New Haven Independent

Posted by: cedarhillresident | August 22, 2008 5:36 PM

I LOVE YOU LEWIS!! I AM NOW OFFICIALLY A FAN!!

AND YOU JEFFERSON... want a red light district!!! OK Where do you live...I will make sure to tell every one of the girls that work my area to go right in front of your house!! Hey maybe you'll get freebie! And then we can watch you wife and kids fear going out!! And you can pick up the cu* filled condoms!! And shoot you can look out your window like we do and watch the heads going up and down while we tell the kids they cant go out yet because the prostitute is doing her business and while we are at it when your wife goes outside and your daughter or mother they get some creepy guy pulling up slowly to see if they are a whore!! While the value of your property goes down and the drug dealers that supply the girls start to set up shop on your street and then their customers are banging drugs and leaving the needles for your child to find at the freakin bus stop in the morning!!!! Civil rights!!! yeah!! What about the entire community that these girls are killing!!! Don't we have rights!! Some guy getting a blow job is more important than the safety of children and women in a low income area!! SHAME ON YOU!!!!!

ps Lewis I am sure you have become a fan of the NHI by now. I called in one of our reg. today she was gone for a time put has moved back here she works state and may area usuelly where a scarf. I put the call in at noon. Please don't forget cedar hill.

Posted by: Walt | August 22, 2008 5:36 PM

Doubt very much that the claim of innocence above is true, but it very well could be.

Many years ago, a woman, whom I assume was a whore, but maybe she was not, jumped into my car while I was waiting for a green light on Ferry St., at Grand Ave

Told her to get the hell out, and she did pretty quickly., but maybe a gungho cop could have dragged me into a mess if he was being pressured for more arrests.

There also was a woman, whom I saw several times hop in cars stopped at the light on Church St. at Chapel. She was there often.

Prudent drivers made sure their passenger door locks were locked while they drove up Church St in the middle of the day (At least I did after my first experience).

Not a whore I think, just a somewhat odd woman wanting a ride up toward Grove St.
(At least that is what she said.)

I lean in favor of the Chief's new effort, but must consider that an innocent guy could easily get trapped.

Should be really strong evidence of the guy's purpose before he is publicized in this manner.

Maybe hold=off until conviction, then release the info.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | August 22, 2008 5:44 PM

Walt maybe your manly lure made her wild with desire! :)

Posted by: THREEFIFTHS | August 22, 2008 6:41 PM

The driver pulled down the window and said,How are you doing,The woman than said you're under arrest.If this is all what the driver said to this woman,Get ready for a false arrest lawsuit!!!
Did the driver or passenger offer this woman money in exchange for sex? Did the undercover officer state a price?If there talk of money exchange on the tapes the chief has as evidence?
Where is it against the law to say how are you!!!
So If this is what happen i hope these men sue the
city for what sounds like a false arrest!!!

Posted by: KAMB | August 22, 2008 6:51 PM

A red light district?! Is this guy really a lawyer? Maybe he should quit his day job and become a pimp! As for Chief Lewis, GO GET'EM CHEIF! Clean up these streets and rid them of these prostitutes, drug dealers and buyers, and speeders, and any other lawless behavior.

GO CHIEF !!!

Posted by: Walt | August 22, 2008 7:12 PM

Doubtful, but, on the other hand, it was many years ago.

Posted by: Memories of 1987 | August 22, 2008 7:37 PM

That has to be the worst looking crew of CSW's anywhere. The only thing they should be paid to do is put paper bags over their heads.

Posted by: tired of it | August 22, 2008 7:41 PM

Innocent people do not plead guilty, or take AR. So here is the next question, can the tapes be released after their case is disposed of, so we can see just how innocent all these innocent men are. Remember, just like sex offenders, you just never know who will stop and pick up a prostitute.

Posted by: Jonathan Swift | August 22, 2008 7:55 PM

Jefferson lives at 290 Bellevue Road in Beaver Hills. How appropriate it would be . . .

Posted by: Hooligan | August 23, 2008 12:11 AM

Michael Jefferson

Hey Mike, maybe your idea for a "red light district", can be started in front of your house. I'm sure you wouldn't mind these crack heads parading in front of your house , having Johns whistle at your wife or loved ones as they innocently walk to the corner store, or the neighborhood.

Your client is a liar and his antics are going to be exposed in open court when the video and audio tapes are played, but I'm sure you already know that.

