Allegations of police misconduct are insulting
As President of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 23, representing the police officers at the University of Maryland, College Park, I am writing in response to the July 20, 2006, article concerning the results of the internal investigation of an incident that occurred at Leonardtown in November 2005 .
Allegations of police misconduct, racism, and brutality were brought up by this incident. It was also alleged that police used excessive force during the incident in question. It is stated in this article that “officers used pepper spray and nightsticks and pulled a gun in the process of arresting Small and Watkins, actions that some witnesses likened to police brutality.”All allegations of improper conduct, to include excessive force, brutality, unnecessary use of pepper spray on individuals, unnecessary use of a baton on individuals and racism, were not sustained.
In regard to the officer who is no longer employed by the department, the officer’s decision to leave was based on family obligations and was set in motion weeks before the outcome of the internal investigation. The officer received 16 hours loss of leave ,and the only charges sustained were unnecessary use of force for pointing a weapon and conduct unbecoming for making an inappropriate comment to an individual. There were no excessiveforce charges sustained against any of the officers.
The men and women who work for the University of Maryland Police Department are highly trained, dedicated individuals who are prepared to do whatever is necessary to protect the university community. The department’s mission to serve the university community, protect life and property and to enforce the laws of the state of Maryland is taken seriously by all officers who workfor the Department of Public Safety. To insinuate otherwise is an insult to these officers who put it all on the line each and every day they put on the uniform and patrol the community.
Effren Diaz
President
FOP Lodge 23
Misleading caption is a sign of bad journalism
The Diamondback really should be ashamed of the misleading caption on July 20’s front page regarding the pro-Israel rally Wednesday, July 19. Thousands of people did gather for the rally, and anyone present would know the overwhelming majority came to show support FOR Israel’s military actionagainst terrorism. The photo chosen singled out the rare minority groups who sat on the outskirts of the crowd, quietly holding up signs in protest. Perhaps, instead of focusing on a non-news element (Jewish people want peace), you can show a picture of U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback addressing the crowd or the wide range of people who came to show support. And if you are intent on highlighting this non-issue, be sure to have your facts straightbefore you go to print, several thousand people did not rally in protest of the Israeli offensive.
As a former editor in chief of a local high school newspaper, I strongly urge The Diamondback to practice honest reporting and ethical journalism and to hold reporters accountable for their material!
Moshe Broder
Class of 2011
