Updated 14 August 2008

HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSE ACTIVIST & MINISTER TO THE COMMUNITY
Editor: Mark Gaines M.S. B.S.N. RN RRT

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST CORRUPT POLICE OFFICERS!

See section on rogue cops on pages two & three

CLICK BELOW TO GO TO PAGE TWO

http://www.gainesnet.com/police2.htm

http://www.gainesconsulting.20fr.com/police2.htm

CLICK HERE TO GO TO PAGE THREE

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WHY THIS WAS WRITTEN!

This site was written in response to specific incidents of police abuse directed against several people who maintain this site One of us was harassed by Bloomfield Police [CT] several years ago when computer gear was stolen right out of the cop shop during an EMT Refresher many of us attended. The dishonest and high-pressure techniques used by the detectives caused the filing of complaints with the Department of Justice and CT State Attorney General.

Hartford Police wanted to falsely arrest one of us years ago when money was stolen at a site while workeing as a security guard. The guard had no access to the money of a parking lot business this same Hartford cop was a partner in. The IRS came in after being called, and shut down the business on tax issues. One of three parking lot people got caught stealing later.

One of our group had to fend an investigation by a former boss who manipulated a university police force to retaliate against an employee for standing up to him for his illegal and unethical conduct. He failed, got sued and he paid up. The investigation concluded the boss was grossly mismanaging the department, and the accuser was a likely suspect.

While serving as a reserve cop in Windsor Locks, CT, years ago, a regular officer  (now a Sgt) set one of our contributers up with a false claim of misconduct he could not support, as there were only the two cops and no witnesses. The good cop had stood up against this person for abuse, as well as having refused to falsify evidence in a hit and run accident. They innocent reserve cops out! This officer and others scheme to set up kids they did not like with multiple traffic tickets to get their drivers license suspended; they were really good at this! One of our contributers learned a lot about bad police work by watching “Barbeque King” and his ilk at work. One of their police sergeants, a middle aged man was finally fired after trying to stop another cop from arresting his son; he was arrested himself! Prior to that this same cop was fired for having sex with a young enough female whom he met while investigating a claim of sexual assault by the girls father; he was re-instated because of some technical evidence issue. Other cops in this same department have been fired and/or arrested for dealing in drugs and running a gambling enterprise right out of a police unit. No one could beat up a suspect better than “Officer Barbeque” and his buddy “Hands.” One cop was arrested some time back for stealing money from people being arrested; undercover state police posing as a drunk driver, called in by his own chief, busted him! New people have come in to greatly clean up what was once the sewer of local police departments in my state. It is far better for me to speak up years later than not at all!

Several contributers almost lost my career twice because of bad cops. It’s my time to help the innocent fight back . It’s our task and duty to speak up for those who have been victimized by bad cops. Many can’t fight for themselves and need the help of a veteran who has been through the “judicial meat grinder.” One cop accused a contributer of having a grudge against a certain kind of cop. We only want an end to the increasing problem of corrupt, brutal and racist cops who have ruined it for everyone.

Our problems are pocket change compared to what many other innocent people have suffered at the hands of arrogant law enforcement officials. In August 2007 the passing of Deputy Sheriff Richard Jewell in Georgia reminded us of how one innocent man who saved at least 100 lives in the Atlanta Olympic Bombings, was all but buried alive when arrogant FBI officials leaked his name to The Atlanta Constitution, falsely accusing Mr. Jewell of planting the bomb, and made a public spectacle of Mr. Jewell as they openly searched his apartment and towed away his truck. This man was described by coworkers as hard working, a super-nice guy, a boy scout and by the book. I have read in several articles as well as observed in real life that this kind of honest person is just the kind singled out for abuse and loss of reputation, freedom and family. The FBI has yet to give an apology even years later for their deliberate rush to accuse; hubris. This is one of the deep secrets of the dark side of human nature as some people have no respect for hard work, honest success, accomplishment and honest living; they openly attack and disrespect it’s practitioners for their own selfish agendas. Good, hard working honest nurses attacked the same way. In the end, years later, the Governor of Georgia finally praised Mr. Jewell as a “hero.” This is too little, too late.

