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LHCPD are a bunch of idiots wrote on Mar 10, 2008 2:54 AM:

" How about this for proof... the girl was my sister. Sgt Harry did the investigation, and I can go on and tell you the officer's name, badge number, the date of his termination, and the complaint number. She took a polygraph as well. Im not an idiot, there would be no reason for me to lie about something so serious. I can't tell you why nothing LEGAL was done about it, you'd have to take that up with the police department. I am friends with a lot of people who work for LHCPD as well, and most of which are great cops. The unfortunate part about it is that my sister is the victim of a coverup. Not only did she have to suffer going through what she did, but now, the police refuse to do anything about it. Im not on here to bag on the police, I am simply saying there needs to be justice, and its not right that the people dont know about it. "




Lifegoeson wrote on Mar 7, 2008 6:40 AM:

" LHCPD are a bunch of idiots: I sure would like to see what proof you have of your allegations on a lhcpd officer who was fired for molesting a teen? That would be a big mistake for any department to hide something like that. There is no reason for you to be makeing such allegations other then your the one that needs to grow up. Now why would any department hide something that would put anyone that sick in prison and have to register as a sex offender? In all the years I have lived in havasu and as many good friends I have that work for the city that rumor has never been heard of. So I ask you again what proof do you have of that allegation? NONE as I thought. "




1035 wrote on Mar 6, 2008 1:42 PM:

" LHCPD are a bunch of idiots: I read your post about the officer you claim got fired then you claim he resigned in leiu of being fired for molesting a teenage girl. You got any kind of proof to back up your story? I doubt if that even happened. And if it did the officer would not of been investigated by lhc pd the investigation would of gone to another department either dps which I doubt since they don't investigate anything criminal so that would leave mcso or kingman pd or bullhead pd. There is no way of keeping something of that magnatude out of any paper. I know far too many officers on lhc pd not to of heard of that one but nice try. People like you just can't help thinking your story on here will out do anyone else. But hey if you got some type of proof please feel free to share. "




Common Sense wrote on Mar 4, 2008 9:19 PM:

" In response to Vicki, I have been reading through your posts. You bring some valid points but let me present this to you. As I stated previously about this issue and the "Mooring Ordinance" in the channel. Let me list the ordinance as presented in the LHC code:
§ 8.16.130 MOORING IN CHANNEL.

A. No person shall moor, cause to be moored, parked, anchored or left standing any watercraft in any area designated as a no-mooring area.

B. The City Manager is authorized to designate any area within Bridgewater Channel as a no-mooring area and to cause the area to be posted with appropriate signs.

C. No person shall leave moored, parked or standing any watercraft within Bridgewater Channel between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. except upon privately owned property with the permission of the property owner.

D. Subject to rebuttal, it shall be presumed that the registered owner of any watercraft found moored, parked or standing in violation of this section is responsible for such mooring, parking or standing.

E. No person shall moor, cause to be moored, parked, anchored, or left standing, any watercraft located within 25 feet of the east side of the Bridgewater channel, unless that watercraft is moored to a mooring post. Not more than 1 watercraft may be moored to a mooring post at the same time.

Fines:
§ 8.16.170 VIOLATION—PENALTY.

The doing of any act prohibited by this article or the failure to perform any act required by this article is a civil violation of this code, subject to a civil sanction not to exceed $500 for each such violation.

If I have it correct, the area that you pulled into was at the south entrance to the channel on the west side marked "No Mooring". This is an area that the city council enacted an ordinance to allow access for those with out boats, as you stated previously that you knew about. You also stated that you picked up passengers in this area pulling your boat into this area and this is when you received the "overnight mooring citation". It was over a holiday weekend and if I remember correctly it was around 9-10am. First let me address your citation. I believe that "overnight mooring" on the citation refers to the general mooring ordinance, as overnight mooring is covered under the same article (8.16.130.C). You need to look at the actual article section: 8.16.130 A,B,C,D on the citation. It is common for the description of a law on a citation to be brief and not be a full explain the actual violation. For example, an officer may write "Discon" in the area of a citation. Well that is a broad explanation. It means "Disorderly Conduct" ARS 13-2904, which has 6 different things someone could do to get cited with Disorderly Conduct. My point is did your cite should list section A,B,C,D, or E. But it does not change the fact that you pulled your boat into an area that the city has passed an ordinance, at the behest of the citizens of this city, prohibiting a boat being moored, parked, anchored or left standing any watercraft in any area designated as a no-mooring area. You violated the law, and were cited as such. I am sure the officer explained why he was citing you, he didn't just hand you a citation with no conversation. You were fined $250 which as the ordinance states above, the judge could of cited you up to $500. More importantly this "no mooring" area is a very small section and at that time of the morning I am sure there were many other areas you could of picked up your passengers that did not violate the "no mooring" ordinance.
Now lets look at what has happened with the court. I do agree, you should of got your day in court. But that is not your fault, nor the court's fault. It is the US postal service's and the fact that you live in San Diego. When you received the notice at your office, the day of the court date you called and requested a new date. They told you to talk to the judge. You sent a letter. His response was in essence, since you are not in my court before me no. Since, you have written anyone who would listen and blamed the judge, the court, the officer. It is real simple, come to Havasu on an open court day and go before the judge and explain why you are requesting a new date. Bring your letter from the court with the USPS date stamp and state when you received it as proof. Why is this so unreasonable to see. I didn't even read the judges response and I get it just from your post. From your posts I do not see one instance where you came to Havasu and asked to appear before the judge and ask for a new date. And from what I gather you have not paid the citation either, which means that your petty offense has now become a warrant for your arrest. And you state all of this is the court's fault. Real simple solution, appear in court and ask the judge to reset the court date because the letter was not delivered in time for you to attend. If he then refuses now it is time for you to take it to the press, city council, and whomever will hear you. This should not be difficult as you say you are committed to resolving this issue. You stated that you own a home in Havasu. You received the citation in Havasu, the issue is in Havasu, Not San Diego. Sorry, you can not resolve this from San Diego, you have to come to Havasu. That is how the court work. You deal with it in the jurisdiction which the crime was allegedly committed. It was not committed in San Diego. As a note, if the officer did cite you with the wrong sub-section of the ordinance, you have a valid point, should be heard, and get off on a technicality.
"




