Posted on 07/07/2006 7:12:28 PM PDT by Howlin
(07/07/06 -- DURHAM) - After almost four months out of the spotlight, Durham Police Chief Steve Chalmers is speaking exclusively with Eyewitness News about the Duke lacrosse case.
"I made a conscious decision at the beginning of that investigation, as chief of police and as this organization's concerned, that we would not actually discussing this case in the media," he said. "I felt that there were individuals who had decided to step up and be vocal and talk about the case. Of course, the district attorney decided that there were certain things he wanted to discuss, and even the city manager had taken the opportunity had taken the opportunity to talk about. "With that being done, I didn't really think it was a need really to further discuss the case in the media."
Chalmers has stayed out of the media, but he is keeping a close eye on everything that is being said.
"Everything that we've seen written in the papers and heard, certainly we've addressed that internally, and we're prepared to address it in court," he said.
The chief says that he anticipated criticism would come with the high-profile case.
"The main thing that we're trying to do is protect the integrity of the investigation, to present a case that is not biased or has not been compromised," Chalmers said. "Our responsibility is to investigate the case, to protect the integrity of the case, and when the time comes, provide the evidence that we've gathered in a court of law to bring about a conviction.
"And I didn't think that that could be done, by actually discussing going tit-for-tat with the media."
Chalmers says he cannot discuss specifics of the case and will remain silent through the trial.
LMAO! Lead's affect on the cognitive brain.... :o
hmmmmmm......where is that pic of the kitty with the "WTF" expression? That's how I feel after trying to read this!
I was channel surfing for a few moments and heard the accusation that someone offered the accuser $2 million to go away. Was it Nifong who offered the money?
That's kinda what I got out if it. It almost sounds to me that Chalmers is saying to DA Nifong and the City Manager Baker, "See, I told you to STFU right from the beginning, and now look at the mess you've got us into."
"I made a conscious decision at the beginning of that investigation, as chief of police and as this organization's concerned, that we would not actually discussing this case in the media," he said.
Otherwise the article is a fat nothing. Chalmers is coming across as though he's trying to keep his job. Playing nice with every-BODY. He knows something. It's why he went so silent since March. I keep hearing this "Please don't hurt me" message undertext to his quotes in the articles. Was he avoiding potential questions about problems Durham police have had in past in re their involvement with organized prostitution?
Chalmers in essence:
"I don't know anything, I didn't see anything, and honest, I just barely arrived." If there is anything that Chalmers is doing that shows a spark of intelligence, it really is to keep low. Whether it goes to criminal court or to civil court, he wants to keep his involvement minimal.
I think he's made a serious error in saying "bring about a conviction". That is in no way the thoughts of how the police department should operate.
The police departments job is to protect the innocent as well as apprehend evidence and criminals. Chalmers has already convicted them. Not his job!!
Evidence: Three guys raped her and left not a speck of DNA? Oh, I forgot...they were wearing rape suits.
Plausible deniability. It sounds to me as though Chalmers has washed his hands of the whole mess and wants to give the impression that he was and will remain outside the loop.
Yes, it is pitiful. I hope freepers will not forget this case and will contine to hold all involved accountable -- even if it takes months and months. Too many times cases are forgotten by the media and their outcomes are not reported. But this is a case that should be reported down to the last detail!
Seriously! His job is to aid the DA in assuring that justice is done, not that there is a conviction. This is an abomination!
Is Finnerty's DC trial today????
I think so.
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