A Maine State Police sergeant accused of drunken driving has asked his law enforcement colleagues not to retaliate against other officers in the department for arresting him.
Sgt. Robin Parker of Sanford, an instructor at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy, was arrested Dec. 18 on the Maine Turnpike near the New Gloucester toll plaza, according to a previous report in the Bangor Daily News. Parker is on paid administrative leave. Last week, Parker sent a mass email to members of the law enforcement community taking responsibility for the charge against him and asking his colleagues not to blame the officers involved in arresting him. Parker was not specific about what, if anything, has taken place.
“What I have done to my family, friends and our State Police family has saddened me deeply,” wrote Parker, according to a copy of his letter provided to the Bangor Daily News anonymously. “There is one other thing that has saddened me and that is what I’m hearing around the department. I understand that there are many that are very upset that I was processed by our own and perhaps not ‘treated differently.’ Although this anger may stem from a respect and appreciation for me as a person and Trooper, they are not healthy.”
Parker said the troopers involved in arresting him were the “professionals that we all strive to be.”
“I could tell throughout the process that they took no pleasure in doing what they had to do,” he wrote. “For them I want to apologize for putting them and their supervisor in that position. … Remember that I was the cause and I am responsible for my own actions.”
Maine Department of Public Safety spokesman Stephen McCausland said Thursday that Parker will be on paid administrative leave until the conclusion of an investigation being run by state police Col. Robert Williams. Asked whether the conclusion of Williams’ investigation will await Parker’s impending court process, McCausland said he couldn’t provide a timetable. McCausland also would not comment on whether Parker’s email to colleagues during an open investigation was a violation of rules regarding the use of state-owned computers or email accounts.
McCausland said he would not give any further details about the case that were not already published this week by the Portland Press Herald. He said any decisions about Parker’s future with the department, including the validity of his law enforcement credentials and continuation of his position at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy, will be decided after Williams’ investigation.
“I’m not going into any further details,” said McCausland, who added that Maine State Police administrators also will not answer further questions because of the open investigation.
John Rogers, director of the Maine Criminal Justice Academy, said that pursuant to a decision made by Williams, Parker will not return to his post as an instructor. Parker occupied one of two “academy cadre supervisor” posts, one of which has traditionally been permanent and the other filled temporarily by other officers on a rotating basis. Parker was in the permanent supervisory position.
“The permanent position won’t be filled until the end result of the Robin Parker case,” said Rogers. “He will not be coming back as cadre supervisor. Col. Williams has made that decision.”
The Maine Criminal Justice Academy, through its board of trustees, is also a licensing board that provides credentials for a range of law enforcement officers in the state. Williams, according to the law, will submit his report to Rogers, who in turn will forward it to the trustees. What happens then could include no action, revocation of Parkers’ law enforcement certificate, a suspension of the certificate or a continuation of the certificate with certain conditions.
Rogers said operations at the academy were not affected by Parker’s arrest because the latest class of officers graduated during the prior week and the next one hasn’t started yet.
According to the Portland newspaper, Parker was stopped by Trooper Duane Doughty at about 8 p.m. after a motorist reported a car being driven erratically. Another trooper and Sgt. James Urquhart also went to the scene of the stop.
Parker, who has been employed by the Maine State Police for 17 years, pleaded in his email that the law enforcement community allow the investigation and court processes to run their course.
“Please allow this to pass with no more anger and resentment,” he wrote. “Show those involved and had to make difficult decisions that same love and compassion you have shown me.”
If convicted, he’ll get a slap on the wrist, a nice cushy desk job, and lots of “atta boys” until he retires and collects his big fat state pension.
Hopefully he’ll be treated like any other citizen, no better, no worse. Millions of people work for local, state, and federal government agencies. I doubt that everytime one of them committs a “crime” they get all the benefits you describe.
If he’s convicted of OUI, there are State minimum mandatory sentences for OUI…
If he was off-duty what is all the fuss about.
This trooper should be treated like all other DUI cases
It shoulded affect his job maybe it might wake him up that all people are human
And yes he should have been charged
I believe that he said the same thing in the article, he took responsibility for his actions, sounds like he was treated like a civilian, read the article.
He is a civilian. He isn’t military. The difference between police and regular people is the word citizen.
NO, he is a citizen just like the rest of us…. We make mistakes, ( without pay) HE, makes mistakes, (WITH PAY ??????)
I think you missed the point here. There is military personnel and then there is civilians. Everyone who is not military is a civilian. The word used to distinguish between law enforcement and ordinary people would be citizen.
That’s speculation at best jammer. We have no idea if he was “cuffed and stuffed”, did they arrange for his car to be towed, or did they impound it? Did they accept a check or credit card for bail, or did they allow him to withdraw the bail money before his booking?
These are things that we will never know, and they are things that you or I don’t know. But I do know one thing, they look out after each other.
im not sure there is a standard protocol after a DUI. i do have a friend that was dropped off at home and sent someone to pickup his car. if you are willing to accept your mistakes and hopefully learn from them, you are always much better off. If the whole deal was as shady as you portray it, would we even be reading about it in the paper?
Uh, we wouldn’t be reading anything in the paper. McCausland has allready said that he’s not saying anything more on it until his superiors say so.
There’s an indication. I really, honestly?, don’t care if he was treated differently at arrest, I do seriously care if he is treated differently during sentencing and future employment. I don’t want him teaching cadats on how to obey and enforce the law, when he clearly doesn’t obey the law himself.
As I said above, give him the usual sentence and a pink slip, I don’t want to pay his salary anymore.
He was pulled over, arrested, booked and bailed (likely ROR) but that is nothing “special”. His vehicle was likely towed, they wouldn’t have left it on the side of the Turnpike.
By now he has likely received a letter for the Secretary of State suspending his drivers license until his court date. So much for innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
And you want to know why they “look out after each other”? Because no one else does and I don’t mean that in a “criminal sense”.
And if you are such a fan of “public prosecution”, I will reiterate, do you know if he was treated differently?
And lastly, how many of us common folk, get to make a statewide appeal through the press, for those that arrested him, to “understand” and “no hard feelings”. I’m not buying the crap about “because no one else does”….It’s not like he had to worry about some guy on bath salts was going to schizo on him.
.he was an instructor at the academy! People looked up to him, and he wasn’t out in the field…..he must be held to a higher standard, in order to demonstrate exactly what he taught, breaking the law is breaking the law, no exception. He should lose his job, and he should not be allowed tenure as it regards state employment. Whatever deal he has with his union is their business, but I don’t think it’s fair to give this guy anything other than what he deserves…..a sentence and a pink slip.
“And if you are such a fan of “public prosecution”, I will reiterate, do you know if he was treated differently?”
Actually I am NOT a fan of “public prosecution”. Just the opposite as a matter of fact. Do I know if he was treated differently? No, but everything that has been published to date shows he was treated just like any other person stopped by the MSP for OUI. Do you have anything to suggest that he was given special treatment of favoritism?
