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.”
He was drinking here:
http://www.hawkanddoveonline.com/
Warning labels are for the general public doncha know. Things for the general public and the rest of Americans don't apply to Kennedys.
Please see Post 77.
This is TED Kennedy's son, Patrick.
I should have looked at the replies before I wrote that. I see it's been said a few times before! ;)
This is DUI.
also known as DWK, "Driving While Kennedy"
"I agree with the rest of your list, but Traficant was railroaded."
Maybe but he had the worst haircut I ever saw.
Please see Post 77.
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.The aristocrats don't get DUIs or DWIsInstead, 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.”
I'm sure that anyone here reading this now,,,,
if they got pulled over by a police officer in the middle of the night,,,
for 'appearing intoxicated' (not to mention EVEN GETTING IN AN ACCIDENT),,,,
could expect the police officer's supervisor to tell the officer to JUST DRIVE YOU HOME,,,,
withOUT a sobriety test?
It's what any responsible police supervisor would do. (s/off)
Is anyone surprised?
Maybe a better question would be why did the NH voters elect a guy who admits he's bipolar?
What's next, a psychotic senator? (Oops, never mind, we already have those. . .)
Maybe they should replace the Capitol Police with psychiatric nurses.
You meant to say RI (Rhode Island). While NH is being overrun by Mass. residents fleeing high taxes and is slowly but surely going the way of VT, it ain't that bad ....yet.
What's next, a psychotic senator? (Oops, never mind, we already have those. . .)
Maybe they should replace the Capitol Police with psychiatric nurses.
Maybe they ought to replace the Capital Police with more politicians.
In accordance with the D.C. code....
"Recognized as a national leader in mental health, Kennedy has received numerous awards for his advocacy on behalf of the mentally ill. Among many other honors in this area, Kennedy received the Paul Wellstone Mental Health Award in 2003."
You just can't make up stuff like this.
Leni
>Kennedy told officers he was late for a vote<
Well, he was (since the voting had ended hours before)!
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