Connecticut Trooper Suspended for 'Too Bad' 911 Remark

[Photogrrlz]

What a typical, sterotyped trooper...lol

I am not sure if the video will play cause I got it off AOL.....

911 video (http://aolsvc.news.aol.com/news/article.adp?id=20050322112509990013&ncid=NWS00010000000001)

LISBON, Conn. (AP) -- A state trooper was suspended for 15 days without pay after he was recorded on a 911 tape saying ''too bad'' to a caller seeking help for a man injured in a motorcycle accident.
State police said the dismissive answer by Trooper Robert Peasley did not affect the response time to the accident involving Justin Sawyer, 21, who died of a severe head injury a week after the crash last August. Peasley was suspended on Monday.

Russell Shepard, a friend of Sawyer's, called 911, which was routed to the state police barracks in Montville. When he reported the accident, Peasley said, ''Yeah ... too bad,'' and hung up, according to a tape obtained by WTNH-TV.

Shepard said he was shocked, believing he reached a wrong number.

Another friend made a second call. ''Yeah,'' the officer responded. ''Help will get there. Shouldn't be playing games.''

A third emergency call was answered by a different dispatcher, who asked about Sawyer's condition and advised those nearby to not touch him.

''I am absolutely outraged every time I hear that 'too bad' and then click,'' said Sawyer's father, Jim Sawyer. ''I only know that I would have felt a whole lot more comfortable if I had heard people responding on the end of that 911 call with some heart and caring.''

State police said the comments by Peasley, an 18-year-veteran, were unprofessional, and the agency apologized if ''our actions added to the family's pain.''

[wolverine652001]

That is SOOO uncalled for. I think they should of fired him on the spot for that.

[Photogrrlz]

I agree, but with 18 years of service how can the state do that...lol... FOP would be there the whole way....

I wonder if the family is going to go civil or anything... If possible... but then again with civil suits you can sue for anything

[mtxpro752]

Sad really, I think he forgot that you're supposed to think that not actually sy it to the caller.

[ecpd170]

you would think with 18 years on that he would know better and how could you do that knowing someone is hurt i couldnt get it to play

[SuperSix5]

That's the CT State Police for you.

[davidh304]

Sad really, I think he forgot that you're supposed to think that not actually sy it to the caller.


LOL my Thoughts exactly.

80 mph + no helmet + just watched Fast and the Furious = smashed noggin on Interstate

[ramathorn]

Whoops!!!! Was that my out loud voice again!!! Way to go Super Troopers!!! Farva, from now on your my cleaning lady!!!

[Photogrrlz]

I wish my AOL video would play, but doesn't matter fake or not 3 different calls were made to him hung up once, told them thats what u get for racing and the third a real dispatcher took the call and handled it.....

If anyone can find the video I would apprecitate it

[Deputymyke]

Fake or not you should still act professional...that's like talking to a citizen who you know is crazy yet to still maintain your professionism and just hear them out. What does it hurt to show a little repect? Sometimes guys will say don't waste your time with those people but it's my job to serve the public. Even if that means listening to some lady rant about the voices in her head. Better her than me.

[Matto]

Even if he thought it was a prank call he should of handled it professionally in my opinion. I've witnessed dispatchers at the local PD answer a 911 call where some kid has called atleast 20 times previously before then prank calling, and the dispatchers still handled it professionally. You never know...

[Mraughh]

Just another reason why I don't think cops should double as dispatchers.

[CGPD4566]

"Seems to me the guy didn't believe the call to be genuine. I would like to know what the totality of the circumstances were and what he was thinking and why he decided to handle those calls in that manner."

Totality of circumstances? You can't justify that one. I mean a slip of the tounge...yea once....but twice? No if I were a Captain or Chief I'd have him fired. Because of his service time I'd give him to option to resign without being fired, but he'd be gone one way or another. That's horrible, even if the person was dicking around

[ag9295]

If you believe you have all the information needed (from the media) to make that decision and that there could not be ANY mitigating factors outside of what was reported (by the media), well, that's on you. Do you jump to conclusions just as quickly when you see a Use of Force video that you have little to no additional information about?


