Get Ready (Acquittals loom in the Inglewood cop trial)

National Review OnLine ^ | July 17, 2003 | Jack Dunphy

[End Times Sentinel]

July 17, 2003, 9:55 a.m.
Get Ready
Acquittals loom in the Inglewood cop trial. Will trouble follow?

LOS ANGELES — Do you hear that? If you listen closely, you can hear the faint, far-off sounds of the No Justice, No Peace Hallelujah Chorus practicing their scales and limbering up the old vocal chords. That's right, soprano Maxine Waters, baritone Al Sharpton, bass Jesse Jackson, and all their assembled multitudes may soon be, as is their wont, raising a ruckus. Though the story has been largely eclipsed by other events in the national media, the two Inglewood, Calif. police officers indicted in last July's videotaped altercation with a teenager have been brought before the bar of justice. As the world knows, Los Angeles juries can be prone to irrationality at times, so predictions in such highly charged cases can be dicey, but I'm planning on working some overtime soon. Recall that Officers Jeremy Morse and Bijan Darvish were two of several officers involved in a July 6, 2002 fracas with 16-year-old Donovan Jackson, whose father had been stopped for driving a car with expired registration. The final moments of the incident were captured on a bystander's videotape, and for days and weeks thereafter few in the civilized world could escape the image of Morse slamming the handcuffed Jackson onto a police car's trunk and punching him in the mouth. Morse was charged with assault under the color of authority; Darvish, his partner that day, was charged with filing a false police report. The jury has now heard the prosecution's evidence, and what thin gruel it turned out to be. When prosecutors rested their case on Tuesday, some observers were prompted to ask, "That's it? That's all you got?"

L.A. County Sheriff's Commander Charles Heal, testifying for the prosecution as a use-of-force expert, told the jury on Monday that while he considered Morse's treatment of Jackson excessive, it did not rise to the level that would warrant criminal charges. "If [Morse] would have been my deputy, he would have got his chain rattled in my office," Heal testified under cross-examination. "Would I have filed [criminal charges] on him? No." What, then, the jurors might have wondered, are we all doing here?

Prosecutors sought to rebound from this setback on Tuesday by calling Inglewood P.D. Chief Ronald Banks and LAPD Captain Greg Meyer, both of whom testified that Morse's actions were excessive and inexcusable. But in relying on Heal, Banks, and Meyer as they have, prosecutors run the risk of seeing their testimony undercut by other use-of-force experts to be called when the defense presents their case. All three are high-ranking officers within their departments, and one doesn't get to be a high-ranking officer in any police department by mixing it up in gas-station donnybrooks. I don't care how many articles they've written or how many speeches they've given, I'll bet a paycheck that neither Heal, Banks, or Meyer has gotten his uniform dirty in 20 years. The defense will surely present use-of-force authorities whose expertise is more practical than theoretical, and whose testimony will likely carry more weight with the jury.

As if resigned to defeat, some in the anti-cop crowd were quick to denounce the prosecution's efforts. Max Huntsman and Michael Peterson, the two deputy district attorneys assigned to the case, came in for some colorful criticism from one Najee Ali, head of Project Islamic Hope. "What's up, Steve [Cooley, the county D.A]?" said Ali. "Why did you send us Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis? We want to know how come their best people weren't sent out instead of a comedy act."

An even more enlightening reaction came from Leo Terrel, the seldom-tranquil Los Angeles attorney. Reacting to Cmdr. Heal's admission that he did not believe Morse's actions to be criminal, Terrel nearly blew a gasket. "Are you telling me," he thundered, "that [prosecutors] couldn't find, out of all the use-of-force experts in the state, in the nation, one person that would have been loyal to them, and been on the same page?" Interesting that Terrel, who on his local radio show bills himself as "the fair-minded civil-rights attorney," should call for a witness to tailor his testimony so as to achieve some desired outcome.

We'll be hearing a great deal from Terrel and all the better-known cop bashers if the trial continues on its present course. It will be pointed out ad nauseam that only one black was on the jury, so when the acquittals come there will be all the more reason for the usual suspects to condemn them. All that furniture heisted in the '92 Rodney King riots is bound to be a bit threadbare by now, so some people may be looking forward to a shopping spree, one for which the bill never comes.

The jury may get the case as soon as next week. Look for me at Florence and Normandie.

— Jack Dunphy is an officer in the Los Angeles Police Department. "Jack Dunphy" is the author's nom de cyber. The opinions expressed are his own and almost certainly do not reflect those of the LAPD management.

[justshutupandtakeit]

Hopefully the dumbasses in LA realize they had better not steal anything requiring electricity to work. LoL.

I agree with your comments to the hysterically knee-jerk anti-Coppers. They probably think Rodney King should have gotten all that money too.

How many are NFL referees?

[L,TOWM]

I AM being issue specific. This officer works in Inglewood; 80% minority. He has had two prior complaints for force, neither of which went anywhere. I am sure you would shocked to know that the two prior complaints came from members of our priveleged classes here in Hell A (i.e., not caucasians). Neither was borne out by an investigation done by the Inglewood PD, which, BTW has an African-American Chief.

