By Mary Drier
(Contact / Staff Bio)
May 13, 2009 - 10:42 a.m. EST
TUSCOLA COUNTY — The boys in blue will be feeling blue in June when their numbers at Michigan State Police Posts will be decreased because of budget cuts.
The state is facing an estimated $1.3 billion shortfall in the budget’s year, which runs through Sept. 30. To deal with that, the state has made a second round of budget cuts. This time, about $350 million worth of cuts were ordered by Gov. Jennifer Granholm last week.
The cuts hit several areas - including law enforcement. On June 28, 100 Michigan State Police Troopers will be laid off throughout the state.
MSP Posts in the Thumb are part of the Third District Post Division. The Bad Axe Post is scheduled to cut two troopers, and Tuscola County Post will also have to cut two troopers.
“That will bring our numbers down here to six troopers,” said Sgt. Geoff Boyer with the Caro MSP, noting it will create a hardship to keep up, especially with vacations and training time.
The layoffs will be done by seniority with the troopers hired most recently being cut first.
Some of the cuts will include the 82 troopers from the 121st Trooper Recruit School that graduated last December, and 18 troopers from the 120th Trooper Recruit School that graduated in 2004.
The hardest hit in the Third District Area will be the MSP Post in Flint with five troopers cut, and the next is Bridgeport with three, while the rest of the posts in district three have to cut one trooper.
Those reductions will put additional demands on sheriff’s departments, village, city and township police departments.
Plus, there could be even more budget cuts on the horizon. On Friday, there will be a revenue estimating conference to project revenue estimates for the state’s next fiscal year, which starts Oct. 1. That budget is also expected to have a multi-million dollar deficit that will have to be covered.
Mary Drier is a staff writer for the Tuscola County Advertiser. She can be reached at drier@tcadvertiser.com.
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May 14, 2009
7:03 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Another lie. Granholm feeds the media this nonsense to soften the public up for another tax increase. In the end, the troopers are miraculously saved at the eleventh hour after everyone forks over more tax money. Dittos teachers and state campgrounds.
May 14, 2009
9:37 p.m.Report inappropriate content
I'm sorry but I don't feel sorry about that, nor if we laid of deputies, or local police, etc.
In all my life I have never had State Police follow me for 10 miles, until I moved up here. Nor have I had a sheriff car follow me for 2 miles.
People fear the cops up here. Children don't even wave at them? I guess they should lay more off. I've never seen such dislike for cops as here.
They are legal crooks for the courts to make money.
May 15, 2009
midnightReport inappropriate content
You're not real bright, are you windsoft?
You're upset about being followed...get a thicker skin. I've been followed by the police before, and so what? I wasn't doing anything wrong, and surely it didn't bother me. Frankly, if you don't like it 'up here' you can always move back to where you came from.
Legal crooks...what an ignorant statement. "I guess they should lay more off", why? Only a misinformed, ignorant human being would want fewer cops on the street....or a criminal. So which are you?
Jenny's cuts are irresponsible and dangerous. The Caro post is already short staffed w/this Sharkey garbage, and now to lose two more? Absurd. The state knew when they had the last trooper school that they didn't have the money for it, but they ran it anyway.
They should be cutting representatives and senators wages and benefits FIRST, and then work on other cuts as necessary.
May 15, 2009
2:35 p.m.Report inappropriate content
I agree, windsoft is an idiot and cutting back on police during the busiest time of the year makes no sense at all. Risking the well being of the tax paying public is not in the best interests of their constituents and the representatives and state senators should have elected to take a 10% cut in pay across the board as an alternative to the cuts. What a waste of our tax dollars to run a school for the State Police last Fall and then lay them all off less than a year later.
I would think eliminating the television ads for the State Lottery would be the first place to cut. Everyone knows there is a state lottery and the tickets are boldly displayed in the stores that sell them, so there is no need for the corny ads on television. Cutting back on police is never a good thing, and when many are out of work in other fields it always increases the calls for police.
It's time we contact our state representatives and senators and let them know that this is not an acceptable decision.
May 21, 2009
6:46 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Police careers are suffering everywhere. But I have to agree that hiring State Troopers and laying them off a year later is a complete waste of taxpayers money. Best wishes from me go out to these officers to find new jobs and keep their certification.
I know some State Troopers and they told me about another cut back. That cut back is they are putting the State Troopers on mileage restrictions per day. It varies per post and population, but some officers are only allowed 50 miles per car, per shift. Hardly enough to properly serve and protect the public.
Citizens are now being told State Police will not respond to some types of calls. However, if you want to drive to the State Police Post during business hours, they could take your complaint inside the post, if they have an officer available and on duty. Mind you most State Police Posts are not open 24 hrs. Most open for about 10-15 hrs.
Wasteful spending by the Granholm administration, and the Government are to blame for the better share of the problem. Loss of manufacturing, and tax revenue. More payments going out to Social Services type payments.
Granholm is currently constructing a new State Police Headquarters in Lansing. Check it out on line. The State Police don't want it, but she is still going to build it, force the State Police into it, and waste millions of taxpayers dollars. The way I see it, she isn't any better than Gov. Engler, whom she blamed for all the State of Michigan woes.
May 23, 2009
3:36 p.m.Report inappropriate content
The Governor didn’t go far enough with the lay off of 100 state police officers. I believe that the Michigan State Police road patrol should be disbanded completely. We already have an elected Sheriff in every county in Michigan. Each sheriff has multiple deputies and most cities, villages and townships have police officers also. We don’t need the Michigan State Police.
