Double Standards: Captain Drew Techner

Philadelphia Police Captain Drew Techner was yanked off the streets and assigned to the Auto Pound because of an allegation involving a family matter.  It is not uncommon for various family members to make allegations against their relatives that may not be true.

However; recent information received indicates that Techner may have bigger problems and could be arrested.  The issues he had with DHS concerning his minor daughter could happen to anyone who has an out of control teenager.  Any relative or child can make up a lie and get an investigation started.   However; rumor has it that during the investigation, something more sinister showed up.

Rumor has it that a search warrant was obtained for Techners’ cell phone and photos containing what is described as extremely disturbing involving a toddler was discovered on his cell phone.  If this is true, Techner has a problem.

This is especially disconcerting considering Techner is also a military veteran as well as a Police Officer.  Techner allegedly hasn’t been back to work since he was detailed to the Auto Pound and tried to throw his weight around.  This is the same Captain that was bounced from the 18th District for his reckless tirade.  

Techner was quickly reminded he was under investigation and while he would be treated with the respect the rank deserves, he was under investigation for a serious crime.

Stay tuned.

 

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

#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.

 

 

 

PPD Payout $1.2M for Chief Sexpector Carl Holmes

After fighting a former Philadelphia Police Detective, Michele Vandergrift tooth and nail, the City of Philadelphia settled a Vandergrift-Settlement-Agreement case against the Police Department and Chief Inspector Carl Holmes for $1,250,000.

Holmes has been accused of being a serial sexual predator and a number of women came forward to make complaints.  Vandergrift alleged she was sexually assaulted by Chief Inspector Holmes and experienced a hostile work environment by other officers.

Vandegrift further alleged in the complaint that Holmes “wanted to know how wet she was” and that he inserted his finger into her vagina.  The complaint also alleges that he pulled his hand out, tasted his finger, and remarked “it tasted good”.  This allegedly happened in his office while they were both working.  The complaint then goes on to name 24th District officers and Southwest Detectives, both places where Vandegrift worked, who engaged in highly inappropriate, and in some cases, criminal sexual behavior.

The complaint is a salacious and disgusting account of what became a nightmare for Michele Vandegrift.  Read Complaint Here

Holmes has been accused of misconduct on numerous occasions.  Former Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey demoted him in 2008 after Holmes admitted he had consensual sex in a police vehicle.  The problem in that case was another officer claimed that Holmes attempted to rape her in the car. As a result of the investigation into this complaint, Holmes city car was impounded and forensic evidence found “seminal stains containing spermatozoa”.   The departments’ Internal Affairs Department made no attempt to locate or even name this “civilian” employee, to ensure her safety, or that “consensual” sex even took place.

Another Philadelphia Police Officer, Christina Hayburn, alleged that Holmes sexually assaulted her in 2006.  The suit states that in Holmes chased Hayburn as she was trying to leave a bar, pulled her into his vehicle and “began kissing her “really hard” as he touched her breasts and put his hands on the outside of her pants toward her genitals.”  It should be noted that Carl Holmes is a 6-foot-6, 280-pound former offensive tackle for Temple University.  One can easily see how this imposing figure would have no problem overpowering a woman.  Account of Officer Hayburn’s incident here.

The suit further alleges that during this encounter, Holmes “digitally penetrated her vagina, after which he pulled out his penis and placed Officer Hayburn’s hand on top of it”.  Hayburn stated she said “No”, after he attempted to have intercourse and oral sex, but that Holmes “eventually ejaculated”

Holmes was never charged with a crime, despite the allegations that he “digitally penetrated” one of his victims.  In fact, the case was allegedly never turned over to the District Attorney’s Office for charges by Internal Affairs.

Vandegrift has agreed to resign from the Department as part of the settlement and will not work for other law enforcement agencies in the City.  The City will not provide any negative references for future employers about Vandegrift.

The monetary award according to the settlement will be $750,000 paid directly to Vandegrift in back pay and $500,000 will go to her attorneys.

Chief Inspector Carl Holmes is currently assigned to the Regional Operations Command-North.  A position in which he can still carry on his lecherous behavior upon other officers.  A highly visible position as opposed to a small hole in a corner office where men who behave badly, but taxpayers are stuck with, should be assigned.