JM wrote on Mar 4, 2008 6:48 PM:

" JMHO: Some documented proof and facts would be nice. VICKI: I think you'll find that not a lot of (intelligent) people will play their violins for you but rather offer you some cheese for your wine. You put yourself in this position. Now granted, you were shafted in the notice department but all of this hassle could have been avoided if you would have obeyed the law. No matter how petty you may think it is the fact still remains, rules and laws are put in place for a reason. Somewhere once upon a time someone did something stupid to get law enforcements attention, which led to various laws and rules and in some ways ruined it for everyone else. Chances are, most laws and regulations that exist in the channel and on the lake are there because someone endangered others one way or another and there had to be rules to ensure it didn't happen again. And chances are it was a tourist. Statistically they make up the majority of the boaters during the party months. So when people complain that they and their fellow tourists are targeted you can thank your own kind (tourists) who at one point caused the laws to be put in place. "




LHCPD are a bunch of idiots wrote on Mar 4, 2008 5:51 PM:

" Yeah, I agree. Havasu PD has some major growing up to do. After all, one of their officers got fired for molesting a teenage girl... and nobody even heard about it because of Havasu's way of "covering" things up. They didn't prosecute the officer because if they did that it would become a public trial. Instead, they just allowed the officer to resign in leui of termination and let the girl go on thinking its her fault. But hey, who am I to unveil their secrets? "




30yrresident wrote on Mar 4, 2008 4:05 PM:

" JMHO PS: I believe it would be up to the victim that complained to the police department to file civil suit against the officer once he/she left the department. If they decided to quit or if they got fired then the victim would file suit. Any one out there have the answer? "




Law Abiding Citizen wrote on Mar 4, 2008 2:20 PM:

" What amazes me...so many comments about how the police are corrupt and lack training or lazy. Yet, it seems everyone complaining has had some type of negative contact with the police. Clearly the police have nothing better to do than harass people that aren't doing anything wrong. How absurd! Myself, like many other residents, I have had only positive experiences with the police. Maybe that's because I don't break the law. Just ask anyone in prison...they are all innocent. Don't break the law, you won't have an issue. "




Steve wrote on Mar 4, 2008 8:04 AM:

" JMHO PS: Unlike the private sector, loss of a job in Law Enforcement often is the result of lying on an application or to superiors, insubordination, calling in sick when not in abundance, falsifying a report, accident rates,and the list goes on. Assuming that all firings were the result of prosecutable criminal actions demonstrates your mind set and proves nothing else. Wake up and grow up. Look at issues factually and not hypothetically and you can be much wiser. "




Interesting story Vicki wrote on Mar 4, 2008 12:15 AM:

" It sounds like Vicki is a victim of bad cop and a bad judge.
The cop victimized you over by trying to look good by writing a ticket. Most likely to meet a magical number the cops will not admit they have.
The Judge (and city) victimized you by not following the law in the timely notification of the dates. I have seen all the things posted about Havasu reflected in your story.
The only things brought up that have nothing to do with Vicki's story are the comments by the cops trying to cover for themselves and the buddy on the bench.
I am from SD and don't worry copper's. Your wish is granted! You won't see me in town this year.
Vicki, I would complain to the state branch that oversees the Judges. You have a valid complaint. "




Kathrine Sanders wrote on Mar 3, 2008 6:33 PM:

" I was really meaning 911 operators like Lifegoeson who show no respect for those who are paying thier salary and deserve respect because the US government only governs by the consent of the people. "




Vicki wrote on Mar 3, 2008 6:30 PM:

" There have been some really strange comments posted about this, some are not even relevent to the story. However, the fact remains that there are problems with the system that needs to be investigated. There are some people who try to use this forum for intelligent discussion regarding issues that affect the City and it's residents. Unfortunately there seems to be even more people who use it to make stupid statements and name calling. If an out of state resident requests to be heard in court to dispute a ticket and the hearing date is the day the notice is received, that is wrong. No matter what my argument is regarding the appropriateness of receiving the ticket, the fact remains that the judicial system in Havasu made sure I was unable to present my position in court. I am made as hell and I am not going to take it! I will see this injustice through until it is resolved. That is not being a cry-baby it is standing up for my lawful rights! "




JMHO PS wrote on Mar 3, 2008 6:15 PM:

" Someone made an excellent observation. How many of the who were fired, or left rather than being fired, were charged with a crime too? If the issue was serious enough to warrant dismissal or forced resignation I bet there was some type of criminal charge. If none were charged I would say that proves the point that the current system is flawed and that cops are only protecting cops. I hope Tony Raap follows up on this thought. However it looks like the paper is reverted to covering the candy news and has abandoned it's place as the 4th estate. "




JMHO wrote on Mar 3, 2008 6:10 PM:

" lifegoeson, I would say your posts prove it. You think we who want clean cops are criminal trailer trash. We do not need that kind of attitude on the public payroll "




Lifegoeson wrote on Mar 3, 2008 3:00 PM:

