I want to make some things clear, just in case there are any misconceptions. I am sure this will piss some people off, but I have to say it.
This site is meant to allow for the open discussions of issues relating to the greater Pewaukee community, it's citizens and taxpayers. I make every attempt to allow anyone to post in a free and open manner. I extend the 'freedom of speech' only as far as I would allow it in my own home, perhaps a little more. However, just as if the conversation were taking place in my home, if I felt someone were getting out of line or found them offensive, I would ask them to leave. My site, my choice. The Constitution(to be accurate the, the first amendment) does not protect your freedom of speech in my home, or on my website. If I feel the comments are not appropriate, I will take action. If you don't agree with that, start your own website.
Even though I allow anonymous comments, a policy I am considering changing by the way, anyone living in the Internet age should already know, unless you go to great lengths to hide yourself, you leave a trail. Every comment is stored in the database along with some information about the source. I am the only one who has legal access to that data and I do not make it openly available. I also will not guarantee that I would fight hard to keep it private. There is a commenter who alleges to know who and where another poster was when a comment was posted, they even allege to know the poster was misusing Internet access at work. To substantiate those allegations, the person would have to have illegally accessed my system. They could also be working for the NSA and monitoring my site because I am such a subversive element. If that is the case, they probably just blew their cover. Otherwise, they are blowing smoke out their behind.
A general comment about the tone of the postings relating to the Police Department. I have not heard so many people express such... distaste for the local police since my high school years. I think that there are some who believe we live in a police state and if they speak up in public, they will be beaten and hauled way never to be seen again. Ok, perhaps a little exaggeration, but what is fraggin' going on here? The tone even goes beyond distrust and distaste and goes into plain old hate and bigotry. If you have a legitimate complaint against members of the CPPD, file them with the PFC. Don't post inflammatory comments on a website and then hide behind Anonymous. If there are legitimate issues, the only way to address them is by making an official complaint. Without a complaint, the PFC can take no action. I doubt if anyone will file a complaint based on unsubstantiated allegations by an anonymous poster on a website.
I support the Captain's willingness to post factual information on this site. There are often half truths or speculation posted and he has provided facts in the past. I find that having the facts helps for a more intelligent conversation. If the Captain felt it necessary to provide his side of the story, I am cool with that. Notice that, even though he takes heat for it, he identifies himself and does not remain behind Anonymous. I give him credit for that.
I can understand where his comment about the allegations of police misconduct could be misinterpreted. Keep in mind however, this comment was made at the same time someone was asking for the name of an officer that is allegedly under investigation for an alleged misconduct. I believe that the Captain may have in fact been trying to protect anyone from making a painful mistake. Let me make it perfectly clear, if anyone would post a name to go along with the the allegations, I would remove the comment. I would also make the information about the poster available to law enforcement... if requested. That type of allegation does not belong on this website. If there are legitimate complaints, there are legal channels that should be followed. Posting information on a public forum such as this could in fact jeopardize any investigation that may be taking place. This is serious business and it should be treated as so.
If there is some sort of investigation related to the events described by the Captain, I cannot say. Such an investigation would be a police matter and very limited disclosure would be made until there was a determination of whether or not misconduct did occur and if charges should be filed with the PFC. If my understanding of police procedure is correct, and I do not claim to be an expert, for a department of this size, any such investigation would be handled by an outside agency. In a large department there may be an 'internal affairs' division for such situations, but not here.
I was not witness to the events mentioned but I want to make some comments. Yes, I know some of the people posting on the site are in law enforcement, and maybe I will not get this completely correct as I have never been in their shoes, but I know many who have and I think I have a fair understanding. When you are a patrol officer, part of you job is to stop drivers for violations. With every traffic stop, you are walking up to a vehicle where you do not know who or what is waiting inside. Depending on where you work, there is a possibility it could be the last stop of you life. Yeah, but this is Pewaukee, how likely is that to happen here? Maybe... but I bet Chiefs Bach and Baumann can tell a story about that as well as a few other officers. You may also want to check with Officer James A. Lutz as well... oh wait, he is dead.
Now imagine yourself as a patrol officer. An ATL (Attempt To Locate) is issued describing a vehicle involved in a bank robbery. The suspect in that robbery is known to be armed. Now, what is going through your head when you see a vehicle matching the description? I have never been in that position, thankfully, but along with an understanding of my duty, there is going to be a concern for my personal safety. I am sure I will also be asking myself, "Did I kiss my wife goodbye this morning?", "What was the last thing I said to my kids?" and a bunch more. Let me make it perfectly clear, my side arm will be at the ready when I approach that vehicle. No question about that. I would also take every precaution until I was satisfied that there was not danger to myself, my fellow officers or any bystanders. Would tensions be high? You bet. In this case, the driver was not the suspect being sought. I am sure that he was scared to death. I don't blame him. But would I expect the situation to be handled any different. In my opinion, no. Yes, this is Pewaukee, but Milwaukee is not so far away. Nor is Chicago. You never know what a situation like this could turn into. The alternative to taking proper precautions are not always pretty.
Now, on to the situation with the Chief. As I have said before, I do not know anything other than what is in the news. My personal opinion is that this has nothing to do with any merger discussions. But, that is just my opinion. Was the Chief and his lawyer told that by someone? I don't know, I was not in any of those discussions. Why would such a story be told to the newspaper? I can only guess, but I choose to keep my opinon on that to myself. My choice. If that seems weak, so be it.
Let me just say this about any possible merger or consolidated services. If there is consolidation, there will be jobs lost. That is a plain old fact. If the two police departments merged, we would not need two Chiefs and two Captains. Just as we would not need two DPW Directors if those departments merged. If the two municipal governments became one, we would not need two Administrators or two Clerk/Treasurers. Nor would we need 14 elected officials. Does that really come as a surprise to anyone?
Feel free to express your opinions, but keep it civil and let's try to avoid unsubstantiated allegations.
http://www.pewaukeepatriot.org/article.php/20080813213727648