Reprieve For A Commander

Here we go.  So updates over the weekend concerning Captain Deshawn Beaufort, whom allegedly made inappropriate remarks resulting in an upcoming 30 day suspension.

The promotion for Beaufort is allegedly back on again.  However; the skipping of civil servants to the next rank in the Police Department is reportedly fourteen (14).  And the amazing part is that some police supervisors (Deputy Commissioner Dennis Wilson) seem to be irate about promotional candidates because it is very personal.  (This does not involve Beaufort)

Lieutenant Nashid Akil, hold onto your hat.  Wilson is a guy who has never had a hard day in his career.  Captain Greg Riley, for sure, should be forever grateful for going back to Internal Affairs (Impact) after getting demoted for malfeasance.

Resident racist Bob Pawlowski has to be hot under the collar about this reversal if Beaufort did make offensive remarks.  The irony cannot be lost on Pawlowski that the very people, whom he openly acknowledged his disdain and contempt, not only has his destiny in their hands, but gives a reprieve for a Commander, who happens to be black, who reportedly also made ignorant racist remarks.

Pawlowski must be infuriated that he had to cower in front of the very people, whom he openly spit racist comments about while giving it his best shot to recruit young officers into his world of ignorance and hatred.  The promotional interview for Pawlowski, “didn’t go very well”, according to sources from the racist himself.

Commissioner Richard Ross commented at the time, regarding the highly inflammatory remarks, which included use of the N-word, ““The alleged comments were extremely offensive, and not in any way reflective of how a police officer should conduct himself, on duty or off.”

His arrogance in attempting to side step his contemptuous and bigoted remarks at the FOP to other cops, was not lost on his diverse promotional board.  Imagine his horror, when he discovered on his board was “one of them” (really more than that).  Imagine his anger, if he believed a black officer received training “because he is a nigger”, if he believes Beaufort will be promoted because of the color of his skin and not the content of his character.

If it is true, as reported earlier, that Beaufort made racist remarks culminating with the recommendation of a 30 day suspension, Pawlowski should be outraged, and so should every other hard-working cop out there who knows that racist, misogynistic or homophobic comments are just wrong.  Inappropriate is too soft of a word, these comments are ignorant and plain wrong.

Yes, we must accept that there are some racist police officers. We must also acknowledge that the majority of cops are not racist.  The overwhelming majority honor the law enforcement profession.  However; when they do not, regardless of the color of their skin, they must be held accountable.

It is acknowledged that many of the problems of racism in policing continues because of the use of draconian operational systems and practices that allow structural racism to remain and spread.  This practice allows racists to operate with impunity.  It takes guts, like the hero cops at the FOP who reported the reprehensible remarks of Pawlowski.

But it has to be evenly distributed no matter who tries to inject racial vitriol in the culture of the Police Department.  There are many who believes that Beaufort, as a black cop, is getting preferential treatment because he is being viewed through the perspective of other black Commanders.

This is the same argument that many have about white cops, whom they believe enjoy “white privilege” both outside the department and within because of the long history of policing in America and the role police have played in embracing a culture of racial bias.  Too often the Police Department tries to either change, ignore or deny the truth.

However; enough is enough.   If Deshawn Beaufort made racial remarks that will result in him actually being suspended for 30 days, he should suffer the same consequence as Pawlowski.  They both should be treated equally.

Therefore; if there is a promotional ceremony celebrating Beaufort, if guilty of the same offense, Pawlowski should be standing on the same stage, hood and all.

“Because he is a Nigger”

 

Double Standards: Promotions

There are many whispers in the Department about who’s getting promoted and who will be disappointed.

Double Standards never exist, but especially when it comes to promotions.  If you make vile, racist comments, you should not be promoted, period.

There was a recent study conducted by Stanford University that asserts that uncomfortable dialogue is a way to start to combat racism.  The researchers concluded that “you need to stop yelling ‘Racist!’ at anyone who doesn’t see the world exactly as you do. Somehow you need to find enough common ground for a real conversation about race. Very few people are stupid or irredeemably mean.”  We hope this last part is true.

However; rumor has it that Captain Deshawn Beaufort is expected to get 30 days allegedly, for racist remarks.  If true, he needs to join the ranks of Corporal Robert Pawlowski, who rumor has it, will not be promoted.

The Police Department is checking the list, and checking twice, they’re gonna find out who’s been naughty or nice.  There will be a lot of coal given out this season.

Lieutenant Daniel Ginion reportedly, who was fast and reckless with the rules, using the City vehicle to get his work-out on, and took said vehicle, out of the City.  The nemesis of Ginion, Lieutenant Marc Hayes may be added to the naughty list.