May 23, 2009
5:34 p.m.Report inappropriate content
That's not solving anything. Yes, there's the Sheriff Department and the local police, but disbanding the State Police only puts an unnecessary burden on those agencies. I realize the 'popular' feeling on here is that the police aren't needed, but that's just garbage. Cops really do more than just sit around and wait to write you tickets.
If they were to disband the State Police, then those monies should be routed to the Sheriff Departments to cover the extra complaints that they would have to take.
May 23, 2009
10:18 p.m.Report inappropriate content
I expected northendlou to insult me and call me names when I posted my opinion. I already knew that he is a moron from his other posts. He can't debate anything without calling people names for their opinions because he is the real idiot.
But I must say that vito you surprised me when you resorted to calling people names for voicing their opinions. Once a cop, always a cop vito? You feel you must gang up on someone when another cop attacks them? Calling windsoft an idiot? You let me down vito, I thought that you might actually be a civilized retired cop.
It is because of police officers like northendlou that people don't like or fear police. You're a punk northendlou. I would love to get into a ring with you and teach you a little respect. I would really enjoy beating the snot out of you, but then big mouthed cowards like you can't fight their own battles, you just gang up on people because you are a big mouth coward. Yes I am well aware of troopers funtions. You're all a bunch of gansters.
We have enough morons like you guys in uniform. We don't need losers like you in the state police or any other police departments.
We should disband all you mouthy and disrespectfull morons.
May 24, 2009
7:43 p.m.Report inappropriate content
northendou; once a cop always a cop. Getting the facts mixed up to fit your small little brain. I didn't challenge you to a fist fight. I told you that I would like to beat the snot out of you and teach you something about respect. I bet you got a lot of respect from people that you put in prison. You moron, pull up your pants the real you is showing.
How do you like being called a moron, idiot? Maybe you should think before you post a comment, you disrespectful moron. How do you think that windsoft felt after reading your disrespectful post? You proved how stupid you really are with your post. You need to heed your own advise and grow up.
The police must have a very low bar for recruits as far as intelligence is concerned, otherwise you would never have been hired as a cop.
May 25, 2009
10:48 p.m.Report inappropriate content
61 years old? That explains your dementia. You started the garbage by attacking windsoft and then you attacked me. Read my original post moron. I didn't insult anyone. You attacked me for my opinion. You are like the bully on the playground. Calling people names and trying to intimidate them with your sarcasm if they disagree with you? You started it by calling me a moron so I will finish it by calling you an ignorant, disrespectful, mouthy punk.
May 26, 2009
1:42 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Cutting back on state troopers is not the way to go. The state boys are needed to keep the county and village cops in line. The problems in this county come from the poor training and rifraff at the sheriff's office. I havent had alot of experience with cops because I dont engage in criminal activity or violate traffic laws, so dont jump on me and attack my opinion. I just know alot of the guys that are in the sheriffs department or have been and I dont want to depend on them for a whole lot. I know alot of people that feel the same way too. You should expect your police officers to be smarter than these guys are.
May 26, 2009
4:30 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Well JoeT if you haven't had a lot of experience with cops, then what do you base your statements on? You are calling an awful lot of people poorly trained and rifraff. How about enlightening us all on how you reached this conclusion that county and village officers aren't smart or trained. Specifics please and not hearsay.
June 2, 2009
7:54 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Well woodb55 and northendlou- I hope your spat is over. As a ACTIVE TROOPER still working, (23 years) I would like to bring woodb55 to the attention of all readers. This is the kind of mentality that we deal with. Add pot or booze to this big mouth hard ass and it is off to the races. He hates law enforcement like northendlou said, probably because he has been arrested in the past. He thinks law enforcent needs to kiss his ass, yet he wants everything his way. The police are ok of it is on his terms.
northend appears to have come in the MSP in the late 60's early 70's. Back when a trooper had to be tougher rather than "politically correct". I can all but bet, nothendlou would have given street justice to the mouth woodb and used him as a mop.
Calling a 61 year old a punk and ignorant is a true showing of an uneducated misguided internet bully. woodb55 I have read all your posts and northendlous and find you to be off your rocker. You jumped at the chance to defend windsoft who did not even defend himself! To you all it was, was an opening to attack a police officer on a computer. I would just bet that you are nothing more than a coward on the street. Your attitude is why you have your attitude. Are you smart enough to figure that statement out? Or am I am punk too? Grow up and get a life my friend. Your hate is unhealthy.
June 2, 2009
10:19 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Damn! I wanted to be a police officer so I could chase people and when they crash and are unconscious I could beat the hell out of them. I wanted to be a police officer so that when a 15 yr old tried to kill me and of my buddies with his bare hands I could taze his ass and if he dies so what, I'll still ahve my job. I wanted to be a state police officer so I could beat other peoples children when they misbehave. I wanted to be a police officer so I can dress in black, wear a hood, have white lettering on my uniform like those cool guys in WWII movies and break peoples doors in, terrorize and maybe shoot them, guilty or not. I could go on and on and I can't be a cop now they are laying them all off.
June 2, 2009
10:25 a.m.Report inappropriate content
wkoper I guess you should have lived in Germany in the 1930's and 40's. You are twisted and distrubed. I am seeing alot of strange behavior from you "thumb" residents. I feel for the police in your area. I am glad I am not working in your county. No wonder no one wants to transfer there!