Posted by: DEDE | August 23, 2008 9:02 AM

PUT THE PEDIPHILES PICTURES AND ADDRRESS SO PEOPLE WILL BEWARE

Posted by: MORRIS COVE MF | August 23, 2008 9:15 AM

The most fascinating thing I read was that it was 7 women and 1 man arrested for prostitution, but I can't seem to find the mug shot of the man anywhere. Is the Register protecting him? Fair's fair; you show all the mug shots, or none at all. I wonder if Paul Bass can get the missing picture, or the name of the man arrested.

Posted by: unprotected | August 23, 2008 11:04 AM

bottom left is the guy. match the names to the pics. top left to right, then bottom

Posted by: Edward_H | August 23, 2008 11:15 AM

MORRIS COVE MF

but I can't seem to find the mug shot of the man anywhere

Check out
http://www.wtnh.com/Global/story.asp?S=8885108

The male is the one wearing the brown sweater with the little symbol on the left shoulder.

DEDE

Until the Chief gets his act together on the pedofiles

http://www.familywatchdog.us/Search.asp

Posted by: cedarhillresident | August 23, 2008 11:11 PM

I know where they can find the pedofiles go to the playground at View and Rock guys are always parked their. Not sure if it is for the kids or wait for a girl. But when ever I am over thier I make sure they know that they need to leave. To bad we are not close enough to newhallville to have an officer able to swing by their once in a while. Hey lewis we are on the OTHER SIDE OF TOWN from our district so it makes it hard for us to have officers able to do drive through!! They do once in a while but not enough. Is there a way to get a cop up this end of state street...we are not upper state street we are upper upper state street(upper state street did not want to include the low income part of upper state street in there group hmmm shameful and a bit discriminating), Not to PC guys. And sorry no excuses we know the truth.

Posted by: Edward_H | August 24, 2008 8:18 AM

Looking at the pictures of these "ladies" has convinced me of at least one thing. New Haven needs a better class of streetwalker! I think we need to create an Office of Ec-Ho-nomic Development. I hear Eliot Spitzer is looking for work , maybe he can head it up.

Posted by: True New Havener | August 24, 2008 2:44 PM

Cedar Hill --

Would it make more sense for you to be in the Fair Haven district? Seems like it might help out in terms of coverage. Though the people of Fair Haven might not appreciate the extra duty for their officers.

Posted by: TV Show | August 24, 2008 2:56 PM

Okay this was an episode of "The Wire" on HBO. Actually it covered several episodes and led to the end of the road for the police district commander.

He created a district where dealing, prostitution and using were allowed, thus driving down crime elsewhere. Of course in Baltimore they have blocks of abandoned buildings and he turned over those blocks.

Sounds like someone has been watching too much tv -- other than me that is.

Have red light districts ever worked? Believe me I am not suggesting, just interested. I know there used to be one in Boston.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | August 24, 2008 7:19 PM

TV Show and which home owners will be the lucky ones to have this?? Which kids will get to have this in there area? There is now were in new haven for such a district where family will not be hurt. nd we already have enough of the states scum using our city as a through way for dealing that would only bring more here.

Edward tee hee

Posted by: tapes | August 25, 2008 7:37 AM

to the person who asked if the tapes can be released later.

it will be harder to get them later than it would be now.

they should be requested by the reporters or members of the public now using the freedom of information act.

as soon as a case is dismissed or funneled into alternative resolution as two of them already have been, you can't view the court file or view anything in the police file.

while the cases are pending, lots of it is publc by law, but police fight requests under the FOIA.

It is likely even the defendants have not seen these tapes and never will unless they go to trial.

lets say there was a glitch on one of them, and the incident wasn't recorded. the defendant who just pleaded out likely wouldn't know that before pleading.

if you are innocent and fighting the charge really hard, the tapes eventually will be viewed in court (if they haven't been accidentally erased by then) but only after months of living hell and amassed damages. This is how the new haven prosecutor's office insists on operating even in cases where they strongly suspect you are innocent or know they don't have a strong case.

if a client is stone cold sure he didn't say or do anything supporting the charge, he should push his lawyer to file to dismiss now with the tapes as exhibits instead of letting these new haven lawyers do what they do best - not rocking a boat. they will drag it out for months, repeatedly hold meetings in judge's chambers with prosecutors without the defendant present then posture over discovery issues for 6 more months, then explain to the bankrupt client whose boss has fired him that this is the process. they more often than not, are not proactive.

it is not unusual for lawyers to get less in discovery in these little cases than an average motivated person could get through a simultaneous FOI submission to police.

