Posted on 05/04/2006 1:54:08 PM PDT by The Old Hoosier
Thursday, May 4; 4:16 pm
By John McArdle,
Roll Call Staff
Police labor union officials asked acting Chief Christopher McGaffin this afternoon to allow a Capitol Police officer to complete his investigation into an early-morning car crash involving Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.).
According to a letter sent by Officer Greg Baird, acting chairman of the USCP FOP, the wreck took place at approximately 2:45 a.m. Thursday when Kennedy’s car, operating with its running lights turned off, narrowly missed colliding with a Capitol Police cruiser and smashed into a security barricade at First and C streets Southeast.
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| Rep. Patrick Kennedy |
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“The driver exited the vehicle and he was observed to be staggering,” Baird’s letter states. Officers approached the driver, who “declared to them he was a Congressman and was late to a vote. The House had adjourned nearly three hours before this incident. It was Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy from Rhode Island.”
Baird wrote that Capitol Police Patrol Division units, who are trained in driving under the influence cases, were not allowed to perform basic field sobriety tests on the Congressman. Instead, two sergeants, who also responded to the accident, proceeded to confer with the Capitol Police watch commander on duty and then “ordered all of the Patrol Division Units to leave the scene and that they were taking over.”
Baird said he had been advised that after the officers departed, Capitol Police “House Division officials” gave Kennedy a ride home.
Kennedy’s office did not respond to repeated requests for comment.
“If the events unfolded as they have been reported to me, and I believe they did, a complete and immediate investigation into them is required,” Baird wrote to McGaffin. Baird asked the acting chief why officers on the scene were prevented from completing the appropriate investigation “into violations of law they witnessed. This appears to be interference with their duties as U.S. Capitol Police Officers and may have prevented the collection of evidence of such violations."
“My members were attempting to carry out their duties with the professionalism and objectivity their oaths require. They should have been assisted in those duties by every level of supervision and command. Instead these circumstances call the integrity of our organization into question by creating the appearance of special favor for someone who is perceived to be privileged and powerful,” Baird wrote.
While a Capitol Police spokeswoman could not be reached for comment, Baird said in an interview this afternoon that McGaffin had contacted him about his letter.
“I want the public and those who we protect to know that we are fair and impartial when it comes to enforcing the laws on capitol grounds and the officers are doing their jobs in accordance to the laws and D.C. code and U.S. code,” he said.” That’s really why we want this addressed.”
Kennedy's should come with a warning label saying "Dangerous To Women".
Listening now...Bob Beckel is struggling trying to defend him. Luckily for him- he can blame the police instead.
More than anything else, this is what ignites my rage.
If this had been anyone of us, we would be taken straight to jail and our car would be impounded. No one would step in on our behalf.
And my God, what would happen if we hit a cop with a closed fist?
Everytime something like this happens, they make fools out of each and everyone of us.
These are the ones who pass the laws to control the behavior of each and everyone of.
Good for Sean--bring up "leaving a woman in a pond."
"I'll drink to that."
I think you're too late.
I think he already did.
Once again the 'THEM' laws apply!!!! If the capitol police would have used the 'US' laws Kennedy's sorry a$$ would be in serious trouble right now........
Does the Capital Hill Police have dashboard cameras like other like the State Troopers do?
TT
BTTT
LOL!
I just stole that one...thanks ;o)
Wasn't the name of the Kennedy yacht "The Rum Runner"?
The apple doesn't fall far from the tree when you are a Kennedy. (no pun intended).
Ease up on the font, buddy! You scare the holy begeezies out of us bifocal wearers.
Crown Vic was first accident. Mustange was the one today! Didn't know there was two accidents, didja?
1. Looks like ya like America if you drive a ford.
2. Arrogance, m'dear, arrogance.
Phenergan and Ambien
My God--someone has heard about the Ambien nighteaters.
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