In August 2007 Mr. Dale was released from North Carolina prison when DNA finally cleared him of rape. He will face the same task numerous others such as Mr. Jewell took on; rebuilding a trashed reputation. People still say things like, “Did he really do it?” Even in the face of clear evidence the innocent suffer long after getting out of prison. Many never get out. Often people move away and change their names. Then they fight the justice system for years for pennies on the dollar to pay for years of their stolen and destroyed lives.

WHAT ARE THE SOURCES OF OUR INFORMATION?

This ministry uses a variety of sources. Often a story in the media will stimulate an inquiry. We have contact with a number of people on both sides of the fence, and can speak with local people throughout the USA, as a minister, in total confidence. We also use other organizations such as The Innocence Project, a site you should check out to just how much of a problem false arrest, false imprisonment and rogue cops really are. Check them out at http://www.innocenceproject.org

In Canada contact The Association in Defence of the Wrongly Convicted at www.aidwyc.org

Most of the police we meet are just like the rest of us. A growing number are not! Many want to get home in one piece and not deal with trouble. They are decent human beings who will try hard to do an honest job for everyone they deal with. They are the front line soldiers in the war against crime. They are there to protect the honest guy. They are honest, educated and out numbered, needing the support of the honest citizen. Their thankless job is to protect us against those who do evil. They have likewise been hampered by the actions of corrupt police. Too many have forgotten the concept of discretion, morals, ethics and upholding the law! It is encouraging to see the reform movement taking root in the USA that is holding more bad cops accountable for their abuse of authority. Many decent cops really working hard and upholding professional standards, which makes the bad ones stand out like sore thumbs. Lets support and back up the good ones. I hope that you will too. Because of the effects of corrupt cops, many good ones are leaving for other types of work, making the positions ever harder to fill.

The best first line of defense is to be honest. If someone is out there driving while under the influence of drugs, having illegal drugs in their possession or are stealing, they are assaulting the rights of their fellow citizen. They deserve to get caught and punished. This kind of person is wrecking society for everyone.

Like any occupation there are a certain number of individuals who are misfits, and do irreparable harm to any profession they enter. They are the bottom 5% of the work force. I well remember from my own early days when I started as a reserve police officer, being told that anyone in law enforcement must have absolute integrity as a pre-requisite. I observed first hand how a few cops start out bad, while some unfortunately turn bad. The level of violence, social isolation, temptations from exposure to large amounts of cash and drugs, and other factors can all serve to ruin a good cop. The end result is the same; the individual becomes a greater danger to society than most criminals; a predator.

The difference being one gets a uniform, complete with a gun and taxpayer supported license to kill. The bad cop becomes a dangerous predator. Recent cases of Chicago police officers are a sad reminder. The disease has spread to the federal level as witnessed by the recent FBI cases in Ruby Ridge, not to mention the destruction of the reputation of Mr. Richard Jewel in Atlanta. We also had the BATF raid in Waco.

We need one law and standard for all people, and that includes all law enforcement officers from all local, state and federal levels. Rogue cops lower themselves, their fellow officers and their departments to the level of the criminal. Rogue cops, lawyers and judges bring contempt, ridicule, disrespect and worse upon everyone associated with the criminal justice system. Juries now take into account these issues.

The experiences of many as a victims of police abuse indicates it has become necessary to pass along some survival tips to deal with the bad cops, as you really don't know what you are dealing with most of the time. The bad cops have cast warranted suspicion on all cops. This means federal, state and local law enforcement. Citizen rights come first. The government is not meant to be a terror to the innocent, only the guilty. That is the U.S. Constitution in action. Bad cops overstep the bounds of legitimate authority, and are criminals.

We have received a lot of messages requesting personal advice for individual situations. Since our resources do not allow us to operate a legal clinic, we have included a link to The National Complaint Center at the bottom of this site. Thank you in advance for your understanding.

TREAT THE COP LIKE YOU WANT TO BE TREATED YOURSELF

When stopped or you encounter a police officer, be polite and civil. Ask what the problem is. You don't want to batter a good cop! By avoiding adversarial relationships further problems are avoided before needless issues are raised. If you are adversarial with a bad cop you might end up in the hospital, charged with resisting arrest, if you live! Be careful

WARNING: UNTRAINED COPS ON DUTY WITH REAL GUNS!

