Jame St N. - Page 2

bigguy1231 · #21 Posted **Jun 21, 2009, 3:26 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by RePinion

There certainly are checks on their powers (statutory, common law, and constitutional) - many, many checks in fact - but in most cases it is up to the aggrieved individual to ensure that violations of these checks are not tolerated. While this might seem unfair to average citizens who have borne the brunt of police misconduct/abuse, consider that it is really a basic part of participatory democracy, an essential aspect of responsible citizenship.

It might actually be a good idea to talk with the duty sergeant. This will not in any way prejudice your right to bring a complaint against constable Volpe, although it could of course give him advance warning of the likelihood of a complaint being brought.

Ignore the callous but predictible words about the fruitlessness of filing a complaint. There can be serious consequences for constable Volpe, particulary if complaints have successfully been lodged against him in the past.

In theory there are checks, but in reality the police do whatever they want. Police operate at arms length from politics and most politicians are reluctant to hold them to account for fear of losing votes. It is almost impossible to get rid of a bad cop. We have experienced that in Hamilton recently through another case that I will not get into.
As for talking to the duty sergeant, that is usually the first line of complaint and they will take complaints from citizens. Thats why I suggested talking to the duty sergeant.
The complaints process is a joke and any police officer will tell you that. Alot of my friends are cops and they never worry about complaints lodged against them. They know it will go nowhere.
When I had my problems a number of years ago, I filed a complaint after the charge was dismissed. I ended up getting an apology, but nothing happened to the officer involved. That officer was actually promoted a few months later.

RePinion · #22 Posted **Jun 21, 2009, 4:51 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigguy1231

In theory there are checks, but in reality the police do whatever they want. Police operate at arms length from politics and most politicians are reluctant to hold them to account for fear of losing votes. It is almost impossible to get rid of a bad cop. We have experienced that in Hamilton recently through another case that I will not get into.
As for talking to the duty sergeant, that is usually the first line of complaint and they will take complaints from citizens. Thats why I suggested talking to the duty sergeant.
The complaints process is a joke and any police officer will tell you that. Alot of my friends are cops and they never worry about complaints lodged against them. They know it will go nowhere.
When I had my problems a number of years ago, I filed a complaint after the charge was dismissed. I ended up getting an apology, but nothing happened to the officer involved. That officer was actually promoted a few months later.

I would agree that the complaint and discipline process is not nearly as exigent as many would like. At the same time, some might argue that it is necessary to protect officers against potentially frivolous or malicious complaints, given that the evidentiary standards applicable to internal tribunals and police review boards are not as stringent as those of courts. There is always recourse to criminal charges and civil remedies in particularly egregious cases of misconduct/abuse.

While many officers may laugh off the whole complaint system, careers have been ruined through it in the past. I know for a fact that the existence of successfully prosecuted complaints can have signficant impact on promotion decisions, but this is very much contingent on the integrity and effectiveness of a given department's management/leadership.

Blurr · #23 Posted **Jun 21, 2009, 3:22 PM**

I am sorry this had to happen to you, but thank you for sharing the story.

Jon Dalton · #24 Posted **Jun 21, 2009, 10:03 PM**

I really appreciate everyones' words of support and encouragement, especially from those who I usually argue with here. I had to leave for Toronto right away so the complaint will have to wait until monday after work. Even if it is likely to be refuted I still believe it's worthwhile if it will come to the officer's attention and at least he will realize that there are potentially consequences for doing what he did.

omro · #25 Posted **Jun 22, 2009, 2:22 AM**

Let us know how it goes.

adam · #26 Posted **Jun 22, 2009, 2:29 AM**

.

adam · #27 Posted **Jun 22, 2009, 2:30 AM**

And all this from a constable who lives just west of the downtown!

realcity · #28 Posted **Jun 22, 2009, 2:31 AM**

Jon you can't let a cop like this be on our streets. He's just as dangerous as anyone can be.

Please, there must be an ombudsman office or try the top, go to SIU.
http://www.siu.on.ca/home.html

realcity · #29 Posted **Jun 22, 2009, 2:43 AM**

okay here's where you can complain
http://www.occps.ca/

Don't ever ask Hamilton Police Services to investigate themselves. Remember Dhinsa? Our own Police Chief Mullen was covering it up.

Recently when 'asked' by City Hall to investigate Vranich's kickback to Gord Moodie they "found no evidence of wrong doing". Meanwhile the OPP found enough evidence to warrant a trial and laid charges, with a court date.

Jon Dalton · #30 Posted **Jun 22, 2009, 5:33 AM**

My friend's dad is a sargeant for the Hamilton police and I just heard he was pissed off when he found out about it and he's going to totally ream out the guy who gave me the tickets.

omro · #31 Posted **Jun 22, 2009, 11:55 AM**

The friend that was with you at the time?

oldcoote · #32 Posted **Jun 22, 2009, 2:14 PM**

Go to the Spec with the story.

adam · #33 Posted **Jun 22, 2009, 2:37 PM**

A quick search on google for "constable volpe" shows this thread as #1.

matt602 · #34 Posted **Jun 22, 2009, 11:15 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon Dalton

My friend's dad is a sargeant for the Hamilton police and I just heard he was pissed off when he found out about it and he's going to totally ream out the guy who gave me the tickets.

Very nice, keep us updated.

bigguy1231 · #35 Posted **Jun 23, 2009, 8:03 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon Dalton

My friend's dad is a sargeant for the Hamilton police and I just heard he was pissed off when he found out about it and he's going to totally ream out the guy who gave me the tickets.

That will help. It's always good to know someone on the inside.

Good luck.