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how to solve the BART PD shooting crisis
Jan. 8th, 2009 10:34 amThe Alameda County D.A.'s office should arrest former police officer Johannes Mehserle immediately. He is a felony suspect for involuntary manslaughter at least, and quite possibly murder two. A court should decide whether or not he is a flight risk and what bail to set.
As far as Mr. Mehserle is concerned, this is now a criminal investigation and he is the suspect.
He resigned rather than comply with his department's order to meet with investigators. This prevents any administrative action against him, such as counseling and/or termination. It does NOT end the administrative probe into the conduct of officers present, nor should it keep BART from investigating what happened and how to prevent it from ever happening again.
It is simple justice. If I were an armed guard or a homeowner who shot a man in the back, regardless of other surrounding circumstances, I would be arrested and my firearm would be taken into evidence. I would be booked, fingerprinted and arraigned before a judge. I would have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney, just as Mr. Merhserle does. But I would not have the privilege of going free and uncharged, my civil liberty unhampered.
Are we to pretend that there is one justice for the public and "more" justice for the police? We are a nation of laws, not of men, and I for one hope that the Alameda County D.A.'s office remembers that.
As far as Mr. Mehserle is concerned, this is now a criminal investigation and he is the suspect.
He resigned rather than comply with his department's order to meet with investigators. This prevents any administrative action against him, such as counseling and/or termination. It does NOT end the administrative probe into the conduct of officers present, nor should it keep BART from investigating what happened and how to prevent it from ever happening again.
It is simple justice. If I were an armed guard or a homeowner who shot a man in the back, regardless of other surrounding circumstances, I would be arrested and my firearm would be taken into evidence. I would be booked, fingerprinted and arraigned before a judge. I would have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney, just as Mr. Merhserle does. But I would not have the privilege of going free and uncharged, my civil liberty unhampered.
Are we to pretend that there is one justice for the public and "more" justice for the police? We are a nation of laws, not of men, and I for one hope that the Alameda County D.A.'s office remembers that.