Some states still allow cops to start working without any significant training! There are untrained cops working in Mississippi, Illinois, Indiana and in thirty states in general. Newly hired cops can work for as long as six months in most cases and up to  two years in some cases without training. They are often not properly supervised by a full fledged officer as required either. The risks and liability are very high. Some states such as Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Vermont and Wyoming require training before an officer is sworn in.

The results of poorly trained cops can be tragic. A rookie cop in Illinois kills a driver during a car chase. A new campus cop in Indiana shot an unarmed student to death. A Mississippi cop held a gun to the head of an unarmed teenager and uses a choke hold.

The practice is all too common with exact numbers unknown. Be careful when you deal with a cop as that person might not be trained or capable of properly performing the duties of the position. Barney Fife is alive and well.

TASERS: THE NEW INTIMIDATION TOOL

Tasers are increasingly being used by bad cops to intimidate citizens into obeying orders, even if those orders are illegal. On top of this, the number of fatalities from Taser use is growing at an alarming rate. In January 2008 the latest death in Fayetteville came after a man told Fayetteville Police he was overdosing on crack. He was difficult to restrain so the cops used the taser. He died shortly afterwards. This is one of too many cases. The Taser is supposed to be a safe alternative to higher levels of force for people using force against others, but carries an unacceptable high risk of death or serious injury. This tool needs to be removed from the cops. A recent Chicago study published in January 2008 points to long term cardiac effects including death even months later. It appears the manufacturer’s claims of safety might not be as accurate as first thought. Some cops think they can use this weapon with impunity, but might in fact kill just as effectively as with a gun.

One cop on the Winston-Salem Police Department brags about how anyone who “doesn’t do what I tell them gets tasered.”

Other officers laughed as he spoke. He let on that made up charges would follow to justify the use of this implement of death and torture. It was a big laugh to him. Read more about this department on page three.

MOTOR VEHICLE AND STREET STOPS

If driving, provide your drivers license, registration and insurance card in a motor vehicle stop. Your ID is no longer your private right under some conditions, as cops have gotten laws passed in some states that allow them to check the ID's of innocent passengers, often used abusively by some departments. Openly state several; times “I don’t consent to any search of this vehicle or myself,” if they attempt to search.  State you are being detained against your will as well. Make sure witnesses hear you say these things. The officer must have your permission to check your ID in many cases unless you are being arrested or ticketed. Once the police get your ID they can and will run a warrant check. If an error in the computer system brings up a warrant or ticket expect to be arrested. If you are walking down the street you might decide to give your name to the officer, but don’t volunteer anything else.

Ask what the problem is. The officer must truthfully state the reason for the stop. A failure to do so is a violation of the rights of everyone in the involved, and can constitute possible grounds for a claim of false arrest, as well as criminal charges of unlawful restraint and kidnapping. You may be asked to step out of the vehicle, searched and cuffed only if the officer has legitimate grounds, not because of some fabrication. Some corrupt officers plant drugs and other "evidence" during this time, steal your valuables and destroy your driver’s license, so be aware of these possibilities.

If the cop insists on a search hand him the keys and repeat that the detention and search are without your consent. This will cause much evidence to be thrown out in court in many cases. The cop can’t search your pockets unless they have truthful cause to suspect a weapon. Even a pat down search can open a cop up to charges. Never consent to a search but state openly “This search is without my consent.” The cop can’t hold you to wear you down to force “consent.” Make note of this and charge false arrest.

Abuse of minorities remains common with corrupt officers, although much improved compared to just a decade ago. Your vehicle can only be searched with your permission unless a legitimate arrest is being made, actual probable cause exists, or legitimate evidence of illegal activity is in plain sight. Any illegal search can make the officer liable under state and federal laws for serious legal action. Any evidence is most likely inadmissible in court as well. Consult an attorney right away if you, or your vehicle searched, or your ID checked under any unusual circumstances.

As of 1 October 1999, racial profile stops are illegal in Connecticut. North Carolina has a similar law on the books. If you are stopped, and this law was violated, the officer can be arrested. Have the criminal cop arrested.

Your best defense is to have witnesses with you in case a "plant" is attempted. You do not have to tell the officer your private business for being out in any public area. That is your legal right. The most you should tell any officer is the fact you were on your way to the pharmacy or the like, if you choose. Beyond that silence is golden. The officers might attempt to separate your party to get someone to talk. Again silence is golden. Don't give a crooked cop a break. The cop must prove himself to you to gain your cooperation. In this regard you are in command, not the cop. The cop is under limits of authority; compel the officer to earn your trust and obey the law.