" Kathrine Sanders: Are you saying there are bad 911 dispatchers? If so I just wonder what kind of proof you have of that? "




HavasuResident 30 Years wrote on Mar 3, 2008 2:51 PM:

" life is great 08

If you HATE Havasu just get off these boards. "




Kathrine Sanders wrote on Mar 3, 2008 12:52 PM:

" Well I have tried to put down my name several times lately but for some reason the editor will not post my comments.
It is almost as if someone at the chamber paper is trying to stop comments to improve our city.
Tony Raap has done some great journalism that exposed a broken system. Naturally we see the cogs of that broken system trying to keep the broken system in place.
Are the heroes the ones trying to get the system fixed or the ones trying to keep bad cops, 911 operators, and Judges in place?
Those darn trouble makers in new england in 1776, those darn absolutionist like Lincoln, those darn rabble rousers like Martin Luther King! Why did'nt they just shut up and allow the broken system to continue?
When you complain information is not posted remember it goes through a filter first. It may be filter is not allowing it to pass in order to change the perception of discussion. "




Reaffirm wrote on Mar 3, 2008 12:31 PM:

" If the city court does not make a techical mistake you cannot appeal. Appeal courts do not reconsider evidence presented at trial. And as my friend, who is an attorney, has said "the jobs of appeal courts is to find reason to reaffirm the lower court" It goes with the topic as police boards are looking to find reasons to justify police actions and protect them. As it is I saw nothing that says those officers fired were referred for criminal charges. "




jeff wrote on Mar 3, 2008 1:48 AM:

" JM you are right the people that are complaining are the ones who would have this problem were ever they live they cry because the cops are doing the job by upholding the law the problem is they are breaking the law "




JM wrote on Mar 2, 2008 9:07 PM:

" All this talk of false arrests and police abuse must be true right? What i meant to say is "let's see some documented proof of these so called false arrests and police abuse". That's all, just wanna see some proof. Anyone...... Anyone..... Without proof all you sound like is another convicted felon who's butt hurt about our local law enforcement because of your own run-ins with the wrong side of the law. Next time you wanna spout off more B.S. about police abuse you should first type in your "CASE NUMBER" instead of your name so we know what kind of putts we're dealing with. Your most recent mug shot wouldn't hurt either. Thanks for your time!!!! "




30yrresident wrote on Mar 2, 2008 4:45 PM:

" Out of all these people who claim false arrest. Who has taken it up as high as one could go in courts to prove false arrest? I just love to sit here and watch all these people cry about tickets that should of stated this but instead stated that. All these traffic stops that the cop said this to me and hurt my feelings. Guess the cops around here should hand out crying towels when they pull someone over. So HAVASU MOM just what is the so called boom in laughlin as you state? " The police responses to this whole topic has lead to a boom in Laughlin" I see nothing but people crying and doing nothing about their hurt feelings or false arrests. IS ANY ONE OF YOU VICTIMS GOING TO SUE? TAKING YOUR HURT FEELINGS TO A HIGHER COURT? "




Havasu mom wrote on Mar 2, 2008 1:12 PM:

" The police responses to this whole topic has lead to a boom in Laughlin. I think the Judge here should be put on all the posters as the reason to stay in Laughlin.
I know that as Mom, my kids see far worse on network tv than in the channel. A bare body will not leave then traumatized, a false arrest and conviction in Havasu lasts a lifetime "




Lifegoeson wrote on Mar 2, 2008 12:40 PM:

" open government : I don't think 1035 is saying they are against the citizens board they just are trying to point out how the boards operate. I also agree a citizen board would be a good thing here in Havasu. But it won't make everyone 100 percent happy. "




Lifegoeson wrote on Mar 2, 2008 12:37 PM:

" life show why : Oh gee I guess I should say the officer in the department I work for, sorry I should not expect anyone to figure out that is what I mean. Hey thanks for pointing that out to me. :) "




JOHNSONI wrote on Mar 2, 2008 8:36 AM:

" Well folks, The city has messed up big time.The POlice have been way to heavy handed with our locals and the tourists. People aren't coming back here once they have been hasseled by our local onker's in blue.. It's sad this has happened. Havasu has cut it's own throat.Johnsoni "




jjbrown wrote on Mar 2, 2008 8:30 AM:

" Never trust a cop,never..I believe 50% are dishonest and would steal from their own Mother. Let's be careful out there.J.J. "




Jeff wrote on Mar 1, 2008 9:29 PM:

" I have lived in lake havasu for 3 years and been visiting for 5 years
i work at night sometimes and drive around havasu at 3 am and i see cops all the time day and night and i have never even been pulled over and yes i have heard all the storys but let me give you some free advice dont break the law and keep your nose clean and guess what the cops wont bother you and if you do get pulled over have your info ready and dont be a jerk and you will be amazed at how cool cops can be people dont think about all the grief people give them so when you mouth off they arnt going to want to hear anything you have to say and they wont be very happy so give them a break they are just doing there job keeping us safe "




Vicki wrote on Mar 1, 2008 8:51 PM:

" To "Spread the word". I have loved and enjoyed Lake Havasu for 30+ years, I am not going to give up my long time dream of retiring their because of some out of control police officers and bad City representatives. Those who obey the laws, love life on the lake and take fair government seriously should stand up and be heard, not run away. However, there are some that I wouldn't mind seeing stay away from the lake. Like those who play "F" and "N" rap music so loud that no matter what, it over rides your music. Like those who pull up next to you in a cove or on the channel with a boat load of drunks saying F*** at least 2-3 times in every sentence, and I don't even want to describe some of the sexual actions that take place. Like those who get wasted and obnoxious by 10:00 in the morning then get even worse as the day goes by. We should all be able to use and enjoy the lake without feeling threatened. We should not have to simply accept explicit acts and language if we want to enjoy the lake. Just like we should not have to accept unfair treatment by law enforcement. There is a balance, we need to fight to get the local government and police to find it. I say, don't run from the problem, if you enjoy the lake, stand up for your rights and fight to find a resolution! "




taking credit? wrote on Mar 1, 2008 7:02 PM:

" If the police standards board was started in 2007 was started in the middle of 2007 then how is it responsible for the increase between 2005 and 2006 and half of 2007?