June 2, 2009
11:14 a.m.Report inappropriate content
See two sides knows whaat I'm talking about and according to him he's an active duty state cop:
northend appears to have come in the MSP in the late 60's early 70's. Back when a trooper had to be tougher rather than "politically correct". I can all but bet, nothendlou would have given street justice to the mouth woodb and used him as a mop.
June 2, 2009
11:24 a.m.Report inappropriate content
twosides SHOULD transfer here. We're not hiding behind two bit monikers. He could find us, pull us over and give us some street justice. This is what a highly educated, sane policeman would do.
June 2, 2009
12:04 p.m.Report inappropriate content
I would like to clarify my rant. People like twosides if he really is a State Police officer are the ones I'm referring to. Like any workforce there are good and bad. I believe more good. But of all professions the police have a strong moral duty to police themselves. Public servants have absolutely no business abusing the public trust and need to be called on it more than any people I know becausse "street justice" as twosides puts it can kill.
June 2, 2009
12:43 p.m.Report inappropriate content
twosides are you a street thug, cop wannabe? Or a cop, wanna be street thug? Are all your co-workers or friends the same?
Maybe I'll find out. Up to your kind to straighten me out on the street now don't ya think?
June 2, 2009
3:29 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Wow, you people are amazing. Did I miss what I said? Did I say I beat people and am a thug? Again, you people seem by your posts very "backwoods" I just came upon this site and the mentality of some, not all, of you is nothing short of amazing! READ what people write wkoper!
June 2, 2009
4:31 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Hey these are your words, maybe you should read them again or have someone explain it to you.
Your words: northend appears to have come in the MSP in the late 60's early 70's. Back when a trooper had to be tougher rather than "politically correct". I can all but bet, nothendlou would have given street justice to the mouth woodb and used him as a mop.
June 2, 2009
4:37 p.m.Report inappropriate content
So maybe I am the ignorant one and "tougher MSP giving street justice to woodb55 and using him as a mop" doesn't mean what I think it means. Please feel free to explain. If not to me cause I'm too ignorant to understand then for the rest of the readers.
June 2, 2009
5:22 p.m.Report inappropriate content
From what I have been told and read, back in the 1950's and 1960 and into the early 70's police work in general was looked at more of a "hands on" kind of job. Most departments looked for white males 6' and taller. Most all carried "saps" and "black jacks" and people who mouthed off to the police got their ass kicked. That is the way the police were trained. Maybe everyone did not get arrested, but some, a good many got "roughed up" abit and sent along the way.
Now days we are not trained that way. We have no height or weight limit, we are trained that we use firm but fair enforcement. That we apply the law equally. We have a force continuum that we follow. I like to think that we are a more "educated" group of officers than years past. This is to take nothing from the old school, as that was the way they were taught. When I worked the ditches at the Detroit Freeway Post- I did things different that I do at my present post. Do some of us make mistakes? Hell yes. Are we all perfect? Hell no. We are humans and we all screw up from time to time. As a whole, we are a good department. I came in the department in 1987. I worked for three other departments prior to my enlisting in the MSP. I feel we are a very good, highly trained department that I am proud to be a member of. I have observed a lot of change in my time. Some good. Some bad. Rest assured if I was a victim of a crime, there is no other department that I would want to handle my case than my own.
I guess my point is this: woodb55 and northendlou are two different generations. He sounds like a mouthy punk, lou like the old school trooper. There is no doubt in my mind, lou would have "tuned him up". woodb55 may have gotten some licks in, but in the end, he would have gone to jail. No I do not advocate being a "thug" or look for a fight. But rest assured, someone wants to dance, I will dance, either fist, mace or taser, or lethel force, I will be the one going home, and the other party will be the one going to jail. This is not tough talk, but what will happen. I hope this clears things up for you wkoper, as for woodb55 and lou- take a time out. As for me, I will leave you people to go at it with someone else. This horse has been beaten enough.
June 2, 2009
7:35 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Twosides I've sent a copy of this blog to Col. Peter C. Munoz for comment. Are you really an active duty State Police Trooper or am I wasting his time?
June 2, 2009
7:55 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Damn missed your last post. It most certainly is "tough talk" and you scare the hell out of me. Not as an individual but as a policeman. Easy to be tough behind the badge eh? Can't really take it off can ya. Be "going home" because your protected by that badge and I'll be in jail, not cause your really that tough. I worked with many of the people you did when they were brought to me by police officers when I worked in the Department of Community Health. No fist, mace or taser, or lethel force, not even reasonable and necessary force. I could get fired for incidental injury after you take off the cuffs and leg chains. How about you come over and assault me on cam and I'll finish it? Not with a lawyer or the courts. Tough guy. If I lose you can destroy the tape, as you won't be able to if you don't. Some State Police officer throw me a bone here. I'll never believe your all this stupid.
June 2, 2009
9:30 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Police have rules to follow. Police defend themsleves from assults everyday. How would you defend yourself if someone pulls a gun on you? I have had a gun pulled on me and was in a shoot out. Mace was not a option. It is an eye opening experence. The last resort is deadly force. That is why we have guns. If someone starts a fight, would you not fight back? Of course you would not use deadly force. You use the training that was given to you. All police have the attitude of going home safe. My friends dad was shot to death when he was a trooper. No one wants to get hurt. This is not stupid, I am not stupid. You are stirring a pot. Maybe you are wasting your time going to Col. Munoz. Maybe not. I am sure he wants his troops to come home safe too. I am not "tough behind the badge", I just do my job. Good day.
June 2, 2009
9:39 p.m.Report inappropriate content
And never did I say it was ok to assault anyone. Police need to defend themselves when they have been assaulted, only using that force necessary and nothing more.