Be advised that many officers now have cameras installed in their cars, which record on videotape, complete with sound. Don't try to get cute! If you play your cards right, the tape can serve as your evidence against a crooked cop.

DRIVING WHILE FEMALE AND POLICE RAPE

A stinging article in The Philadelphia Inquirer dated 13 August 2006 revealed the case of one serial rapist who spent his night shift hunting for sex. Former officer and now inmate James Fallon was accused of a string of sexual assaults in Philadelphia, along with his partner Timothy Carre. For a long time multiple complaints went unheeded, as these cops preyed on females who were intoxicated, had drug habits, employed as strippers and prostitutes. These men would touch private areas of women’s bodies during “frisk searches”, force women to expose their breasts and more. If a civilian male were to go out and act in this fashion, an immediate arrest would result, but not in the good ole boy network! It is estimated hundreds of cops use their badge to get sex! This is a nationwide scandal in the USA. Women beware of any cop!

This is a nationwide problem with Philadelphia being a molecule in the tip of the iceberg. Norristown PA had officer Claude Lacombe convicted of rape, as did The Pennsylvania State Police, with former trooper and inmate Michael K Evans. Only at that point did the state police start to take complaints seriously. Eugene Oregon had two serial rapists on it’s police force, Roger Magana and Juan Lara. Other cases such as San Bernadino, CA and Baltimore are on record too.

For years complaints have been ignored as cops carefully pick victims they can discredit. In my town of Enfield, CT, one cop has a street reputation of sexual activity with teenaged prostitutes, yet nothing is done about it. My revelation of this fact has angered certain local cops against me. The truth really hurts.

I have several suggestions for victims. Do not go to internal affairs or the law enforcement agency involved! Go to the emergency room of a hospital not in that jurisdiction for a sexual assault examination. Do not delay as to preserve evidence. Do not allow any officer from the offending department to talk to you or go near you! They must have your permission to talk to you or enter the case so you can protect yourself against the rapist cop’s pals to preserve your case! You are in command in giving orders the cop must obey.

DRIVING WHILE BLACK OR BROWN

The FBI released a report in May 2007 that proves people of color get pulled over, arrested, searched and are the subjects of force twice as often as whites. Thus even driving at zero miles per hour is dangerous. Be prepared to pull over for prejudice. It’s happening in many places.

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COMING TO THE AID OF A COP MIGHT COST YOU YOUR FREEDOM: DANGER

Before you help a cop in an emergency bear in mind what happened to an innocent nurse who pulled a Chicago cop out of his burning car after a serious accident. Nurse Rachelle Jackson saved the life of Officer Kelly Brogan only to be taken to the station house and held for two days with little food and water, until she signed a “confession” prepared by the cops over the cops missing gun. She spent ten months in jail before the charges were dismissed. A federal jury awarded her $7.7 million in June 2008, and the city plans to appeal the award as excessive.

This might sound inhumane and cruel but given the current automaton culture of rogue cops, you might not want to help any cop at all. Let the cop get help from other cops. Yes, you might get arrested for trying to save the life of a cop shot or hurt in an accident. We have some sorry cops out there and they bring this down on themselves for their stupidity and thick-headedness. Sorry cops, but if you get hurt around me, I most likely will not stop to help as dumb cops are not limited to Chicago.

You can’t be sued or arrested if you don’t stop to help; it’s the safer road.

ON YOUR PROPERTY

Your property is your castle. The police can only enter without your permission with a valid arrest warrant, valid search warrant, or in certain emergencies such as hot pursuit with legitimate probable cause. Otherwise the police are trespassers. If the cops enter your property for any reason, call your lawyer. File for the arrest of the violators. Don't give permission for anything. Some cops will try to pressure you telling you subtle things that make you think you are a "prime suspect," and ask you to sign a "waiver" for permission to search. Once you have signed they will then tell you the technical warning you have the right to "refuse." Just don't sign anything without a lawyer present.

