Lt. Scott Paterson speaks
I called Lt. Paterson, the department spokesman, today to get some things straight.
Paterson was in a solemn mood, saying he was busy helping some of the nonsworn personnel who are losing their jobs at the department due to budget cuts.
Following up on information I have received, I said: "Scott, why has Sgt. Steve Lowes been placed on administrative leave?"
Paterson: "I can't confirm or deny that he's on leave, it's a personnel matter."
I talked to Lowes minutes later. He said he's on leave.
Then I brought up something else. I spent all morning interviewing Michael Allen at his house. Allen is a former parks and recreation and Operation Phoenix staffer. He said he was fired in mid-July for appearing in photographs taken by Center manager Mike Miller that depict Allen, Tyrone Traylor and a female friend in nude and sexually compromising positions. The photos were taken at the Hernandez center. Allen's honesty isn't driving this story, since I already knew everything he told me.
What I didn't know was this: Although the photos were on the arrested Miller's camera, police had not contacted or interviewed him until last week. During last week's interrogation, Allen said, he provided detectives proof that the woman was over 18.
So, I asked Scott Paterson, why did it take so long to ask Allen some questions about why he was appearing with a nude female who may or may not be underage?
Paterson: "I wouldn't comment on that, the Miller investigation is ongoing."
After a pause, he elaborated: "The miller investigation is progressing, we're looking into every aspect we were made aware of. It's going to be a thorough and very complete investigation. It's important to get it done correctly and thoroughly rather than getting it done fast."
Then, Paterson launched into a somewhat passionate (for those who know Paterson, he is typically a pretty placid guy) defense of Chief Michael Billdt. He told me he wanted it in bold, underlined type. We'll settle for bold.
Paterson: "The chief is a good person. He will take care of things. By law he is precluded from just handing out information, but this chief will make sure things are done thoroughly, accurately, and if anythng is in violation of the law he will act accordingly.
I know for a fact that this chief will get to the bottom of things. He's an honorable man and honest man and will handle things within the law and within policy and he'll deal with them. Business is business; he won't tolerate any kind of unlawful actions.
I've seen things that have gone on here 28 years, he's even disciplined me, and I'm his friend. Business is business and friendship is friendship and he doesn't mix the two.
He will make sure what is right is done, according to the law and policy.
All the rest of these pople who are throwing stones in the dark are cowards. Let the department take care of what it needs to get done."
With that, Paterson was done.
With that, we were done. Paterson slunk back into his solemn mood. He said he has been working to secure new employment for some of the nonsworn personnel.
"I've got to go down and see someone who just lost their job."
Comments
Was there any employees at OP that actually kept their clothes on at work? Good Lord.
Like I have said before, the litmus test is to have the Mayors grandchildren attend the centers.....then we can trust that they our safe for our children.
Posted by: Shelby Harrison | August 14, 2008 6:32 PM
Who are these "cowards" Lt. Scott Paterson disparages with his unprofessional remarks?
I assume he is speaking of other police offices in the San Bernardino Police Department. It is very disappointing to see a high ranking officer attack others and resort to name calling and innuendo to besmirch and blemish reputations in a bid to appease Chief Billdt.
What is it about this line of questioning by Rogers that caused Lt. Paterson to get so worked up?
Is it because Lt. Paterson is overseeing the Operation Phoenix molestation scandal investigation? Perhaps, Lt. Paterson is interested in being promoted to Captain in the very near future.
Who are these cowards? Surely, Paterson would never look in the mirror and view himself a coward so it should be rather easy for him to step up and put some names to his denigrations.
Obviously, Paterson isn't talking about those brave souls who in the name of self-preservation sit on their hands and zip their mouths, rather than shine the light on the wrongs within the department.
Perhaps, Paterson is referring to those officers who would rather stand up and do their best to right the ship and root out unsavory practices which give the hard working men and women of the San Bernardino Police Department a bad name. Perhaps, Paterson is referring to those "cowards" who have the audacity to question the current leadership of this department.
Who knows as to who Paterson is referring. Maybe, after he is done playing counselor and psychologist to the newly unemployed nonsworn personnel the great chief threw under the bus during budget negotiations, Paterson will elaborate.
Posted by: Joseph Turner | August 14, 2008 6:37 PM
It sounds like Operation Phoenix was more a playground for adults than it was a center for children.
Explain to me why these centers are open and being paid for with my hard earned tax paying dollar! I am angry, and I want answers!
