An Anonymous Letter Of Complaint Against The Alexandria Police Department
I received this e-mail today from a source who asked me to protect his anonymity. I have confirmed the veracity of his identity. However, I caution that it is impossible for me, at this juncture, to confirm the veracity of his claims. If there is reason to believe that this letter is fictional, then I invite readers to question its claims.
Dear Lamar,
I’ve been having a hard time tracking down the e-mail address of the chief of police for Alexandria, so I hope that you will post this as an open letter to the citizens of Alexandria….
(edited for personal content)
Yesterday evening, while at friend’s house and walking toward my vehicle to retrieve a CD, three armed police officers surrounded me and told me to put my hands on the hood of one of their police cars. This occurred late at night around Charles Park, near the Citgo gas station, formerly known as the Gate. As a resident of Charles Park, I have noticed throughout the past six years, police officers tend to congregate at the Gate during the late evening and early morning hours. I don’t exactly understand why the APD chooses to dispatch several police officers at this location, considering the bulk of crime in Alexandria occurs in other areas. However, the officers told me they were investigating a string of petty thefts that had recently occurred in this neighborhood.
After I placed my hands on the hood of a police car, they asked me what I was doing. I told them that I was just checking on my vehicle and fetching a CD. Then, they asked me if they could search my pockets, and I consented. I had nothing to hide. They frisked me, searched my pockets, and then asked if they could search my vehicle. I asked why this was necessary. Without an answer, they continued asking if they could search. I told them politely that there was no reason to search. They then threatened to “bring out the K-9 unit… which could take forever.” Again, I had nothing to hide and allowed them to search my vehicle.
After searching my car, they asked me who I was visiting. I told them my friend’s name. Then, they walked over to my friend’s place, knocked on the door, and asked my friend whether or not he “knew” who I was, all while holding my ID in his hand. My friend, of course, confirmed I was there and was due back.
Afterward, they walked back over to me and explained that they usually worked on the “other side of town” and were used to doing things “that way.” They told me that if I had been on the other side of town, I would have been “beaten by now.” I believe this was supposed to be a joke.
To me, this entire incident really proves what’s wrong about the way the Alexandria Police Department enforces the law. First, they harassed a citizen who was merely walking toward his vehicle; I was not inebriated, and like I said, I had nothing to hide so I consented. Then, they asked to search my vehicle. I’m not sure what searchable offense occured, but still, I consented. To top it all off, they involved my friend in this whole fiasco, flashing flashlights into his windows and interrogating him about who I was.
The whole incident really makes me glad I wasn’t “on the other side of town.” Who knows what they would have done?
Let me also state that there I have no intentions whatsoever of pressing any charges. I consented voluntarily to what they demanded, and I respected their authority. I understand that crime is a problem in Alexandria, and I think it is important that our police officers enforce the law….but if my experience proves anything, it is that the method that was used on me wasn’t appropriate or necessary… and bordered on harassment.
CenLamar 
I have seen firsthand how things are handled on the other side of town and they told you the truth. Why do you think relations with APD are the way they are with the other side of town?
My grievance is that when police officers engage in criminal conduct that would land US in the pen for 5 years, they get a one week suspension and are back on the street to (1) punish the complainer, and (2) reoffend. Criminal conduct by the police shouldn’t be treated as a personnel matter.
This case, if true, demands an investigation from the US Justice Department.
Wonder why a compliant was not made to the various committees, agencies, departments, etc that handle citizen complaints?
Wonder why someone would, other than identify themselves to a Police Officer? Ass holes (the term police use to refer to citzens/civilians) according to law only owe an Officer identification. Past that one should shut up. Ask one question -Am I under arrest? If not see you.
Case in point – a favorite tactic of the Alexandria Police Departments Detective Divion when questioning an individual: “Will you take a lie detector test? It will prove your innocence.” I am innocent fool you got to prove me guilty and don’t ask for my help in doing that.
People should learn to tell the Police nothing and have as little contact with them as possible. The APD would not rec ognize a clue or a fact if they met one at high noon on a deserted street.
Never lose sight of the Lee Street incident where the 4 Police Officers where attempted to be truck hijacked by a lone Black armed with a 40. Brfave lad he was. Sure. Isn’t the Butch still with the Force.
Sounds like you need the Kaplan Committment or better still…why don’t you follow me to Tommy B.???
What is Tommy B??????
What is the Kaplan Committment?
