Post by WaTcHeR on Feb 20, 2007 12:41:55 GMT -5
HEMPSTEAD, TEXAS - The Hempstead city council will resume an executive session tonight to deal with allegations of racism against several police officers.
Council members are reviewing video of four arrests and detentions over the past month. The officers and police chief, who are the targets of the complaints, are white. Some residents are calling for a third of the city's 15 person police force to be suspended, disciplined, or fired.
HEMPSTEAD, TEXAS - Allegations of racism have led to the Hempstead police chief being suspended and ordered to take anger management classes.
The Hempstead city council has been reviewing the case since last week and finally came to a decision at around 2am Tuesday. A number of residents have come forward with claims of racism by at least four white police officers.
The council reviewed the complaints, along with videotapes before making their decision to punish Chief Glen Smith. Some say it wasn't enough. The chief says he respects the decision.
"My action during the arrest did not meet professionalism as it should with language and I'm not above policy and procedure, no more than any officer of this city," said Chief Smith.
"It is time that we need to hold leaders accountable and this is just a slap off the wrist," said councilmember Dr. Herschel Smith.
abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=local&id=5049552
Council members are reviewing video of four arrests and detentions over the past month. The officers and police chief, who are the targets of the complaints, are white. Some residents are calling for a third of the city's 15 person police force to be suspended, disciplined, or fired.
HEMPSTEAD, TEXAS - Allegations of racism have led to the Hempstead police chief being suspended and ordered to take anger management classes.
The Hempstead city council has been reviewing the case since last week and finally came to a decision at around 2am Tuesday. A number of residents have come forward with claims of racism by at least four white police officers.
The council reviewed the complaints, along with videotapes before making their decision to punish Chief Glen Smith. Some say it wasn't enough. The chief says he respects the decision.
"My action during the arrest did not meet professionalism as it should with language and I'm not above policy and procedure, no more than any officer of this city," said Chief Smith.
"It is time that we need to hold leaders accountable and this is just a slap off the wrist," said councilmember Dr. Herschel Smith.
abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=local&id=5049552