June 2, 2009
10:31 p.m.Report inappropriate content
twosides we often find our emotions get the best of us in the heat of argument. But when you put yourself out as a representative of your department emotion should not be part of the equation. Both of us have been unreasonable (though I believe you started this rant). I'm glad to see that when your being more thoughtful you seem a more reasonable person. Please give some long hard thought as to whether some of the things you have expressed effect your professionalism on the job. You do have awesome responsibilities and your life may depend on it. I wish you no harm maybe just a little straightening out. Public servants should respect the public despite personal differences. Live long and prosper.
June 2, 2009
11:48 p.m.Report inappropriate content
northendlou I wouldn't be so proud of earning the respect of sociopaths. Sociopaths respect absolutely nothing, not their parents, not their community, and certainly not you. A sociopath expressing respect is merely sucking up out of fear, nothing more.
June 3, 2009
5:14 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Wow, a lot of bickering going on. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. But I don't think doing away with the State Police is the answer.
If you do away with the State Police, that eases the State of Michigan Budget. Do you think the State of Michigan will lower taxes, I don't think so.
State Police have alot of trained officers and civilian personnel that assist other departments, such as K-9, Accident Reconstruction, Drug undercover teams, Fugitive Teams, Dive Teams, Crime Labs, Fire Marshalls, and Evidence Technicians.
Some police departments have people trained in some of these extra duties, but most do not. The cost to train officers is expensive, and will lead to higher local taxes.
If you do away with State Police, then the local police departments, and county sheriff departments would have to hire more people, thus increasing city or county taxes. So it is a no win situation.
Right now the State Police take alot of Criminal Complaints in the counties they are assigned, and seek investigations in other counties for interviews of suspects. State police can go into other counties with authority, to investigate crimes. City Police and Sheriff Departments cannot do that, unless assisted by another police agency, such as the Michigan State Police.
Senator Barcia is seeking Federal Assistance to keep the Michigan State Police working under a new program. I believe it is called COPS. If that does not work, Federal Stimulas money may be available, and is being sought to save the officers jobs.
Sources tell me that the Troopers Union is seeking to save the jobs, by working 80 hrs, but only getting paid for like 76 hrs, for a period of time.
Hope this helps enlighten Woodb55 and wkoper. Not asking you to change your opinion, just pointing out it might hurt the citizens more in city or county taxes. Something that nobody need right now in these economic times.
June 3, 2009
6:49 a.m.Report inappropriate content
wkoper: nice post and that is one that I can agree with you on. I hope that you do not take me as a thug and one who has power go to his head. I am quite the opposite and look forward to retirement in two years. 23 years is a long time to be getting in and out of a car dealing with kids your own kids age. I probably did start the rant, but I end it and will wish you no harm either.
As for lawman, well put. However the state is now giving us a hard time about the 76 hours and want us to take furlow days instead. I do not know if the membership will go for that, as in 1980 we did and Miliken laid off the 96th recruit school anyway. It is all politics and fear being unfairly put on the citizens and tax payers. Look for a deal the 11th hour.
June 3, 2009
2:32 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Twosides. My spat started by northend lou calling me names and attacking me for my opinion. I didn’t jump at the chance to attack police officers. I let him know that I would not be bullied by the internet bully northendlou. I didn’t attack anyone and did not attack the police. Read my post and stop twisting the facts as if you were on duty and knew you could get away with it like you usually do.
You say “Back when a trooper had to be tougher rather than “politically correct”. What does that mean? You guys were tougher back then? I don’t remember you guys killing people on a regular basis like you do now. You are probably like northend lou with your street justice. I know your type. You would get your gang together and have a gang beating or you would just shoot me because you and your pal lou have no respect for other people. But I am truly sorry to disappoint you by telling you that you will not get a hard time from me if you stop me. I know that the MSP like to escalate a simple traffic stop into something that it is not. They do everything they can think of to provoke a person so they can arrest them for a felony resisting/obstructing/assaulting a police officer. You have too many gang members for me. I try to avoid you gangster types like the plague. Just remember twosides, you attacked me unprovoked. Yes you were defending lou. But if you read the blogs you will see that he attacked me and he needs no help from you to do so.
Law man, In my original post I said that we should end the MSP road patrol. I made a mistake at the end of my post by saying that we did not need the MSP. I did not mean we should eliminate the MSP just the road patrol but instead of correcting myself I had to defend myself from northend lou.
I still believe that we should disband the MSP road patrol and the terrorist type drug task forces, neither are necessary and do not make us safer. They make us more unsafe.
June 3, 2009
7:26 p.m.Report inappropriate content
sorry you feel tha way wood. No matter what any one would say will not change your mind. Best of luck.
June 4, 2009
3:17 a.m.Report inappropriate content
We can agree twosides. "Nothing you say will change my mind", or deter me in my quest to end the drug war. I will fight this fight until I have breathed my last breath or until the war is over. My goal is peace, an end to this violent drug war, and the release of all the drug war pow's that are suffering in our prisons and jails. I want them to be able to go home to children and their families. I have 6 children and 7 grandchildren and my eldest grand daughter gets her drivers lisc. next month so I am old enough to be a great grandfather. Fifty percent of students use an illegal drug before graduating from highschool. The odds of one or more of my grandchildren getting involved with a controlled substance is very high. I want to protect them. The laws will do far more harm to them than the drugs themselves.