I sure have a lot of questions. Indicates lack of knowledge pertaining to anything worthwhile.
its not just the apd that does this. its ingrained in most if not all louisiana police departments:
According to published reports, the New Mexico State Police Department refused to work post-hurricane duty with the Baton Rouge Police Department after only two days of patrols in early September. Among other details, the complaints filed with local officials and the US Justice Department detail Baton Rouge officers firing tasers at innocent bystanders, striking suspects after they had been handcuffed, and damaging cars and other personal property.
link
more info via google
Before we go too far in the cop bashing direction, I would suggest to anyone that is interested in knowing the full story to enroll in the APD ciizens academy. I have been through and found it very informative. I have also seen the abuses in the community also. All in all you will come away knowing that you are better off with them than without and have some insight into their world. Besides that, APD needs citizen involvement to be effective.
My knowledge of the APD goes back to when the Police Station was on the corner of Lee Street and 5th or 6th (whatever the crtoss street is. The Police Department was where the corner of the Fire Department is. Take it from someone who knows a Policeman, after 6 months on the job, is the most depressed, angry shittiest outlooked person in the world. Why not normally all they deal with is trash so they start to assume everyone is trash. How about them Paul Racine elevator rides? How about machine gunning the radio desk? How about (wasn’t it Sonny Giordano’s brother) the dectivtive that got killed trying to cash stolen checks at Rapides Bank on Bolton Ave?
Ever been in a function in which two cops are present. All they can talk about is their work. Can’t carry on a conversation about anything but some asshole they smacked upside the head, can’t talk to you without interregating you – “where you live – who’s your momma, etc, etc.
Yea tell me about cops. I’ll write you a buck about cops. Think of how many different types of policeman we have in this nation. City Policeman, constables, sheriff deputies, state police, swat team, city marshalls, federal marshalls, immigration, on and on and on.
America must be one bad ass society.
book not buck
I understand that police officers do have to deal with a lot of shitty people who probably should be dealt with in a shitty way, but the fact of the matter is when they consider someone guilty until proven innocent, something is very wrong.
In a policeman’s view everyone is guilty of something. Only LEO’s are not criminals. What is unique is the tax paying citizens are referred to as civilians. I guess LEO’s are something else -Military ?- Storm Tropper?- wonder what?
It’s not that complicated. It’s about respecting and obeying the law. They don’t. That job attracts a certain kind of deviant. It’s no mystery.
The only thing the law requires a citizen furnish a policeman is to identify themselves. Unless a Policeman has probable cause to suspect an illegal activity is underway he has no legal authority to have a K-9 unit sniff search a vehicle or stop a person no matter the hour and ask what the person is doing.
The Police will do all of this, bluffing the citizen with bullshit, and it is up to the citizen to know their rights.
The first question a person should ask after identifying themselves is “Am I under arrest?” If not wish the Officer good day. You stay there and talk you gonna get interrogated.
If the Officer wants to question you ask him to contact your lawyer and arrange an appointment.
Unless an Officer has personal knowledge of an offense being committed or has charges signed by a complaintant he cannot arrest you. He will attempt to interregate you to find out information – all you owe him is name rank and serial number and the Sergeant Schultz response.
Alexandria City Police and Louisiana State Troopers by and large are arrogant, disrespectful assholes and enjoy being so. It is the only way they get to be in power. It is a power thing with them not a Service to the Public thing. Take away the gun and club and pepper spray and the badge and they just the high school bully.
Police work attracts the laziest, most unmotivated people in the work force. At least firemen have to cut grass and play basketball. APD Officers are normally parked up next to another Officer talking or, if on the night shift, hiding somewheres sleeping.
Have you ever seen a city cop that wasn’t exceeding the speed limit while talking on his cell phone. Who in the world is sufficiently gifted at multi-tasking that they can observe their surroundings, operate a car at excessive speeds in high traffic, talk on and pay attention to the radio, do their reports, all while talking on their cell phone. The department practice of hiring and protecting the kids of those cops who have been protected from their own incompetence by civil service, is alive and well although it enjoyed its heyday during the Cicardo fiasco. Those guys make salaries that are not justified by their education, training, or work load. Maybe the new mayor will set reasonable standards of police conduct. We can hope.
Does it say anything to anybody that nobody is surprised, shocked, or amazed by this story of actionable misconduct. This is the protection and service that have been conditioned to expect from APD. Neighborhood policing. What a fucking joke.
The latest trend is to hire all blacks. Existing civil service test results were trashed and the list of qualified candidates was trashed because there were no qualified black candidates and new testing is being done in order to come up with (hopefully) black candidates.
