In his ruling Kane wrote that the city's attorneys, “have chosen to invest their time and efforts in merciless attempts to obstruct the discovery process. I will not tolerate persistent evasions of discovery obligations in this case.”
The records of police abuse are being sought by Qusair Mohamedbhai, the attorney for Jason Graber, who claims police physically assaulted him. Mohamedbai believes the documents being withheld by the city will show that Denver police condon a culture of abuse.
Kane gave the city until Oct. 6 to comply with his order or face a possible $5,O00-a-day fine until the documents are released.
Denver cops complain they are not supported and are misrepresented by the media
“I'm ashamed to tell people I’m a Denver cop,” was the note one officer left in a precinct suggestion box.
As minority community groups and federal judges try to hold Colorado law enforcement accountable for a decade of high profile excessive-force incidents, the police are threatening a backlash on services.
“Today's officers don't feel like the department's leaders will back them if they make an honest mistake. This has resulted in officers not giving 100 percent on the job,” said police spokesman Sonny Jackson.
Detective Nick Rogers of the Denver Police Protective Association echoed Jackson’s comments by saying, “It doesn't need to change on our part. The biggest loser in this entire debacle are the citizens because they don't get the protection they deserve.”
The Wire wonders how long the city's leaders are going to allow the police to live such a complete delusion to their role in society. Beating someone to death or near death is never an honest mistake - it is a crime and police should be prosecuted for it to the full extent of the law, equal to any citizen engaged in the same behavior. Secondly, it is never okay for senior police representatives to whine about being held accountable to the law and threatening a reduction of service and the safety of citizens. It is the worst form of entitlement.
Haven't police abusive actions threatened public safety and citizens rights enough? It is time for the new mayor to clean the police leadership slate and put the force back where it belonged as public servants, not violent aggressors serving their own interests and egos.
They can start by releasing the records of their abuses federal courts as ordered.
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