This problem is systemic when there is a power structure where perverts are in charge and women are their prey.  As we have seen with the recent resignations of Al Franken (D) of Minnesota, Rep. Trent Franks(R) of Arizona and Rep. John Conyers (D) of Michigan.  Not to mention the avalanche that began with Harvey Weinstein, Head Hollywood Pervert.

Carl Holmes should be held accountable for his actions.  Sex scandals have bought down greater men than Carl Holmes.  This forum has written about many other bad actors within the department which also resulted in payouts.  Those Commanders are currently in positions where they too are allowed to interact with possible future victims.

Policy changes have allegedly occurred as a result of the large payout.

Cristina Hayburn and Michele Vandegrift are silence breakers.  Silence breakers (or whistleblowers) were honored as Person of the Year for Time Magazine.

Pictured Below Time Person of The Year, Michele Vandegrift and Christina Hayburn.

 

 

Toxic Culture of Sexual Predators In PPD

America is waking up.  There is a toxic culture of sexual harassment that is pervasive in many arenas of various workplaces.  Harvey Weinstein, a powerful American film producer and former film studio executive.  He was fired by his own company after accusations by multiple women of sexual harassment and sexual assault.  The New Yorker broke the story, and the floodgates were open.

A few days later, disgraced cable news channel Fox host Bill O’Reilly, who had been fired for sexual harassment of many women it was discovered that even after Fox News knew of a $32 million dollar settlement to a fellow Fox employee, former legal analyst, Lis Wiehl, Fox renewed a $25 million dollar contract with O’Reilly.    This astounding payment was even more exorbitant than the payout to former Fox anchor Gretchen Carlson, who sued former Fox Chief, Roger Ailes for sexual harassment.

It’s obvious that there is a problem in the culture of our work environments.

The Philadelphia Police Department is not exempt.  There have been many accusations and payouts over the years of sexual predators who don a badge and a gun.  In one instance, as previously reported here, Chief Inspector Carl Holmes was accused of “digitally penetrating” the vagina of a female officer.  The problem here is the person in Internal Affairs who is responsible to send this type of sexual assault to the District Attorney’s Office for prosecution, failed to do so.

In an explosive complaint of Philadelphia Police Officer Michele Vandegrift vs. City of Philadelphia, Officer Vandegrift alleges that Chief Inspector Carl Holmes sexually assaulted her in 2007.  And this isn’t the first time at the rodeo for Holmes.

Another police officer, Christina Hayburn, alleged that Holmes sexually assaulted her in 2006.  The suit states that in Holmes chased Hayburn as she was trying to leave a bar, pulled her into his vehicle and “began kissing her “really hard” as he touched her breasts and put his hands on the outside of her pants toward her genitals.”  It should be noted that Carl Holmes is a 6-foot-6, 280-pound former offensive tackle for Temple University.  One can easily see how this imposing figure would have no problem overpowering a woman.  Account of Officer Hayburn’s incident here.

The suit further alleges that during this encounter, Holmes “digitally penetrated her vagina, after which he pulled out his penis and placed Officer Hayburn’s hand on top of it”.  Hayburn stated she said “No”, after he attempted to have intercourse and oral sex, but that Holmes “eventually ejaculated”

As a result of the investigation into this complaint, Holmes city car was impounded and forensic evidence found “seminal stains containing spermatozoa”.  Holmes denied the allegation and claimed he had sexual relations with a female civilian in the city car twice, which is why there was semen in the car.  The investigators did not ask for the name of the civilian employee, or for her description and Holmes did not provide it.

Holmes has denied any wrong-doing involving Vandegrift.  But he did admit to having sex in his tax-payer funded vehicle with a civilian city employee.  Conveniently, there was no further investigation of that civilian.  Therefore; the police department doesn’t know if that civilian was a victim of a crime, or a willing participant because they only had the side of Holmes.

Vandegrift further alleges in the complaint that Holmes “wanted to know how wet she was” and that he inserted his finger into her vagina.  The complaint also alleges that he pulled his hand out, tasted his finger, and remarked “it tasted good”.  This allegedly happened in his office while they were both working.  The complaint then goes on to name 24th District officers and Southwest Detectives, both places where Vandegrift worked, who engaged in highly inappropriate, and in some cases, criminal sexual behavior.

The complaint is a salacious and disgusting account of what became a nightmare for Michele Vandegrift.  Read Complaint Here

Ironically, also in a deposition regarding the suit, Chief Inspector Christopher Flacco admitted that he authorized disciplinary action against Vandegrift as a result of something she had written on Facebook, because another officer had been  disciplined for a Facebook message because of her complaint.

And Officer Vandegrift named names in her lawsuit.  There was a litany of allegations against numerous 24th District Officers and Southwest Detective personnel of various ranks.  From Inspector Anthony Washington, to Lieutenant Anthony LaSalle to Detective James Priadka and countless other police personnel who made lewd comments and at least one who “slapped her on the backside.”   The details are lascivious.

In a deposition involving former Philadelphia Police Officer Keisha Johnson against the City involving Staff Inspector Jerrold Bates, (or Master Bates as he is now called), Bates admits to having a orgy with Officer Johnson, another Police Captain, Nicholas Brown and a friend of Officer Johnson.

Bates was Officer Johnson‘s boss at the time.  Bates also admits that he saw pictures of Johnson with another employee, Corporal Gail Newsome Middleton, in which he shared with Captain Brown. In her lawsuit, Johnson alleges “Plaintiff  (Johnson) also sent Bates numerous cell phone pictures of herself, at his request, so he could masturbate when he was home. (Id. at 69:12-75:11.) Bates also talked about having Plaintiff go to a hotel with him, which she refused, and he solicited her to have group sex with Corporal Newsome-Middleton and Sergeant Williams, which also did not occur. (Id. at 75:8-77:4.) See deposition here:  bates-deposition-v-city-doc42-5-bates-depo.  Officer Keisha Johnson Lawsuit here: Keisha Johnson vs. Jerrold Bates, ETAL

There are going to be people in Internal Affairs, as some did in depositions, who will claim to remember how Officer  Keisha Johnson and Corporal Newsome-Middleton, dressed like whores.  If this is factual, once again, the supervisors in Internal Affairs who allowed this behavior to exist is part of the problem.  The problem is systemic and persuasive in policing.  No matter how Officer Johnson and Corporal Newsome-Middleton dressed, it isn’t an open invitation for predators to pressure and harass their way into sexual relationships with unwilling participants.

If orgies and menage a trois’ can go on involving the then, Staff Inspector Jerrold Bates, who was in charge of the EEO unit, and his Captain buddy with subordinates, while assigned to Internal Affairs, where does it stop?

This goes beyond the old adage of “boys being boys”.  Alot of this behavior is criminal.  When the victims cannot rely on the head of policing agencies to protect them, what can the citizens, whom they are sworn to protect expect?

Even after all of these shenanigans and in the instance of Carl Holmes an alleged sexual assault, (Holmes admitted to having sex in his city-issued police vehicle with a police civilian employee whom Internal Affairs never asked about, nor attempted to reach out to this woman to see if the incident was consensual), is still in positions (pun intended) to interact with women police officers.

Inspector Anthony Washington has also been accused of sexual harassment by multiple women.  Washington too, is in a position to interact with women police officers.

In the recent weeks, a female Sergeant by the name of Amina Brown-Minor , who was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, was put in the 5th District.  One of the four (4) districts in which Washington oversees.  Inspector Washington allegedly orders the 5th District Captain to remove a seasoned male Lieutenant from the prestigious five (5) squad position, and place the newly promoted Sergeant in this position.  Of course, it was the request heard around the police department.

An astute Captain, allegedly complained of the order to none other than Chief Inspector Carl Holmes, who reversed Inspector Washington’s order and took the newly promoted Sergeant out of that assignment.  Perhaps Holmes was trying to save Washington from himself.  Or perhaps he’s learned from his own predator accusations.

A male officer, John Massi, also filed a complaint involving sexual misconduct by Inspector Anthony Washington.

On June 21, 2011, Officer Jamie Miles filed a lawsuit against the city and four of her her superiors over alleged sex discrimination, retaliation, and a hostile work environment.[252][253] Miles received $62,500 to settle her suit.  In 2011, two federal sexual harassment lawsuits filed by police officers against then Captain Anthony Washington were settled for $75,000.

Commissioner Ramsey did demote Holmes and was passing over Washington at one time or another for promotions.  However; Ramsey still installed Holmes as Chief in the Philadelphia School District, which raised alot of eyebrows.

In light of the current #MeToo environment, it’s time to protect the women and men in the Police Department.  It’s time to put Washington and Holmes in positions (pun intended) in the department where they can cause the least harm.  There are predator in all sections of life and in all business environments.  The predator is much more troubling, which he has the power to command women along with a gun and a badge.

 

Racial Hostility in PPD Narcotics; Lawyer Claims

Attorney Brian R. Mildenberg has been retained by the Guardian Civic League to represent a group of black cops who are alleging there is a “racially hostile work environment in the Narcotics Unit”.

In a press conference held at the Guardian Civic League, a civic organization that represents many black officers, alleges they have hired Mildenberg to initiate a legal complaint against what they describe as a divisive and racially hostile culture within the Narcotics Division.  A laundry list of complaints including a Corporal having a confederate flag on his personal vehicle in the parking lot.

Chief Inspector Tony Boyle

Specifically named, is Chief Inspector Anthony Boyle and Inspector Raymond Evers, who they claimed have condoned overtly racist acts and officer misconduct by ignoring them. Specifically named who is aggrieved is Staff Inspector Debra Frazier, who also sued Chief Inspector Blackburn for sexual harassment a few years back.

Inspector Raymond Evers was accused of rape by a Temple student and the DA declined to press charges, not because the DA didn’t believe her, according to reports at the time.  Evers allegedly got shit-faced and acted out in a bar in Avalon and gave the Avalon cops a hard time.  Evers allegedly kept saying “you don’t know who you guys are messing with”.  Evers then got into a fight and came out on the losing side of the drunken bar brawl in Avalon.

According to the Philly magazine Evers have disturbing background.  They reported  “The history dates back to 1991, 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.

Afterward, she alleged it was a gang rape, and Evers and one other man, Michael Derita, were arrested and charged. (Both men viewed what happened as consensual.) The prosecutor on the case, Dianne Granlund, believed the woman’s claims but decided not to bring the case to trial. The charges were dropped. Granlund explained why she and her boss, D.A. Lynn Abraham, chose not to proceed: “No, she didn’t lie. She didn’t have enough evidence to give us,” she told reporters at one point.  Below find the transcript from Inspector Ever’s appearance on the Wally Kennedy morning show at the time:

The show’s host, Wally Kennedy, asked: “Did you do anything immoral?”
“I believe we did,” Derita said.
“Yes,” said Evers. “If you go back to the Bible, I guess we ate the apple.”
…
At one point, the TV show’s host, Kennedy, asked: “What kind of man participates in what fraternities call a gang-bang? ”
Evers: “Why don’t we turn the question around? What kind of woman? ”
Kennedy: “No, what kind of man takes part in this kind of thing? ”
Derita: “I would say a man who is using very poor judgment.”
Evers: “It wasn’t a planned thing. It was very spontaneous. And I just want to throw the ball back in your court. What kind of woman? “

Many questioned the fitness of Evers to have any high-profile job in the department.  The accuser of Ever has since committed suicide according to sources.

The ranking supervisors who are responsible for overseeing the unit is accused of encouraging the racial divide through inaction.  The Corporal who proudly flew the confederate flag on his vehicle is allegedly Corporal Gerard Mertz.  The Corporal also reportedly flew one on his desk.

Now in all fairness, Corporal Mertz have been flying that flag for a long time in Narcotics, BEFORE Tony Boyle and Ray Evers got there.  Since Debra Frazier was a Captain and she did nothing about it either.

Other black supervisors, then Lt. Laverne Vann, Sgt. Tony Prince or then Sgt. Anthony Burton also reportedly saw the flag and did nothing either.  Now it’s a problem because Boyle and Evers are there.  It can be easily proven that flag has been proudly waving for years.  Rumor has it that he’s such a confederate flag lover, he wears one under his bike helmet.  And has for years.

The President of the Guardian Civic League is demanding the removal of Boyle and Evers from the Unit.

William Blackburn (retired)