Posted by: Anon | August 25, 2008 1:15 PM

A popular movie from 1995 starring Leonardo Dicaprio contains a scene in which one or more teenage boys approach an apparently drug-addicted prostite and offer to pay her for her services. It's all a joke, as is apparent after the scene unfolds, and the prostitute gets very upset when she realizes it too.

I can envision a class of individuals, like the boys in that movie, who would, as a joke, play along with offers of prostitution, knowing full well that they would never engage in such conduct. This is especially concerning when the dialogue is initiated by the "prostitute." What safeguards are there to prevent instances like this from being construed as criminal?

Regarding the passenger and driver of the truck who were arrested, the article notes that the undercover officer spoke with the passenger. I wonder whether anything was said to the driver; whether the said anything or was involved at all; or whether driver was simply rounded up with the rest. The latter concerns me.

Tired of It: Regrettably, in a small number of cases, people do plead guilty and accept AR for crimes they did not commit. When faced with the prospect of coming back to court every two weeks, or having to hire an attorney ($$) to represent them at a trial, and the uncertainty of trial, people sometimes cut their losses and plead guilty, particularly when the "deal" involves no jail time. It's a sad commentary, but it's true.

Posted by: Ellis Copeland | August 25, 2008 6:07 PM

1st-- We will never know the truth since the accused took the A/R, but let us remember there is NO such thing as an honest New Haven cop. Even the 2 or 3 or are not on the take turn a blind eye to their fellows.

2nd-- Lewis is a stooge. If he really wants to clean up New Haven in 18 months he needs to fully cooperate with the Feds to give Johnny boy a cell next to Joe Ganim. When he's gone it will be back to business as usual.

3rd-- If he wants to do a symbolic crack down he should ticket all the cops who take up all the metered spots on Union Ave w/o paying. And he should remind his bike cops that riding on the sidewalk is gainst the law and cussing at citizens who pont it out is just rude-- although eventually one will hit me as has nearly happened and then-- ka-ching!

Posted by: no2partysystem | August 25, 2008 8:18 PM

prostitution is legal in Canada, i believe. if you're curious you could research how it has worked there.

Cedarhill,
I know how concerned you are about keeping neighborhoods safe, and a red light district could work toward this goal. the city would be able to "license" prostitutes (checking every once in a while to make sure that they are), tax their revenue, and keep them safer by providing them with condoms and other forms of birth control. in canada i believe all prostitutes are also periodically tested for STDs.

i'm sure there is a rather industrial area (near the post office and ikea perhaps) where an "escort service" could do their business. they could also have specific rooms where the "service" happens so it doesn't go on in a car or park.

drug legalization would have much the same effect, although i don't think putting it in the same area as the escort service would be a good idea. people ages 16-18 should be able to buy wine, beer, and pot with parental consent. those 18-21 without parental consent, and those 21 and over should be able to buy hard liquor and hard drugs. this graduated use policy would encourage a dialogue between parents and their children about responsible substance use. it might also prevent drunk-driving deaths because kids wouldn't feel scared to call their parents to pick them up if they've been drinking.
by legalizing hard drugs there would be less of a "bad-ass-i'm-so-cool" association for young adults. by bringing drug use out in the open it would be easier for the government to target those most in need of services.

i think a lot of people will probably disagree with this but i implore those who take issue to tell me how the status quo drug war/prostitution criminalization has done anything but drive the activity underground.

Posted by: JZ | August 26, 2008 12:21 AM

LOLOLOL @ a prositute zone next to Ikea and the post office, Were you thinking open air cubicles? Private yet filled with sunshine and fresh air? Sounds very civilized. We'll have to have a pimp waiting area too.