I disagree with you about the MSP being tougher back in the 60's and 70's. The overwhelming majority of kids respected police officers back then. It wasn't like it is today with the zero tolerance laws. When the state police stopped a friend of mine for driving over 120 miles per hour, I was a backseat passanger. There were six of us and we were 16 and 17 years old. The Michigan state police made us open the entire case of beer and dump them out. They made us empty out the baggie of marijuana in the grass. The driver got a careless driving ticket and no one else was ticketed. Quess what. We all turned out to be successful productive citizens. Today the kids would be arrested and have their lives destroyed by a marijuana bust. They would not be eligible for financial student aid, they would not be able to find a decent job and they would be jailed and harrassed and ordered to go through counceling, report to probation monthly and have to regularly urinate in a cup. That is in addition to the thousands of dollars that would be extorted from them by the court.
I do sincerely wish you a safe final two years on the force and many healthy years of retirement twosides. I would incourage you to consider joing LEAP when you retire. I have many friends that are former police officers and allies in my fight to end the drug war. They belong to LEAP (law enforcement officers against prohibition). They have over 5000 members and growing. The majority of the members are retired police officers, you would fit right in.
I'm glad that we can end this agreeing on something, "you can not say anything to change my mind".
Peace be with you all. That includes you also lou. I don't hold grudges but I do defend myself when someone assaults me verbally or physicaly. It's alright to attack my opinions and beliefs, but it is not ok to attack me personally.
June 6, 2009
2:32 a.m.Report inappropriate content
A couple of hard working Troopers up on the hill have my respect and I'm happy to pay taxes to support their job. The couple idiots beside them we can do without. Calling our local police "slipshot" really shows the above the law attitude some MSP Troopers have. We just passed a law making marijuana legal for many citizens. Calling them "weedheads" is as rude as calling Troopers pigs. It must be humiliating to police professionals to have high horse hot heads identify themselves as associated with the MSP... "A PROUD tradition of SERVICE through EXCELLENCE, INTEGRITY, and COURTESY" eh?... or is that just a hollow motto to fool the taxpayer that provides your paycheck?
June 10, 2009
11:21 a.m.Report inappropriate content
David Edwards
The Raw Story
June 9, 2009
Fox News has obtained police dashboard video of the tasering of a 72 year old great grandmother in Travis County, TX.
The police claim that after Kathryn Winkfein was stopped for driving 15 miles over the speed limit in a construction zone, she disobeyed an order to sign the speeding ticker, used profane language, and became “violent.” They say the officer who taserer her and took her to be booked for resisting arrest was completely justified.
However, Winkfein says that’s a lie, and the video appears to back her up.
It shows Constable Richard McCain screaming, “Get over here now!” Winkfein replies, “Give [the ticket] to me and I’ll sign it.” Instead, the officer reaches out and pushes her, and she starts complaining, “Oh, you’re going to shove me? You’re going to shove a seventy-two year old woman?”
McCain then tasers her. As Winkfein lies on the ground screaming, he orders, “Now put your hands behind your back. Put your hands behind your back or you’re going to be tasered again.”
Fox’s Brian Kilmeade commented after running the video, “Officers insisted they acted by the book. What book is that?”
The public can look at the video and see what a danger this woman posed to the officer. Had he merely attempted to subdue and handcuff her he was running the risk she would seriously injure or kill him with her bare hands. Damn lucky he didn't shoot her.
June 11, 2009
11:26 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Wow: What an education I get reading these comments :-)
June 14, 2009
11:40 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Along with the Michigan State Police road patrol the governor should also disband the Michigan State Police drug task forces.
My friend was robbed by the Michigan State Police. MSP busted down my friend's door, stole all his valuables, his cash, his pick up truck, and his home. My friend has never caused any trouble, and he spent his time and money helping other less fortunate people. Back in the 1980's my friend was awarded the "Big Brother of the Year Award for his volunteer work with under privileged children.
My friend was growing a few cannabis plants in his closet for medical purposes. He was not a drug dealer. He was simply treating his pain with a medicinal herb and refused to support the illegal drug trade by buying his medicine on the black market. The Michigan State Police stole his life’s earnings in one night. For what, using a God given medicinal plant? How can anyone calling themselves a Christian and support robbing people like this?
My friend also was charged with two felony firearm charges which carry a mandatory prison sentence. He had a twenty gauge single shot shotgun in his home. He bought the gun twenty five yrs ago because his friends wanted him to go hunting with them. He shot a rabbit and when he got away from his friends, he cried and became sick to his stomach, and never hunted again.
The leader of the narc squad told my friend’s attorney that they would contact him or my friend when the warrant came out so that my friend could turn himself in. My friend wrote a ltr to the advertiser detailing the raid. The task force leader decided to issue a little street justice to my friend for exposing their dirty deeds to the public. Three Michigan State Police officers went to my friend’s house and roughed him up, even though they knew he was disabled with spinal problems. They charged him with felony resisting arrest. My friend has never been violent with anyone and did not resist arrest. Three days after the violent attack on my friend he had a heart attack.
We don't need to spend our tax dollars supporting this type of terrorism. I say disband these gangsters.
Maybe one of my Christian brothers or sisters reading this blog could tell me how they justify supporting this campaign of violence and terror directed at a segment of our population. I’m really struggling with that. Maybe you could help me end these robberies and help me gain the release of all drug war POW’s.
June 14, 2009
11:47 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Oops, did I call police gangsters? How could anyone think such a thing?
I can’t prove the story about my friend so let’s talk about Kathryn Johnston’s murder where the truth came out. You remember Grandma Johnson, Kathryn was an African American lady that had survived living in the south for 92 years until police officers murdered her in her home. I wrote about her in the Advertiser. Police officers coerced a drug addict into naming someone with drugs; he told them that Kathryn’s grandson had a bag of marijuana.