~~~~~
“And lastly, how many of us common folk, get to make a statewide appealthrough the press, for those that arrested him, to “understand” and “no hard feelings”. I’m not buying the crap about “because no one else does”….It’s not like he had to worry about some guy on bath salts was going to schizo on him.”
The email was obtained by the media. It is a public record if he used a state computer to send it. I don’t really care what your opinion is of the email. But I do know this, that email can now be used against him in court. He admits he drove while impaired. Case down. 90 day suspension and on your way out, please pay the bailiff your $400.00 fine. Likely the easiest open and shut case the DA will have in 2012
~~~~~
“he was an instructor at the academy! People looked up to him, and he wasn’t out in the field…..he must be held to a higher standard, in order to demonstrate exactly what he taught, breaking the law is breaking the law, no exception.”
Key word “was”. He was immediately removed from that position. He is being held to a higher standard. There are very few positions (I have one) that a person holds that an OUI conviction can lead to your employment being terminated. Please not I am speaking about the “conviction” not the penalty of a 90 day suspension.
Ahhh. so I get it! You were one of the receptors of said email? If he was immediately suspended, why would he have the access to a state computer, and as you say is public access which therefore allows the press to be involved?
I’m sorry for him and his family. I’m sorry for his making this mistake, I do not think at all it was the first time he had done so.
Nonetheless, the Maine State Police expects us, the people to obey the law. Ramifications of an OUI are not comprehensible, but, because we have the choice to work for private businesses, we can get to work. Not so with this defendant.
And I did not hear any comment about his apologizing to us, you know, the citizens that look up to and depend upon the Maine State Police…..especially their instructors. Not one apology, state computer or not. And it’s not like he or the MSP didn’t know that this was going to be published. This is a great big……..”I’m Sorry” for the state to see, it wasn’t meant only for MSP eyes.
My uncle, William Draper, was a Trooper and a MDEA agent……I know the jibe. Do you honestly think that I’m that naive to think that McCausland won’t say any more, but the MSP didn’t know that he was hollering to his comrades? I wasn’t born yesterday.
Oh…..Peace to you, and your family. Please be safe over New Year’s. I’m not upset at you, at all. There is absolutely nothing wrong with explaining your opinion. :)
I am not now nor have I ever been an employee of the State of Maine in any way, shape or form.
And I can access my work server from any computer in the world at anytime. But once I access that server, that email is the property of my employer and subject to their rules for email. I suspect that this could be the same for the Sergeant.
Look he got caught. He was arrested. He was booked. He was bailed. His license should have been suspended by the Secretary of State pending the outcome of the court case. He wrote a mia culpa which he knows can be used against him but he wrote it anyway.
For once we have a LEO that accepts responsibility for what he did and we continue to rake him over the coals for accepting that responsibility.
And the same to you and yours.
He did not make a statewide appeal through the press, someone anonymously gave it to the press and they ran with it. He sent it to his co-workers through email, which any of could do if we wanted to communicate something to everyone that we work with.
You are probably right up until the next to last paragraph. Driving is a privilage which the Secretary of State can revoke at any time. It is not a right that requires court action to be suspended. It is called administrative suspension. Even if you are found not guilty in court the Sec. of State could continue your suspension. It is completly up to the Dept. If the Sec. of state thinks you ae still a danger to public safety they can maintain your suspension indeffinatly.
I did a bunch ride a longs with a Bangor cop on who worked nights several years ago. He was a self proclaimed “drunk hound.” I watched him arrest, start to finish, at least 6 OUI’s, maybe as many as 10, I can’t remember. I noted very early that he served almost everyone with a summons as opposed to taking them to jail. When I asked him about it, he told me that he rarely brought them to jail. He told me that the drunks that went to jail were on probation, bail or people with multiple priors. He said they rest almost always got tickets with a few exceptions here and there such as they were uncooperative or unruly drunks.
For you information, people who are served with summonses don’t require any money. Whether you are a cop or not. People who are bailed must pay cash. No exceptions.
The cops let the cops go(on OUI) all the time… must have been a multiple offender or someone had a hair across their butt with him.
And you would know “cops let the cops go(on OUI) all the time” how?
Two first line relatives in the justice system. It’s called “The Blue Wall” . Unless this person was in an accident etc. he wouldn’t have been arrested…sorry but true.
And twenty to thirty years ago that was the case. I could relate several stories but today, with dash cameras, video cell phones, etc…it is no where near as common as it once was.
Does it still happen? Yes, but the chance that someone will video it or minutes later be involved in a fatal accident after being stopped and that stop being filmed has relegated the “wink and look the other way” to the exception and not the rule.
Are you saying that the reason cops are less likely to cover for each other now is because they realize that there is a good chance of getting caught? Doing the right thing just because you know you can’t get away with doing the wrong is not what I would call sincere honesty.
While it would seem that I did say that it was not what was intended. Are cops human? Are they subject to failures in judgement? Are they subject to people looking at a video that shows a “surround and swarm” and having their actions questioned? The answer to all of those questions are Yes, Yes and Yes.
The dash cameras mounted in the majority of Maine cruisers are there for two reasons. 1) to document the actions of a suspect, and 2) to protect the officer from allegations of abuse, excessive force, etc…
Might the knowledge of their actions being recorded serve to keep their mind on the present and result in a better police officer? Sure and that is a bad thing how?
I don’t think the cameras are a bad thing. I didn’t say that. Mine was a question not a statement. I would agree with your two reasons for dash cams and can elaborate on reason #2. To also protect a suspect from abuse etc.
Agreed.
I also agree. My problem is : Paid Leave !!!! Why ??? He BROKE The LAW, period!!!! I have a dear friend that worked as a Court Clerk, she got an OUI……and was FRIED, WITHOUT PAY, before her Court date. It was her first OUI
He is on paid leave because that is the policy and he is covered by a collective bargaining agreement. He is on paid leave because he is ACCUSED of breaking the law but hasn’t been convicted yet.
I cannot speak to your friends case. Was she fired because she broke the law or because she couldn’t get to work because her license was immediately suspended by the Secretary of State? The first would be the result of breaking the law the second would be the result of the consequences of breaking the law.
Last year a Bangor FD Assistant Chief was found guilty of OUI and kept his job. Now keep in mind his job requires him to drive himself to all major incidents in the City of Bangor. Was he given a provisional license so he could keep his job or was he given a driver by the city so he could keep his job? I don’t know the answer to either question. Should he have kept his job?
Yeah. They are human. Not above the law because they are considered “the law.” You’re talking about giving them a pass for that. It’s ridiculous people on this forum justify his OUI with “Well he’s a cop.” Dumb. Dumb. Dumb.
Would you show me where I posted he should get “a pass for that”. But I will save you the trouble looking because you will not find any such post because I never posted any such thing.
Good response tugboats. I believe you caught jd2008jd off guard. Interesting commentary. But truth be known to those in the know…Is it not?
Seems to me thier was a drunk DEA agent in Bangor that got into an accident say about 18 years ago sent 2 people to the hospital he was never charged. maybe if im honest with myself a few times I was borderline I was let go because a cop Knew me . Also busted because a different cop at a different time didn’t like me. Guess thier only human But really wish thier was a reliable polygraph or psycological test and dismiss ALLl cops who lie in court.
Not familiar with the DEA case but as I have said in other posts, what happened 20-30 years ago is not necessarily the case today.
Officers have always had and will continue to have discretion on when to arrest and when to not arrest. I have been stopped for speeding once or twice but never received a ticket. Why? Well in one case I knew the officer but was driving a car he didn’t know. Was he right to let me go? I was 5 over, even if I didn’t know him he would have likely told me to slow down and be on my way.
In the second case, I wasn’t familiar with a municipal pool and didn’t know the area and was 10-15 over the speed limit. The officer pulled me over, asked me if I was familiar with the area (I wasn’t), asked me where I was going (to an appointment at a doctor’s office), took my license, registration, proof of insurance, came back and gave me a “written warning” and told me to watch my speed the next time. I thanked him and we parted ways. Was he right to let me go? No but he I had (and still have) a clean driving record, knew I didn’t know the area and had an appointment (I should add I pulled over as soon as he activated his blue lights).
We agree that polygraphs are unreliable and psychological testing only weeds out the the extremes. And any court officer that lies under oath should not only lose their job but face criminal prosecution for perjury.
Wow you should get a job for PR for Government agents . Many times i here cops brag about speeding Via Ham radio. Funny lots of people in police fire seems to have ham radios. They say it helps being a cop firefighter . Wonder if it would help as much if law enforcement agents that did not have these radios herd them brag. We all break laws that dose not mean we are all criminals. Just that arrogance some seem to have Gives them a bad name . Some let it go to thier head they are less likely to get a ticket. That’s what gets me . Many time i have seem a waldo county transport van 20 to 30 over not in thier county. Not likely to get a ticket maybe a talk to but I think most cops respect the law. Some has to sit these cops down and tell them they should be role models . Those few make it hard for average people to respect cops.
Don’t need another job…I have all that I can handle with the 2-3 I already have.
“Ham radios”? In all the years I have been in public safety I know of one (1) fire fighter and zero (0) police officers that have and/or own ham radio and the federal license required to operate one.
And what did you do about the speeding Waldo County transport van? Did you call a County Commissioner and complain? Did you call the Chief Deputy or Sheriff and complain? If you did nothing why?
The MSP Sergeant was pulled over, arrested, booked, bailed and now faces criminal actions just like any other civilian that faces OUI charges just like you and I would. If he is convicted he faces the same penalty, 90 license suspension and a $400.00 fine that you or I would face. He also faces an internal investigation that could result in the end of his career that he has had for the past 17 years which is something your or I would not face in most circumstances. The Trooper is accepting responsibility and is not looking for “special treatment”.
Not sure what more you want done. And if you see someone breaking the law that wears a badge and gun I challenge you to call the Chief and report it but somehow I doubt you will.
Well in a perfect world . I told an assistant DA in his office was going to report an officer IA was was told by this assistant DA You would Be stopped anywhere in the state of Maine . If I did then warned me greatly to not even dare I would end up in jail cops everywhere would harrass me. Weather or not that was true I do not know. This was a long time ago. Well I did not report him. Not worth me going to jail or harrassed jd2008jd maybe times have changed . It is still not a perfect world. Some things would be worth going to jail over like stopping a cop from hurting a child not reporting one speeding . Sometime life pay them back like the cop 20 yrs ago that gave me a hard time for no reason. He lost his job got less than 30days for his sexual relationship with a 10 yr old girl . Things have changed some just not enough. Ya Know I like you think you are a decent person . Just I see things more negative you more positive.
Because it was never a case just happened.
You sure seem to have a lot of examples David. I wonder why?????
A lot of us have a lot of examples. Some from personal experiences, news, gossip, I know a few unsavory characters. There are many reasons rather than being a criminal to aquire knowlege of criminal activity. I wonder how the cops catch people without being criminals themselves?
Jocularity is good for the soul.
I still hear stories from a multitude of old timers about 20-40 years ago when the cop would stop them and give them ride a home without charging them. Times have changed for sure.
I agree with you, there also is the case of the witness that made the call. There was a written/taped record of a call coming in for a driver that was weaving. This combined with the dash cams they had to arrest him.
You just proved that you have no idea what you are talking about. You are latching on to urban legends and rare incidence that have been blown out of proportion. I’ve worked around and with a lot of cops and have seen them in action first hand. More than 99% of these commenters can offer as far as meaningful insight. With all these cops running around drunk driving, don’t you think they would be crashing and killing themselves and others like all they other drunks do? Are they better at drunk driving? Do you really think they cops have something called “The blue wall?” You’re a fool and and sadly uninformed if you do. Of course, people always believe what they want to believe so I guess your biases are exposed. Of course it happens. And of course they they get caught. You just don’t always hear about it in the paper. Just like so many other arrests that are made daily. I know of countless crimes which are committed in our community that no one other than those who are in the justice system ever know about.
ive seen it copper
Sorry wrong uniform and badge.
just remember – he wouldnt have felt the need to issue this if he knew his fellow coppers were truly comitted to uphold the law they pledged to uphold = this is a clear indictment
Before you start making sweeping statements I suggest you read the PPH article ( http://www.pressherald.com/new… ) as it contains (no surprise) a great deal more information then the BDN article.
From the article “(Parker) heard a third-hand rumor somebody was upset about what has happened, and he interpreted that to mean they were giving the troopers involved a hard time, but he has no personal knowledge of anything like that,” Goodman (Sgt. Parker’s attorney) said.
I have seen it myself. I can not prove they let them go “ALL” the time just it dose happen .
You live in a tiny little world if you can’t comprehend how this person knows that.
Thank you for your thoughtful and considerate response. My “world” is very expansive but thanks for your concern.
the PAID leave just puts me over the edge…. I wouldn’t get paid….
You’re right. If Bill Clinton was taking a break in the oval office how come he can’t get a little on the side. I mean COME ON!
I suggest reading the full text of the email from the trooper. I might help in understanding the situation.
Absolutely agree Steve. I have a lot of respect for this man, he is taking responsibility for his bad decision and he is not trying to get out of it by using his “stature”.
EXACTAMUNDO!!!
I agree, but I always say, CORRECTAMUNDO! LOL.
I think Fonzi would frown on that!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Subject: [bdn] Re: State trooper accused of OUI appeals to colleagues for understanding
ok so let hime go – crap- means nothing
Its pretty sad he felt he needed to send this e-mail! Says a lot about police protecing police.
Ya not like some cops would try to protect other cops. Not all cops are bad but most cops look the other way when the see bad cops (speeding or duty, fibbing in court etc.) Doesn’t that that make most cops bad??? we all Know the rules are bent sometimes for some.
When’s the last time you ratted on one of your friends for speeding, oui or whatever? Cops are humans too. So yeah, I’d say we’re ALL bad at times!
Yes But I am not law enforcement officer…………………… I had a cop brag while he drunk about fixing a police report to put me at fault in a car accident with his brother. I have lost a few jobs in my day for refusing to do things that I new were not morally or legally the right thing to do. Sorry I question authority . I am not perfect but I refuse to go along with a boss that is crooked. Some cops outright abuse thier authority and most are not fired for doing so. Like the cop hitting the deer at 92 with a police car off duty. Show me a job where you get in an accident going 92 mph in a company truck and you do not get fired except being a cop. A normal person would get at least a few days in jail for the same.
Hi Miah Sgt Parker feels badly about this incident and to me he’s saying he doesn’t want preferential treatment. The police did protect him and others by placing him under arrest. They did not take his keys and give him a ride home which would have been police protecting their own. It went down like it should have. He’s going to court just like we would have to do. He should be fined and lose his license. I’m just not ready to throw away his experience and the dues he’s paid in 17 years. We’ll see if his boss feels the same way.
I am. I’m ready to throw ANY BUM OUT THAT DRINKS AND DRIVES ON OUR ROADS. 17 years!!!!!!! Paaaaalease. In 17 years if he didn’t learn enough to not drink and drive then 17 years wasn’t long enough.
I respect your opinion. We disagree a little. We live in America where it’s possible to do that without repercussions. Subject: [bdn] Re: State trooper accused of OUI appeals to colleagues for understanding
My two cents don’t amount to much so here it is anyway. I pay part of Sgt Parker’s paycheck and I’m willing to let the courts sentence him to what I would have received. I think he’d agree with that. I’m also willing to let his boss look things over concerning his future with the troopers. In 17 years he’s distinguished himself by being selected to train new troopers. so he’s not a slacker. In those 17 years, I’m sure he’s dealt with some real doozies so he’s paid his dues. As a taxpayer, I have no problem paying his admin leave . Also no problem to paying him when he returns to duty, which he should in my opinion. He screwed up and he’s taking responsibility for his lapse in decision making. Regarding cushy jobs and fat retirement checks, I doubt their existance in police work. Many people are quick to jump an a cop . I recall many instances where I needed one and glad he was available. I appreciate all you guys and girls in blue!!!!!Born and raised in The County
I believe in second chances, I dont believe in paid admin leave. You think a Wal*mart employee who was caught stealing should be on paid admin leave?
He hasn’t been convicted of anything yet. They legally have to put him on paid leave pending the internal investigation and prosecution. Once the case is adjudicated, he can be suspended without pay if they determine he violated their policy (conduct unbecoming for instance) and/or if he’s convicted. It’s a silly thing called due process. People claim favoritism, yet then in the same breath want to throw out due process for police :/
Well….I guess the innocent till proven guilty bastion still has a faint heartbeat in some small segments of our society?
The paid leave is the issue for me. I only believe in the paid leave if an officer has to use his firearm and there is an investigation for that purpose. Not for OUI.
Hi Miah It looks like we both support second chances, but I personally wouldn’t give a thief another try. I’ll take my chances with the trooper who had a few beers and goofed. I respect your views!
stealing doesnt kill people drunk driving does and although i believe in second chances this one peeves me alittle more then others.
Don’t get me wrong I’m peeved too. One of the folks we look up to let us down. On the plus side, they stopped him before he could hurt someone. A motorist reported a weaving car and they got to him quickly. The system works sometimes. Does he deserve a place in law enforcement? I think so, but only after he’s paid the piper. Subject: [bdn] Re: State trooper accused of OUI appeals to colleagues for understanding
Peeved means angry. Angry means there is a reason for the anger. The reason being drunk driving by a person WHO TEACHES STATE TROOPERS. You and others are so easy to give him a pass. It’s pretty pathetic really.
I respect your comments. On my anger scale,anger being a 10, peeved slides into the #2 hole just after miffed. He didn’t get a pass to my understanding. His fellow troopers stopped him and the incident went down by the book. I believe he was arrested and charged as would you and I. There won’t be any passes from anyone in this case. I hope there is a second chance once he’s paid the piper. Subject: [bdn] Re: State trooper accused of OUI appeals to colleagues for understanding
Peeved does not mean angry
Law enforcement officers should be the 1st people to upold the law. It’s what they stand for, for goodness sake. I credit the cop with taking full responsibility, though. Second chance, yes, paid leave, no.
Both are crimes, but you can’t nearly begin to compare the two situations. How about should a Wal*Mart employee caught for OUI be on paid leave? Nah, they would probably just continue their work like nothing happened.
Until he has had his day in court, he should be on paid admin leave. If found guilty then the pay check should end for a period of time. I too agree that he should get a second chance.
no leave pay, if I get picked up for OUI, I don’t get any pay for missing work at my job
His paid leave should be decided by the intox test. That pretty much decides guilt.
The wal mart employee caught stealing isn’t going to cause someone to die and destroy a family for the rest of their lives. So, is he going to give a second chance to the next person he pulls over while under the influence? This man KNOWS better, he enforces the laws therefore he is held to a much higher standard. He should be punished just the same as you would be if you were the one who was pulled over.
k, someone who steals from the store they work for should get fired…did this guy drunk and drive in uniform? if yer going to apply it to the job then ya might want to apply it fairly to both positions, cause outside of uniform he is just like everyone else. Yes he has to set an example-we all do! he will pay his dues and has to live through the humiliation of it all….that alone does alot of damage on the person themselves.
If you don’t believe that, I suggest you go to maineopengov.org and check out some of the pensions. Retired troopers get a decent pension. But they pay their dues to get it.
I DO have a problem paying his salary while he is on leave for an OUI. OTOH, I also recognize his years of service, training other troopers, etc., and I don’t think he should lose his job over it. Probationary period for sure, though.
If he had an OUI then yes. due process though.
Thanks for taking the time to respond. Those pensions are decent, however not fat as other commenters suggest. Probationary for a period of time. We can disagree on the admin leave-we have a lot invested in this guy and I want to keep him. Happy Holidays Subject: [bdn] Re: State trooper accused of OUI appeals to colleagues for understanding
Would you feel the same way if your family was maimed or killed in a car accident caused by his drunk driving? Easy to wave it all off for the color of blue though. Look how easy it was for the 52 people liking your comment to just give him a pass because he’s a cop. Pretty sad. 17 years? Yeah and he still hasn’t learned to not drink and drive? Then he isn’t qualified to drive a car let alone a cruiser LET ALONE TEACH OFFICERS.
“Would you feel the same way if your family was maimed or killed in a car accident caused by his drunk driving?”
He did and if he did it would be a completely different story.
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“Easy to wave it all off for the color of blue though.”
What has been waved off exactly?
~~~~~
“Look how easy it was for the 52 people liking your comment to just give him a pass because he’s a cop. Pretty sad.”
Who has given him a pass on anything. He is facing the same charges and penalties as anyone else.
~~~~~
“17 years?”
Yup, 17 years serving the public.
~~~~~
“Yeah and he still hasn’t learned to not drink and drive?”
He is a man and he is human and as such will make mistakes. Police officers are not immune for making errors and committing crimes. Again, he is subject to the same penalties as anyone else charged with OUI.
~~~~~
“Then he isn’t qualified to drive a car let alone a cruiser LET ALONE
TEACH OFFICERS.”
Does anyone lose their license for life on a first conviction for OUI? And he isn’t an instructor at the academy any longer. That was clear from the PPH article but not the BDNs
Luckily he didn’t scratch a thing. He’ll pay dearly. Let the courts decide. Subject: [bdn] Re: State trooper accused of OUI appeals to colleagues for understanding
Totally wrong you are. This officer made a decision to drive drunk, and it’s only luck that he didn’t destroy a life and you want this guy to be given paid leave and a chance to return to work. Why don’t we just let child molesters keep their jobs teaching little children. This person should be held to a higher standard. Fire this officer immediately and prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law. Drunk driving is no mistake, it’s a choice!
Because a child molester has a mental disease and won’t stop having urges and/or molesting! A person who has an OUI, especially for the first time, made a stupid mistake. He’s admitted to his wrong-doings and perhaps he can use his experience to teach his students. Now if he was on OUI #2, I say throw the books at him.
The statistics on OUI arrests clearly state that offenders caught for the first time have been habitual offenders(OUI) and made the mistake of getting caught. This is obviously a cry fo r help and I hope he gets it.
I respect you opinion. What are we going to do with the’ drunk’ child molesters? I sense your displeasure with my comment , but I’m sorry we don’t agree. Subject: [bdn] Re: State trooper accused of OUI appeals to colleagues for understanding
First, apparently you are not a Christian because you obviously don’t believe in forgiveness nor redemption. Second, you are obviously not a patriot because you do not believe in the provisions of the U.S. Constitution which allow for due process of law and an assumption of innocence until proven guilty. If this officer did in fact commit the offense, he should pay his penalities according to the law, be allowed to receive re-hab if deemed necessary, taken out of the training cadre and off the road for a time and assigned to strictly administrative duties, and then, in time and after an appropriate re-evaluation, be allowed to resume his career if he meets all requirements. If he drove while under the influence he made a big mistake, and he will punish himself more than anyone else will. But let’s also not allow one mistake to crucify his entire life’s work nor his entire life in general. The guy is obviously not an evil monster. He is no doubt a good human being who probably made a mistake, and while having to face appropriate consequences should also be afforded an opportunity to redeem himself. I’m sure you are not perfect, and you have probably received your share of second chances in life too.
I can tell you firsthand that FAT retirement checks do INDEED exist in police work. Whether anyone cares or not is subject to one’s own opinion.
The problem I have with this whole issue is that Troopers and Officers would have absolutely NO guilt or bad feelings for arresting you or me but they do for one of their own? Wow. Shouldn’t law enforcement be held to at least the same standard as you and I, or imo a higher standard? If not, then why is it that we hear so much about how horrible drunk driving is. Is it no less horrible of a crime when committed by law enforcement than you or me? If not, then why do we spend so much on OUI patrols? Don’t we also make a mockery of those patrols when one “of their own” are out and about (allegedly) driving drunk? Not snagged at a roadblock like the guy that had a few beers with his wife over dinner and blows a .08, but one who is apprehended because someone thought his driving was so erratic that he was obviously drunk.
I’m ok with second chances and also leniency, provided the same courtesy exists for you or I under the same circumstances. Do you think it does?….
I would like to eyeball the fat numbers you are speaking about. He was arrested and charged. Courts and his boss will do the rest I AM an old hermit, but I fail to see preferential treatment here. (I have been wrong before)Subject: [bdn] Re: State trooper accused of OUI appeals to colleagues for understanding
A retirement of $25,000 a year (according to the MSP website) isn’t exactly ‘fat’. The average American retirement income is around 30K. For the BS cops have to put up with, they should get more in my opinion.
I personally have no problem with what the pension system pays out to police officers. I agree it’s one tough job and line of work in general. The one’s I work with have an average retirement income of between 4-5K per month. This figure is for experienced officers who are allowed to retire in their early 50’s. Do they deserve it? Imo, yes. But to say they aren’t compensated well beyond the average of the vast majority of Mainers is incorrect
Why hasn’t this man been fired yet?
Seriously, because he hasn’t been convicted of anything yet.
By the way Bangorian, did you know the Bangor FD has an Assistant Chief that was convicted of OUI last year? He didn’t lose his job over it and his job REQUIRES him to drive in his “Command” vehicle to all fires in the city. I wonder if he was assigned a driver (that costs you more in taxes) or if he was given a provisional drivers license by the state during his period of suspension?
Good point. But he isn’t the only OUI Bangor Fire has had in the last 5 years…
Kevin_Of_Bangor can we have your two cents?
I will have no problem at all if he receives the same judgement i would be given if i was in the same position. Just don’t give him a free pass because he is a cop. Would you want him to get a second chance if he was a child molester?
He should get paid AND get his job back? Are you serious??? I bet you wouldnt say that if it were a Truck Driver that got caught OUI because then you would say he was a danger to others…so why wasnt this “Trooper” just as dangerous? Because he is a cop? Give me a break….Anyone that drives as part of their job would not only lose their job but lose their license…And all you want to do is pay him and give him his job back? Do you think YOU would get the same respect if it were you in your car that had been stopped for OUI? I think not…..
I say after he’s paid his DUI dues, make him governor.
I’m with just putting him through the same process as your average joe. Do dentist who smoke and have bad breath get their dental license taken away? Does the hair dresser that has bad hair loose her license? Sould the obese nurse and doctor loose their license? I’m definately NOT for drinking and driving, but obviously people that are under the influence don’t know they are, therefore they drive!!! We should all be looking out for all of those around us that are getting into a car with too much under their belt and take the keys away whenever possible. I understand that will not work in all cases. Let this scenario just take it’s course and put focus on something worth our while.
EVERYONE!! Makes a mistake at least once in his/her lifetime…GET A GRIP!! Whoever thinks is perfect out there let him cast the first stone, but first be true to yourself….
That we have a police force where the need to write this letter asking officers not to retaliate on other officers for enforcing the law tells me that we need to have wholesale firings of those that apparently protect and serve THEIR OWN INTERESTS.
Time you awakened to the real world! Must be lonely being the only PERFECT ONE!
uncle I would suggest that you read the PPH article ( http://www.pressherald.com/news/Trooper-accused-of-driving-drunk.html ) about this as it contains (no surprise) a great deal more information then the BDN article.
if he had to send that it is evidence that he knows cops are corrupt and biased
You have no idea what you are talking about
Maybe not but why did he have to send it?????????????????????????????????????????
Read the PPH article ( http://www.pressherald.com/new… ) about this as it contains (no surprise) a great deal more information then the BDN article.
Parker knows what he is talking about.
I had a chance to sit down with Serpico the cop 3 years ago in upstate New York.
When Serpico , a New York Police officer told his supervisors at the New York City police department
his fellow police officers were dealing heroin in New York City, his Police Supervisors warned the cops Serpico had pointed out dealing heroin. The corrupt cops tried to kill Serpico by shooting him in the face. A movie called Serpico was made starring Al Pacino. Visit his website here
http://www.frankserpico.com/bio.html
The New York Times reporter who broke the story David Burnham , has authored two books detailing the massive corruption within the FBI. The books can be viewed here
http://epic.org/epic/board/burnham/book.html
Burnham also has a website tracking FBI corruption at the University of Syracuse see
trac.syr.edu
Maine artist Robert Shetterly has included Serpico in his Americans Who Tell the Truth
portrait series . Here is Serpico’s quote on the portrait
“A policeman’s first obligation is to be responsible to the needs of the
community he serves…The problem is that the atmosphere does not yet
exist in which an honest police officer can act without fear of ridicule
or reprisal from fellow officers. We create an atmosphere in which the
honest officer fears the dishonest officer, and not the other way
around.”
see link for portrait
http://americanswhotellthetruth.org/pgs/portraits/Frank_Serpico.php
? What was he stopped for… not flashing his badge quick enough?
You are totally right … How many times did this cop drive drunk on the Maine Turnpike before another cop not only stopped him …but arrested him…the cop who arrested him should be commended.
But the stakes are and were raised. He was an instructor at the academy. Not just an investigator, or a normal trooper……he was an instructor. If any example to those cadets that needs to be made, it should be made now.
Bottomline is, no law enforcement officer either on duty or not, should be breaking those laws that they enforce.
No doubt, he should be losing his credentials, and his job. What do we do? send him back out?
judging by the article he did a lot of the instructing. and one of his own got him. i say keep him.
I had anOUI many years ago and I didnt get any special treatment. Why should he?
That’s the point….he isn’t.
He absolutely is getting special treatment. There’s been no mention of his BAC. When ADA Brenden Trainer was arrested, it was front page that he had .21 BAC.
If one reads only the BDN it would seem that is the case. But if one looks beyond the confines of Northern Maine and reads other papers, news outlets the truth comes out.
The article found in the PPH ( http://www.pressherald.com/news/Trooper-accused-of-driving-drunk.html ) explains why his BAC was not released.
“McCausland said state police do not reveal blood alcohol content or other investigative details before a case gets to court, regardless of the defendant.
Cumberland County District Attorney Stephanie Anderson, who said she handles most of the cases against law enforcement officers, cited the Criminal History Record Information Act to explain why authorities do not release information about blood alcohol content. The law says the state cannot disclose pre-conviction data, including investigative information.”
The PPH article also has way more information and is more informative then what the BDN put together. Some how that is not a surprise.
Guess things are getting better seems to me that almay and roberts would not prosecute any cases Ron Harrington would bring in even tho he was cleared with the lawrence case . Just something mastermind Donny made up. Some cops were not giving a fair shake. This guy should pay the price for his crime. That being said I see no reason he should lose his job. Some pay a high price for thing that were not thier fault. The whole system sucks . Most people will never know how much, But it the only system we have . Hope the day will come when I can teach my son to trust cops. Till that time I still have to tell him to give them your name is ok ,but not to answer to any questions.
slam the door and make a good comercial of it that can air slong with the anti-smokeing ads or even better the rubber duckies.do you suppose this guy would give you a ride home or cuff’s
Amazing. He messed up and admits it. Moreover, he’s accountable. Punish him and then put him back to work. I can guarantee he’ll be fair in the dispensation of his duties.
This is the way ALL police officers should be when caught doing something illegal. This trooper did something wrong, realizes he was wrong in doing so and admits it. My hat is off to him 100%! He teaches other troopers and obviously he has done a fine job, after all they caught him. He deserves a second chance. I’ve never met a single person who hasn’t made a mistake in their lives, he is no exception. He should be fined just the same as any other person would be but not left jobless because of one mistake.
Mike You are good with words. Obviously have more schoolhouse than yours truely. I love you man
What about the cop who hit the deer and demolished the car?He got nothing.This guy is being honest and he will get the book thrown at him.U watch.
The Deputy received a one day suspension without pay. Not enough in my opinion but it wasn’t “nothing”.
As far as the Trooper is concerned if he is found or pleads guilty he will receive a 90 suspension and a $400.00 fine just like you or I would receive. As far as the MSP is concerned, he may be reduced from Sergeant to a Trooper and will likely receive days off without pay. Just my opinion.
This guy will get the book thrown at him because he was OUI.The cop that hit the deer at 100 mph didn’t get anything.What’s up with that?
In what profession does a person get paid for commiting a crime? Its not like its gonna take a jury to find him guilty, he either failed a breathilizer or failed a the standard O.U.I. test. Thats an automatic guilt!!
He is innocent until he either pleads guilty or is convicted. Until then he has the presumption of innocence. The administrative leave is a collective bargaining thing and if he was immediately placed on unpaid leave there would be legal issues for the state.
He sets the bar. If a truck driver has adhere to higher standards. (Truck drivers have a CDL and their higher standards apply while driving their cars) It doesn’t matter that they weren’t behind the wheel of the 18 wheeler. Anyone with a CDL, it doesn’t matter when they recieve their OUI. My friend was just slightly over in a boat on the 4th of July, caught by a game warden. He lost his CDL for a long time, and he wasn’t even a drinker. It was a very hot day and special occassion. He lost his employment. What is good for the common truck driver is good for the man who instructs! I also believe (I could be very wrong) that when you hold a CDL your blood alchohol levels have to be lower, at all times. I believe he should loose his job… He knew better then to get behind the wheel drinking. If he had killed someone. Isn’t that attempted manslaughter; knowing what he knows about the dangers of drinking and driving?
You need to keep in mind that a CDL is governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration which is part of the Federal DOT and you are correct 0.04% BAC.
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/topics/drug/engtesting.htm
And the penalties in Maine: Commercial drivers are treated differently for alcohol and drug related offenses. In addition to other penalties associated with Maine’s OUI laws, a commercial driver for the first violation will be disqualified from driving a commercial vehicle for one year. If, however, the driver was transporting hazardous materials at the time, the disqualification period is three years. If a commercial driver commits a second OUI, he or she will be disqualified from driving a commercial vehicle for life, which may or may not be reduced to 10 years.
http://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/licenses/OUI.html
Police officers are not required to obtain CDL’s but Firefighters are in many cases.
Thank you for clearing this up for me. I’m extremely uneducated in this area, and then some. Since police officers are asked to drive at high speeds. I was once told by a man I went to high school who was a State Trooper he is now retired and is a police chief. Back then he stated that if he was off duty and he saw a crime in progress (bank robbery) he was to go into active duty. Being a state trooper he was always on-call. If this is true, then police should have the same rules as CDL’s. He wore his gun wherever he went. I to this day, even at family gatherings, funerals, ect have never seen the man without his gun. If your going to carry a weapon you must be sober!
Maybe its time our State Police, County and local police are governed by the same. After all they are often called to duty in a moments notice. They not only are asked to drive fast speeds on dangerous roads but to carry loaded fire arms and make very swift decisions. Life altering decisions with a moments notice. I believe they should have the stricted regulations put on them. Just carrying a weapon alone, let alone a vehicle that can also be a deadly weapon. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration which is part of the Federal DOT and you are correct 0.04% BAC.
Tragic.
A cry for help.
Good job taking responsibility trooper. This must be a humbling experience for you. Thousands do it and get away with it and I am sure you see it everyday. Good luck my friend.
They weren’t mamed or killed.
They weren’t maimed or killed.
I am very impressed with Sgt Parker’s plea and with the arresting officers that didn’t let him off the hook. People in law enforcement shouldn’t get special treatment for breaking the laws they swear to enforce. No one should be angry he got arrested ……it’s what should happen.
I have high regard for Sgt Parker and his plea to his fellow officers however I feel that it’s pathetic he should have to do it in the first place. The law should be the first ones to see the benefit in such action of getting him off the road for the safety of all. He shouldn’t have to make a plea to for them not be “angry” at people with the integrity to do their jobs. I am just sorry if he is punished more severely because of his honesty rather than the idiots that show off their untouchable badges of dis-honor.
Who better to teach State Troopers how to catch DUIs than one of their own who got away with it for 17 years? I know I sound sarcastic, but I’m serious. He’s some kind of genius.
Have any of you partied with guys in the Academy? I have. Guess what. They’re like any college students. They learn about unprotected sex and DUIs the hard way. This guy could teach them and scare them in the right directions. He could just bring copies of some of your posts and pass them out in class.
Innocent until proven guilty,but “paid administrative leave”?Make him work somewhere else until his trial,like at a jail or something.Does he pay the money back if he is found guilty?
Ill make this simple. I respect what police officers do and glad they are there when we need them but i feel if you break the law they should be treated like anyone else. No special treatment. He could kill someone drinking and driving just like anyone else could. this is why cops get a bad wrap. glad he takes responsibility for his actions though. stop paying him for now til he gets it together but give him a second chance.
I’m not sure which is more pathetic: The fact that he got picked up for OUI, or that he wrote a letter to his (“professional” no less) colleagues not to retaliate against the ones who arrested him.
We all know about the ‘brotherhood’ but really…must he come right out and state it to the news?
What concerns me is how many times has he driven intoxicated before he got caught and how many times more would he have driven if he had not beeen caught.
It concerns me that this guy is asking other police not to hold grudges against the arresting officers in a public forum, which leads one to think it’s common police drive drunk and get away with it.
The message being sent here is “lie and we’ll swear to it”. Not the kind of message I want sent to my kids or the public.
What concerns me is how many people assume he has before. Maybe it was his first time, maybe it wasn’t. But I know this, anyone that has driven under the influence had to do it at least once to start with.
I wouldn’t mind if he kept his job at the academy. He could teach incoming officers a class on what can happen when you think you can get away with things the general public can’t. He would be a great asset for teaching police ethics to incoming officers. I can see him playing a very productive roll by a change in his job description.
He could start with an apeal to the public for “understanding” instead of his fellow officers as to why he put the public in danger with his actions.
I am no big fan of the police because of the many who have an agressive attitude and the modern black mask military training methods. It is a dangerous job, you have to deal with dangerous people but they choose to do so.
What ever happened to the cop on the beat that knew who the bad guys were and who treated the rest of the public with respect. There is too great a seperation between law enforcement and citizens. We only have dealings with an armed man in uniform and an automobile.
State trooper accused of OUI appeals to colleagues for understanding……REALLY…….so the next time a family member or friend of mine is killed on a Maine road by a drunk, I should appeal to them for some understanding why a drunk was driving and killed a family member or friend, is this trooper still under the influence? what a joke!
Did you read the email or just going by the snippets in the article?
Kudos to the officer for attempting to stop the corruption and system of paybacks that is our Police system.
About time someone tried to ensure fair treatment for ALL.
I understand that people make mistakes and that he is just another person like me. What I can’t understand is when a State or Federal employee gets in trouble and are suspended form their job, it is always a payed leave, they loose nothing. It’s not a punishment, it’s a payed vacation! Our State and federal Government take care of themselves and to hell with the people, we just pay their way! They live by a different set of rules and I am sure he will be well protected and just get a slap on the wrist.
Sorry welcome to the real world. You should not of been drinking and driving. The same rules should apply to you as they do the rest of us. Mainers would be very supset right now if you caused an accident or killed someone. There isn’t anything to understand you made this choice to drink and drive.
Why no mention yet of his BAC? THAT stinks.
Read the PPH article for that info. It seems the BDN doesn’t think their readers have a reason to know that piece of information.
Read the PPH article for that info. It seems the BDN doesn’t think their readers have a reason to know that piece of information.
************************************************
but the article doesn’t give the bac level either….unless you read the comment by “mmmbho” on 12-23-11 at 2:22pm where it is stated the bac was .14. (well, the poster wrote 1.4 but I know what he/she meant)
also, as a previous poster in this article said, the bac of the Penobscot Co. ADA was released long before he went to court….I remember that article.
The PPH article gave the reason why the BAC was not released.
I see we have a lot of armchair quarter backing by the looks of the comments below…LOL..
“…asked his law enforcement colleagues not to retaliate against other officers in the department for arresting him.”
The trooper, himself, confirms what many of us have come to realize: Law enforcement is dominated by filthy, corrupt, and vindictive thugs little different from John Gotti’s soldiers, save for the spiffy uniforms.
And Sam demonstrates once what we all know…alcohol is bad for you.
Interesting article.
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20111221/NEWS01/111221024/Police-stop-Greece-man-allegedly-taking-injured-deer-Unity-Hospital
At least it wasn’t Rudolph!
Hmm, interesting that there is an upset with the other troopers for not letting him go.. Tells you a lot doesn’t it? This man is pleading to colleagues for understanding? In other words… it sounds to me that there is this sort of ruling or pact, that if a colleague gets caught for OUI, then we just let them go. Is this what I am hearing?
Isn’t it interesting that this trooper is pleading to his colleagues for understanding. Understanding to what? You mean the fact that his colleagues arrested him? Isn’t this the way it should be? Or is it the fact that his colleagues should have let him go Just because he was a colleague? His words really tell you a lot about what really goes on behind the scenes. At least this is what I am hearing from this. I am a bit confused about this statement.. Does anyone else out there read the same?