The police spin is just too funny here. "




JM wrote on Mar 1, 2008 5:11 PM:

" Yes Vicki, spread the word to everyone you know from out of state. We don't want them here if they cause problems. Not worth it. Well said "Spread the word", couldn't have put it better myself!!!!! "




life_is_great08 wrote on Mar 1, 2008 4:58 PM:

" Everyone needs to realize that these people are complaining about the police because they do not have anything else to do. Lake Havasu is a crappy little town everyone who is complaing should move to the city so you can keep busy and do somehting with your life and quit making up problems.What is there in Havasu besides fast food, walmart,kmart and motorcycle and boat shops? Wow how glamorous, that town sucks. "




open government wrote on Mar 1, 2008 4:12 PM:

" 1035, the reason for the board is for nothing more than to ensure impartial investigation. It is there to assure the public that investigations are real and those who file a complaint will be protect against police retaliation.

Aside from that, if the police chief was to act contrary to the recommendations the public would know about it. OPEN government is a good thing.

The real problem in Havasu is the step after to police IMHO. If we got a well qualified person who is impartial we would see much better justice at the police level. "




life show why wrote on Mar 1, 2008 3:29 PM:

" Lifegoeson, I see how anyone could become confused when you use terms like "my officers" in your posts.

People want an HONEST police force and you are doing a GREAT job at showing us why it is an imperitive. Please keep posting. PLEASE!! "




30yrresident wrote on Mar 1, 2008 3:16 PM:

" Vicki: Yes tell your friends in calif all about your story. So they may come out here and follow your example. "




1035 wrote on Mar 1, 2008 2:46 PM:

" OOPPS: I have a good friend on the tucson pd yes they have a oversight board and it seems to work well for them. There are still some unhappy whinners but less then what they would have witout the board to mediate The board does not have the final say on an officers complaint. Hope this helps explain a bit more.


City of Tucson
Tucson Police Department

A. Independent Police Auditor, Liana D. Perez
A. The IPA audits completed investigations; has authority to monitor on-going investigations; and may participate in interviews of complainants, witnesses and officers. The IPA receives complaints, which are then forwarded to the Office of Professional Standards for investigation. The IPA also monitors Shooting Boards. Two staff members: Auditor & Administrative Assistant.
***********************************
B. Citizen Police Advisory Review
Board (CPARB)
Vicki Hart, Chair
The CPARB consists of seven voting members and four advisory members. The voting members are appointed by the Mayor & Council and the Board selects the advisory members. The Board holds monthly public meetings and review completed IA investigations. They may also review information from the Independent Police Auditor’s reviews.
**************************************

Long Beach CA.
Oversight of Long Beach Police

Citizen Police Complaint Commission:

Receives, and at its discretion, administers and investigates allegations of police misconduct, with emphasis on excessive force, false arrest, and complaints with racial or sexual overtones. Refers complaints to Department’s IA unit for investigation.


I Think its a great idea for havasu to have an oversight board. Half these people posting on here just see the words oversight board or citizen oversight board and know nothing about the way they operate just that they think the boards will fire those officers the few whinners hate and thats not the case.
"




Lifegoeson wrote on Mar 1, 2008 2:03 PM:

" us trailer trash : I don't have to demean anyone on here. Most are doing a very good job of that on their own. Take a chill pill. I understand you think the police department needs to be cleaned out. Then get your cleaning rag out sweetie I don't work for this department for your information nor do I have to post my resamae on this post to feel important. "




spread the word wrote on Mar 1, 2008 1:19 PM:

" Vicki, tell you friends with boats in San Diego you story. The more potential visitors understand what it is like here and go elsewhere the sooner the overall problem will be fixed. The word is all over the internet about avoiding Havasu this summer. And from the sounds of it the locals do not want us here anyway. "




police crimes wrote on Mar 1, 2008 1:08 PM:

" Never ... ever... walk into a police station by yourself to file a complaint. Civilian testers have shown that you may very well be arrested or harassed for doing so.
Police complaints are generally used to put a report of abuse onto an officer's record, so as to hopefully keep the officer from continuing to abuse his or her authority or to help show his or her superiors that there is a problem with the individual that needs to be addressed.

Police complaints will not get a victim compensated for police abuse. Police complaints are not law suits. If you file a complaint against the police and the police "clear" themselves as they so often do, the only recourse you may have is a civil law suit where you may receive compensation if you and your attorney can prove damages or civil rights violations. Contact a competent civil rights attorney if you need more information about filing a law suit for civil rights violations.

In order to file an official legal complaint against a law enforcement officer of any rank, we strongly recommend that you file your complaint through a competent attorney. An attorney is the only one who can protect you, through documentation and legal advise, from police harassment or arrest in these matters.

Another way to file a police complaint "one of less serious nature" is to send it "certified mail." You want to send your request "certified mail," to have some type of "proof" that you actually sent the complaint. If it's not sent certified mail, sometimes the letter gets lost or misplaced by someone at the police department.

Write out a statement to exactly everything that happened. The more information the better, date, time, etc. Be sure to include the who, what, when and how in your statement. Mail the letter "certified mail," to the police department or sheriffs department. The complaint will be investigated and you usually will receive a letter back from the police agency on the status of your complaint, which most times comes back in the favor of the police officer, but it will stay on the officers record.

If you're interested to know what complaints have been filed against police officers in your community, you may request a copy of that information be sent to you from that police agency. Send your request again "certified mail." Basically just request a copy of complaints of police officers in that agency be mailed to you, under the "Freedom of Information Act" and you would like this information sent to you within 10 days as required by law. DON'T ever walk into a police department ask for this information! They either start acting real stupid on the subject or they get real mad!

Now for the bad news! Police officers don't like to have "complaints" filed on them, nor do they like for citizens to ask for copies of complaints made against police officers. For some reason police officers think they do no wrong and if they do, the public doesn't need to be aware of it. Just remember there's always that chance if you file a police complaint, there might some type of retaliation against you from a police officer.

If you do file a police complaint, again we stress that you use an attorney or go through the (DOJ) Department of Justice. You may also contact your State Attorney General. Never file a complaint directly with a police agency, specially if the complaint is of a serious nature, see an attorney!

"




mike wrote on Mar 1, 2008 12:59 PM:

" If you believe the police are abusing their power contact.

U.S. Department of Justice
Civil Rights Division
950 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Criminal Section, PHB
Washington, DC 20530
(202) 514-3204
Fax: (202) 514-8336

You can also contact the AzPost which certifies police officers in Arizona.

2643 E. University Drive
Phoenix, Arizona 85034 main phone: (602) 223-2514
Fax Phone: (602) 244-0477

If you have further questions contact me at parkercopwatch@yahoo.com "




Vicki wrote on Mar 1, 2008 11:09 AM:

" I had written a complaint regarding an incident with the police in response to the previous story about the boating industries impact on the economy of the City. I did take my complaint to the Court Judge, he refused to give me proper notice to appear (I requested to be heard as I did not believe the citation I recieved was justified, I live in San Diego, I received my notice to appear for the hearing the day of the hearing) I then took my complaint regading the citation as well as the short notice to the Chief of Police, The City Council, The Mayor and City Manager none of which responded to certified letters. It was not until the complaint was aired on a local radio station that I received a call from the Vice Mayor who said he would look into the matter and get back with me. That was almost a month ago, no further communication. The Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau reviewed my complaint and responded saying it was a very valid complaint. They were going to bring it up in a meeting with City Officials. However, the fact still remains that I have an outstanding ticket that I received on the channel last Memorial Weekend with a fine of $250.00. I have been coming to Havasu for over 30 years and have a home there. I obey the laws and respect the police and in 30 years have never received a citation for anything any where. The actions of the officer and his superiors in this matter have been unacceptable. I am going to continue persuing this issue until it is resolved. Others who believe they have valid complaints should do the same. If enough people produce written valid complaints with documentation, the local officials will have to listen. Stop whinning and start writing! "




Cal/hav wrote on Mar 1, 2008 10:38 AM:

" Lets see 88 out of 95 Officers investigated. Nearly 8.5% of the Department Fired or Left, and a 500% increase in complaints.
mmmmm LAPD is doing great. 3% increase. 6% disciplined and they have REAL Criminals
http://www.lapd.com/article.aspx?&a=5237
No there is no problem in Havasu "




JM wrote on Mar 1, 2008 7:52 AM:

" That was great. FREQUENT VISITOR: Nice work, you just handed down quite a verbal spanking to the "ANTI-COP" crowd. Who's the shmo that tried to incorporate "lemmings" into his little unintelligent speach? Must be his/her new word of the week. If you google something for information it must be fact right?? I mean why else would it be posted on the internet. What a shmo!!!! "




us trailer trash responds to life wrote on Feb 29, 2008 8:38 PM:

" Lifegoeson, one again you try to demean those who just want the police to follow the law by suggesting we are under investigation or are somehow crimnals.

Wrong. But like always, you suggest that you are somehow better than everyone because you are associated with the police. Us "trailer trash" do see it and it only reinforces our stand that the police needs a good cleaning starting with you.

I am a business owner, served my country in war, was a volunteer firefirghter, served on several city boards in my hometown, and never been arrested.

So, think again. I object to what I have seen locally compared to what I know a good police force should be. "




opps wrote on Feb 29, 2008 8:33 PM:

" 1035, Tucson civilian oversight board. "




lifegoeson wrote on Feb 29, 2008 5:12 PM:

" Let the same old bloggers whine on: Your so right. It's the same people who most likely have a az sid and or fbi number attatched to their name. "




1035 wrote on Feb 29, 2008 5:09 PM:

