NYC Police Watch Gibson Film for 'Hate'

NewsMax ^ | 3/2/04 | Limbacher

[Tumbleweed_Connection]

Reports that cops from New York City's Hate Crimes unit were sent to see Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" to learn if it inspires hatred have a top Catholic civil rights leader demanding answers from NYPD officials as to what and who was behind the screwball assignment.

According to the New York Post, Hate Crimes Unit supervisor Inspector Dennis Blackman ordered the 20 detectives under his command to see the film after it opened last week.

A source told the Post that cops feared that someone who already held strong anti-Jewish views or was a religious zealot could be pushed over the edge by watching the film.

However the same sources reported that there had not been any increase in anti-Semitic bias crimes since the movie opened Wednesday.

The Post quoted one detective who had viewed the film as saying "It was beneficial to understand what all the hype was about."

After the Post raised questions about the official assignment of police officers to watch the movie while on duty, the NYPD asked the cops to see it on their own time, voluntarily, and not because they were ordered to attend screenings.

The story raised the hackles of Dr. William Donohue, President of the Catholic League.

In a blistering letter Donohue told NYPD Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly he wanted to know what provoked the ill-advised monitoring of a film by NYPD detectives.

Wrote Donohue "There is a story in the March 2 edition of the New York Post claiming that Hate Crimes Unit supervisor Dennis Blackman ordered 20 detectives to see 'The Passion of the Christ' when it opened last week; some watched the movie during working hours.

"Accordingly, I would like to know the answer to the following questions: a) Is it common practice for detectives of the NYPD to watch movies during working hours? b) What prompted the request? c) What criteria are used to assess whether this is a useful function for the police to provide? d) What is the purpose of such an exercise? e) What exactly would the police be empowered to do if they determined the film constituted hate speech?"

It should be noted that in New York City it is also now a minor crime for a business to harbor contraband ash trays in their establishments.

City snoops routinely swoop down in Gestapo like lightening raids in an effort to seek out and confiscate dangerous ash trays and fine their owners.

[Clock King]

And you have proof of this right?

No. But 20 officers is excessive, isn't it? I mean, it is the same movie. Wouldn't 5 have been enough if this was legitimate? How are you going to coordinate and compare notes on 20 subjective opinions?

[Arpege92]

"But what is the logical step after the "anti hate crime unit" determines a movie, or a book, supposedly pushes people over the edge to commit crimes of violence, if not banning the "cause" of the so-called hate crime?"

Nothing...absolutely nothing. They don't ban anything and if they did I would be most upset. They were sent to watch a movie that has gotten alot of press time....good and bad. They've seen reactions from people on both sides of this issue and IMHO....I think it was smart to send these guys to see this movie. Just so they know what the "hoopla" is all about. I bet you anything though....that the majority of this unit loved the movie and fully support it.

I'm sorry if I judged you harshly. I see alot of unjust accusations thrown at the police and in this particular situation, I felt they didn't deserve the criticism. Especially for doing something that could help them in their fight against hate crimes. I bet they are required to read alot of books like "Catcher in the Rye" and see alot of movies like "Passions of Christ".....don't you think they should know and understand the different types of hate out their? In this situation, I think the cops deserve a little more support and not so much criticism.

[Arpege92]

I don't think twenty officers from the hate crimes unit seeing "Passions of Christ" was excessive at all. I wouldn't be comfortable if five of these officers went to see it and then shared their notes of this movie with the other fifteen officers.

Like I said before, I'm sure all of these officers from this unit are required to see movies and read books that could be linked to hate crimes.

[verity]

"...zealot could be pushed over the edge by watching the film."

IMHO, just living in NYC can push someone over the edge.

[ShadowDancer]

How, exactly, do you justify the use of taxpayers monies in sending these cops to do this? How can you possibly equate this with anything remotely related to a 'hate crime'?

[Arpege92]

"How, exactly, do you justify the use of taxpayers monies in sending these cops to do this?"

Gee, I don't know. So many stories in the media have been screaming how anti-Semitic this movie is and being that New York City is such a large melting pot of different kinds of people, the attack on Jewish citizens was very possible.

"How can you possible equate this with anything remotely related to a 'hate crime'?"

You're kidding right? If Jewish citizens living in New York City find themselves being attacked today, don't you think that might have something to do with "Passions of Christ"? And if you don't....then I'm glad you are not an officer with the anti hate crimes unit.

[FeliciaCat]

"Hate Crimes Unit supervisor Inspector Dennis Blackman ordered the 20 detectives under his command to see the film after it opened last week"

More insanity from the Bloomberg administration. I am soooo embarassed that I voted for this nut job.