The Atlanta Narcotics task force obtained a fraudulent warrant by claiming that they had evidence of marijuana being sold at Kathryn’s home earlier in the day.
Kathryn did not trust anyone in her home. Even her neighbors would have to visit with her from the front porch. She only opened the door for her grandchildren. Her grand-daughter gave her a six shot revolver in case someone tried to break into her home and rob her.
The police officers did not bother to knock. Police officers claim that it is necessary for their safety to violently breaking into peoples home’s instead of knocking on the door. They even throw stun grenades into people’s homes at times before entering the home.
When they rushed the house in their black warrior outfits, Kathryn fired a warning shot and multiple police officers shot her multiple times.
After finding no marijuana police officers planted three baggies of marijuana and to tried cover up their dirty deeds and the murder of Kathryn Johnston. They then went to their snitch and tried to coerce him into saying that he had bought marijuana at Kathryn’s home earlier in the day. He refused and eventually the truth came out.
A few of the police officers admitted to planting drugs and filing fraudulent affidavits applying for the warrant. One of them worked with the investigators and the entire Atlanta Narcotics department was so rife with corruption that they had to replace the entire department full of corrupt police officers. The officers that were convicted were sentenced to less time than most drug dealers.
How dare I call them gangsters?
Could one of my fellow Christian brothers or sister please explain to me how you can support this campaign of violence and terror that is being carried out against a segment of our population?
June 14, 2009
11:56 a.m.Report inappropriate content
My last letter to the advertiser was about the most recent raid where innocent 77 year old Robert Woods was killed by police officers.
The police made two controlled buys of marijuana from Mr. Woods’s son the day before the raid.
Why would police raid his home in a violent manner instead of just arresting him on the street? They do the no knock raids because it is exciting to them. It gives them a rush, and they enjoy what they are doing. They raid the homes because they can only steal the cash and valuables on the person if they arrest him on the street. By raiding his home, they can steal the cash of all occupants, the valuables in the home, and the home itself under our drug forfeiture laws. They gain a far bigger booty by raiding people’s homes than by arresting them on the street. The police officers and the prosecutor’s office share the booty that is stolen in these raids.
Yes the Governor should disband the Michigan State Police drug task forces and wasting my tax dollars by jailing innocent people and sticking me the tax payer with the bill.
The State is bankrupt. The Governor should be commended for trying to layoff 100 police officers. I say trying, because police officers are a very powerful force, have a very big lobby group and they can and will get money somehow to fund these police officers. If they can’t get it from the taxpayer, they will increase their raids and steal it.
I read a poll that said that 60 percent of practicing catholics support our drug war. Could any of my Christian brothers or sisters reading this blog enlighten me on how they justify this type of corruption? Why aren’t you doing anything to stop it? Why aren’t you in an uproar over all the innocent people being jailed by the millions? Catholics make a big deal out of protecting the unborn, how about the living? Why not help me gain the release of our drug war POWs?
If you really are like Christ you will contact your legislators and tell them that the drug war policies are immoral and unjust. Tell the Governor to release all our drug war POWs. Our legislators will be happy to know that I am not the only one that believes that this violent campaign of terror against a minority group of citizens must stop.
June 14, 2009
12:08 p.m.Report inappropriate content
I have said before that I have many friends that are active or retired police officers and I don't think that all police officers are terrorists, but there are enough corrupt police officers to taint the name of the police.
Ending the drug war and our zero tolerance policies directed against our teens and young adults would probably bring respect back between the police and the people.
Yes I'm angry, and with good cause. My goal is peace, what is your goals in your support for the drug war?
June 15, 2009
1:21 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Let's start a movement here. Every household in Michigan will pay a special tax of $1,000.00 to specifically support the Michigan State Police task force on drugs in an effort to eradicate them. This will cover most of the costs of this effort with the exception of lawsuits brought by people improperly targeted by the task force. That will come from other tax revenues.
C'mon who's with me?
June 15, 2009
7:46 p.m.Report inappropriate content
sign of the times ???.... cops should be no different than anyone else !! times are tough , why are so many upset about this ? i hate to see any willing working man lose their job , but just because their cops, we get are underwear in a bunch ? think not !!
June 16, 2009
10:20 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Bet they win! No layoffs. Gang with guns. Most powerful lobby in the state.
Tuscola County is rife with crime. Crack houses on every corner. Need a brigade of state police to maintain law & order. County sheriff powerless to do the job himself (sarcasm), no offense intended Lee I think your a great sheriff. Without them your kids will all become junkies.
We as a people require a police state to protect us from ourselves. War by American's on Americans, war on the street's of America. Home of the I want to be safe without personal sacrifice, land of the frightened!
What the hell was WWII about anyway?
June 18, 2009
11:07 a.m.Report inappropriate content
While the MI AG was asked to look into criminal mortgage activity Mr Cox figured it would not benefit the citizens of Michigan. Here we are five years later and the money has run out. This is the real price to pay for corrupt police. Rather then attend to the bank robbers they spent valuable time on easy busts like marijuana and seat belts. They somehow forgot that real "criminals" pose a threat to society. Oops, now many jobs are gone, more are going, tax funding is drying up. Soon worse will come... ask your history teacher. Ah well... who says I know anything about the future?