Exactly. And from what I understand, he sent someone there after the first call, despite his having said what I'm sure he meant to say inside his head only, and not out loud. I'm not excusing what was said,and I'd be upset if it were my loved one, but c'mon, it's unlikely that we have been given the full, accurate story and these guys are human too, sometimes we all speak without thinking!

[CGPD4566]

I will only refer to this:

"LISBON, Conn. (AP) -- A state trooper was suspended for 15 days without pay after he was recorded on a 911 tape saying ''too bad'' to a caller seeking help for a man injured in a motorcycle accident."

Tell me again what "media" I am "following"? Did the media wiretap his phone call? He did it to himself, hands down.

"If you believe you have all the information needed (from the media) to make that decision and that there could not be ANY mitigating factors outside of what was reported (by the media), well, that's on you. Do you jump to conclusions just as quickly when you see a Use of Force video that you have little to no additional information about?"

Explain to me possible "mitigating factors"? And no, I do not jump to conclusions on a Use of Force video, thank you for asking. It seems to me you are getting a little angry with me because I don't condone the actions of this guy who in my opinion, acted completely distastfully and unprofessional. I think Police are supposed to be professional aren't they? Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, however.

"Exactly. And from what I understand, he sent someone there after the first call, despite his having said what I'm sure he meant to say inside his head only, and not out loud. I'm not excusing what was said,and I'd be upset if it were my loved one, but c'mon, it's unlikely that we have been given the full, accurate story and these guys are human too, sometimes we all speak without thinking!"

I never said I thought he planned it out...I stated it could have been a slip of the tounge. But how much can you slip up like that? I mean the first call I can understand. He HANGS UP IN THE MIDDLE OF A 911 EMERGENCY PHONE CALL.

Ok, so let's excuse that one. So he calls back..."Help will get there. Shouldn't be playing games." This is why I say you can't justify it. He was having a bad day? Ok, that doesn't change the simple fact he acted unprofessionally. If the image of my department was spoiled by that, I would be embarassed. But I guess I'm just a "Liberal Media Puppet" for having an opinion based on a taped recording. My bad.

[jeffIL]

According to the report I saw on CNN, the family admitted that crews were there quickly("within five minutes"). So, as someone said, he did dispatch appropriate equipment regardless of his comments. Big picture is that he did get people out there.

[DMS 525]

I tried to get it to download, but no stuffed monkey today.

My wife heard it on the news yesterday, and told me all about it, tho. That was WAY out of line, and something needs to be done.

There was a dispatcher with the DMPD who was good at playing 20 questions with you, and second guessing everything you said, until I told her one night when I was calling for help for my boss(I was in security then) if she didn't quit that BS and get some help rolling, I'd be there to rip her f-ing lungs out!!! I had a word with the Captain about that later, and he assured me something would be done.

From the day we first decide to pin on a badge, we all learn a few sad but so rules:

1. You'll answer many crank or unfounded calls.
2. If working dispatch, you'll get your share of nuts on the phone.

Same as a pizza delivery person taking a pizza to I.C. Weiner, or a poor waitress getting asked to page Mike Hunt over the P.A. system. Just blinkin' deal with it, and push on!!! Don't take your aggravations out on the next caller you talk to or respond to, who may have a legitimate situation for you to deal with, and expect you to deal with it in a professional manner.

There's nothing I despise more than some idiot cop who thinks all their calls are a waste of their time, and everybody they talk to is a liar. I've had to put one or two of them in their place over the years.

To make a long story short, when you go out on the beat, simply remember the Golden Rule.

[sob153]

Who here besides me has worked the phones (business and 911) for any length of time? In my experience, the vast majority (guestimate at least over 90%) of 911 calls are BS (e.g. routine calls for service, non-emergencies/non-LE related, prank calls, etc). And that is not even including all the stupid calls on the regular business lines. It can be very challenging to maintain composure when you're working the desk.

Seems to me the guy didn't believe the call to be genuine. I would like to know what the totality of the circumstances were and what he was thinking and why he decided to handle those calls in that manner.

I've worked phones and I

[USAcop]

We all have said stupid things at one time or another.

It happens.