Lieutenant Marc Hayes, who reportedly used his cell phone to send inappropriate images to other cops.  Those images were seen by almost anyone who works in East Division.  Therefore, Hayes should be careful before lying to IAB investigators.

Lieutenant Marques Newsome, who reportedly was added to the list, for a litany of offenses, including one, which arguably, he was already punished by getting arrested and fired.   #MeToo is probably being applied because it was applied to Lieutenant Steve O’Brien.

O’Brien was fired for failing a drug test involving illegal steroid use, as O’Brien was involved in a federal investigation that nabbed other cops.  While O’Brien lost the unemployment case, he won his job back.  However; O’Brien was accused of domestic assault by an ex partner.  Either of these would be compelling reasons for O’Brien to be passed over for promotion.

In the charges of domestic assault against Newsome, it was reported that “Newsome allegedly pummeled the woman badly enough that she suffered a broken nose, orbital bone and jaw. She was left with black eyes and gashes that required stitches, and had to be taken to an area hospital by police for treatment”.    However; it has been reported, Newsome has some other issues that must be addressed.

There are allegedly a Sergeant and another Lieutenant who will probably be joining the naughty list.

It is a certainty that folks will bring up Michael Spicer, who was still promoted to the rank of Sergeant, and has still be able to further embarrass the department, even after being acquitted of a myriad of federal crimes.

It’s a head scratcher how Captain Anthony Ginaldi was promoted to Captain after his shenanigans at the Aviation Unit.  Oh yeah, he sued, and lost.  But Ginaldi considered himself a whistleblower, even though he got disciplined by then Captain Kenneth O’Brien, way before he ever hit the 35th.  Captain Mark Fisher was pissed off that Ginaldi, who was married and then 45 years old, was allegedly having an affair with his 23 year old daughter.

Lieutenant Jonathan Josey has alot of company.  Commissioner Richard Ross is not simply rubber stamping a promotion because of a civil service exam.  Ross demands better of his supervisory staff.

It’s a relief to many who have been singled out and retaliated against, and who do not have these kinds of accusations hanging over their head, that sometimes, the system tries to hold everyone to the same high standard.  And not the Double Standard that has been the norm.

Now, watch how these potential promotees become victims.  They’ll cry “wee wee wee” all the way to the FOP.

 

 

 

 

Double Standards: Promoted, Demoted and Terminated

This is the tale of promoted, demoted and terminated.  The DVIC is still ground zero for the folks who are under investigation, yet some folk who are assigned there, seems to feel pretty confident they know what the results of their investigations will yield.

Lieutenant Richard Frank has been recommended to be demoted to Sergeant because of his inability to concentrate because he is easily distracted by “looking at tits”, when interacting with his insubordinates.  This is never acceptable, but int he #MeToo environment, it is career suicide.  Frank has more disciplinary action pending that could lead to his termination.

Lieutenant Anthony Burton is pretty confident that his punishment for cheating, lying and committing fraud by submitted a fraudulent doctor’s note in order to cheat on the Captain’s test, will only result in the prohibition of his future test-taking.  While confidence is a great trait to have in a leader, lying, cheating and stealing are not.  The Philadelphia Police Department would be remiss to retain such a character in its ranks when there is compelling evidence to substantiate his malfeasance.

The Police Board of Inquiry (PBI) recommended a 45 day suspension for Burtons‘ misdeeds in a prior infraction last week.  The 45 days is indicative the Board thought his behavior was pretty awful, but they just couldn’t bring themselves to terminate him for his bad behavior, this time.

The allegations of his attempt at defrauding his fellow officers from a fair shot at competing on promotional exams is still under investigation.  Burton has been espousing that his only punishment will not be criminal charges but a five (5) year prohibition on taking civil service examinations.

Most likely, Burton came to this conclusion by reading Civil Service Regulations Section 9.1621 in the PENALTIES section of 9. Examinations:

9.16 –   PROHIBITED ACTS AND PENALTIES PERTAINING TO EXAMINATIONS.

9.161 –   PROHIBITED ACTS.  No person shall:

9.1611 –   Make any false statement, certificate, mark or report with regard to any test nor in any manner commit or attempt to commit any fraud or deception preventing or tending to prevent the fair and impartial execution of this Regulation governing examinations.

9.1612 –   Directly or indirectly, give, render, pay, offer, or accept any money or other valuable consideration in connection with the administration, scoring or results of an examination.

9.162 –   PENALTIES.  The penalty for violation of any of the sections of this Regulation 9 – Examinations shall be as follows:

9.1621 –   If the Director determines the violation was intentional, the violator shall for five years be barred from competing in any Civil Service examination and shall for that period be ineligible for appointment to or employment in any position in the Civil Service and such violator shall be removed forthwith from any position he may hold in the Civil Service.