His problem this time was getting videoed by a guy that some contacts in the local news, and BTW, the video maker was alos wanted on a warrant out of Sacramento, CA. A white cop getting videoed is in deep Kimchee if he actually wins a fight against a criminal dirtbag that happens to have the proper melanin content in his skin.

Let me tell you the way the game is played here in LA. Minority Member+White Cop+Video of ANY Physical Force=1) Cop going to jail. 2) Big payday for career dirtbag. 3) Riots. 4) 1,2, and 3. Rodney King was a trifecta for some tribes inhabiting huge sections of this city.

If there was an out of control cop involved here, I would be urging his prosecution. This is not a real prosecution--it is a lynching of a man that was trying to do his job, and got his gonads crushed doing it. Politically motivated "get whitey" bullcrap from the Jackson, Sharpton, Mfume crowd and their fellow brown skinned grifters.

Yeah, I know which side I am on.

[L,TOWM]

If you read my original post properly, that may clarify things. I flagged Poohbah to the discussion with a message directing him to Judy's original post, and putting in quotation marks:

>>>>>>Another one of "The Brownshirts are coming for us" crowd chimes in...<<<<<<

If you construed that as me calling Judy or Poohbah a "Brownshirt" than please, slow down and reread the messages involved. There is a segment of people on this forum that see a fascist police state everywhere a cop actually does their job. Poohbah takes that crowd to task quite often...as do I.

I wondered why "I" got the black helicopter reference...

[JudyB1938]

Your attack on me is so funny. I'm usually flamed because I'm taking up FOR the cops. And, yes, there *IS* a difference between a law enforcement officer and a jack-booted thug! And, despite what you say, I still believe that man is lying.

BTW, I just moved to Arkansas. Lived in Las Vegas for 32 years, where I love just about ALL of the Metro force. In all that time, I only saw a couple of instances where the police were wrong. Normally, the LVMPD is comprised of ethical, professional and caring individuals. I've stopped and thanked many of them for protecting the community. Even wrote the sheriff. (Just mentioning this so that you can know I'm not a cop basher, which you seem to think I am.)

I have another BTW ... the manner in which you are so vehemently taking up for that bad (IMO) cop opens up the question: What does it say about you? Methinketh thou protesteth too much. I think you have issues that may or may not be related to this one.

One thing's for sure, you are not showing the Love of Christ when you attack others. Christians are supposed to set shining examples and WILL be held accountable if they cause one soul to turn away from Him.

Now, I'm through with you. You're worth no more of my time.


cc: UCANSEE2

[Zack Nguyen]

Terrel is the quintessential example of a black racist. He also proudly proclaimed that he was a product of affirmative action, a more compelling argument against which I could not imagine.

LOL. Good one.

[UCANSEE2]

Dumba$$ punk was fortunate that he was'nt shot.

And this is what you advocate the police should do?

[UCANSEE2]

Seems to have worked for you at some point.

Yes. It does. When I reply to a post, without trying to type in another poster's screenname. I think I have to use semicolons. That outa work.

[UCANSEE2]

You are overreacting to my responses, I think. If you go back and read some of my earlier posts, you will find I am not an anti-cop nazi. I do not know, in this case, exactly what the details are and in what order they happened.

I stated my experiences and said if this is the same.....

I am not sure if the video I saw was this exact case (think it was though), but the one I saw the officer that slammed the boy down on the hood of the car and slugged him in the jaw wasn't the one that originally was behind him cuffing him.

I know the media can be one-sided. I am open to seeing what proof is provided during trial.

I am not sure if the boy is guilty of more than just being uncooperative, nor am I sure the cop is guilty of more than a natural angry/defensive reaction.

But you seem so sure, without being there. So sure you deride others in your attempt to be right. Maybe you should slow down and READ completely other's posts. I find this to be the most troublesome thing on FR. There are very few posters that will read EVERYONE's reply, completely through, until they reach the end of the thread, before jumping in. Especially when they don't agree, which is when it is most important to do so.

I can tell which is the mark of the more intelligent person.........

[UCANSEE2]

Funny. People have their values, their reactions, their opinions, and then, when something happens close to home, all that changes.

JudyB1938 seemed to be speaking from a point of view where the discussion was based on IF the officer was NOT within his rights. I would say, if true, her opinion was justified and matches many posters on FR.

Remember the heyday here when Elian was captured? I remember seeing it LIVE on TV. I was shocked. Were those officers JUST DOING THEIR DUTY? Did one or more go overboard? Was it really their duty, or were they being used by higher ups?

Let's say you have a 14 year old daughter.

Let's say the cops stop you for speeding. They find you have $600 on you (you were going to buy an old car for your daughter and have it in new shape by the time she turns 16).

Then the cops take that money. They say it's drug money. Then they want to do a little strip search of your daughter. They start feeling her breasts, running their hands under her blouse, etc.....

Watcha gonna do, mr. L,TOWN?