I agree 100%; knowing that my opinion doesn’t matter either.I hope that he gets help if he has a problem; but don’t believe he should be judged to harshly for being human as we all make mistakes.
I wish you the best Sgt. Parker.
This is a real shame. I give Sgt. Parker a lot of credit for owning up to what he’s done and, although it may sound contrite, we do all make mistakes and must suffer the consequences. Having said that, I hope Sgt. Parker is allowed to remain with the Maine State Police.
I agree 100%; knowing that my opinion doesn’t matter either.
I hope that he gets help if he has a problem; but don’t believe he should be judged to harshly for being human as we all make mistakes.
I wish you the best Sgt. Parker.
This was in response to Perley.
Also: William P Davis I don’t want you/your paper ‘tracking my physical location’ I prefer to be anonymous as much as possible.
Thank you
William P. Davis: or BDN.
I don’t want you/your paper ‘tracking my physical location’ I prefer to be anonymous as much as possible.
So some fellow police officers are willing to tamper with witnesses, impede law enforcement officials from carrying out their duties, and harassing co-workers on the job? I would suggest that officer Parker is not the only officer who should stand trial.
I have always been proud that Maine police have not been influenced by power or position when making arrests or following up leads. Former Gubernatorial candidate Charlie Cragan, Green party candidate Pat LaMarche & George W. Bush have all been arrested and successfully tried in for drunk driving in Maine. At least two Maine State troopers have faced felony child abuse charges after being arrested by their fellow officers,
I would hope that officers would be proud of Maine’s tradition and continue to support it.
I was at one time a bar fly , Was a drinker. Just saw a lot of crap. Well that was yrs ago 13 yrs sober. I remember the joke what is worse than an alcoholic ? A reformed one. You know I herd about people like me but I never made the connection till you pointed it out jb hehe.
[There is one other thing that has saddened me and that is what I’m hearing around the department. I understand that there are many that are very upset that I was processed by our own and perhaps not ‘treated differently.’]
What most commentors here have missed is the fact that police use a double standard when it comes to making arrests for drunk driving & other offenses. Throughout the country ther is an increase in the amount of stories about police officers who are violating various laws, be it drunk driving, theft, sexual misconduct, or obstruction of justice.
There seems to be one standard for regular citizens, stop & arrest immediately, & a second standard for brother officers, look the other way. This is the issue that needs to be looked at. The Boys in Blue need to drop their “We’re above the law” mentality & code of silence when it comes to upholding the law against fellow officers. The laws also need updating to reflect the higher standards that these officers should be held to, increasing the amount of fines or jail time in cases where they have violated the law.
Some people are treated more harshly than others throughout society . Seems to depend more on your social status . Like the UMO hockey player Might get let off from his OUI. maybe a favor from a coach??? Just an example not saying it happens. I’m glad this MAN seems to own up to his mistake. Many college professors Smoke weed Can’t tell you how many just it many. They don’t seemed to get busted as much as the guy who works in fast food would. No hard feeling towards police But we need to get rid of the attitude of arrogance SOME cops have . (I can speed because I most likely wont get a ticket I’m a cop)That being said I hope this goes a long ways toward respect for law enforcement from the general public. I could never be a cop I can’t deal with the politics ………………….
this world and country are so messed up i dont even care lol. do what you do all.
People shouldn’t be fired for OUI charges, UNLESS they having been drinking and driving on the job. We are all human and make mistakes. Whether we are a banker, cashier, or yes even cop it can happen to anyone. Take off whatever uniform you wear when it comes of we are all human and are no better than anyone else. Fact is he didn’t kill anyone…whos to know what the level this gentleman blew. Could have beena .09 for all we know. Careful how u judge…could be someone you love that makes that mistake.
Unless things have changed dramatically in the philosophy of Maine’s Criminal Justice system
which is based on the punitive model, then I assume the current organizational model we have in place
is zero tolerance for law enforcement committing crimes,eh?
Of course if Maine should decide some day to come out of the dark ages and embrace Restorative Justice which promotes the concept of rejecting a persons behaviour not the person then Maine might just be ready to take its place with other civilized societies .see http://restorativejustice.org/editions/2006/august06/vomsweden
In the current model of Maine Criminal Justice system , the primary consumers of the system,
voter and taxpayers, develop their current belief systems about how the criminal justice system works from the X Files and the Mentalist.
Thanks to the work of physicists at the Bern Accelerator scientists have determined
other realities and dimensions exist other than the Mentalist and Rizzoli and Isles.
I think we should give Parker a free pass in the spirit of the holiday season and if
we see a State Police officer or FBI agent arrested for pedophilia they should get a free pass;
The same goes if cops are caught stealing, or shooting up heroin. Whaddya say we practice unconditional love and become bi polar until we decide what model we go with, Punishment or Restorative Justice?
Until then keep watching those re-runs of COPS and remain scared.
Did anyone notice I did not mention volunteer civilian police review board with subpoena powers?
http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/01/27/siu.fbi.internal.documents/index.html
CNN exclusive: FBI misconduct reveals sex, lies and videotape
By Scott Zamost and Kyra Phillips, CNN Special Investigations Unit
January 27, 2011
Editor’s note: Some content in this report may be offensive to readers. For more on this CNN exclusive story, watch Kyra Phillips’ full report on “The Situation Room With Wolf Blitzer” tonight starting at 5 p.m. ET.
Washington (CNN) — An FBI employee shared confidential information with his girlfriend, who was a news reporter, then later threatened to release a sex tape the two had made.
A supervisor watched pornographic videos in his office during work hours while “satisfying himself.”
And an employee in a “leadership position” misused a government database to check on two friends who were exotic dancers and allowed them into an FBI office after hours.
These are among confidential summaries of FBI disciplinary reports obtained by CNN, which describe misconduct by agency supervisors, agents and other employees over the last three years.
Read the FBI documents obtained by CNN
Welcombe to the real world. One OUI shouldn’t destroy a persons life its time for some rule changes.
why is he accused? was he not booked? all others who get an oui are described as arrested for OUI
There is a tremendous loss…………………alcoholism is an illness………….I hope he has the support of his family……….he has done an admiral job in taking responsibility for his actions…………….wish him good luck……..
He was arrested for OUI. Arrested does not mean convicted.
Did “look the other way” occur in this case?
HHS where does it say that witness “tampering” was happening. The BDN article is very poorly written and doesn’t even come close to the article the PPH wrote.
Hello out there.. Does anyone see the interesting situation in this story? The guy is pleading to his colleagues to not retaliate against the officers who arrested him. From what I gather from this, the colleagues usual stand would have been to let him go because he is a police officer. How many times has this happened to other police officers that we just don’t know about? Not sure, but what rights do the officers have when it comes to drinking and driving? Are there a different set of rules?
so they went against standard legal procedure when they released the bac level of the Penobscot County ADA earlier this year…i guess it all comes down to who you are or who you know.