In the 24th Federalist Paper Alexander Hamilton noted the "greatest protection" for Liberty would come down to people's willingness to to pay for law enforment. The days of kicking in quiet people's doors is coming to an end. Not because the law changed but because the People don't have money for foolishness. The MSP had high hopes that drug forfeiture laws would provide funding but such a run around legitimate tax funding lacks the dependability of honest government. Simply bad government to allow the Executive Branch to fund itself... certainly not traditional US style government.
June 19, 2009
11:17 a.m.Report inappropriate content
You people miss the point. If a citizen calls for police protection who is going to respond? Who? I will give you an example that happend two nights ago to me and my partner. In between drug busts and killing innocent people, (that is a JOKE) as some of you would lead the public to think we do by some of the posts on here, we received a 911 call from a young mother in the country that heard a vehicle stop in front of her house, a door slam shut, and her dog barking. She is home alone with a 6 month old. She is 12 miles from anywhere, we are on milage restrictions and at 4:00 am we have 68 miles used of our aloted 70. Before the budget cuts it was a call that we would not even have questioned, we would have gone witout any thought. There is no township police, no county sheriff road patrol so what do we do? The order of 70 miles is a direct order. We can break 70 for crimes in progress or assaultive crimes. What would you people have done?
Now what do you think we did?
June 19, 2009
2:07 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Yes, we certainly need police and police protection. What we don't need and can't afford is a 2 billion dollar a year prison system. Really that is not the beat cops fault but like the rest of us you are getting hurt by bad government. Do you think we need drug helicopters flying around looking for some kid's small time pot patch or would you rather have gas for your patrol car?
Face it... the system got abused and now we are all in a hurt. Can you explain the supposed MSP on this thread that call citizens "weedheads" and local police "slipshot"? Sorry if I'm in no rush to dig deeper into my hard earned money for more of the same. My heat bill went up, my gas got more expensive, my groceries are costing more, and I may well lose my job in the next few months... welcome to the world I live in! If I see you around town I'll be happy to buy you a beer... all the sympathy I can afford.
June 19, 2009
3:43 p.m.Report inappropriate content
First of all I only speak for myself, not for my department, or any police department. But, I feel that yes bunnyman you are right. Years of bad abuse. You would have to have been blind to no see this storm coming years ago. We are not asking for anything other than to bring the publics attention to what public saftey is facing. Local departments are not going to be there to pick up the slack from the MSP. The MSP is not going to be there to pick up the slack for the local departments. It is a bad situation all around.
I do not know what department in Michigan has a drug copter?? We have a few but when you look at what it is used for on our daily activity report I see assisting DPD with locating homicides suspects, lost children or eldery, car jackings, search and rescue on the great lakes, and a few dope operations. Far from the only activity is grow ops! Remember in the 80's the majority of the citizens WANTED enforcement on drugs and wanted them locked up. I do not know what the answer is on this issue. I know I am bound to follow the law. Perhaps you need to contact your rep and senator and express your concers to them, they are the ones that you elect and make the laws we enforce.
I tried to find "slipshot" police and I think what you are refering to is a comment a oster made that referenced a hypothetical local department, no specific department per se. I worked at another department before and would call them that, becuase that is the way they operated. My own Lt called the department that too! No I will not name the department.
Humm, weedhead. I see no difference than me being called a pig. I don't know, man there are nick names for everyone, "grease monkey", "sharks", "talking heads", I was recenlty called a "storm trooper". The list goes on. Police are humans and tend to be blut some times. We make mistakes, just like everyone else.
bunnyman-you seem alright and I would love to take you up on that beer and not ask a dime from you, or anyone else, I agree we are all taxed to death! Lets just have government get it's priorties straight.
June 19, 2009
3:45 p.m.Report inappropriate content
And if anyone cares, we DID respond to the girl. And while I can not say what the outcome was, it is good that we did. Later.
June 20, 2009
9:33 a.m.Report inappropriate content
twosides instead of answering citizen's calls I'd have stuck to the direct order and looked for some marijuana within my mileage limit. Save a citizen? Make war on citizen's? That's no choice, make war not save! That's what I want to pay you for.
Do not cut back one iota on the war on drugs, especially marijuana. What do you want stoned kids or raped neighbors. I'd go for the raped neighbors, priorities, priorities!!
70 drug war miles, or 70 citizen protection miles. No brainer!!
I want sufficient police protection, I've yet to be attacked by a marijuana grower or smoker and I'm 54.
In regards to criticizing other departments. I have first hand knowledge from several years ago where a State Police Trooper responded to a domestic assault call (never went anywhere in the end). The responding officer while taking his report noticed a boat sitting in the driveway, no for sale signs. He was able to talk the distraught (maybe angry?) woman to sell him that boat rather cheaply. The couple made up and got over the "boat incident". You guys get a lot of good deals on boats, motorcycles, toolboxes and tools etc. From women angry with their spouses? Some scam eh?
June 20, 2009
12:06 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Has the MSP considered motorcycle patrols? Can citizens donate gas cards? Glad you responded and someone should be told if your leaders have a problem with you responding to a citizen's distress call. I know that many of the Troopers really dislike having to sit in one spot waiting for a speeder. It would probably take a direct order and perhaps more to get them to stop aimlessly driving around. Rolling patrol has value but money is short and we need to save our gas for that lady in trouble.