[UCANSEE2]

I read in your post that you have more (in-depth) knowledge than we have gotten from the general media.

WELL FOR CHRISSAKES, WHY DIDN"T YOU SAY SO?

Although two priors doesn't help, it does help to know the situation and about all of those involved (including the videotapers).

The first thing I know I thought of was that someone wanted to sue the cops and make a bundle.

The second was how it was possible that the suspect (suspect's son) was being abused by the police and he was lucky they got it on video.

Both things happen, as I am sure you know.

If you choose to take to task one side, and you have specific reasons that none of the rest of us would have any way to know, it would seem only fair that you start off telling them. I don't think anyone would say you lied or made it up. (then again........)

HELP US ALL TO KNOW MORE. Don't attack us because we don't know what you did.

Hey, gotta go now. Be pleased to continue this tomorrow.

[L,TOWM]

Please see post #122. There is a good reason why this cop will be acquitted. Once the politically motivated firings, charges being filed by an elected DA, etc., are done, the State actually has to put on a case.

They don't have one. But LA may burn starting Wednesday afternoon or Thursday. And that may happen for exactly the same reason you are jumping on the officer--5 seconds of a videotape that recorded an incident that lasted 70 seconds.

[L,TOWM]

>>>>>>Watcha gonna do, mr. L,TOWN?<<<<<<<

Not repeat one of the worst mistakes I ever made. The mistake that nearly got me a felony record--did get me 8 months at a medium security San Diego County work farm--

AND did get me a beating.
At the hands of a police officer that I was fighting against.
In front of about 12- 15 witnesses.
Including the owner of the vehicle that I had just busted out a window on (so I could get to the car stereo).
While I was handcuffed.
That were cheering on the cop.

Us "White Punks on Dope" in San Diego (circa late '70's, early'80's) all knew how you could get a big serving of "whoopa$$" from the SDPD without them leaving any evidence. Baton blows over the hairline and/or under the ribline did'nt bruise or leave much in the way of physical evidence. Ever curious about the "punk Rock" head shaving that got popular in Southern CA in the early '80's? Now you know...

I KNOW what an overline cop acts like--and what a police beating looks like. Was'nt the case with Jackson.

In the situation you described: Get names, Badge Numbers. Look around. Get witness addresses, names, License plate numbers. Ask the cops where the female officer is. Look for the cop that is hanging back, or has a disgusted look on his face (there will be one if you have more than 3 cops there). Keep telling my daughter to stay calm and know that these louts will be paying for her college and a fine wedding. Seek relief through the courts. Pray that the officers committing the atrocity are'nt members of the priveleged class here in LA (i.e., non white).

[L,TOWM]

I don't have much in the way of "inside information". I happen to live in Hell A. Everything that I have posted was shown/discussed/reported here in LA last summer, when the incident ocurred.

Although, I suspect that I am acquainted with the author of the article posted. But (if it were) that would be a coincidence, and not related to my posts here.

This was (and is) a BIG story in LA. I just hope it does'nt get bigger...

[UCANSEE2]

But LA may burn starting Wednesday afternoon or Thursday. And that may happen for exactly the same reason you are jumping on the officer--5 seconds of a videotape that recorded an incident that lasted 70 seconds.

I disagree. Someone else on this thread stated that no matter what, there would be no riots. I agree.

The reason: Too many Black-Americans have vested interests, property, etc. in LA now, to risk having a riot destroy it all. I don't think Black-Americans have the motivation they did during the last riots. I think they believe that this young man will get a settlement from the PD or CITY and won't worry about it. The family and the media are the only ones that could influence it any further.

[UCANSEE2]

I would bet $20 to FR that if the media doesn't ram it down our throats, that by next week, the incident will be mostly forgotten by the US PUBLIC.

[UCANSEE2]

First, Thanks. You have been very polite considering the heat of the argument.

Second, by theorizing a story about your daughter, I was going for the emotion, and could have entered risky territory. No offense intended in any way.

To me, the bottom line is did the officer cross the line. Did he go beyond self-defense or reasonable force? Was it payback? Was the payback an uncontrollable instaneous reaction? That is where the line gets really fuzzy. Should his police training have allowed him not to cross that line if that is what he did?

Those, to me, should be the issues, and should be the factors the case is decided on.

[L,TOWM]

I hope you are correct. I am not confident that you are.

You and the poster that you are quoting probably do not see what I see twice a day on the LA MTA Blue Line.

I will drive in to work on the day that the jury gets this case. I do not wish to become the 2003 version of Reginald Denny.

[UCANSEE2]

I am certain that attention and fixation are at extremes in the LA area.

My point of view is from the middle of the US and my concern is for the curtailing of police abuse, where it exists. I don't think the fact that the young man involved is black should be a reason to have riots, but then I don't think that a cop should treat a black man any different than a white man. But I know they do. Or used to. It's Getting so that it doesn't help anymore to be white either.

[UCANSEE2]

P.S. Please accept my apology for any attacks, or snide remarks earlier on this thread. I try hard not to do so, but it just sneaks through sometimes.