These are the kind of ideas that occur to you when you stay home too much of the time alone with your water pipe. Or when you're 16.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | August 26, 2008 8:31 AM

no2partysystem
I only read the first line of your comment. I will repeat to all those who want this, as long as it is in your neighbor hood and it is your wife and children that get to experience the joys of it! We did our time and do not want it. And as stated in another thread...this is violence against women! plain and simple truth, even if they are willing participants. It is the degrading control of a women or man or a girl or a boy that have hit the lowest points in their lives were they have to sell their body's! And as my brothers keeper to say it is ok to sell human flesh as if it was a side of beef is disgusting, for people to say it is ok for these people to be used by some jurk who gets his rocks off on having control over a human being for a lousy $20.00 bucks says that you have stepped over the line. Sex with a prostitute is no different than rape. It has little to do with the sex part of it. It is control, and violence and it is acceptable became the person they are doing it to has said ok and is being payed to do it. sad!

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

Posted by: Insider | August 26, 2008 8:32 AM

Ellis

... Your comments are so far fetched there laughable, but I feel I must respond to your comments about the parking issues at the police department.

On the parking at the meters, our department was built with no parking, we have about 30 parking spaces on West Water St., and the parking lot across the street on Union Ave., is on loan from Amtrak ( about 30 spaces ). So where do you propose we park?.

We put our lives on the line everyday for simpltons like you who take from socity everyday and give nothing back, what do you do for our community?

You and your other buddy ( Dorris ), are parasites, who have nothing to do but mock real heros, shame on you.

Posted by: Steve Ross | August 26, 2008 8:55 AM

Cedar,

First, I want you to know that I love your posts and I often am forced to rethink my feelings about issues in the city when I read your take on them, but to draw a direct line between prostitution and rape is inappropriate. They aren't the same thing. Secondly, I'm surprised that you didn't read No2partsystem's entire post before responding - despite what JZ insists, there are precedents that suggest the type of decriminalization that s/he discussed has worked in other countries (though I don't think that it would would here - not now, anyway).

I don't know if I agree with No2party myself, but I believe that it might be one way to address what many of us see as a problem. It's going to take more than putting johns' names in the paper to tackle it.

Posted by: Doriss William | August 26, 2008 10:22 AM

Tired of it: Innocent people do plea-bargain to reduced charges just to make the nightmare of repeated, useless trips to the courthouse cease and desist,... so that they can get on with their lives. Your comment shows you have zero first-hand experience with the criminal "justice" system in Corrupticut.

Walt: A similar occurence happened to me on George St. once. A woman opened the passenger door of my truck and urgently requested a ride "downtown." I obliged. She propositioned me. I declined. She got out. I was then acosted by a lady N.H. cop who insisted that I had propositioned the young lady [undercover]. She would not let me leave. She was prepared to arrest me, but failed to do so. She was waiting for me to become belligerant?!?

To make a long story short: I requested she call her suprvisor over, which she did. It took me over 1/2 hour to weasel out of a v. delicate situation.

As previously posted by me, these entrapments are nothing new. They are illegal and unconstitutional. The chief may be well-intentioned, but off to a bad start. He may very well wind up the fall-guy for a misguided mayor who does not have a clue.

Ellis Copeland: Right on!

Posted by: cedarhillresident | August 26, 2008 12:35 PM

luv ya to Steve :)

Ok first let me redefine my use of the word rape...I'll do it spelling be style...Rape...can I have that in a sentence.
Corporate America rapes the working class and there is little we can do about it

This issue is a hard one (no pun intended ). To legalize differs depending on the areas you live in and the obvious; your sex. Now I live in Cedar Hill and I am a women. Besides the logical reasons: prostitution results in physical abuse of women, it spreads sexually transmitted diseases, it corrupts people's character, and it diminishes neighborhoods where it it is practiced. If you tell the patrons of prostitution that it is ok then how will they read into it? What else in there minds will be ok? If keeping it illegal stops one persons child from crossing the line in the sand to work as a prostitute, if it keeps one pedophile from acting his desires, if it keeps one man from raping a women walking down the street, if it keeps one wife/girlfriend from being raped by their significant other. Then the law is working. Prostitution in my eyes takes womens right back decades.

And then the argument that it works in other places hmmmmm would you really want to live in Amsterdam? Vegas has their houses in the desert we do not have that kind of room to keep communities from being effected. And then who decides which peoples property gets to take the hit? Will those home owners be generously compensated?

Steve I always try to look at issues from all sides, but this one hmmmm I just can not.

ohhh ps irony this song came on the my web radio when typing this...
http://www.brunci.tvn.hu/Nirvana - Rape me.mp3

Posted by: Doriss William | August 26, 2008 1:27 PM

Cedar Hill has six comments posted on this thread, four of them highlighted. While not excessive, it is more than anyone else. It is also typical for her to multiple-post whenever she chooses. At this point, I think we all know what her situations are and what her views are, even if we do not know where Cedar Hill is. Does she own stock in NHI?