9.1622 –   If the Director determines that the violation was not intentional, he may disqualify the violator from the examination(s) involved.

9.163 –   Any violation of the provisions of this Regulation 9 – Examinations shall be promptly reported to the Director, who shall be responsible for conducting a thorough investigation.  During the course of the investigation the accused shall be afforded the opportunity for a hearing before the Director who shall issue a written determination as to whether the violation occurred, the nature thereof and, if a culpable violation occurred, imposing the penalty, if any, he may decide to impose as provided by the Charter or these Regulations.  There shall be no right to appeal from the determination of the Director other than such as may be expressly conferred by the Charter.

Burton may not want to hang his hat on this provision in the Civil Service Regulations because he committed a crime by fraudulently submitting a forged doctor’s note.  Burton attempted to commit a fraud on everyone else who competing against him.  Burton lies and cheating are an embarrassment to the Philadelphia Police Department and shows compelling evidence of his lack of character and integrity.  Anyone who embarks upon this type of criminality is unqualified and unfit to be a Philadelphia Police Lieutenant.

Burton also apparently missed the part that said the violator will be ineligible for “employment in any position in the Civil Service” and such violator shall be removed forthwith from any position he may hold in the Civil Service”.

Burton has yet to face his pending disciplinary action, that will occur within his reckoning period which could lead to his termination.

This type of behavior prohibits Burton from being able to testify or carry out his duties as a Philadelphia Police Officer.  Cheating and lying, is a violation of the core values of the Philadelphia Police Department.  The Pennsylvania State Police fired 29 police recruits, at great expense, because they cheated on written test.

The state Municipal Police Officers Education and Training Commission had 15 Delaware County cops decertified because of cheating on the MPOTEC test.  Cheating, they found, and later upheld by the appellate court, is not okay.  Those officers are unable to be cops anywhere in Pennsylvania because they are unable to get certified as police officers in Pennsylvania.

Narcotics is represented in the DVIC with a bunch of supervisors who have been snared by their misdeeds along with Burton is Lieutenant Charlie Jackson, Sergeant Harold Toomer III, Sergeant Michael Kennedy (who was caught on film) and from the 25th District, Sergeant Wali Shabazz who worked in the NETS.  Burton, who has for many years been the subject of theft allegations, to hear him reportedly say it, Chief Inspector Anthony Boyle, with his assault on Captain Laverne Vann, has made him “teflon” because he is a co-plaintiff in the lawsuit filed against the Police Department for retaliation with Vann.  By the way, Burton wants to reportedly thank you Tony Boyle.

The promotions are on the horizon and rumor has it at least two people on the Captains list reportedly will not be promoted.  Lieutenant Daniel Ginion, who was reportedly caught on film by Internal Affairs using a City vehicle to go to a Bensalem gym to work on his muscles.  Instead, he should have been working out his BRAIN.  When you score #1 on the Captain’s list, you should be professional and polite to your fellow brethren, and follow all the rules and regulations, even if that isn’t your normal behavior.

Resident Racist Bob Pawlowski is also up to be promoted.  Pawlowski went on a crusade to indoctrinate other Police Officers at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5 bar, against their minority partners, and minority Captain, then-Captain Robin Wimberly.  Pawlowski referred to Wimberly as a “banana eating monkey”.  After suspending Pawlowski for 30 days for his racist tirade, Commissioner Ross stated “The alleged comments were extremely offensive, and not in any way reflective of how a police officer should conduct himself, on duty or off,”  Meanwhile Lieutenant Daniel Ginion is engaging in the crime of theft of services and using the city vehicle to carry out his misdeeds.

Ginion is now accused of theft of time, on many occasions, misuse of a city vehicle and falsifying the Daily Attendance Sheets (DARS).

Lieutenant Marc Hayes is also in hot water.  Hayes is accused of sending inappropriate images of a sexual nature to members of the 24th District.  In the environment of the #MeToo movement, clearly this guy hasn’t gotten the memo.

To add extra drama to this mix, Ginion and Hayes are allegedly beefing.  Each blaming the other for their misfortune.  And its getting pretty ugly and nasty.  You know the saying, there is no honor among thieves.

Lieutenant Jonathan Josey must be waiting with baited breath to see what Commissioner Richard Ross will do involving this dynamic duo.  Remember, Josey was skipped repeatedly (and sued and lost) for the “detrimental impact” as Chief Inspector Chris Flacco noted, for his abhorrent behavior had on the department’s relationship with the public.  The FOP fought vehemently to get Josey promoted.

In passing over Josey, Ross testified that “good judgment” is a “paramount factor” for anyone that he believes should promoted to the rank of Captain.  Clearly, neither Ginion nor Hayes have “good judgment”.  Either that, or they’re both arrogant as hell.

Then State Police Commissioner Tyree Blocker put it best when commenting on why he had to fire 29 cops in a single swoop.  Now Retired Commissioner Blocker stated “”We believe integrity is character in action. We are morally and ethically aware, resolute, and above reproach at all times regardless of our duty status.”  We agree.

Bob Pawlowski

Marc Hayes

Bigots with Badges: Officer Hung Nguyen

Philadelphia Police Officer Hung Nguyen is now under investigation for his racist blackface photos.  The officer who allegedly took the photo of himself in blackface and posted it on social media has been put in restrictive duty status.  Internal Affairs is investigating.  Officer Nguyen has on a Philadelphia Police Airport tee-shirt in the photo.

Officer Hung Nguyen, come on down!  You are the latest addition to the Racist Philly Cops Hall of Fame.

There have been Philly cops who tried converting good cops into racist ones (Corporal Robert Pawlowski), cops dressing in Nazi regalia (Philadelphia police Officer Ian Hans Lichterman), who also had Nazi tattoos who the FOP President thought wasn’t a big deal.  Detective Jimmy Crone who decided it was okay to write a racist note filled with racist connotations, who stated in his letter “you can’t blame a filthy savage for being a filthy savage.”  Kristine Gillespie Amato, with her racist tirade.  And Officer Michael Smerker who knows that all black teenagers automatically get an access card when they turn 18.  (Access card is a state issued card for people receiving public assistance benefits) . And Officer William Thrasher who said the citizens in the 22nd and 23rd are “fucking disgusting” to a student reporter.  Thrasher was fired and won his job back.  Officer Nguyen has to be added to the Philly Police Racist Hall of Fame.

Officer Nguyen was assigned to the Philadelphia Airport.  The Captain of the Airport, James Kimrey, has other problems.  Another Police Officer assigned to the Airport allegedly has been feeling up on female travelers.  That matter is under investigation.

Blackface: Officer Hung Nguyen thinks its okay at the Philadelphia Airport

Meghan Kelly said Blackface was okay.  Officer Hung Nguyen of the Philadelphia Police Department who is assigned to the Philadelphia International Airport agrees.  Not only is Officer Nguyen wearing his blackface, he is eating his fish and grits.

It is well known that racial stereotyping and institutional discrimination is destructive and hurtful.  The blackface caricatures represent this.  The black face caricatures were staples of Minstrelsy.  For those who don’t know, the old Minstrel shows where white men would paint their faces black and mimic their perception of stereotypical Southern slaves and poor blacks.  Think Mammy, Uncle Tom, Little Black Sambo and Jezebel. 

Blackface represents Jim Crow which refers to a large body of law and social custom which served to establish and maintain segregation of the races in the South following the end of Reconstruction and moving into the mid-twentieth century.

It is certain that Officer Nguyen doesn’t know this part of history, or maybe he does.  He can study his own Vietnamese history and find the same racist, stereotypical anti-Vietnamese sentiments here in America.  It was especially high during the Vietnam War.  Historically, China, Korea and Russia discriminated against the Vietnamese.

We don’t need that here in America.  We don’t need it in the Police Department.  Our resident racist Corporal Pawlowski is smarter than this.  Pawlowski sneakily tries to convert new blood to his racist vitriol.

Enough is enough.  America is currently a powder keg.  Nationally, with candidates running for office and attacking minority candidates about their race, not with dog whistles, but with bull horns.  Here in Philadelphia, we have a local case involving a fight between two hot-heads, one happened to be white and the other happened to be black.  One is dead, and one is on trial.  Yet, the issue of race is at the forefront.

Nguyen has to be transferred and disciplined.  He has to suffer the same fate as racist before him.  UPDATE:  A nurse in Missouri was FIRED for wearing Blackface.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the Captain at the Airport, James Kimrey has his hands full, both literally and figuratively with allegations of another Airport cop has been “handsy” with Airport travelers.  More to come on those allegations later.

#MeToo Lt. Richard Frank: Demoted

Lieutenant Richard Frank of the 14th District was demoted to the rank of Sergeant after a PBI (Police Board of Inquiry) hearing.  Lt. Frank was supposed to report to the Delaware Valley Intelligence Center (DVIC) after his misdeed, but was quickly re-assigned after the relative of one of his victims happened to be already detailed there.

Sergeant Frank (formerly Lt. Frank) wasn’t able to concentrate on a conversation that a police officer was having with him.  The Sergeant (former Lieutenant) allegedly told the female police officer that he was unable to concentrate because he couldn’t “stop staring” at her “tits”.

Apparently, Frank believes it is still alright to engage in this type of behavior despite the #MeToo movement.  Despite the litany of lawsuits the Philadelphia Police Department has paid in the last couple of years because of the bad behavior of Chief Inspector Carl Holmes.  Despite the fact that there has bee a reckoning in America that has sprung up overnight.  #MeToo movement.

Time honored the “Silence Breakers” which consists of a group of women who bought down Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein.  The Philadelphia Police Department had their “Silence Breakers” in Officer Christa Hayburn and Detective Michele Vandegrift.

The sitting Judge in Vandegrift’s lawsuit concluded that there is “a well-settled custom of sexual harassment” pervades the police force.   The City paid out millions because of the misconduct of Holmes.

Click to access 17D0024P.pdf

Chief Inspector Carl Holmes was accused of “digitally penetrating” one officer and assaulting an officer in his police car.  Yet Internal Affairs did not sustain the job even after finding semen in his police car.  Holmes claimed the semen was the result of consensual sex with a civilian police employee in the police car.  Even Holmes back-up story is terrible.  When your back-up story is just as vile as the allegation, that’s a HUGE problem.  Yet IAD failed to sustain the allegation against Holmes.  Then-Commissioner Charles Ramsey wasn’t buying it.  While Ramsey did demote Holmes also, he was re-promoted and is currently a Chief Inspector.

NEWSFLASH:  Cops have had it with the embarrassment of bosses behaving badly.  Women have had it with bosses and co-workers who behave badly, who are habitual line crossers and would don’t know, that they don’t know.  People are fed up with the fear of retaliation, of being harassed, blackballed and fired from a job they love.  Enough of this “blue code of silence” and going along to get along.  It’s not okay to stick your finger into holes where they don’t belong.

Sergeant Richard Frank allegedly has new disciplinary action pending.  The new disciplinary action should result in his termination.  When folks start getting fired for their boundary pushing, lusty conversations and lewd and lascivious behavior, along with the loss of their pension (which is what happens when the misconduct happens in the course of employment),  folks will begin to be act in a professional manner and live up to the standards that are expected when one is a member of law enforcement.

 

Michele  Vandegrift

 

 

 

White Police Chief Attacks Black Captain

These headlines are glaring nationwide.  The allegations of Captain Laverne Vann against Police Chief Inspector Anthony Boyle is in the national spotlight.  It is an embarrassment to the City and the Police Department.

In whispers, it is alleged that Vann has been referred to by people in Boyle’s circle as “dumb”.  When it is common knowledge that referring to African-Americans as dumb is, as CNN Don Lemon is quoted “one of the oldest canards of America’s racist past and present:  that black people are of inferior intelligence.”  This is a common theme for female Commanders in the Police Department when their male counterparts want to malign their name.  Vann and several other officers within the Narcotics Bureau had previously filed a lawsuit against Boyle and Inspector Ray Evers.

It is disturbing how easily white male ego can commandeer common sense and believe that white privilege make it acceptable to attack a woman, a fellow police officer, and expect that nothing will come of it.

When Captain Gerard Levins attacked then-Police Officer Theresa Brooks, he was shocked at her response.  Levins never expected to be “hit back” after snatching her cell phone from her hand and putting it in his pocket.  Even the arbitrator in the grievance filed by the FOP, minimized the physical attack upon Brooks by Levins.  The board wrote that they agreed “with the Hearing Examiner that Captain Levins’ act of grabbing Officer Brooks’ cell phone was thoughtless and provocative.”

That incident was a lot more than “thoughtless and provocative.”  That was a battery and a robbery.  Yet the incident was minimized.  The fact that two opinion writers can refer to Levins actions as “thoughtless and provocative”, is compelling evidence that Brooks didn’t matter.  Brooks didn’t matter as a human being.  Brooks didn’t matter as a fellow law enforcement officer.  As is the case when women are attacked by their male counterparts.  It is especially true when it involves women of color.

There was something within Levins which make it acceptable to not only physically assault Brooks, but to do it in front of a lot of other witnesses.  Just as Boyle did to Vann.

Levins resigned/retired after the incident.  Levins also became a victim.  Levins didn’t comprehend the big deal over attacking Brooks, because after all, he felt his “privilege” allowed this behavior.

White Police Officer Shane Darden and Black Police Officer Kimberly Lyons had a physical altercation.  There is never a reason for men to physically attack women.  It is more disturbing when these men have the duty to serve and protect.  Both officers were disciplined.  The fight took place at Olney High School in front of students and staff.  Darden too, felt his “privilege” should have protected him.  After all, he was successfully acquitted in another violent incident.

This fight was an embarrassment to the Police Department.  There is never a legitimate reason for men to hit women over a verbal dispute.  Especially in policing.

Officer Lyons sued and Officer Darden countersued……..alot.  And he sued alot of people.  Mayor John Street, Commissioner Sylvester Johnson, Inspector Donald Thomas, Captain Theresa Levins, Officer Kimberly Lyons and the Guardian Civic League.  Darden was not successful in his litigation.  It’s amazing how Darden became a victim.  His history shows that Darden is anything other than a victim.

Darden was arrested before because of a violent crime.  Darden was acquitted.  Darden was involved in the incident involving the arrest of retired Police Captain Arthur Woody’s grandson.  Darden alleges the arrest was quashed by Inspector Aaron Horne and Captain John McCloskey.   Both Horne and McCloskey received a 30 day suspension.

Woody’s grandson, Rodney Handy successfully sued the Police Department and Officer Darden.   Handy settled with the Police Department.

Boyle wanted to assert his authority and power over Captain Vann.  #MeToo meant nothing to him.  Boyle is part of the elite old boys network where this behavior is tolerated.  The fact that Boyle objectified Vann and humiliated her by allegedly putting her into a control hold in front of an entire group of cops.

Can you imagine watching a Commanding Officer being physically stripped of her power and almost bought to her knees by another Commanding Officer, in front of the prisoner, whom Vann was in the middle of arresting, as well as officers under the command of Vann.

Men aren’t born with an innate lack of respect for women.  It is a learned behavior as is intolerance.  According to many sources, Boyle wasn’t handling the fact that he was being sued by subordinates very well.  Boyle should have been moved before he was given the opportunity to force his will upon Vann.

The #MeToo movement has resulted in the fall of many titans.  There has been the excommunication of once-powerful C.E.O.s, entertainers and politicians.

This incident may be the straw that broke the camels back and ensure that this tall, big man is held accountable for his lack of self-discipline and suffer the consequences of assaulting a woman.  Vann, like Brooks before her, will probably relive this incident over and over again.  While Boyle is still wondering, as Levins did before him, “What is the big deal.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

C/I Anthony Boyle accused of battering Capt. Laverne Vann

It has been reported that Chief Inspector Anthony Boyle allegedly assaulted Captain Laverne Vann.  The incident allegedly occurred over the arrest of a white female.  As of this writing, Vann is en-route to the hospital.

Our headline shows the ridiculous “versus” because it is ridiculous.  Vann was allegedly assaulted by Boyle.  Vann is a woman, Boyle is a man.  Both are police supervisors.  The alleged assault was witnessed by police officers on the scene.  Did any male officers intervene?  Who stopped the assault?  Where did Boyle flee after the battery?  Was there a scene held?

Witnesses said Boyle had his “Irish up” because he has not been pleased about the lawsuit and has been pissed with Vann and another female supervisor, Staff Inspector Debra Frazier.

Vann and three other police officers recently filed a lawsuit against Boyle and Inspector Ray Evers.  The lawsuit alleges retaliation against the officers for refusing to follow illegal orders and discrimination based on race and creating a hostile work environment.

Chief Inspector Boyle allegedly assaulted Vann and physically obstructed her from making the arrest.  This has to be the ultimate form of retaliation.

Boyle who has 42 years with the Philadelphia Police Department and retired with 35 years of service with the United States Air Force, should know better.  Boyle’s most recent dereliction of duty may be the climax in an increasingly hostile environment.

As a Chief, we hold our superior officers, actually, to a higher standard of accountability and self-discipline.  If it is proven Boyle assaulted Captain Vann, he should be criminally charged.

Policing, like the military are old institutions and the more things change the more they stay the same.  The fact is that this abhorrent behavior cannot be tolerated.  Especially in this #MeToo movement environment.  Enough is enough.

Americans are more divided than ever, gridlocked over social issues, race and gender.  Many people are anxious about how divided the country is and cops worry about its impact on policing.  When it becomes acceptable for a man, who happens to be a white man, to commit an unlawful touching (battery) on a woman, who happens to be a black woman, the issue grows exponentially.

This illuminates the fact that Captain Jerry Levins got away with physically assaulting then Police Officer Theresa Brooks.  The charges against him miraculously disappeared.  Sure, he was forced to retire, but he suffered no real consequence.  Meanwhile, Corporal Brooks has to live with the memory and reality that she was assaulted by a man, who suffered no punishment.

This should not be allowed to occur again with Captain Vann.  There should be an independent investigation of the altercation.  And truth be told, with 42 years with the department, Boyle is working for free at this point in his career.  Even if he does “retire” with 100% of his current salary, he must be held accountable for his lack of self-discipline and criminal conduct.

Boyle showed poor judgment and a lack of leadership skills when he decided that it appropriate to physically touch Vann in any manner.  The larger issue is that he did so, like Captain Levins, because they lack respect and tend to objectify women (or people) of color.

Can you imagine the outrage if Deputy Commissioner Myron Patterson physically assaulted a female officer, much less a white female officer.  The FOP would be calling for the guillotine.

We’re certain the Guardian Civic League will get involved in this one.  The question becomes, where will the Fraternal Order of Police and John McNesby stand on this one?  This case is another argument why the union for various ranks should be separate as they are in New York.

Let’s see what Larry Krasners’ office does with this one.

Double Standards: Inspector Ray Evers

Infamous Philadelphia Police Inspector Raymond Evers has received disciplinary action for violating 1.11 and 1.12 of the Philadelphia Police Disciplinary Code during the Internal Affairs investigation of a narcotics arrest.  The discipline is allegedly the result of an investigation of the “Pot Party” raid.   Evers isn’t alone to receive 75-18’s.

Also being disciplined is Lieutenant Anthony Burton, currently cooling his heals in the DVIC (the place where crazy, crippled, corrupt or pregnant cops are assigned) for forging a fake doctors note so that he could cheat on a promotional exam.

Captain Laverne Vann and several other officers are being disciplined as well.  Vann and Burton, along with Staff Inspector Debra Frazier has a pending lawsuit against the City and Evers.  The lawsuit alleges a double standard for black cops in the Narcotics Unit.

There may be a modicum of truth because there are a slew of black cops and supervisors who were assigned to Narcotics who have been benched because of theft allegations currently assigned to the DVIC after being yanked from Narcotics.

However; some of these cops are on film.  Therefore; if they are on film stealing, such as allegedly Sergeant Michael Kennedy and Sergeant Wali Shabazz, that isn’t a double standard, its simply thieves getting caught, who happen to be black.

Sergeant Kennedy’s former partner, former Police Sergeant Bryan McGraw, with whom Kennedy was charged with over 1,000 misdemeanors and acquitted.  In that case, Kennedy and McGraw were accused forging an insurance policy in an worker compensation claim.  They were both acquitted at trial.

Ex-Sergeant Bryan McGraw was convicted again, after serving 3 years in state prison, of harassing another police officer in May of this year.  McGraw will serve an additional 2 years and is scheduled to report to prison in October for that conviction.

The double standard is why Ray Evers isn’t also benched with the rest because of his 1.11 and 1.12 allegations.  You see in the Philadelphia Police culture, it is commonly understood that if you are found guilty of 1.11 and 1.12, the common punishment is dismissal.  Dismissal is the natural consequence because you can’t effectively do your job if you lie and provide false information.

Evers has a colorful past, including being accused of rape when “a 22-year-old Evers and several other men had a “gang-bang” with a 19-year-old woman on a pool table at the Temple University Alpha Phi Delta frat house.”  Evers and another frat member, Michael Derita were arrested.   The DA’s office later dropped charged but the DA was quoted as saying the victim didn’t lie.  The victim has reportedly since committed suicide.

Evers was involved in a drunken brawl in Avalon, New Jersey, where cops there claims Evers was looking for preferential treatment after getting his ass whipped after engaging patrons in the bar in a fight.  The bouncer broke the fight up and Evers whined he had injuries.  Not satisfied with the fighters being told to go home, Evers tried to assert the “brotherhood” argument to having the bouncer charged with a felony.  Cops refused.

Patrons asserted Evers was shooting his drunken mouth off and got beat up.  Cops say video surveillance didn’t corroborate Evers version of the events.

Unlike Staff Inspector Joseph Bologna, who received his promotion not based on a civil service test, but on a “meritorious” basis, Evers past transgressions did not prevent him from attending the FBI National Academy as a Police Commander.   The FBI didn’t want old Bologna on the grounds of the FBI and therefore turned him down.  Evers passed the muster even with his notorious background.  Clearly the FBI know more about Bologna than the Police Department does.

Evers seems to have credibility issues.  This is why it will be curious as to what discipline Evers will receive for violation of the disciplinary code, 1.11 and 1.12.  These are violations that are lying in an official police investigation and providing false information.

Lieutenant Anthony Burton, who also have significant credibility issues, including submitting a phony doctors note in an effort to cheat on a Civil Service promotional exam, and have been accused on multiple occasions of being a thief, may not fare much better in his lawsuit or his disciplinary action.

The irony here is that in the lawsuit that Burton, Vann, Frazier, and Police Officer Shamal Bryant and the Guardian Civic League initiated against the City and Evers alleges that there is a double standard for African American cops in the unit “and that white officers in charge have systematically worked to exclude and deny African Americans from achieving upward mobility and rising up the ranks.”  Here is where Evers would be innocent concerning Burton.

Ray Evers did not create a phony doctors note in an effort to cheat on a civil service promotional test, thereby impacting Tony Burton’s upward mobility in the Police Department.  Burton lied, committed the crimes of forgery and fraud and submitted false documents in his official position as a Police Lieutenant.  And Burton (kettle) can’t blame the Evers (pot) for that.  Burton has committed acts which provides compelling evidence that he is a liar, a fraudster and possibly a thief.

The latest disciplinary action that he received along with Ray Evers is simply a long list of infractions that show Burton has little regard for his position as a Philadelphia Police Lieutenant.

In any event, the double standards lies with both Inspector Raymond Evers, in which 1.11 and 1.12 usually results in a dismissal, and Lieutenant Anthony Burton, whose latest disciplinary action on top of his prior list of offenses, should result in dismissal as well.  Neither of them have a shred of credibility between them.

It’s also curious why Evers isn’t a resident at the DVIC which have an unusually high number of previously assigned Narcotics cops and supervisors.  Lieutenant Charles Jackson, the illustrious aforementioned Lieutenant Anthony Burton, Sergeant Michael Kennedy,  District Sergeant for NETS, Wali Shabazz and as of late, Police Officer Maurice Smith, from Narcotics Strike Force, who was scooped up by IMPACT (an arm of Internal Affairs who investigate criminality within the Police Department) recently.

Evers should join his comrades since he is accused of lying during an official investigation and providing false information during an official investigation.  At least Evers has been benched, but not in the DVIC with his co-defendants, or in the other unit  known as Black List row, where Staff Inspector Larry Nodiff is currently assigned, after getting unceremoniously booted from Internal Affairs.  Evers has been assigned to CIB, Command Inspections Bureau or Night Command.

However; being in Night Command still allows Evers free reign over the citizens of Philadelphia.  Night Command is considered punishment for some Commanders, but it isn’t desk duty.

Because of these facts, and because Evers hasn’t been totally benched (off the streets),  we assign Evers the Double Standards mantra.  In that vein, at least that portion of the lawsuit against Evers is correct.  There is a double standard.

 

 

 

Philly PPD Ex-Sergeant Goes Back To Jail

Bryan McGraw, a former Sergeant in the Philadelphia Police Department, was sentenced to 2 years in prison after pleading guilty to sending hundreds of threatening text messages to his ex-girlfriend earlier this week in federal court.  The ex-girlfriend, former Philadelphia Police Sergeant, current Missouri City, Texas Police Lieutenant, Geneane Merritt of McGraw, is at the middle of his latest crime spree.

Merritt, who was a controversial figure in the Missouri City Police Department after then, Missouri City, Texas Police Chief Joel Fitzgerald hired to the rank of Captain, then requested and received a demotion to the rank of Lieutenant, after an incident in which she was accused of misusing funeral time and a city vehicle.  There is a subsequent lawsuit against current Fort Worth Police Chief Fitzgerald regarding the controversial appointment in Missouri City by a Police Officer who did not get the rank of Captain.

McGraw, who was acquitted of 1,086 felony counts and 1,086 misdemeanor counts of insurance fraud, along with current Philadelphia Police Sergeant Michael Kennedy (currently on desk duty after being caught on a Nanny Cam apparently stealing money while serving a warrant) was fired again after a love triangle involving the same woman.

That case involved then Sergeant Geneane Merritt, then of the Philadelphia Police Department and another Philadelphia Police Officer Darryl Braxton.  McGraw was convicted in 2008 and served three years in state prison for Aggravated Assault, Discharge of Firearms into an Occupied Structure and a litany of other offenses after McGraw told an elaborate tale about his romantic rival attempting to shoot him outside the residence of Geneane Merritt.

When McGraw was released from prison in 2014, he began to text threatening messages to the Missouri City, Texas police officer who is currently the alleged boyfriend of Merritt.

Federal prosecutors alleged that McGraw, using a phone disguising app called MaskMyNumber and Mathrawk, to threaten and intimidate the new boyfriend of Merritt.  In one of the text, he challenges his victim by asking if his child being fatherless “was worth the p***y.”  One has to wonder if it was worth it for McGraw.

McGraw pleaded guilty on May 9, 2018.  After pleading guilty, McGraw will surrender himself in October to begin serving his two year prison sentence.

Merritt is picture below 2nd from the left.