[CGPD4566]

Ok, let's back up a little bit. First, like I said before, I've done that job (and not just for a shift or day or week or month, etc). Second, I didn't say it earlier but I do agree that his actions were unprofessional. Third, I'm not angry.

My experience in that part of LE work (and being a force instructor), which you may or may not share, causes me to wonder what else was happening around that time (and after) and what he was thinking. While it does not excuse what he said or did, it may make his actions more Understandable. If I were his powers that be, that information that I was wondering about (in addition to his job performance history, etc) would make a HUGE impact on what type of discipline to give.

"Liberal Media Puppet"? Are you trying to play victim? I never said that. What I am suggesting is that, if you weren't there and haven't been briefed by anyone that was there, then you might want to reconsider the accuracy and/or impartiality of your source(s) of info (i.e. the media, which apparently did not report any deeper into the incident). Last time I checked, AP, the Associated Press, IS part of "the media".

Yes, LEOs are supposed to be professional. LEOs are also Human. IMO, those of us (not me), who have NEVER found it tough maintaining their composure are few and far between.

If you don't jump to conclusions on Uses of Force, how do you approach those situations? What would you want to know before deciding whether you believe an LEOs actions were reasonable or not? Or, if you found an LEOs actions improper/excessive/not within policy, how would you determine how much or what type of discipline to hand out? What factors would you consider? Or would you fire them simply for violating policy (no matter how minor or egregious)?


No, I am not trying to play "victim", that was the tone I got from your post before that. I'm not saying they have to maintain composure if they are to be professional, but I am asking what POSSIBLE circumstances could cause you to be a callous ******* over the phone? Regardless of the units being dispatched,etc...he was a jerkoff on the phone to someone who needed help. I'm not an LEO but I have a human side, and my human side is to help people when they need it, not act like a jerk.

Secondly, the reason I tend to not jump to conclusions is because I have helped aid in trying to wrestle down a person who does not want to be cuffed...and it is very hard for one person to do it. I can grasp the simple understanding of Use of Force, where that situation it is warranted(they are fighting you and in some cases grabbing for your weapons), where as an emergency telephone call is COMPLETELY different.

Look, I don't want to keep going on and on about this because we OBVIOUSLY have two very different opinions. And I take you as being an intellectual, and realizing the difficulty in trying to force/inform others of your opinion, and I realize that to. I haven't been trying to sway anyone to think like me and I know you haven't, but it's how they say...."Agree to Disagree". I feel one way, you feel the other.

[ProWriter]

...I would like to know what the totality of the circumstances were and what he was thinking and why he decided to handle those calls in that manner.

Maybe he was just reading through some of the biker threads here when the call came in...

[wolverine652001]

Maybe he was just reading through some of the biker threads here when the call came in...


Or playboy with some tissues and lotion.

[zx636skiv]

First of all, I am not LEO, but interested. Also, everything has already been stated before my post so I won't reiterate.
I believe with 18 years with no blemishes that the officer doesn't need to be dismissed, but I believe 2 weeks of no pay might not be enough of a lesson. A family lost a very important part of their life and feels let down by the actions of the very department that is supposed to help in emergency situations. It has been stated that the response time for the ambulance was not delayed by the officer's remarks. I haven't heard if the kid had a helmet on or not, but from the extent of his injuries, I believe that he wasn't wearing one, and probably didn't have much of a chance anyway.
I also believe that this is why there is so little trust in many local agencies in this day and age. I also believe the media blows a lot of things out of proportion for the ratings, but for those that wanted to see the video, there is a link on WTNH's site.
http://www.wtnh.com/Global/story.asp?S=3107048
Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find a direct link to the video.

I am sorry that this had to happen on both ends, both to the family and to the LEO community. I know that a lot of trust in law enforcement has been lost in the recent months because of the actions of a few individuals.

A lesson I learned from my father, a hundred 'attaboys' can be erased by one 'all****' in a second. People will remember the bad long after they have forgotten all the good someone has done.

[KBeecher]

Well, I read the article, and was thinking that when someone says "too bad" they are responding that they are sorry to hear about what happened. So maybe the officer was expressing sadness and was misunderstood.

