Posted by Pee'd Off Too, but on 11/7/2009, 1:13 am, in reply to "Re: Reggie's Message"
I agree with the heinousness of the Police Memorial Fund theft, however, trying to apply some of degree of severity is disingenuous. "At least Bobby stole from criminals," please! The alleged perpetrator in the Memorial Fund theft has not at this point been convicted of a crime, therefore, until guilt is established there is an assumption of innocence. Now, I'm not naive, all evidence thus far points towards his guilt. Bobby on the other hand has plead guilty and I assume he will address the court.
The alleged perpetrator in the Memorial Fund theft did not take an oath to serve and protect, Bobby did. Bobby violated the public trust and the very moral sanctity of our profession. For that alone he will be held to a higher standard and in Judge Webber's court, that you can be sure of.
The Memorial Fund theft was in fact publicized and is another in a long list of embarrassments our organization will have to endure.
As for Bobby's sentencing hearing, no one was told not to attend, only not to on duty, in uniform or wearing identification thereof. Absolutely, the organization should discourage this sort of show of support. The message will be received unfavorable not only by the general public, but by the courts and law enforcement in general.
Lastly, Bobby's wife did not send an invitation to "friends", she sent an invitation, by way of Department media, to a group of POLICE OFFICERS who happen to be friends. We can never separate our individuality from our profession,both are interchangeable.
When we stand in support as a group we stand as police officers. You will never be able to convince the general public otherwise.
I say continue to stand in solidarity for officers who have been accused like we have in the past, but not for those who by their own admission violated the sanctity of our beloved profession.
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