I mean, sooner or later, the rubber has to meet the road,... or the shoe leather has to hit the concrete sidewalk. A computer cannot put a new roof on your house, nor can it "police" your neighborhood.

If Cedar Hill would volunteer with the Guardian Angels or form a block-watch group, instead of sitting in front of the computer all day, she might accomplish more for the city and her neighborhood than she does by crying like a baby.

"Prostitution as violence against women,"...leave that to the Femi-Nazi graduate students of sociolgy at Yale. That's like me trying to figure out if the "Big Bang" Theory of Creation is true or not. Who really knows? Who really cares?!?

Posted by: Fedupwithliberals | August 26, 2008 5:24 PM

Dear Doriss,

If you've ever read this blog for more than one week, you would have known that CEDARHILLRESIDENT is one of the most active people in her community and the embodiment as to what we should all be doing to better this hellhole of a city. Had she not rallyed the 10th ward to get to the polls last election, Ed Mattison would still be the Alderman there. I personally think that she can be rather naive at times, but we're trying to educate her to become a clear thinking conservative.

Follow her example. Time to put YOUR own suggestion to work and get involved in YOUR community. Don't wait for her to do YOUR job!

Posted by: cedarhillresident | August 26, 2008 6:10 PM

luv ya my conservative friend :) You may win me over yet.

bill it is bill right...do you live in New Haven or Mass???? As Fed up stated I am a very active person not just for my corner of the city but for the whole city on other issues. I hold my head up high knowing that I have made a difference and plan to keep making a difference. As you can tell this is an issue that truely matters to me...so yes you bet your ass I am going to be out spoken and over spoken about it. Just as many are when it matters, shoot it may be over kill but it is just as much over kill as 80 application for a city job. Hmmmm
And if you read my response are to other posters. Not just some rude comment to make your self feel big...Sorry you have that much anger towards me....ok people what time is it....group hug time!! Bill ya need a hug???

Posted by: NHPD | August 26, 2008 10:41 PM

Doris and Ellis, after reading several of your posts, I realize that both of you have some serious issues in life. To make a statement that all of the police are corrupt is absolutely BS. I have been a New Haven Police Officer for over twenty years. NEVER EVER have I been a corrupt officer. I can say that about almost all of the other officers that I have worked with.
Once again, if we are so corrupt, why so few arrests by the Feds.
Doris, if what you say is true, and I serously dobut it is, because you wrote it. If the officer had probable cause to arrest you it would have been done. To give a ride to a female, who you do not know, and who just opened your passenger door is one of the most idiotic things you could have done.
1- You could have been robbed
2- You could have been killed
3- You could have been falsely accused of sexually assulting that female.
But, I think from reading your posts. Someone like you would have taken AR, just because you would not want to be brought through the system. Remember:

"Innocent people do plea-bargain to reduced charges just to make the nightmare of repeated, useless trips to the courthouse cease and desist,... so that they can get on with their lives"
What is your experience with the Judicial system.
And who really cares how much CedarHill posts. At least they are opened minded, and are willing to look at both sides.
But I'm sure there is only one side to things in you life, and that is your view as well as Ellis.
So this corrupt cop is going to go back to work and believe it or not, protect all the people who do not like me or my co-workers, and you know why? BECAUSE THE MAJORITY OF US TOOK THIS JOB TO PROTECT THE CLOSE MINDED MORONS LIKE YOU. We are not perfect, we are human. If you can do better, we are hiring.
I apologize to everyone else for my rambling.

Posted by: Bruce | August 27, 2008 11:10 AM

NHPD: Well said. I imagine one of the more difficult parts of your line of work must be helping thankless paranoid people. Just part of the job I guess. This reminds me of something I witnessed during an emergency room visit a couple years back. The police had picked up an indigent drunk literally out of the gutter and brought her in for much needed medical attention. She yelled and cussed out the cops every step of the way. Then she proceeded to administer some sort of hex on the medical professionals who were trying to treat her. She made a horn sign with her fingers and let out a spooky hiss every time someone walked by. I actually thought it was pretty funny, but I imagine the joke would wear off night after night.

Every time I see some sort of police behavior that I think is out of bounds, I think of the policeman who got my stolen bike back when I was a kid. He got out of his police car, chased down the thief on foot and returned my bicycle unharmed. I tried to thank him, but he wouldn't even acknowledge that he had done anything other than his job.

Corruption does happen, but I tend to think that the vast majority of policemen and women are good people and serve to protect you and me. Now, if we could only get more of these good people out and about in East Rock...

Posted by: THREEFIFTHS | August 27, 2008 12:02 PM

NHPD
The reason for few arrest by the feds is the blue wall of silence!!! You said you have twenty years
on the force,How come you did not know about Billy
White and company.I just saw frank serpico speak in new york city and he said that police corruption exist because the good officers do not speak up and look the other way.P.S. who said that the feds are done with the new haven police department from what i here from officers i know in new haven it is not over yet.

Posted by: Ellis Copeland | August 27, 2008 12:10 PM

To the NHPD responders--

I seem to have hit quite a nerve. If you want respect you need to start giving it. With maybe 3 exceptions every NHPD member I know has nothing but sheer contempt for the residents of this city, a contempt that is flagrantly exhibted in both silly and serious ways. When I get cussed out by cops for admonishing them to obey the laws they swore to uphold I am not paranoid nor am I being respected as a community member.

As to why the Feds did not make more arrests-- first you should be mortified that there were ANY. Second, they doubtless hoped that Billy would roll on the main target-- Johnny Boy. Apparently he didn't-- or they just haven't moved yet, the Feds are a slow bunch.

About Billy-- every cop on the force knew he was a scumbag and turned a blind eye. In my book that makes all of you equally guilty. Prove me wrong.

And I'm sick and tired of this toddler whining, "I put my life on the line to protect you morons" (more contempt btw). Shut the F up. You took the job for a guaranteed pension after a scant twenty years. You took the job to compensate for psychological shortcomings. You took the job to feel important. You certainly don't protect me. You'd be the LAST people I'd call for help. And, yeah, I have plenty of exposure to the "criminal" element. I have nothing to fear from them because they know I treat them with respect and try to help them get straight.

About my suggestions for your parking-- you could get the city to pull the meters; you could park in the garage across the street; or, the most radical idea of all, you could PAY like everyone else!

NHPD has brought nothing but embarrassment to New Haven. A short term stooge chief will not change that. Only a total house cleaning will work. Of course that won't happen as long as this continues to be the most mobbed up city in America. And, please, my fellow East Rock Yalies, I don't want to hear your self righteous chorus. You are all here for a brief time only. I've stuck it out here long enough to know the ugly truth.

Posted by: Shane | August 27, 2008 5:34 PM

Ellis, You need to get out more often if you think that so many cops at NHPD are corrupt. Perhaps YOU didn't pass a written/physical agility/psychological test to become a police officer and just have sour grapes! I am a proud member of this department (almost 20 years now) and can honestly say that I've heard things about civilians and cops in my life. Until I see solid proof that someone is corrupt, I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt. I wouldn't want to be judged....Lord knows there are a lot of haters on and off the job! And I refuse to live my life not trusting people and hating like you. It is counterproductive to what I swore to do in this field. And in case you didn't notice, we are actually BUSY at work, might not have ever worked with Billy, never witnessed him doing anything improper etc. Also, there are quite a few officers that have been here over 25 years who still love the job but can't stand dealing with people like YOU! Always has an answer but never does anything to help. So, what does your crystal ball say about more indictments. No one can assume there won't be more but that doesn't mean there will be. I certainly hope that you don't ever get robbed, raped or assaulted but hope you don't call us or the Yalies you have such contept for. You might treat people with what you call "respect" but good luck if some strung out addict or illy smoking whack job beats the snot out of you for 1 dollar or for the point of it. Don't call the police...you'll be hurting but you'll still have your pride!