Then I listened to a part of the 911 tape. His voice was not sympathetic sounding to me, but then again coming from the East most voices don't sound very sympathetic to my ears even when they are being so.

So now I am not sure.

My understanding was that he dispatched the required emergency equipment to the location where they were needed. If he did this then he was doing his job correctly. If the sound of his voice was not sympathetic sounding enough for some people then they needed to move him to a different task, say dispatching the officers. I know for a fact that I have been accused numerous times of being angry and the only thing the person could say was that I didn't smile. I also have had the complaint that I was smiling when I did something and they thought it was inappropriate.

You win some you lose some. I think he may have lost this one, but did not deserve a 15 day suspension.

[CGPD4566]

Without making myself sound like I know about this profession I will say this. I understand both sides because I am not only a citizen, but a Reserve. I don't want to convey the idea that because im a reserve do I know what law enforcement is like, but I have that "basic understanding". If a street thug is eyeing up police in my community, he'll be eyeing me up to. They won't mistake the fact that our uniforms are a light blue and regular line officers wear dark.

What I'm trying to say is I have an understanding from both sides, and as I continue through school and experience in this reserve program, I am starting to see more and more clearer about LE life. Don't mistake this as I know anything about it, I'm just learning about it. Just as if you would meet someone you arrested the next day at the grocery store, I do to. If I transport some guy for an officer, he sees my face...half the time they stare at me through the rearview and often I see them again in public. They don't care, and that's why I don't give two shakes of a lambs tail if they are stupid and hurt themselves. However, I do have this idea that Police are there to be curtious and professional, and they are. I don't think the way in which he handled it was professional. I have standards to live up to when I work and that's don't bring personal life into work(I know this is prolly totally different here though, with stress and everything) but what I'm saying is that I'm not dumb to Law Enforcement.

[VegasMetro]

Sounds to me like the trooper has had enough from the sport bikers. Yea, he's taking the heat for what he said, 15 days wothout pay is a little much, maybe a written letter in his file. He said exactly what I think each time one of those idiots blow past me at 100 mph on the freeway when I'm in my POV. Luckily the idiot only killed himself. Yes, it's sad, but come on folks. The kid crashing is not the fault of the trooper. :rolleyes:

[ag9295]

Exactly. And from what I understand, he sent someone there after the first call, despite his having said what I'm sure he meant to say inside his head only, and not out loud. I'm not excusing what was said,and I'd be upset if it were my loved one, but c'mon, it's unlikely that we have been given the full, accurate story and these guys are human too, sometimes we all speak without thinking!


I'm not sure the correct place to post this, please forgive me if this is the wrong area to do so. I am very sorry that the above post offended so many people. It was not my intention. Nor was it my intention to offend with my thoughts on the dp and religion (on another thread) - these were just my personal thoughts, and I was looking for opinions from those who work in le, not trying to sway or preach to anyone. I will absolutely follow rules I received in an email from the adminstrator and not post again, but I would truly appreciate if I could remain in the forum and read posts. I hope that you will consider that option as I give my word that I will not post. To the others that emailed, again, my sincerest apologies.

[zx636skiv]

Sounds to me like the trooper has had enough from the sport bikers. Yea, he's taking the heat for what he said, 15 days wothout pay is a little much, maybe a written letter in his file. He said exactly what I think each time one of those idiots blow past me at 100 mph on the freeway when I'm in my POV. Luckily the idiot only killed himself. Yes, it's sad, but come on folks. The kid crashing is not the fault of the trooper. :rolleyes:

No, the kid crashing wasn't the trooper's fault. Yes the kid was probably messing around and messed up, and I am sure wasn't wearing proper equipment. I am sure that there are plenty more sportbike riders out there that have also kept the officers in that area busy with their reckless riding and such, but that doesn't excuse the fact that he lost his professionalism for a moment and spoke what he should have just thought in his head.

Put your self on the other end, you being the one to make the call. Say your family was hit by a dump truck that lost control, how would you want the call to be handled? Fortunately for me, every time I have ever called 911, I have had professionals on the other end who handled the call in a prompt, courteous way. I have bad days as well as I am sure that officer was having.

I called in my own 911 call when I was involved in an accident with my motorcycle and was treated courteous. I was not speeding, and was not at fault, just at the wrong place at the right time. Basically, while avoiding an accident that happened in front and beside me, I went down. I never made contact with another vehicle, but while making and evasive maneuver; I slid on gravel at a parking lot entrance.
As a matter of fact, when they found out that it was a motorcycle accident, they seemed to expedite the process. I was treated at the scene and released, no problem. The trooper that arrived at the scene was very professional and helped me out as best as he could. He informed me that I was fortunate that I hadn't contacted either of the vehicles in the accident, but unfortunately that would probably hurt me with the insurance claim, which it did.
No, I don't believe that officer rode a motorcycle, but he treated me with respect and for that I commend him and appreciated his professionalism.

[CGPD4566]

On another subject:
Hey CG, you have me confused. You say you Aren't an LEO but Are a "reserve". What is the definition of "reserve" in your neck of the woods? Reserves out here ARE sworn LEOs. When they're on duty, they wear the same uniforms, carry the same equipment, and perform the same duties. They just aren't Full Time Paid LEOs...

Reserves here are non-sworn, volunteer personnel. We carry everything aside from ASP, Tazer, and Firearm. We are not paid, we wear exact match uniforms except ours are a Steel Blue(light blue) and the officers wear a dark Navy Blue. We don't perform the same duties. Our duties include among others:

Park Patrol
Traffic Control
Ordinance Enforcement
Non-Confrontational Propery Damage
Animal Complaints
Tows(sit there and babysit the car/inventory it etc)
Transports for officers
Parade Detail
etc...

We don't go out and do traffic stops or go on calls. The only calls we get is a dog loose or damaged property with no suspects. We are volunteers who assist officers. We drive a marked, city squad car with all operational aspects(lights, sirens, etc). In otherwords, we are "rent-a-cops"(what we've been called anyway) or "cadets"(but the majority of members are civilians who established a life). I do it to build a resume/reputation. In MN alot of agencies take previous Reserve/Explorer/CSO experience into account when applying for a job.

[Creeker]

I believe with 18 years with no blemishes that the officer doesn't need to be dismissed, but I believe 2 weeks of no pay might not be enough of a lesson. A family lost a very important part of their life and feels let down by the actions of the very department that is supposed to help in emergency situations. I also believe the media blows a lot of things out of proportion for the ratings, but for those that wanted to see the video, there is a link on WTNH's site.
http://www.wtnh.com/Global/story.asp?S=3107048
Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find a direct link to the video.


Thank You for posting the link.
I listened and believe that the Trooper wrongly believed it was a prank phone call. Near the end of the second call, I think he may have been realizing it wasn't. This does not excuse his response, but lets realize what actually happened here.

He hurt their feelings. They felt that he should have taken them seriously and he didn't. This is not illegal, it is inconsiderate. It is not really unethical. It sounds uncaring. There are people here who think he should be fired because he hurt civilins feelings and made the State cops look bad.

He didn't hold up the call for service, which means that the vicitm outcome would be the same either way. It seems to me that the family has their scapegoat as to who to blame, rather than their son, who was directly responsible for his own actions.

I don't know what Conn State Cops make after 18 years on, but his suspension amounts to a monetary fine. I would speculate that it might be as high as $5000 if a Conn State Cop makes $60K a year at 18 years in. I know of rapists and Burglars that got less than that.

My agency was always big on "Progressive Discipline" in word, but "knock your socks off" in deed. I am wondering what type of discipline their agency believes in.


Connecticut officers who frequent this forum should get the ball rolling on getting this officer (the one in the 911 call) fired. As LEOs, you are entrusted with our lives. Regardless of whether we put ourselves in the bad situation or no. I can't believe any of you could be so callous. It's exactly these actions and words that started the battle with motorcyclists only a couple of months ago; propagating and exacerbating the ill feelings between bikers and cops.

-Kristian Radoulov UConn student and avid motorcyclist

LEO's may be entrusted with your lives after we respond to a scene, but you are responsible for your actions in your own life. You can't hold cops to that standard when whackjobs decide to risk their life and others peoples limbs by performing illegal stunts on public streets, which is what that was about, not "ill feelings between motorcyclists and cops".

Stop propagating misinformation, Mr. Radoulov. It is not honourable.

[zx636skiv]

Let me speak for myself for a moment.

From the basest level POS to the people I respect the most, you're going to get At Least the Same Bare Minimum (honest day's/night's work) from me when it comes to performing my duties professionally, honorably, and efficiently.

That being said, if I know or believe you to be good, honest, decent, responsible, upstanding, productive, etc, you're gonna get More effort, understanding, compassion, and possibly leniency, etc from me.

You get what you deserve.

I understand your point. IE: if a person is robbing a bank or convenience store and is shot, you are less likely to hurry than if woman is shot while being carjacked. So basically, if the robber dies, oh well, he wasn't worth the time and effort, but if the woman dies it was a tragedy. Say the robber was trying to get money to feed his family because he was laid off from his job and hasn't been able to find a new one due to budget cuts, and he was at his wits end and tried something desperate. The woman in the car might be a child rapeist or serial killer.

What I am saying (and the media doesn't always help) is that you don't know each individual's background or even current situation. Sometimes people do something desperate or maybe even make bad decisions at the wrong moment. Who are you to decide who is right and who is wrong. I agree that if he was stunting on a public road and wrecked, well he took his chances and lost. The news report doesn't say what happened, he might have hit a dog that ran out, therefore no fault of his own. Does this make him a bad person and therefore deserves less effort than anyone else? It still doesn't excuse the fact that the trooper used poor judgement in the way he handled the call, especially on a line that is always taped and reviewed. I may think the woman in front of me at the grocery store is fat and ugly, but I won't tell her that, it is called tact. This is one of the things that officers are supposed to have a grasp on.

And yes, if I was that family, I would feel let down and would want compensation or at least satisfaction. I know that he will lose a lot of money in the two weeks off, and probably has a family to support as well, but can you put a price on trust? I know that there has been a lot of trust lost because of remarks like these.

*Disclaimer: I know this opinion probably just opened a new can of worms, but I am sorry, it is my opinion, doesn't always make it right, but it is mine. And like I stated before, the news report hasn't given all the details, and I wasn't there.

[zx636skiv]

IF the actions of the motorcyclist and his friends brought fate upon themselves, I would only have sympathy for the family's loss, Not for any claims or demands regarding something that was said during the 911 call - especially IF medical response was in fact dispatched without hesistation.

So true...if he caused his own demise, then so be it, but yes, I would have to agree. Same if someone swallowed a gun barrell or slit their wrists, no sympathy for them, on for the ones that remain behind.

[Creeker]

Sure people are responsible for their actions, but that is no reason to not offer immediate aid. We are talking about a young kid that was having fun on a motorcycle, not some murderer. Triage doesn't apply.

That's disconcerting when you don't realize that the "standard" you are held to is higher than that of your run of the mill Joe. LEOs are entrusted with carrying firearms, upholding the law, and serving the public trust. You are expected to hold yourselves to a higher standard, otherwise there is no point in having members of society selected to enforce our laws, and members of society should be left to fend for themselves. At least that way we will have no illusions that calling 911 will bring someone to help us in the moments that we need aid the most.

Lastly, I was stating my opinion. I am not propagating misinformation. The only dishonorable thing here is not doing the rudiments of your job as a police officer or trying to justify such actions.

While I distinctly disavowed his actions, (remember this part? "This does not excuse his response") I think everyone here would like to know why he responded that way, and I am not alone in attempting to discern his strategy for doing so. That in no way "justifies" anything.

What "illusion" failed in this case? His response did not delay bringing help. What law did he not enforce?

I am highly aware that I/we are held to a higher standard. My standards have been higher than most of the people I have worked with for years. I am simply saying things need to be kept in perspective and he didn't break any law, and while what he said was indelicate to the situation, people are calling for his head on a platter because WHY? He committed the apparently unforgivable deadly sin of appearing to not care. Maybe if you try hard enough you can get him sentenced to death row.

Can we say KNEE-JERK?