There is a growing problem of the abuse of arrest warrants. Under the law if a cop has a valid reason to believe a person wanted on a legitimate warrant is on a property, they can enter to arrest that person named in the warrant. What is happening due to the new emphasis by John Ashcroft in “preventing crime” is the erosion of civil rights by slow and subtle means. Bad cops are making up any reason at all to get into a house or building to circumvent the constitutional safeguards that protect citizens. Rogue cops are now using arrest warrants to “go fishing” and “toss” a place, entering with drawn guns. The practice is such that any friend or relative might get raided such as what I hear happening in Miami Beach and Dade County. These rogue cops will threaten families with all sorts of legal action if they fail to provide certain information the police demand. Often they refuse to let anyone see the warrant, which is illegal. They will often conduct illegal searches well beyond the warrant they claim to have, and arrest anyone for anything “incidentally found.” Remember, you don’t have to talk, and can sue for abuses of your rights! These kind of cops will often pick on minority poor people with little education knowing it’s hard to fight back. If this happens call The American Civil Liberties Union!

If a cop comes to your door step outside and lock the door behind you. Don’t let a cop in as this can leave you open to having your house searched without your consent. Openly state, “I do not consent to you entering or searching my house,” with witnesses present. If they are going to arrest you step outside, as the police generally can’t search any area you have not been in.  If the cops order you to open the door comply while stating the entry and search is without your consent.

If they claim to have a search warrant demand to see it. Make sure they have the correct name, date of birth, address, apartment number and name. Check the date of the warrant as most states only allow the warrant to be served within a few weeks, Mistakes in hitting the wrong house, apartment or individual are common enough to warrant special mention. If any of the identification data is wrong order them to leave at once. If they delay or refuse, perform a citizen arrest on the spot for home invasion, kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon, groping etc.

The Connecticut State Supreme Court just ruled that citizens can’t generally resist or use force against police who enter illegally or are acting illegally. The evidence of resisting illegal police activity can now be admitted into court against you. This means the bad cops are almost not accountable and can lock you up legally after provoking you, even though they act illegally. If you are in this position decide for yourself if your life is in danger and you must protect yourself. You can always make a citizens arrest of the officer for assault and battery with a deadly weapon, and the officer must submit to being arrested. The failure to do so is obstruction of justice. Also get a physical examination in a hospital right away, and get pictures of any bruises, etc. The cops can also be sued for the illegal entry, etc so get a lawyer. Several other states have passed laws of this kind in the “Post 911 Police State mentality,” taking away legitimate rights of self defense against bad police so be careful! Only a bad cop will push things this far, but many love this new shortcut to circumvent real police work, so file charges if they do. Don’t let them get away with this. Get your witnesses to tell the truth and stop this new form of abuse.

An increasing number of abusive police criminals are entering private property without consent by falsifying "probable cause." For example there have been telephone switch errors in the High Point and Greensboro North Carolina area, resulting in spurious 911 calls. The Guilford County Sheriff and other police agencies have made it policy to require the house be searched, even if the owner or occupants object. Legal action can and should be taken including the arrest of the police involved.

CHILD ABUSE INVESTIGATORS

It is your right in Connecticut to refuse entrance to Department of Family Services investigators when they knock on your door, and to have your attorney present for all interviews. There have been some recent horror stories from the abuse by overzealous and intimidating DCF investigators who were aggressive outside of the boundaries of the law. Only if DCF has valid reason to prove that a child is in immediate danger can they enter and take a child without a court order.  This has become such a problem that one victim has set up a site for parents rights at:

http://www.Connecticutdcfwatch.com

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POLICE WEAPONS USE DANGER WILL ROBINSON!

In spite of court rulings the drawing of any deadly weapon is prohibited in all but legitimate emergencies. If you have a weapon pulled on you consult an attorney to file assault with deadly weapons charges. Don't invite disaster as any cop is under tremendous stress and might use the weapon in error. You might be right, but dead. A bad cop will have others "cover up" as well Be very careful as there is an alarming number of fatal shootings by rogue officers in places including our nations capitol. Many are unarmed, innocent citizens, and the damage lawsuits are growing, along with the awards and settlements.

The recent unjustified killing of a 18 year old black man by Hartford Police shows just how trigger happy some dysfunctional cops can be. (See Hartford Police below.)  Some cops will shoot to kill just for failing to obey their “commands.”

Even if you do everything legally, police might still murder you, such as recently happened in Hartford and New Milford CT, or New York City. Some cops are out of control or psychologically uns