" the problems mount in Havasu:
Yes cops do decide the punishment in any
law enforcememt agency. Some departments have the citizen review boards however the boards don't have the final say. The punishment should fall under the departments policy manual. Law enforcement departments have a chain of command. Whe someone is unhappy with what ever an officer said to them or how he did his/her report or follow up on that report you complain to his sgt. If your still not happy you go up the ladder of that chain of command which would be the lt. Some departments have captains even majors which is considered to be the under sheriff or chief. Then the top cheese the chief and if not getting the results you want (which again remember things don't always turn out the way you want them to in some cases) contact the city council or board of supervisors depending what kind of law enforcement agency your dealing with take it all the way up to the attorney general. Asd you can see from what the story above stated officres have in deed been repremanded. Some people call to complain thinking they will get the officer they don't like fired. I can tell you right now from experience MOST complaints on officers in most departments are bogas complaints because the person complaining doesn't understand the law. Ok go ahead and get mad at me I've got broad enough shoulders to take it or I would not be in the line of business I'm in. I take these calls from some unhappy people bent because his/her case is not solved and if the officer is on his/her days off (they don't work 7 days a week) then their not doing their job. Believe me I've heard more then I can list. I was glad to see the former chief of LHCPD go that was long over due. I've known Dan Doyle since he was in the police academy he is a very honest person and if someone just sits down and talks to him he will work with anyone. But what most people don't understand is the way certain laws are written. Laws are not written by police departments. And I agree they are not easy to understand when you sit down and read them. I have a hard time myself with the az ars book. There are so many laws all with different meanings. I understand some of the posts I have read people are not happy about different things. For example the post where the officer told someone on a traffic stop to shut the blank up he would ask the questions. Right then and there I would be asking for his/her supervisor to respond. People should not be affraid to use that chain of command that is what it is there for. I'm sure most of you will agree there are valid complaints and unvalid complaints against any department. It would not matter what city any of thes frequent flyers lived in it would always be the cops are wrong. "




robocop wrote on Feb 29, 2008 3:42 PM:

" we need robocop robot cops program to do a job right im telling you cops in lake havasu thinking there above the law thats it ppl skills what are those take a class find out "




Its not the gas wrote on Feb 29, 2008 1:13 PM:

" we see that the lemmings are now changing tactics to pretend to have friends who visit but are not coming because of gas and economy. I remember back in the early and mid-90's when the California economy faultered and we still had tourism.

Nice try police lemmings. All it takes is a google search to see how the california crowd feels.

Why cant we find the articles from yesterday front page? "




the problems mount in Havasu wrote on Feb 29, 2008 10:52 AM:

" um 1035,you first sentence; that is exactly what people fear. Small town department where even the Judge is a cop. The chief is a...? COP! Why do you think going to the chief helps?

As for lacking of evidence. It seems that only cops get the benefit of having thier word taken without evidence in Lake Havasu. Just ask the local cop who sits on the bench.

Also, the COPS decide how COPS are punished. How little or minor the punishment says nothing over the severity of the charges against them.

This story and several others were written in an attempt to make the department look good but it keeps backfiring. There is a reason, people are NOT buying it. "




SC wrote on Feb 29, 2008 10:25 AM:

" the whole..having a POLICE DEPARTMENT in Lake Havasu is a joke...

"




Let the same old bloggers whine on wrote on Feb 29, 2008 8:53 AM:

" Same few people log on everytime with a different name, beating that same old dead horse lie. As Hilter said "Tell the lie enough times and people will believe it."

Front page of today's Herald "Gas Prices to Rise Again" - I guess the local cops are all behind it. Its part of the vast right wing conspiracy again. Get your aluminum hats on again so they can not beam rays into your brains and read your thoughts. The sky is falling, the sky is falling! Ahhh the bad police! They are the cause of my miserable life! I laugh my a** off at you poor examples humanity. Get a life - take responsibility for your actions, stay substance free, be a good citizen.

"




Curious wrote on Feb 29, 2008 8:42 AM:

" My friends from California are not visiting as much because of tight wallets, gas prices (which are going up again from $3.75 a gallon)and general finances. They have no fear of being arrested as they are mature, respectfull and responsible people. I guess some of these blogger's "friends" have no money problems; they are just staying away because of the big bad police monsters. Boo hooo. My heart bleeds for them - yea right.

"




rob wrote on Feb 29, 2008 8:25 AM:

" imm thinking if cops try to be nicer to the ppl they deal with and not thinking everyone is a lier and crook with there im better then everyone attiude i was pull over ask why was told to shut the blank up he ll ask the questions with attiudes like this why do you think ppl dont like cops there jerks with big heads "




Frequent visitor wrote on Feb 29, 2008 7:34 AM:

" okay...Havasu, grow up. Seriously. If someone burns down your house you want the cops to prosecute because arson is a crime. If someone hits your car, you want the cops to give him a ticket because he was at fault. If someone shoplifts from your store you want the cops to catch him so you can recover your merchandise. But if they break the laws of public intoxication, lewd behavior, public nudity you want them to turn their heads or else you claim police brutality and say they should follow the "spirit" of the law rather than the law itself. Umm...excuse me, but those are laws and when they are broken there should be consequences issued because if we start picking and chosing what laws we should enforce and what we shouldn't...we might as well return to the days of complete lawlessness. Here's a little wake up call for you citizens of Havasu. In the town where I now live in the midwest, a jury was just chosen for a man accused of shooting and killing one of our deputy sheriffs last year. This person was pulled over because of his erratic driving. When he was asked to provide a license (which it looks like he didn't have because he is here illegally) he shot the Sheriff. His defense...he was intoxicated and therefore didn't know what he was doing. I guess by the wisdom of some of those responding to this article, the sheriff never should have pulled this person over, or instead of asking for his license he should have just told the guy to drive carefully the rest of the way home and not do this again. Afterall, I live in WI and WI is known to have the highest number of bars per capita in the US and well...if we pull over drunk drivers we might stop people from going to our bars and spending money...HA! Pull the idiots over. Take away their licenses and through the jerks in jail. This particular person could have killed several people with his driving. He could have killed one of my family members. I am terribly sorry that this Sheriff Deputy was killed in the line of duty, but proud that he was upholding the enforcement of laws which are there for our protection and well being. Back to Havasu...I visit every chance I get, and although I grew up there, I chose not to raise my family there. The reason? Lack of moral decency and respect for the law and those whose job it is to enforce the law. The city appears more interested in that tourist dollar than ensuring that the residents can enjoy the lake and local businesses. I won't visit on holiday weekends or Spring Break because it is as if the city turns a blind eye on any law related to public decency and behavior. If you show an out of state drivers license it is like a license to do everything and anything you can't do at home because afterall, you are in Havasu! The cops have a tough job. Every traffic stop or domestic violence call has the potential of escalating into something fatal, but these people are willing to take that risk every day for the safety of everyone. Even those who like to complain about them. So, why don't you all stop the complaining and recognize that this article was about the police department letting you know that all complaints are being taken seriously, being reported and that they are doing this for your benefit. These people deserve your support and deserve to be allowed to perform their job even if it means arresting some drunk out of state idiot in the channel, because it just might mean he is preventing him from later driving drunk and hitting one of your kids walking across the street, or from raping your daughter when she gets off work bussing tables at one of the local watering holes. "




Cathy wrote on Feb 29, 2008 1:06 AM:

" To: LIFEGOESON wrote on Feb 28,
"When they want a cop they want them now for non emergency", what do you call it when they never show up, when you look over and see some guy jumping the fence of a business and stealing out of the yard, is that a non emergency or here's another one what do you call it when you look out your window and see some guy walking around, standing looking around your house at wee hours of the night, and again they don't show till a hour later.. I take it the cops don't care or the word is not getting out to them fast enough.
Tell me do you blame some people for saying what they think,the truth, myself I think the police need to start listening and do something about this problem, don't you take it, so many complaints, don't you think the people are trying to tell them something.
The polide force is a joke anymore.. thats how I feel about it, all of what I have seen and been through, yes it's a joke.. "




Cathy wrote on Feb 29, 2008 12:29 AM:

" To: Terri Holley, are you kidding, they said ARSON was a civil matter, NOT a Police matter, Arson is a crime indeed, but it figures, don't feel bad the cops in this town won't even show up when you look out and see someone hopping the fence of a business, finally they come about a hour later, just drove up shinned the light over and left, and one time I called because I saw this guy hanging around, outside my house, it was late, it scared me, but they just took there time and finally they come, than drove up and down the street once and left..
So why call, it don't matter what is going on, they take there time or don't even show up, the problem is, some of them are to young, and lack the proper training, that is the only thing I can think of, or it's right down laziness, they would rather go after the good and let the bad get away..
I have never got a ticket, but was harassed once about my seatbelt, he walked up and said he stopped me because I didn't have my seatbelt on, I said yes I do "SEE" I showed him that I did in fact have one on, I have a classic and they didn't make shoulder straps, only lap belts, back than, but I was told it was against the law to wear a lap belt, I tried to tell the young cop that it was legal, but he keep saying it wasn't, but we got to talking and he asked what kind of car is it anyways, I laughed and told him, and said you weren't even invented yet, he let me go, so I went to the police station and asked, they said it was legal to have a lap belt. "




1035 wrote on Feb 28, 2008 9:04 PM:

" Imagine....You must be kidding people in this town affraid to go to their local pd and complain about what they think is a bad cop? You act like the mob is comming after you if you do compkain. Grow up and stop acting as if your the only person in the history of this department that has never seen eye to eye with an officer or the only person in the history of this department that wanted to complain about an officer you think is bad.
If you have a bug up your spine take it to the chief,city council or better yet call the attorney general and file your complaints.

as the story states:
The number of complaints against Lake Havasu City police officers nearly doubled last year, increasing almost fivefold since 2005
88 officers were investigated internally since 2005, and 27 received some form of discipline. In that time, at least eight police officers were either fired or left the department, and five were suspended for at least one shift.Of the rest, most of the discipline was minor: oral or written reprimands. About 15 percent resulted in suspensions, resignations or firings. You people act like the pd doesn't respond to the complaints. MAYBE SOME OF YOUR COMPLAINTS ARE BOGAS AND UNFOUNDED OH LACK OF EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT IT.







"




how about this again? wrote on Feb 28, 2008 2:35 PM:

" It has been suggested before and it is worth saying again. How about a review board made up of citizens to oversee the complaints against the departments. Open Government may be a radicial idea in Havasu but it works in a place called the United States. "




LIFEGOESON wrote on Feb 28, 2008 2:34 PM:

" WOW more cop bashing who would a guessed? Sassy I agree with you. Most of these people don't understand the meaning of call Prioritization. When they want a cop they want them now for non emergency traffic. when they read something someone cry's about in the paper they cry police abuse. There is just no making them happy. Like I say CROOKS+DRUNKS+DRUGGIES+DUMB@$$@$=JOB SECURITY "




who said that? wrote on Feb 28, 2008 1:07 PM:

" Tourist's beware. This is the license for the cops to be more agressive. "see we have a procedure to ignore you complaints and target you once the investigation is done so we can violate your rights at will"

So, who was saying a review board made up civilians is not needed? "




Let's Think For A Minute... wrote on Feb 28, 2008 12:19 PM:

" Do cops have the right to walk the line of agression? Heck yea! They never know what they are walking into or experiencing and for that most of these guys are on edge, so the moment they sense agression they react. Imagine living everyday and not knowing if a broken tail-light will end with a gun in the face. Or, a domestic dispute case will involve God knows what. You would be on edge too.

With that said; are there a****les that cross the line, rather than, walk? Abso-frickin-lutely! They're human, they make mistakes, they're naturally alpha-males and so on and so on and so on. Mistakes are made. Investigations should be made. More stringent screening should be in place. I don't like a lot of what cops do and they often have too much power and let you know it, but life is better with them around.

The moment you get pulled over you get a chip on your shoulder and most likely deserved the ticket (cops deserve tickets too), but it is that chip that is probably setting off their attitude.

Cops are a necessary evil and do MUCH, MUCH, MUCH more good than harm. If you disagree; you probably don't understand that the simple existence of cops prevents countless crimes and if they weren't there you would be the first victim, because you think you're safe. "




Terri Holley wrote on Feb 28, 2008 9:29 AM:

" Making a complaint against the LHCPD is a waste of time. I have been fighting this "police agency" (for lack of a better term) for over a year now.I own the house located at 3330 McCulloch Blvd. The Burned house. The fire was an ARSON, and the LHC cops cannot seem to find the definition of ARSON in the dictionary.The police dept. has informed me that it is a civil matter, and NOT A POLICE MATTER. It was an ARSON, and in any other town in America, ARSON is a crime. The cops knew the two boys that are accused of starting the fire, and both boys were allowed by the cops and the fire dept,. to walk away scott free. I left Havasu and if your smart, you will do the same.Havasu does not stand behind the residents. The city is more interested in sucking the tourists in to spend their money. It's not about the residents of Havasu and it never will be. "




to Mark wrote on Feb 28, 2008 8:58 AM:

" Your house will never sell in San Diego, I have one on the market more than a year... "




Matematician wrote on Feb 28, 2008 8:56 AM:

" The writer of the article did a lousy job not reporting the most important fact.(it is typical, he is not a fair minded impartial guy) The new Chief changed the reporting policy to take and log every complains. The old policy was, the Police had a discretion to select, witch complain to take and log. With your false comlains you are making the Police look better and better because % result is improving! "




JM wrote on Feb 28, 2008 8:21 AM:

" More police bashing!!! I don't believe it. Didn't expect this. With an attitude like California kid it would be kinda nice to run guys like that out of town. Who needs them! Do you really think you can have a police force without having complaints against that police force? Where there's cops there's gonna be complaints. It's just a fact of life. Don't let that stop your cop bashing though! "




sassy wrote on Feb 28, 2008 6:45 AM:

" I don't understand why there is such a debate regarding the police and how they respond to the law in this town. The comments made by the vacation home owners and "The Californians" baffle me. I also live in California and own a vacation home here and I have never had a negative encounter with a LHPD officer. What difference does it make how much money a person spends in Havasu or how much taxes they pay....if you break the law you are going to be confronted or arrested. It's that simple. If you are drunk and acting like a fool on the beaches of Calif., the police there are going to be in you face also. Just because you are on vacation and spending money does not mean you don't have to obey the laws. Anybody threatening not to visit Havasu and "spend money" is just plain immature. "




Imagine.... wrote on Feb 28, 2008 12:52 AM:

" Ok Lifegoeson/steve, lets hear how we are all trailer trash again?

A 500% increase in complaints. Imagine what it would be if people felt SAFE to report a bad cop. "




Mark Hildebrand wrote on Feb 27, 2008 2:24 PM:

" I visited friends in your city last weekend and and I will be moving there as soon as my house in San Diego sells.....Look out! "




Joe wrote on Feb 27, 2008 11:56 AM:

" If LHPD does not learn to apply the spiret of the law and not the letter of the law, they are going to push tourist out of the city. I have been coming to LHC for 29 years. Now there is more presence by LHPD (a good thing) but i have seen them dismissed a person under the heavly under the influence to "all go run" to a person flashing. Yes they are both breaking the law but I see the person under the influence as a greater safty risk then the flashing?????? "




Jim to life goes on wrote on Feb 27, 2008 8:37 AM:

" We just can't get away from this topic,but it's out there. Read it, eccept it and deal with it. Now have at them. "




cal/hav wrote on Feb 27, 2008 8:23 AM:

" Thats Nearly 500% increase. Seems like people are following many posters advice and filling a complaint instead of only airing it here. And now that the word is out, I'm sure visitors will start doing the same. Shame Shame, We told you something was wrong "




Finally wrote on Feb 27, 2008 12:47 AM:

"
Well it's about time, they finally admitted there is a problem here, I know I had one stop me for not wearing a seatbelt, but I was wearing one, the car was older than the cop, and they only made lap belts back in the old'n days..
He let me go, but he told me that it was against the law to not have a shoulder belt, so I went up to the station and yes it's legal to were a lap belt.
But I have seen there is a problem, if you call, they don't show up, or they come whenever they feel like it, there never around when you need them.
And seems like you hear there shooting someone..
I take it there is lack of training, I don't know that's how I feel.

"




why? wrote on Feb 26, 2008 11:49 PM:

" The numbers are low because of there is no assurance of safety against retribution sought by an officer or his friends. There is not bright line of safety.
Because the behavior ordinance is against the out of towners who just want to get the heck out of town after being railroaded why would there be complaints? Why would you make against an officer (actually they rove in packs in the channel) who just accused you and got away with false charges?
A 500% increase since 2005. Wow.
Nice attempt to put a spin on it, "its because of our internal affairs" what baloney!
Take a 500% increase in complaints and the growing deserved reputation as a police state and add it up! My gosh council are you that dense?
Fire the man who is in charge of keeping the police in check! Get a real lawyer on the bench who will not let the cops run amok and we may save our summer tourist season! "




California kid wrote on Feb 26, 2008 11:17 PM:

" I guess I can say this with every article, the havasu police are going to run us vacation home owners who spend alot of money here out of town. I see this lake and town drying up, then it will be just a plain desert town with nothing. "




headinthesand wrote on Feb 26, 2008 11:14 PM:

" Wow, I didnt see this coming a mile away(scarcasm) "

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