Off-duty deputy having a beer videotaped

BUNNELL -- A videotape submitted anonymously to a local television station shows the Flagler County sheriff's chief deputy drinking alcohol off duty in a public park where drinking is prohibited.

Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Debra Johnson said Wednesday the 90-minute tape showed Mark Maronski in civilian clothes drinking one beer at the Flagler County Fairgrounds with other adults after an adult softball game and driving home in his personal vehicle.

"Sheriff Manfre has counseled his personnel concerning appropriate off-duty behavior. At this time we are concerned about the mental well-being of this person in our county who is apparently trying to secretly videotape activities at the county recreational areas."

"Actually, I find this very humorous. Note that the Sheriff is more concerned about someone videotaping his deputy performing what is honestly an illegal act (drinking where prohibited) than the illegal act itself. Not to mention that it has been ruled in numerous courts that, Gee, if you are going to be in a public place with other people you don't have the right not to be photographed or videotaped.

Personally, I'd like to see more of this happening to public officials and LEO's. Let them know that they aren't the only ones watching everyone. The actions of these people that we put our trust into must be above reproach. The deputy in question should be reprimanded and should give a public apology for his disregard of the same law that he is supposed to uphold.

Mike"

How did the person taking the videotape know he was a police officer? He was off duty. He wasn't wearing a uniform. The cameraman must have been aquainted with him. Sounds like someone that had a grudge (a neighbor or someone he arrested/ticketed) and was trying to get revenge.

And what did they catch him doing? Drinking a beer (gasp) at a softball game (double gasp) at a park (triple gasp). About as "serious" as driving 59 in a 55 mph zone.

Then they catch him driving after having one beer. So what? It's not even a crime! One beer doesn't put a person anywhere near the drunk driving limit (plus, there are numerous studies showing that most people are actually better drivers after a single drink, so you can't even accuse him of being reckless.)

Basicly, the caught him being a normal, run of the mill person. Gasp. What next? We'll find out that he is married and has children?

Most officers exercise some common sense in these situations. They aren't going to run you in or throw the book at you because they see you having a beer after a softball game.

The cameraman should exercise some common sense also. Do you really want to see someone's job or career messed up or damaged because he had a beer after a softball game?

Policemen (despite what some think) are people also.

..."I am sorry to have assumed it was an older woman, but they are usually the most ardent anti-beer folks."..

Thanks.
Actually you may be right, I just wanted to point out that it doesn't have to be an older woman. I personally cannot stand the taste of beer, I never even liked the smell of it. Now, a Pina Colada is a whole different thing. I guess I like "girlie drinks" , the ones that are sweet.

Tell that to the cops that harrass other people for doing the exact same thing. Would you want your career ruined for something like that because a cop caught you drinking where it was prohibited? Happens everyday across the country.

Don't get me wrong, I support law enforcement whole heartedly, hell, many of my friends are deputies but they do need to have an eye kept on them. LE seems incapable of self policing if you will forgive the pun. You look at the few bad cops out there that break the law and get protection from their brother officers. Heck, look at Lon Horiuchi. He was supposed to stand trial for the Ruby Ridge incident and the feds told the state to drop the charges! Is this what you want to happen in the future? The government must remain responsible not for us but TO us. They must answer to the people, not the other way around. Cops must hold themselves to a higher degree of standards on and off duty as an example. They must be above reproach and set the correct example. Otherwise, what is the use of having them? Just to write more tickets for illegal parking?

Internal oversight of LE organizations is a joke. It is still a protect your own at all costs situation. Our only recourse is to keep an eye on the cops and question their actions where appropriate. If the cops don't like it, they can get another job. Not only for cops but any public official who's activities could harm the public at large. These people put themselves in these positions by applying for jobs or running for election. I don't feel sorry for them, the knew what they were getting into from the very beginning. Their actions effect the community on a daily basis. If they are going to be in these positions, they can deal with us watching them.

Mike

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.