They didn't listen to defence counsel. They didn't listen when defence counsel and the BCCLA told them that a system without recourse to the courts causes this kind of trouble and now, the police have recalled 2,200 Approved Screening Devices used at roadside to test people's breath alcohol. We told them citizen's rights would be violated and that there would be a violation of due process.
They didn't listen to us.
These are the machines responsible for the suspensions. By now, hundreds of people have received these suspensions. And the machines aren't working.
This is what happens when you remove due process.
To the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles; to Jamie Graham; to the police I say this: Shame on you. Your totalitarian attitude has lead to a situation where you've infringed due process without recourse for hundreds, if not thousands of citizens.
Disgusting. Maybe now, citizens will rise up and decry the loss of their rights.
Showing posts with label police. Show all posts
Showing posts with label police. Show all posts
Friday, November 19, 2010
Monday, November 30, 2009
In Memoriam - 4 Police Officers Shot Dead in Washington State.
Our hearts here at Helps Law Offices go out to all the officers in the Pierce County, Washington, today, especially the Pierce County Sheriffs and the Lakewood Police Department.
The officers — three men and a woman from the Lakewood Police Department — were attacked at 8:15 a.m. local time yesterday. Two of the officers were shot and killed as they sat at a table. Another one was shot standing up. The fourth officer fought with the gunman and made it outside and was able to get off some shots. They were about to go on shift. All of them were doing paperwork and enjoying each other's company.
Working in the justice system is hard, no matter who you are. As an advocate, my job is to ensure my client is treated fairly and is given the best possible defence, because the Crown has the burden of proving the case. I have met police officers that I thought were sleazy jerks; police have often come across counsel that are sleazy jerks. By and large, however, most police officers are trying to do their jobs competently. I've met some real heroes, too.
No one should be in jeopardy of death for their jobs. To be put in a situation where you are in the line of fire is one thing and I know plenty of wives and husbands of police officers who accept that their spouse is in mortal danger on a regular basis. That's different than this. These officers weren't on an active investigation; they weren't chasing a suspect in hot pursuit; they didn't enter a situation to help someone only to find it was more dangerous than they anticipated - they were having coffee. They were catching up on the administrative part of their job. They were alive - and then they died. It's sickening.
May they rest in peace.
The officers — three men and a woman from the Lakewood Police Department — were attacked at 8:15 a.m. local time yesterday. Two of the officers were shot and killed as they sat at a table. Another one was shot standing up. The fourth officer fought with the gunman and made it outside and was able to get off some shots. They were about to go on shift. All of them were doing paperwork and enjoying each other's company.
Working in the justice system is hard, no matter who you are. As an advocate, my job is to ensure my client is treated fairly and is given the best possible defence, because the Crown has the burden of proving the case. I have met police officers that I thought were sleazy jerks; police have often come across counsel that are sleazy jerks. By and large, however, most police officers are trying to do their jobs competently. I've met some real heroes, too.
No one should be in jeopardy of death for their jobs. To be put in a situation where you are in the line of fire is one thing and I know plenty of wives and husbands of police officers who accept that their spouse is in mortal danger on a regular basis. That's different than this. These officers weren't on an active investigation; they weren't chasing a suspect in hot pursuit; they didn't enter a situation to help someone only to find it was more dangerous than they anticipated - they were having coffee. They were catching up on the administrative part of their job. They were alive - and then they died. It's sickening.
May they rest in peace.
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