As for helicopters I seem to recall the TCA reporting a lady's complaint of a helicopter hovering over her sunbathing spot and another citizen complaining of frightened animals. If not the MSP doing this then who? Strikes me as a stupid waste of money because Tuscola county is not well suited to growing marijuana. We don't have a California climate. While it can be grown about the time it would be ripe the woods are crawling with bow hunters. We have a virtual army of people in the field that would either report a patch or steal it. The helicopter is little more then boys with a toy... being boys. If it is a search and rescue tool then it should not be wore out flying over our bikini babes. Our Tuscola bikini babes are a treasure and every man needs to protect that valuable resource ; )
wkoper!?! WTF dude? You come across as being drunk when you posted that. If there is anything to your boat story why don't you tell the Prosecutor or a TCA reporter? Sounds like a juicy story that would make the front page... if true. The bad attitude the MSP brings out in some Troopers causes them to have a high divorce rate. If guys are losing their toys in a divorce Troopers are probably hit as much as anyone.
Hopefully these hard times will bring us together on some things rather then at odds as we see on this thread. There is no "good" reason for honest gentle citizens to be frightened or angry with our Troopers. We, with help from our Reps, hired them to work for us because we want them there. The 80's are now 20-30 years gone by... in another century. Funny that marijuana became part of this thread. We really need to look at what can be done to repair the damage the old drugs laws did to police/citizen relations. It would be tragic if a distress call went unanswered because citizens are angry over being treated like it is 1980 again.
June 20, 2009
12:53 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Sarcasm is not my strong point but that's what the issue of "priorities" is, sarcasm.
As for the story....true, all of it. People are intimidated by leo when leo acts this way. So why would they be willing to provoke them. Is the boat incident legal? Illegal? I don't know but seems a scam all the same.
A citizen benefiting from an angry State Trooper's spouse advertising for sale his personal toys is not necessarily a known or shared fact, and not out rightly taking advantage.
A uniformed officer soliciting, with no sign of impending sale, a distraught, or angry complainant is taking advantage and abusing his authority.
Should anyone be interested I can provide ample info to confirm.
How else would I know that a State Police Trooper servicing a call in Tuscola County brought a boat from a person in Bloomfield Hills (name & address available). Actually purchased at a Tuscola County address because that was where it was parked.
The complaining spouse can confirm this.
June 20, 2009
1:25 p.m.Report inappropriate content
I try to offer focued issues that face the citizens. I responded to bunnman because he had a very good post and raises good points that I personally agree with. I want to serve those that depend upon us and I do it with pride and professionalism. Yet some continue to spin every post into weed, and stories about this trooper, that trooper, the msp this, the msp that, come on man, how about like bunnyman said, lets come togeather and try to solve the problems we all face in this state. Why does so much hate consume you wkpoer? Do not always look a the glass as half empty.
bunnyman, the copter could be from Salfridge (sp?) airbase. We do have motorcycle partols in the metro area. Gas cards are a great gesture, really. However we pay leases on our cars and that covers gas. But thinking outside the box is what we need, why Lansing can not do it baffles me.
And I thank you for your kind words and support. I do not think I can respond anymore as I feel it will just end up into a grass bash and msp bash. I will enjoy reading the comments, but as far as offering debate, my opinions, I am done. wkoper you broke me and your hatred for the msp is deep and will not change. Perhaps someday a trooper will have a positive effect on you or a loved one. Perhaps then you will see that we do and lot of good for all. I wish your county the best of luck.
June 21, 2009
6:05 a.m.Report inappropriate content
northend lou brought up the weed issue. It is a good thing that he did, because that is what has broken the police dept's budgets along with our states budget and turned many people against the police. I just wish that lou had done it a different way, instead of attacking me. I don't like to fight but I just can't let someone attack me without defending myself. I should have been able to counter in a more peaceful way, rather than lower myself to that type of behavior. I admit that it is a character flaw on my part.
My apoligies go out to anyone that was offended by my responses. I'm usually not that hard to get along with. I guess I should wait 24 hours before responding to a personal attack against me or my character.
June 21, 2009
6:23 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Twosides you were the second one to bring up the weed issue by calling me a weedhead. Your verbal assault against me was unprovoked. You jumped at the chance to gang up on me once you seen a former fellow officer attacking me. It was only natural for you to attack me, after all I am your enemy in this unjust and inhumane drug war.
June 25, 2009
10:23 a.m.Report inappropriate content
twosides, I don't "hate the msp". That's such a lame and easy position to take when someone calls for accountability. I have as much respect for a hard work, honest msp trooper as anyone. When individuals are charged with carrying weapons and making life and death decisions i certainly expect them to be adequately trained and professional in their actions at all times.
People do not make these stories up, especially the one's caught on police cams! Abuse is much more rampant than reported and police either participate or stand by without addressing these vioations. Neither is acceptable.
Make it personal, even if the other guy is, and you have no business in uniform.
I have dealt with many of the same people you have for 25 yrs with less protection and even higher standards. Difficult? Absolutely! But that's the duty I was charged with and accepted.
Condemn your fellow officers' with the same passion you condemn "weedheads". Hold them just as accountable. When they violate the law arrest them with the exact same physical fervor you arrest others. Slam em on the ground, knee them, point your guns,tase them they are already armed, with a gun, unlike bare fisted 15 yr olds.
A police state does not serve the public!
June 25, 2009
10:54 a.m.Report inappropriate content
I also grew up in the thumb in the 70's, there was then alot of good cops, some bad. One thing I do have to say I have known Mr Wood all his life I have nothing but respect for this man. He has helped alot of people in his life, he has compassion and yes this man has been provoked into a FEW fights but never starts them. And yes, there is not to many people that he would ever have to back down from. He is a great father a great employee and has opinions and expresses them. He has not hid behind a goverment job such as the state police do.