Comments on Advance Indiana™: Piland Cleared By Merit Board Of Using Excessive Force Against Brandon Johnson

If it was Officer David Carney (or whoever) on the...

2010-11-06T07:41:14.878-05:00

If it was Officer David Carney (or whoever) on the scene who was out-of-line (per department procedures), then there is zero prospect of punishment for that officer? If everything was by the book- fine. If everything was not, then doesn't a department that needs a perception of fairness (arguably more than any other) need to "police" their own?

Not the least of the officer's concern is that...

2010-11-06T07:29:45.640-05:00

Not the least of the officer's concern is that this punk could jump in and grab one of their weapons.

The 'kid' had total control over how he was treated. He chose to get in the mix instead of staying out of it.

None of the so-called 'concerned clergy' has been even slightly concerned about reminding people they need to when an investigation or arrest is in progress you just don't try to intervene.

No, all they want to talk about is the right not to receive excessive force. They always forget abot the reponsibility to stay out of the way of police doing their jobs.

I swear people go looking for ways to become 'victims' sometimes.

Oh, and I am thoroughly disgusted by the Mayor and his crew for slamming the Merit Board publically. That's just wrong, no matter their decision.

These are unpaid appointees doing a difficult job just because they want to give something to the community. And all they get for their contribution is a slap in the face.

No, make that 'public humilation.'

I saw Mayor Ballard flanked by Public Safety Direc...

2010-11-05T18:31:31.918-05:00

I saw Mayor Ballard flanked by Public Safety Director Straub at a press conference denounce the decision of the Merit Board. Funny? I don't remember them in attendance at the Merit Board hearing to hear the evidence!!!

So these two who had political motivations to order the Chief to bring the officer up for termination for POLITICAL reasons, are put in their place. Indiana for some time has recognized that politicians will attempt to destroy the career of a good law enforcement officer because they have political motives. In this case, the Public Safety Director had already had the so-called "concerned clergy" call for him to resign for malfeasance. Herr Straub tried to placate them by "throwing a bone", attempting to destroy a good man's career in exchange for political favor.

Mr. Mayor & Public Safety Director Straub were not in attendance to hear the evidence because EVIDENCE DID NOT MATTER when they were giving a political favor of a man's career to placate the loud-mouth so-called "concerned clergy."

Mr. Mayor, you were a Marine. You lack leadership that a Marine officer should have! You lack moral courage.

Mr. Public Safety Director Straub, you not only lack moral courage and leadership, but you're just a simple man. Perhaps you and Mmoja Ajabu need to get together and talk. At least that militant and violent Black Panther was present for some of the evidence at the hearing to see that you were just placating him by your action.

MCB what were the IMPD officers to do .... The kid...

2010-11-05T16:15:54.899-05:00

MCB what were the IMPD officers to do ....
The kid (6' 200 lbs. and street savvy) isn't a baby. This kids brother was stopped for home invasion...the neighbors were up in arms....Brandon interfered when his brother was being arrested by applying a grip on the arresting officers leg while that LEO attempted to handcuff the brother. Brandon wouldn't let go....what in the hell are LEO's to do ??? Sweet talk the kid?
This situation could have became deadly in a blink of an eye. Brandon's very lucky this didn’t turn tragic.

MS. Barton - I know that you know officers better ...

2010-11-05T12:03:24.107-05:00

MS. Barton - I know that you know officers better than that.
The entire situation was well under control until this "young man," 6' 200 pounds, tried to entice the crowd to overtake the officers.
Then he resisted the efforts of several officers trying to arrest him. The officers had no choice. They had to regain control of the situation before it turned into a riot.
He was NOT beaten by IMPD. He was subdued during a lawful arrest. The injuries were brought on by HIS actions, not the actions of the police.
If the mayor and Herr DOC-TOR think officers are going to lose a fight and possibly get seriously injured or worse, they better reconsider their opinions. Bowing to public pressure at the expense of law and order is NOT the way to make a city safe.

This decision does not make for a happy day in Ind...

2010-11-05T10:46:09.977-05:00

This decision does not make for a happy day in Indianapolis. Call me still baffled about why Brandon was beaten by IMPD's finest.