Posted by: Leticia Perez-Martinez | August 14, 2008 6:38 PM
I read the comments by Lt Scott Paterson regarding Chief Billdt and felt compelled to respond. My name is Sergeant Mike Desrochers and I have been with the San Bernardino Police Department for the past 25 years. I too want to defend an honorable, courageous and loyal man named Sergeant Steve Lowes. Steve and I went to the academy together in 1984 and since that time he has been a dedicated servant to the citizens of this city. He is a great friend and loyal employee who believes in upholding the law and treating people fairly. It is no wonder Lt Paterson didnt elaborate on why Sergeant Lowes was placed on administrative leave since no one has told Steve. The fight Steve and I have had with this administration and Chief Billdt for the past 2 1/2 will be handled in court and I am confident we will prevail. I am responding today because I took exception with Lt. Paterson' quote that said, "All these guys who are throwing stones in the dark are cowards". I am not sure exactly who Paterson is referring to but I am confident that quote is direction in the direction of Steve and I. Just so there is no question who I am referring to I will make it very clear. Those who stand by and allow anyone to make personal attacks on a dedicated loyal employee like Steve Lowes are clearly the COWARDS. I hope that is bold enough for everyone to see. Those people know who they are. Steve Lowes is being attacked for no reason other than because he filed a grievance. Enough is enough. I have been contacted by senior management and even council members who tell me "it will be better in 8 months when this chief is gone". These leaders know that this attack on Steve is clearly retaliation however they sit in dark corners and refuse to do the right. The public deserves better and so do the officers of this department. Lt. Paterson was quoted saying, "He wont tolerate any kind of unlawful action" as he spoke of Chief Billdt. Make it very clear that Steve and I will make sure to hold anyone accountable for unlawful actions no matter what chair they sit in at this organization. Lt. Paterson, you do not know all the facts of our case but you do know Steve Lowes and shame on you for not standing up. These personal attacks are also attacks on the families of these dedicated officers and they need to stop. Lt Paterson said, as he spoke about Chief Billdt that " business is business and friendship is friendship and he doesn't mix the two". Scott you're not fooling anyone but yourself.
Posted by: Sergeant Michael Desrochers | August 14, 2008 6:40 PM
Lt. Patterson needs a reality check. No time in the history of SBPD has one chief had so many lawsuits filed against him personally by police officers and police managers. Mayor Morris needs to wake up and realize that Chief Billdt is a slow moving cancer destroying SBPD and it will eventually be felt by the citizens of San Bernardino. Glad I live in redlands, where Billdt is only a resident and cannot impact our quality of life or destroy our police department
Posted by: John in Redlands | August 14, 2008 9:01 PM
To John In Redlands,
It seems that your Police chief is not so innocent either.
Remember the big investigation into Redlands police dept. about 1.5 yrs ago?I believe the investigation found that there was a 40% higher rate of police officers on workers compensation than the state average.I also believe that "The Buck Stops at the Chief at that station too", with no internal review.
It is believed that instead of disciplining the officers for misconduct...they are put on Workers Compensation and retired.The city Manager of Redlands also left his position when the allegations were made.All the Chief ( of Redlands ) cared about was HIS pension.He didn't care that serious misconduct was going on in his station.Redlands is broke now because they are paying such high Workers comp. claims and cops Retirement pensions.I believe thats called FRAUD.Oh, but lets not forget....the chief has his plane, not helicopter, plane for crime fighting....What a joke!
We could also talk about sheriff Penrod....remember, he was running guns out of his station.Another fine manger in the IE.
The list can go on and on.
It seems that NONE of these police chiefs in the IE are above board.It seems NONE of them are held accountable.
Wheres the DA...doesn't he prosecute crimes? Oh, its San Bernardino where the poor go to jail and the corrupt get raises and promotions.
I looked up sgt Steve Lowes online, it appears he is the sgt of the S.M.A.S.H. Team.....is this team above board? Why is he on leave?
When is the FBI going to step in and clean-up this mess....in all these police stations?
When is the FBI going to deal with Operation Phoenix and that fiasco.
Maybe us on this blog need to inform the FBI what the hell is going on in this city so they can come and clean house.
I wouldn't trust an internal investigation, these people are incapable of honesty and integrity. All they do is cover their own ass's.
I'm willing to start a letter writing campaign to the FBI, Local legislators, state legislators, Congress and the Senate.
Whos with me!
