officers. However, the New Buffalo Police Department is an embarrasment. I am talking about the officers that patrol the streets at night who must not have carefully read or understand the Fourth Amendment. Ask any New Buffalo resident or visitor about the New Buffalo Police. I would bet their response would not be favorable. HEY CHIEF- I HOPE YOU ARE READING THIS... (he is).
HERES ANOTHER STORY ABOUT A THREE OAKS COP(BEEN THERE FOR YEARS AND STILL IS) A FRIEND OF MINE HAD A HUSBEND WHO WAS TERMINALLY ILL FOR A FEW YEARS. HIS MEDICAL BILLS WERE MOUNTING AND SHE WAS THE ONLY ONE WORKING.SADLY THEY STARTED FALLING BEHIND IN THIER HOSPITOL BILLS. THIS HEARTLESS COP CAME TO THIER HOME AND SERVED THEM WITH A COLLECTION NOTICE. SHE SAID HE THREW THE ENVELOPE AT HER AND SAID "PAY YOUR DAMN BILLS".I TRIED TO CONVINCE HER TO GO TO THE CITY COUNCIL AND TELL HER STORY BUT SHE DECLINED .I WILL ADMIT, I KNEW THAT EVEN TELLING THE VILLAGE COUNCIL WOULD PROBABLY NOT DO A BIT OF GOOD...THEY HAVE A VERY BAD CASE OF THE GOOD OL BOY SYNDROME GOING ON THERE..BUT SOONER OR LATER THE THREE OAKS VILLAGE COUNCIL WILL HAVE TO RECOGNIZE THIS OFFICER IS WAY TO BIG OF A LIABILTY..
AND ROY HAS A VERY VALID POINT, I BOUGHT MY DASH CAM FROM EBAY....
Just an update and a question to Sheriff Bailey. Today at 12:30 PM on Eastbound I94 near Stevensville Exit I was passed by a marked Sheriff minivan with no lights on top (prisoner mover maybe?). Anyway I was going about 73 MPH and it was misty and drizzling. He passed me and within 60 seconds was out of sight. It was so fast I could not get the plates or car number. Wonder what he would have done if I caught up to get that info? Is this approriate for these vehicles to be operated in this manner with no emergency lights. Oh wait, it's a double standard right? Just thought people should know. Its not the first time I seen stuff like this around here. Go ahead bash me now..
Well here's the update I promised you..I WON !!! NOT GUILTY.The officer lied under oath. HAVE PROOF !!!I AM WORKING WITH A REPORTER FROM A VERY LARGE NEWSPAPER TO GET THIS STORY OF MALICIOUSE PROSECUTION OUT THERE.THEY COULDNT EVEN BELIEVE THE PROSECUTOR WOULD PICK THIS UP.
BUT I MUST BE STEPPING ON SOME TOES, THE CHIEF PROSECUTOR OF BERRIEN COUNTY IN A ROUND A BOUT WAY THREATENED ME ON THE PHONE FRIDAY (I LAUGHED) HE COULD NOT HANDLE THE FACT I HAD PROOF OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE WRONG DOINGS..THATS OKAY WE ARE SENDING THE REPORTS TO THE AGENCY THATS OVER HIS HEAD AND REPORTING HIS ACTIONS OR SHOULD I SAY LACK OF ACTION TO THEM..AND A BIG THANKS TO WHATEVER OFFICER TIPPED OFF THE THREE OAKS OFFICER ABOUT MY BLOG ON THIS WEBSITE,, HE OBVIOSLY READ IT..BECAUSE IN HIS SWORN TESTIMONY, UNDER OATH HE ADDRESSED ONE OF MY CONCERNS THAT WAS IN THE BLOG AND PERJURED HIMSELF..LOVE THIS WEB-SITE AND HATS OFF TO RAY KIRKUS THIS GUY KNOWS ABSOLUTELY WHAT HE'S TALKING ABOUT.....
well, i dont really get on here much but im going to post what i think is kind of out of hand. So how many police departments are in a 2 mile radius? Im talking about laporte rd. Ive been pulled over by new buffalo police dept. several of times for having 1 licence plate light out of service, the other one was working. I think that went on about 3 times, so i fixed it hoping i wouldnt get a ticket for somthing that little. The police officers have nothing beter to do, its not a high crime area but treat it like it is. ive been pulled over at 11:00 pm, pulled out of the car, them telling me they smell pot and there going to find it and i beter not lie cause they know its in my car, i stood outside for 20 min. while they call for backup and tear my car apart, they said have a good day... Im glad someone put this website here but i think im going to make fliers for this website, people need to act out, share there stories and find out whos the "bad cops" cause there are such thing as "good cops" look out three oaks and new buffalo, we got our eyes on you.
I know of a person that was in a car on PRIVATE PROPERTY talking to a group of friends outside the car. New Buffalo cops approached, interrogated the driver and arrested him for DUI. Mind you, this was on PRIVATE PROPERTY.
THe case was thrown out in court.
The operational costs of the courts is paid by the citizens. Think of the amount of money our taxes are paying towards these BS arrests.
The only people benefiting from such practices by OUR police force are lawyers.
There is clearly outrage by large parts of our small communities.
The actions by these rogue cops should be answered by ALL elected officials, beginning with Mayor and Police Chief.
I am a voter, and I am very vocal with my voter friends on this issue.
One of the greatest tools anyone can do to stop police abuse is know their rights. It’s a sad day when we have to fear those who protect us. That being said every one young and old should watch this video. The power of tyrants is prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress- FredrikDouglas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqMjMPlXzdA
Make sure your registration is correct and not expired. You have your paper registration. You have your vaild drivers license. Never leave anything in plain view. And NEVER NEVER GIVE CONSENT TO SEARCH YOUR VEHICLE
The word on the street is the New Buffalo City Police Department crashed TWO CARS since the first
of the year within a SEVEN DAY period of time. Now, I dont have dates or times on this, but the skivy is:
The first incident happened on Whittaker Street when an officer pulling a U-turn to follow a car spun the tires and ran into a utility pole, and:
The second occured when an officer responding to a call in Three Oaks spun out near the old bowling alley property, and struck the guard rail several times before running off the road.
Now, the circumstances of these incidents are not important, and the Department is free to deny they happened, but if they did, why was this not reported in our local papers? I mean, every time these guys pop somebody with a half a bag of grass, it gets four columns two inches deep in the Times and the HCN, but something like this DOESN'T GET A MENTION??
Again, if the police want to deny this, then they can, but if they won't confirm or deny these events, don't they owe SOMEONE an explanation, or perhaps, an apology?........Just asking.
So is this site old news? Dying out? All cops have now turned good? Hmmm. Anyway I was wondering why there is a smashed up New Buffalo city police car being repaired in a body shop in Union Pier? Nothing in the paper about it as far as I know. Isn't that considered news worthy anymore? Especially the circumstances leading up to the wasted car..
Well a wrecked police car, that doesn't suprise me in the least. I have witnessed 1 officer working the afternoon shift on a sunday, pulling u turns on whittaker, hitting the gas like a bat out of hell, avoiding the stop light through old jacksons parking lot at the cornor. Naw, this doesn't suprise me at all. It won't hit the paper until an officer rams into a vehicle and hurts or kills someone. Then, maybe it will be reported. And most likely will only get a few days off with or without pay
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