Pubdate: Sat, 19 Apr 2008
Source: Erie Times-News (PA)
Copyright: 2008 Erie Times-News
Contact:  http://www.goerie.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1347
Author: Perry Cornman
Related: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n254/a04.html

CREDIBILITY OF POLICE SUFFERS

Let me first state that I live in rural Erie County and  do not
personally know any Erie police officers. But  what I have to say
should pertain to any police  anywhere.

A policeman or policewoman should be held to a higher  level of
accountability when he or she is accused of  breaking the law. The
policeman who is accused of  stealing drugs from the evidence locker
first broke the  law the first time he used dope. If anybody should
know  better, a 22-year veteran should.

Then to steal anything from where he works is bad  enough, but to
steal drugs and risk compromising cases  against drug dealers is
inexcusable.

Instead of being in jail with other drug users, he is  getting full
pay while in rehab. He was caught on tape.  There is little doubt of
his guilt.

The sentencing range for any policeman or policewoman  caught breaking
the law should be at least half again  or double that of anybody else.

When we were raising our three kids, we told them if  they ever needed
help, they could trust a policeman.  Now all across the country we are
seeing more and more  that this isn't true.

The bad thing is most cops are good and courageous, but  because of a
few bad ones, they taint our respect for  all.

Perry Cornman

Union City
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin