Can I get a promotion?

Here we go again. A couple of months ago, I wrote about two organizations, the United States Secret Service and the New Jersey State Police, that had lawsuits filed against them by their black employees. In large scale organization there will always be individuals who feel as though they are not being treated fairly. Yet, how do we account for these many lawsuits? The Connecticut State Police have filed a lawsuit as well claiming similar discriminatory patterns. Why does this effect law enforcement so prominently? It is no secret that the law enforcement profession is a predominantly white male profession, but there must be some fair minded individuals in charge that can see what is going on. Is this just a case of the "disgruntled" employee seeking to get theirs? Can the citizens of America afford to continually pay to settle these lawsuits? The courts will be inundated with briefs, transcripts and appeals. Lawyers will be billing for untold number of hours at our expense. Some of the litigants will experience an inordinate amount of stress and may need to take sick leave to recuperate. Having them away from their duties will ultimately cost us again in terms of filling their positions with officers who are paid overtime. It will be a lose, lose situation for all of us. How do fix this problem or can it be fixed? Has race been so entrenched into our psyche that it will always be that eight hundred pound gorilla in the room?

http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1008/101508ap2.htm

http://www.ctemploymentlawblog.com/2008/02/articles/hr-issues/lawsuit-to-be-filed-over-state-police-hiring-practices-a-primer-on-disparate-impact-theory/

"Let not your words go unspoken lest they will never be heard." Dr. BLR

What were they thinking?

In June 2008, I posted my thoughts about police officers using tasers as a less than lethal weapon when confronting unarmed subjects. I gave police officers the benefit of the doubt because they have to make split second decisions. However, what happened in New York City is very disturbing. A brief synopsis: Two police officers confronted a naked, mentally disturbed male standing on a third floor ledge. The man was despondent and causing a commotion. The police officers made a decision to taser the man without any regard for his safety of being three stories above the ground. Unfortunately, the man fell head first and was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

The issue here is why didn't the police officers call the Emergency Services Unit (ESU) and/or a Crisis Negotiator to try and talk this man down. How about getting an inflatable devise to place beneath the ledge in the event the man jumped or fell. A lot of Monday quarterbacking on my part, which I thought that I would never do. However, this was not a split second decision situation and time could have been of the essence. Regardless, let's see what the outcome will be. I am hoping for more training for police officers when it comes to dealing with the mentally disturbed. In the end, this man did not deserve to die.

Note: Today is the birthday of my deceased sister, Sharon. May she rest in peace.

Update: The NYPD have taken steps to have all of the ESU personnel get more training in the usage of the taser. Unfortunately, the lieutenant that gave the order apparently could not live with his decision and allegedly committed suicide. God rest his soul.

http://mycentraljersey.com/article/20081002/NATIONWORLD/81002012


http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2008/09/25/2008-09-25_nypd_investigates_two_officers_in_taser_.html

Obama: Savior or flavor of the month???

The presidential race has been very exciting and eye opening. The two candidates bring different skill sets to the table, but who will be ready to answer the call. From all accounts, the hands on favorite is Obama. Yet, he has been untested in the big arena. Can we take a chance on his youth or should we defer to the senior statesman? The jury is still out on both as they continue jostling for power in the waning days of the campaign. His campaign has invigorated young voters and we may see a record turn out for new voters, but is he the real deal? I feel that he will be no different than most politicians, but it is amazing to see what he has done. Win or lose, I think his month has been remarkable.

http://www.independentvoting.org/magazine/documents/BarackObamaTheRealDealor.pdf

" Responsibility is doing the right thing all the time...no questions asked." Dr. BLR

Brother can you spare 700 Billion?

Excuse me for being so cynical, but this bailout of the financial district is appalling. When the average person runs into trouble, they can only depend on themselves for relief. The mere fact that these companies made billions in profit makes this situation more disgusting. I would expect some to say that the economy needed to have the government rescue it, however, if it turns around will "we" be receiving our dividend checks. I know, I know; the check is in the mail. Just think January 20, 2009, will be our day of salvation. Good bye Mr. Bush.

http://www.boston.com/business/markets/articles/2008/09/21/can_america_afford_it/?p1=Well_MostPop_Emailed7

"Trooper Gate" in Alaska

In past few days, we have been inundated with politics, politics and more politics. I am about fed up and cannot wait for it to be over. However, there is one lingering thing that has me waiting with baited breath. The Alaskan Governor, Sarah Palin, has been accused of abusing her power regarding her insistence that her former brother-in-law and Alaskan State Trooper be fired due to being unfit for duty. Inasmuch as the trooper may not have deserved to keep his job, he had already been disciplined for his transgressions before Governor Palin attempted to get him fired. Can anyone say double jeopardy! Let's give her the benefit of the doubt for now. Yet, I am very concerned about the fact that I think she did what she is alleged to have done and that she should be punished accordingly. What is good for the moose is good for the gander...or some Alaskan like that.


" Know your limitations, but don't let your limitations know you." Dr. BLR

Whistleblowers: A necessary evil or just disgruntled people

Who will stand up and do the right thing when law enforcement does not? What are we to say about the courageous men and women who put their careers and sometimes lives on the line just to do the right thing? Will the "Blue wall of silence" be torn down? Does the street motto "snitches get stitches" pertain to police officers? Does Serpico come to mind?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLMj5uWCx_E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gu2JFKzwsOI

New Jersey State Police lawsuit

In the wake of the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) attempting to be released from a federal consent decree, 23 Black and Hispanic troopers filed a lawsuit claiming they were overlooked for advancement based on their race. It has been well documented that the NJSP have had problems with discrimination against minorities, as well as female. Emotions will run high and morale will definitely suffer. However, based on the specifics of the lawsuit, the results should be beneficial to all that want a fair and equitable promotion system. In the coming weeks more should be learned and what steps will be taken to rectify this matter. Regardless, the damage is done and the NJSP has to deal with more negative press. Change is in order, but where should it begin?

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2008/07/23_troopers_file_civil_rights.html

http://blacspective.blogspot.com/



"Expect nothing from others and more from yourself." Dr. BLR