Posted by: anonymous | August 15, 2008 7:34 AM
To Anonymous:
While I can't speak to the reputation of each and every police chief in the Inland Empire, I find your blanket critique to be a little inappropriate.
I have had nothing but positive experiences and heard nothing but positive accolades for Chief Mark Kling in Rialto.
I interacted with him personally when he was in Baldwin Park and my positive experience was reinforced by the praise given to him by another officer in Baldwin Park.
Since he came to Rialto, I have asked a few times as to how things were going over there and each time I have heard nothing but positive comments about his leadership, relationship with rank and file and the degree of unity and cohesiveness in the department under his watch.
Posted by: Joseph Turner | August 15, 2008 11:39 AM
Joseph,
You are right, my blanket comment was not right.
I find it interesting that you could only name the chief in Rialto.
Since you work for the police union and you didnt defend Redlands Chief, San Bernardino chief or sheriff Penrod, maybe you can tell me why these men still have no over-sight?Why are they still "running the show" in their towns? Why arent they investigating the corruption that goes on in their stations? What are they participating in or turning a blind eye to?
Posted by: anonymous | August 15, 2008 2:11 PM
Anonymous:
I mentioned Kling specifically because I have personally met the man and shook his hand. I have talked to his subordinates and to others in the field of law enforcement.
He always receives rave reviews.
I do not know anything positive or negative about Redlands police chief or Sheriff Penrod.
As for Chief Billdt in San Bernardino, I have been very vocal with my criticisms and you can read them over at Red County San Bernardino.
He is the least qualified police chief in the region, has credibility issues and lacks any strategic vision for fighting crime.
Posted by: Joseph Turner | August 16, 2008 3:45 PM
Joseph,
Do a google on the police chiefs of San Bernardino, you will see.
On the Estrada thread they are talking about checking into some of these fine judges in SB also.
San Bernardino needs to be cleaned-up in a big way.
I don't think the earth-quake on the San Andreas will be anything compared to the shake-up thats going to happen at City Hall.
Leaders of a community usually set the tone for the community. The leaders of San Bernardino, which to me include....all of the east valley communities have set an awful tone.
From Operation Phoenix, wow, what a scam. It is looking to me as tho the tax-payers were used, The police used, non-profits in the area used and most assuredly the most at risk kids and families were used and abused. From what I am reading code-enforcement and terrorism by police moved many of the folks in the targeted area out....some of them are homeless now....so you have to ask the question...which developers are greasing the palms of the politicians. Its called Gentrification.
Then you have corrupt narcotics teams running the streets. Police chiefs who NEVER discipline their guys.Courts that ALWAYS side with the side of corruption.Its a mess.
How many police shootings have there been? How many of them have been un-harmed citizens.
You have a police chief in Redlands that needs a plane...What the F---for?Who puts his guys on workers comp instead of look into misconduct allegations by the people he was sworn to Protect and Serve.I thought all the cops lived in Redlands...how stressful can it be policing that area? I guess bad...he needs a plane to monitor them....Whats really going on? You have a sheriffs chief selling guns out of his evidence closet?This was a few years back...but, you can read all about it online. You have politicians bought and paid for by the Police and fire unions that are KILLING the community and sucking the resources.
You have a tax assessor who is a meth addict, with young men on his staff who have NO credentials.....
I hate to say it...but I must. If your leaders are corrupt...so will be your community. isn't CRIME sky high...WHY is that when San Bernardino pays MILLIONS to fight crime.....HELLO!The CRIME is being allowed to survive and take hold because its a Million dollar industry in San Bernardino.
The sargents on leave are providing a good picture of how the Government in San Bernardino believes they OWN the people. Also that they believe there will not be consequences for their actions.I have yet to see a city servant pay a price for their behavior. I'm hoping that will change.
There is a case in D.C. Where the city council closes down the police departments because the corruption was so deep and so rooted in that this action was THE ONLY ACTION that would clean up the city.....well, they should maybe start thinking about this.It is apparent that the elected officials do NOT have the best interests of the community in mind.If they did, it would be a peaceful, vibrant place to live.
Posted by: anonymous | August 17, 2008 11:04 AM
I'm just waiting for someone to go "Walking Tall" in this town. What a thought to concieve: the thought that anyone could stand up and run for an office, like Sheriff.
Posted by: Serenah's Angels | August 17, 2008 2:28 PM
They'd have to spell "conceive" correctly...LMAO!
Posted by: Serenah's Angels | August 17, 2008 2:30 PM