The misinformation you were propagating was that there is "ill feelings between bikers and cops", which is simply not true. "Stunters" didn't like our suggestion as to how they could "practice" their stunts without going on the street, nor the fact that it is illegal. We have no problem with bikers who ride their bikes in the legal fashion for which they were designed.

[TheMP5guy]

Sure people are responsible for their actions, but that is no reason to not offer immediate aid. We are talking about a young kid that was having fun on a motorcycle, not some murderer. Triage doesn't apply.

That's disconcerting when you don't realize that the "standard" you are held to is higher than that of your run of the mill Joe. LEOs are entrusted with carrying firearms, upholding the law, and serving the public trust. You are expected to hold yourselves to a higher standard, otherwise there is no point in having members of society selected to enforce our laws, and members of society should be left to fend for themselves. At least that way we will have no illusions that calling 911 will bring someone to help us in the moments that we need aid the most.

Lastly, I was stating my opinion. I am not propagating misinformation. The only dishonorable thing here is not doing the rudiments of your job as a police officer or trying to justify such actions.

This incident was isolated to one dispatcher. The moment you start generalizing the entire police community and offering up ways we should do our jobs is the moment you become an ignorant person. Where do you get off telling us to hold ourselve at a higher standard. Everytime I hear that, I can't help but think that it is a scape goat for all non LEO's for their wrong doings. What, because you're not an LEO, you do not have to live your life at a higher standard? That is my opinion.

[retired]

Tell you what, you get rid of ALL the idiots who give sport bikers a bad name and we'll get rid of all our bad apples too...

Just FYI, I don't have a take home car, and, if you indeed pay MY salary, I WANT A FUC&ING RAISE. I haven't had a contract/raise for over 2.5 years and have NEVER had a raise even Close to being equal to the yearly cost of living increase. :mad:

Wait a minute, you can't talk like that, I pay your salary Samuel. :eek:

[TheMP5guy]

Damn straight. I'm not responsible for the public's protection. If I see someone go down doing a wheelie or go down because he or she hit a dog, I'm not obligated to do anything. It might make me a dirtbag, but it's not my responsibility. You on the other hand are supposed to get out of your car and
provide medical aid. What the officer did in this case is very similiar to this scenario.

It only takes one instance to form an opinion of a particular group (cops). All I'm saying is that if cops actually were proactive for once and dropped all the FOP bull**** that keeps you enslaved to a mentality of "us vs them", got this officer to resign or at least attempted to make it happen, it would do a world of good for your image. It's the same reason companies fire people that though they did nothing technically wrong, did something that portrays a discordant image to the one that the company wishes to be associated with. Just remember that the only reason the public puts up with a lot of this behavior is that the government has a monopoly on public services, and there is no alternative for the moment. You want to further the negative stereotypes a lot of people have of the police, go right ahead and do nothing.

Oh, and as for the part about "where I get off telling you to hold yourselves to a higher standard", remember who pays your salaries and pays for your nice squad cars that you get to drive around for free off duty.

Hmmm. I pay taxes too, so I also pay my own salary. I guess I'm partially self employed. And since I buy microsoft products, I'm one of the people responsible for keeping microsoft employees employed and so on. "Drive for free off duty"? What TV shows are you watching there chief?

[zx636skiv]

Well, guess this thread is going to turn sour. It is turning into the old us vs them thread that blew out of proportion in the past. Yes, there are a few sportriders out there that make the whole bunch look bad; there are also cops out there that make the whole lot bad. Guess we need to take all of them and do the genocide thing, problem solved.

These threads are supposed to be a place people (LEO or not) can come to and rationally discuss their opinions. Everyone makes mistakes, the kid should have been wearing a lid and the cop should have used more tact. I thought that these had been discussed and everyone agreed that some people make bad judgments.

I am sure that there are LEOs that have similar beliefs that I do. When I see someone cranking stunts on a public street, I tell them to take it to a lot. There were a bunch in my area, but many are now using private lots (most with permission) to practice in a relatively safe environment. I also know that when LE personnel mess up, they also take care of it in most cases. Unfortunately, the media is always trying to make a buck and usually blows it all out of perspective. Did anyone see recent shows about sportriders tearing up the city streets? Usually they pick the FTP guys that are covered in tats, doing 140 mph wheelies thru traffic with no shirts on. You know why? Because it sells. Do you ever see a Cops episode where the guy just gets a ticket for jaywalking? Only if the guy is drunk and belligerent; and is wielding a knife in his trailer park. This stuff sells and the media loves it. Do you want to solve the problem? Then don't give them anything to work with.

[TheMP5guy]

Yeah, that's the reason you can ask them to change their products, make them better in the future, sue them if they make a faulty product, and so on. Same thing should apply to the relationship between the public and police. Thanks for reinforcing my point. :)

And you can't with police?? We're sued all the time. Our policies and SOP's change alll the time to suit the community at large. What colour is the sky in your world? Like I said before, you're basing your comments on that one incident with the dispatcher. Look up the incidents where police are charged, fired, suspended and then tell me that misconduct by police officers are ignored. We can go back and forth with these comments until we're blue in the face. Bottom line, there are bad apples in every profession.

[KBeecher]

Damn straight. I'm not responsible for the public's protection. If I see someone go down doing a wheelie or go down because he or she hit a dog, I'm not obligated to do anything.

Your right, you aren't responsible, but you are a human and so are they. You have an obligation to help, just by being another human being. But like you said your just another "dirtbag" or POS as some call you.

And your wrong about the provide medical aid. I have to provide only the amount I was trained to provide. That would mean that I would check to see if you are breathing, bleeding or dead. If either of those exist, since my department was too cheap to send me to any CPR classes on a regular basis and did not provide me with a CPR mask for a long time, you got just that. I checked and called Fire to come help you. That is as far as I am obligated to you.

And by the way, the FOP has dedicated itself to helping officers with the problems that come their way from you tax paying POS' that demand they do something, then demand that they get fired because the officer did something and it wasn't what the POS wanted done, though it was legal and within the policy and procedures required. And if it was up to me, I would be more than happy to give you every cent of LE your taxes pay for, that is if you pay taxes.

Either way you express the same mentality that almost every citizen that has a bad contact, meaning they got arrested or got a ticket, does. "You cops are never around, you don't do anything etc., etc., etc.............."

If you think we don't do a good job, then get your lazy butt out there and do it yourself. Otherwise don't talk about something you don't know about. It makes you look stupid in the eyes of those who are there or have been there. And I really don't think you want to do that or deserve a reputation of being that.

[zx636skiv]

Just found this on one of the other forums that I frequent, though you might be interested. And no, this isn't confirmed, but it does sound viable. I also edited the writer's e-mail so he doesn't get flamed, although he left it on the origional.

CT 911 call - Commissioner Leonard C. Boyle responds


-----Original Message-----

From: Public Information Office - DPS

[mailtoio.dps@po.state.ct.us]

Sent: Tuesday, March 29, 2005 5:45 PM

To: Kevin O'Brien

Subject: RE: Trooper Robert Peasley to be fired ASAP

March 29, 2005

Thank you for visiting our website and for allowing me to respond to your concerns about the way in which the State Police at Troop E in Montville responded to 911 calls reporting the tragic accident that claimed the life of Justin Sawyer.

Everyone at the Department of Public Safety feels deeply sorry for the Sawyer family

[whythepluck]

I think even though he was thinking the people were wrong he should have thought twice about being like he was. Wow that bites

Thanks,
www.whythepluck.com

[The Joker]

The brass is the same no matter where you go. :p

[MrJim911]

If anyone wants to hear the audio, you can find it here.

http://www.courant.com/news/local/hc-cspsuspend0322.artmar22,0,5437410.story?coll=hc-headlines-local

[beungood]

Ive seen the photos and film fottage of the area that call originated from. If you look closely on the photo and the film footage you can see skid marks and donuts. It was a notorious straightaway the *******s went to dragrace and do burnouts at. It also was an area that generated alot of service calls and there was a flurry of call reporting racing in the area that turned out GOA when investigated. The call answerer was unprofessional,BUT, can understand his tone given ive had to answer 911's and often for nuisance drag racers. As I understand he had already sent out ambulance and Fire before making the comments.

Serves the scofflaws right..