[Sam's Army]

Cool. Now maybe they can read the New Testament and determine if that is "Hate Literature".

[duckbutt]

How many millions have seen this film to date? How many "hate crimes" have been perpetrated as a result of watching this film?

ZILCH!!

[Sam's Army]

"the attack on Jewish citizens was very possible."

Then check the local Mosque before blaming Mel Gibson. When's the last time a Christian blew himself up to kill a Jew?

[ShadowDancer]

Unbelievable. Yes, it's just been all out war on the Jews since this movie premiered, hasn't it? Give me a break. How in God's name is having these cops watch this movie going to prepare them in any way, shape or form for anything that the academy already hasn't? This is sheer lunacy and an outright joke. You may be glad I'm not on the force but I am starting to get a sneaking suspicion you head just this sort of ridiculous department. No one else in their right mind would champion this waste of money.

[Arpege92]

I'm not blaming anyone and I'm certainly not blaming Mel Gibson. I fully support this movie!

Did I say it would be a Christian blowing himself up to kill a Jew? Muslims live in New York City too. Don't forget that in France, Jewish folks have been under attack on a constant basis and let's not forget about Isreal too. They have certainly been terrorized. If 9/11 taught us anything, it's the fact that Muslim terrorists can attack anywhere and at anytime....including the United States.

[Sam's Army]

"Did I say it would be a Christian blowing himself up to kill a Jew?"

I think my point is that Christian vs Jewish sentiment is not such that there will be any likely bloodbaths here in the US. And if there are any Jewish victims, it won't be because of this film--but because of those targeting Jews anyway.

I'm glad you support the film, now let's just work on the media fed correlation that the New Testament = anti-Semitism.

[firebrand]

Is that stated from personal experience?

[Blue Scourge]

New York City's Hate Crimes unit

wait a second...does NYC really have one of these....this disturbs me more than them seeing the film looking for anti-semitism...

[Guillermo]

Millions have seen this movie.

Where are the pogroms?

Idiots.

[Arpege92]

"Yes, it's just been all out war on the Jews since this movie premiered. hasn't it?"

It certainly has potential....just ask the Jews living in France and Israel.

"How in God's name is having these cops watch this movie going to prepare them in any way?"

The same way it prepares them when they read books like "Catcher in the Rye". We are talking about the hate crimes unit....not the traffic unit or even the drug unit. This unit is not just about catching those who comit hate crimes, it's about recognizing the potential for hate crimes.

It wouldn't surprise me to find out that these officers in the hate crime unit have read alot of ugly books and have seen alot of ugly movies pertaining to hatred for other races, religions and creeds. Don't you think they've seen films on the KKK or the Black Panther Party and let's not forget about all of the ugly things coming out of the Muslim world as well. Don't you think it is important that they know, understand and recognize the potential for a hate crime? They can't do their job if they don't understand all of the hate that is out there.

These cops did not give any personal opinion about the movie, because they didn't go and see this movie to be film critics....they went to this film to try and understand any and all potential threats that may arise for the people living in New York City.

"How in God's name is having these cops watch this movie going to prepare them in any way, shape or form for anything that the academy already hasn't?"

Well, being that you are clueless about the police academy, I'll go easy on you. First, the police academy is about teaching the recruits the basics about being a police officer. They don't graduate from the academy as experts in drug enforcement, murder investigation, car crashes and all things in between that. They are not allowed to be experts in these fields of policing until they have had a few years on the job. If they are offered to participate in one of the various policing fields, they are sent to school. It's sort of like being a doctor....although they have degree's in medicine, alot of them decide to go off into a special field. Would you want an ear, nose or throat doctor delivering a baby? Not me....no way!

"....I'm starting to get a sneaking suspicion you head just this sort of ridiculous department."

Wow...now, I'm really glad you are not a part of the hate crimes unit or any police unit for that matter because your suspicion about me is wrong. In fact, if you were part of the New York City Police Department, I bet crimes would increase due to your gift of suspicion.

[Arpege92]

Oh and one other thing. Please don't waste your time accusing me of hating the movie "Passions of Christ". I don't. I support this movie 100% but I'm not gullable enough to believe that it is quite possible that hate crimes could happen due to this film. In fact, just last week I believe, I saw a story about people finding anti-Semitic brochures on their lawns and cars in New York.

[Arpege92]

I agree....Christian and Jewish sentiment is for the most part excellent. It's the rest that scares me.

Believe me....I'd love nothing more than to have the opportunity to take down the media a notch or two. They certainly are no help in race relations and they take every opportunity to create turmoil.

[firebrand]

Think of it as a way of screening out the nonsense. Political pressure appears to require such an entity.