This week, a couple stories that should cause anyone critically thinking to see that those wearing badges aren’t always operating with the best intentions.
Story #1
Capitol police officer with ISP arrested on child molestation charge
http://fox59.com/2013/09/03/police-anderson-man-molested-young-girl-in-pool-during-party/#axzz2dwratn00
A capitol police officer with Indiana State Police was arrested after claims that he molested a female juvenile in a swimming pool.
The Johnson County Sheriff’s Department said the molestation occurred during a party on September 1st at a home located in the 5600 block of South 550 East.
Police became aware of the situation after two adults reported that they witnessed 43-year-old Scott Litten inappropriately touching an 11-year-old girl.
After interviewing the victim, it was learned that Litten kissed and inappropriately touched the girl.
Litten was initially arrested on a sexual battery charge. However, after further interviews, police said the girl admitted she was fondled by Litten while in the pool.
Charges against Litten were upgraded to child molesting, a Class A felony.
He is currently on paid administrative leave pending his court hearing.
That’s right, this predator in his forties who touches little girls against their will is still receiving a salary on Indiana taxpayers’ dime.
Story #2
Bexar County Officer Suspended After Shooting
http://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/bexar-county-officer-suspended-after-shooting
In other news, a Bexar County sheriff’s office deputy is suspended for ten days after he shot and killed an unarmed motorist after a minor car crash in San Antonio, Texas.
Bexar County Sheriff’s Office public information officer Paul Berry says the off-duty officer left his job as a security guard in the early morning hours on a Saturday. Soon after, the deputy and another man apparently had a minor car crash.
According to Berry, the two pulled over and started arguing. It’s unclear whether the argument turned into a physical fight. Berry says the officer feared for his safety, pulled out his weapon and fired multiple shots, hitting and killing the other driver.
Berry says the officer was wearing his uniform at the time, and he says the other driver was unarmed. A standard police uniform generally includes a baton, pepper spray, a firearm, and often a taser.
The investigation is ongoing, but the deputy keeps his badge and his weapon while the investigation is open.
The lack of specifics provided by Paul Berry leave many things unclear and many questions unanswered.
For instance, what exactly did the unarmed man do that would justify the use of the most lethal of the array of tools at the officer’s disposal? What did the unarmed man do to justify the use of force against him at all?
Did the police officer truly fear for his life, or did he simply use that phrase as a ‘get out of jail free card’ as so many officers before him have done?
At a minimum, this altercation is an example of excessive force by police – on the flip side, cold-blooded murder. As there has been no mainstream-media mention of the unarmed man being a giant, having super-human strength, or trying to run the officer over with his car, it’s reasonable to deduce that an initiation of force on the part of the unarmed man could have been quelled with one of the officer’s less deadly weapons. Interestingly, though, mainstream media made no mention of the unarmed man initiating force against the officer at all.
That’s this week’s Police Accountability Report brought to you by CopBlock.org.
I hope you’ll take a moment to consider just what it is that you are paying for via taxation – and speak out against the corruption.
Until next week, stay safe and remember that badges don’t grant extra rights.
Police Accountability Report: Episode 107 – LRN.fm is a post from Cop Block - Badges Don't Grant Extra Rights
