Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Department of Justice Report on Westchester County Jail.

The Westchester Chapter of the National Black Police Association is in total support ofthe report issued by the Department of Justice on the civil rights violations at the Westchester County Jail.

In our opinion, this report is not a reflection of most of the dedicated Correction Officers that keep safety and security of the facility.

This is a critical examination of management’s failed policies and procedures of management and lack of accountability.

It is apparent that the policies and procedures and lack of accountability at the Westchester County Department of Corrections are in violation.

The Department Of Justice’s, Westchester County Department of Correction’s Jail report, is unacceptable of our Justice System, in Westchester County.

Many of these inmates have not been convicted of crimes, and are awaiting trial, therefore we cannot have a system that inflicts its’ own brand of justice and punishment.

This report is an indictment of our whole justice system; as it shows that we are not providing protection to our citizens, provided us under the United States constitution.

We need to re-examine our justice system here in Westchester to allow our tax paying citizens the opportunity to file legitimate complaints without repercussions from law enforcement entities.

It is unacceptable and unconstitutional to victimize a victim twice, once by the assailant and then by the system.

Our Westchester County District Attorney’s office has an obligation to view, prosecute, recommend and refer civilian complaints, police misconduct and organizational corruption to the proper governmental jurisdiction.

In executing these functions and publicly informing the public of the procedures to file complaints without bias, elevates the burden of costly lawsuits and indefensible arrest.

There is a dire need for our community to be informed of the proper course of operation when, their civil rights are being violated.

It is incumbent upon our elected officials, law enforcement appointees and selected management to maintain and uphold true transparency of accountability in the justice system in the cities and towns of Westchester County.

There should not only be a Department Of Justice investigation of Yonkers PD and Corrections, there should be a Department Of Justice audit, investigation and evaluation of the entire Justice System of Westchester County (Police, Courts, Corrections).

This audit, investigation and evaluation and consequent rectification would serve as foundation to a new transparent and accountable justice system.

It is the task of our political leaders and public safety officials to formulate policies and to continue to develop the public safety sector, for today and tomorrow.

This can be done by learning from the past and by providing unbiased evaluation, training, equipment, andleadership to our law enforcement professionals, while at the same time, providing our citizens with access to a transparent, equal and ethically professional agency and well trained law enforcement professional.

When a community looses its trust in the “Triad” of law enforcement (Police, Courts, Corrections) uncertainty and chaos can soon follow.

To effectively protect and serve there must be positive constructive communication and dialogue. Policies and Procedures must show true transparency to insure the growth of trust, so as law enforcement professionals we will be able to protect and serve to our fullest capacity.

The National Black Police Association has been in existence since 1972 nationally and has chartered organizations in the United Kingdom, Canada and Bermuda. The principal concerns of the National Black Police Association are the promotion of justice, fairness, and effectiveness in law enforcement issues and the effect of those issues upon the total community.

In Unity and Peace,

Anthony C. Mitchell

President

Westchester Chapter

National Black Police Association

yonkersinsider.wordpress.com/2009/12/04/press-release-225/#comment-12487

*********

1 | Gary Chadwick

December 5, 2009 at 7:14 am

WHEN THE RESPECT AND TRUST OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AND THE JUSTICE SYSTEM IS NOT PRESENT BECAUSE OF THESE TYPE OF ACTS AND ACTIONS. IT CREATES A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. IN WHICH LAW ENFORCEMENT OR THE CITIZENS AREN’T SAFE. WE HERE IN FLORIDA, ARE VERY MUCH EXPERIENCING THAT SITUATION NOW( CHECK THE STATS AND FACTS) SOME SAY THE POLICE UNIONS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR KEEPING BAD COPS ON THE BEAT. AND THAT MAKES GOOD PEOPLE NOT WANT TO BE POLICE. YOU RAT..WE AIN’T GOT YOUR BACK. ONLY A FEW BAD APPLES? WHY CAN’T THE GOOD ROLL THE BAD ONES OUT? JUST SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT GARY CHADWICK NORTH MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA