Rikke Van Johnson will not get 9-11 tapes
6th Ward Councilman Rikke Van Johnson caused a stir when he demanded the 9-11 tapes of a police response to a West side neighborhood ...
On Wednesday, Chief Michael Billdt, after conferring with City Attorney James F. Penman, concluded that Johnson nor any other civilian could have or review the tapes because it is a matter under police investigation.
Even after the investigation, which Penman said was internal affairs, is concluded, state law provides the department the option of never releasing the tapes, Penman said.
The incident occurred at the Dorjil housing projects on the West side while residents held a street side vigil for a young father who was slain the day before. On Aug. 20, dozens of residents, including the dead man's mother, came to a city council meeting and lambasted police for alleged brutality. Chief Michael Billdt said an investigation would be conducted, and Mayor Pat Morris personally consoled the grieving mother at meeting's end.
"These altercations with law enforcement must stop. I am personally investigating this matter to ensure that the full letter of the law was followed and innocent residents of the 6th Ward were not hurt", said Johnson in his press release.
Billdt said he could not provide a timeline on the investigation because it was a confidential personnel matter.
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Andrew Edwards. E-mail Andrew here.
just testing.
Somebody needs to question a legal system that leaves police almost totally shielded from oversight. we all know those cops put a beat down on a bunch of people and kids out there that day. no wonder they dont want to turn over any tapes.
Where was Rikke when the young man was slain? Was he organizing the neighborhood to stand up against gang violence? Was he making speeches asking for the violence to stop? Nope, guess he was sitting down thinking how best could he play to the prejudices of his electorate and use this senseless act of violence to his political advantage. Rikke knows nothing goes over better than taking on the establishment. So he goes after the police. Shame on you Rikke!!!!