The council approved the Chief hiring 5 new Officers. Hide and watch to see how many of the new hires are White.
Anyone that thinks the practices of the City of Alexandria isn’t controlled by race lives in a dream world.
Isn’t it wonderful to be riding on I-49 trying to do the speed limit and see a State Trooper pass you speeding. Of course there is a reason – responding to a call – sure. How about the pleasant personalities of the likes of Mike Burns (certifiable) and Mike Migas (arrogant) and others. As a previous poster stated the type of person attracted to Law Enforcement Work is not the best there is.
It comes down to the “us versus them” mentality. You spend enough time looking and chasing deviants, then most people look like deviants. This isn’t excusable but tends to be a reality.
As the anon. poster stated initially, APD does nothing but ‘patrol’ the Gate and Sonic on Jackson Street. I’ve brought this up on Cenla Antics and on here. Your, mine, and others tax dollars are being spent to officers can park at the Gate seven deep, spend hours at the car dealerships on Hwy 28, and sleep in Compton Park or behind the old Sallys building. We’ve thought about taking pictures but the beatdown isn’t worth it.
Oh, and try to complain. If you do, your real name tends to get you pulled over and harassed by our friends in blue. Been there, done that. Nothing happened and the same crew was parked at the Gate for nights on end. If you want to try something fun then go ride through 3rd street or Sonya Quarters from 10pm-3am. You’ll see nary a cop in sight. None. Same with Culpepper Drive and other areas that have high drug distribution and violent crime.
I believe the low police profile in the Quarters is due to three reaons:
1. The majority of the council being Black don’t want “they’s people ha rassed.
2. The Chief being a light skinned one is of the same mind set. He wants to stay on the good side of the majority of the Council.
3. Our bad assed cops don’t want to patrol in the Quarters. Remember they shot back down there.
And that leaves the White sections to bother.
While the APD has it’s problems, would you like to live here if they didn’t exist? Do you trust your fellow man that far? Do you think that dogs and cats will lay down together and snow will fall in Hell?
Civil, you seem to think that our choice is between a bad police force and no police force. I hope there is a third choice.
I didn’t even notice the Alexandria police until I passed 60. After that age all accidents will get you a ticket. After one fenderbender the a cop asked me to move my vehicle. Later another cop asked for my license and registration and went and talked to the 18 year old that ran into me. Then he came back and gave me a ticket and would not go back where the accident happened. Recently a speeding driver ran into my wife’s fender and guess who got the ticket? Alexandria is getting as bad as Woodworth. When they decide you are at fault the only way you can get justice to to hire a lawyer and spend much money. Justice in Alexandria is for the rich. I wouldn’t even go to Alexandria except all the doctors I need to see are there.
State troopers are so hyped up on getting drug runners they seem to think anybody with a little gray at their temples is running drugs.
I actually hope we are able to enjoy the protection of a very professional police force. That is a work in progress and I’ll take what I can get till it’s finished.
I never thought I’d say it but I think we have way too many police officers. I work in a place that provides a service to every single officer and in my opinion there are way too many. It’s a waste of time and tax dollars.
Speaking of tax dollars, next time you get a chance, roll on down St. Clair road next time you’re in Gardner. To your left you will see an APD patrol car that drives to and from Alexandria at least 5 days a week. Now, gas isn’t cheap and I know for a fact he’s not paying for it.
My point is that corruption in the APD will always be there, but it can be contained more effectively if we didn’t have so many GD extra cops.
According to the light skinned one Officers taking their vehicles home have a deterrent effect on their neighberhood. So the citizens of Alexandria are keeping Gardner safe.
so what crime is going on in gardner. P.s. last i checked, gardner had their own police.
I didn’t know Gardner was incorporated. Who’s the mayor? If not, then they are served by RPSO.
Boyce Police Department. Also, just like Alexandria and all other areas in Rapides Parish, Gardner is also served by the RPSO.
While you’re partially correct on the RPSO “bit” you’re missing the point entirely.
They have officers out there. An A-town cop is completely uneccessary in Gardner. City utility employees would never get those kind of perks. The only way a city worker can bring a vehicle home is if that individual was on call. It’s ridiculous!! What’s even more absurd is that you agree to paying for the officer’s gas to and from Alexandria everyday.
Are you a cop?
The APD vehicle in question can be seen most nights parked at a house on St. Clair Road near the B and J gas station in Gardner/Wilda.
yes it was Frank Giordano, Sonny’s brother, who was shot outside the bank.
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