Posted by: LastStraw | August 27, 2008 6:03 PM

Wow, Ellis, I had thought the "stop snitching" movement was reserved for young thugs. Thanks for showing me otherwise.
I'm not sure if you are aware, but if you have a bad experience with a police officer, there are actual channels to go through to start an investigation. Even if you are unsatisfied at the time of your interaction with an officer, you have the right to ask for his or her supervisor.
What truly troubles me is that you know so many of these crooked cops and have not done anything about it. Since you apparently know these guys, maybe you should compile a little list and go visit the Feds. You mentioned they were slow, maybe they could use the help.
Sure, there are times that the NHPD gets under my skin, particularly when it comes to response times. I'm not naive enough, however, to think that this is the fault of the officers or even the dispatchers. Understaffed, overworked -- just like the rest of America.
Do you really think cops in New Haven work here just for the pension?!?! The pension is the same or better with much better pay in many CT towns -- most with less risk of injury.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | August 27, 2008 7:35 PM

Bravo LastStraw,
I have my complaints about the PD and will continue to yell and scream if needed but.....as you said response time and lack of PD presence is my main complaint. And most peoples problem is just that (well maybe the guilty ones cry wolf in hopes it will protect their ass's from going to jail) But almost every officer I have encountered are fine officers, some are great ones. And yes some are lacking in people skills but you need a few of those in the department (good cop, bad cop). I tell those who don't care for our officers to take a ride into north haven or hameden or East haven with a broken tail light and an old car....that is a bad cop. We are lucky in New Haven.

grrrr I just want one in my area!!!!! sorry had to do that :)

Posted by: NHPD | August 28, 2008 6:06 PM

Ellis you didn't hit any nerve here. When I took this job, the pay was just shy of $18,000. I actually took a pay cut to come here. Second, the pension was not that great at the time.
Yeah, I know your tired of hearing cops make comments about how they put their lives on the line, well, It is the absolute truth. The worst thing you probably face is a paper cut.
Threefifths, Serpico was a cop in the 70's and maybe part of the early 80's (Not sure about that)I have no doubt that corruption was completely out of control then, and that cops kept their mouths shut. There is way to much to lose this day and age to be quiet about anything like this. Do either of you to cop haters have any idea how this FBI investigation came about. I do, and it certainly wasn't some concerned citizen bringing it forward.
I want to thank all of the people that do support the police on this site.

Posted by: Insider | August 28, 2008 8:02 PM

For the cop basher, who probably lives in his mothers basement and was once rejected as a canadte for a police academy. I hear your contemt and misguided anger, you didn't strike a nerve I've been doing this for 18 years.

You and your cronnies keep whinning about Billy White, and yes it is true alot of us suspected he was dirty, but facts are what convicts and Lt. White had a small trusted crew, and he was not a stupid man.

As for the pension, I took the job when I was 21 years old, what 20 year old thinks about a pension, be real. I also have several Merit Citations for my work, in this community, what have you done???? I have saved peoples lives, what mark have you left on this Earth besides sitting on you lap top and spewing hate for brave men and woman.

And if you got your feelings hurt for being verbaly chastised, boo hoo, grow the F-up, and act like an adult.

Posted by: cm | August 29, 2008 3:50 PM

I think we have a great police dept...Billy WHITE AND THE OTHER TWO OFFICERS ARE YESTERDAY NEWS...let's look ahead and support the good officers who put their lives on the line everyday..god bless each and eveyone on the NHPD..

Posted by: Nooo Haven | August 29, 2008 4:03 PM

Where are the photos of the guys arrested last night? If they're anywhere near as gruesome as last week, I wanna see 'em!

Posted by: David Streever | August 30, 2008 12:51 AM

I'm with CedarHills on this--and Chief Lewis. Thanks for taking on this unpopular position!

When I first moved here I stupidly gave 20 bucks to someone--who was going to use it for drugs--I got scammed--I realized it right away, the man wouldn't give me back the money, & I got police involved.

I actually felt awful, both for getting him in trouble, and for getting hte police involved, but they were clear that only by getting him in "the system" would he be ensured help. I think that is an excellent point Chief Lewis makes.

Posted by: Spoken Truth | August 30, 2008 9:37 AM

You know what? It'sa about time they did the stings. I gotta tell you, that I'm tired of riding down Maple St. and seeing a big transexual dude bending over and showing everyone his ass. It was sooo disturbing. ...but I saw him in cars with "straight" men more than a few times on my way home from work. Just plain out nasty.

Posted by: Movin_On | August 31, 2008 7:39 AM

With all the muggings, shootings, robberies and all around crime plaguing this City, this is what the crime of choice that the Chief is choosing to handle first...give me a break. People want to feel safe that their not going to be an incident bystander in a drive-by, or not being robbed when their going to work, school or in their homes. I'm not saying that cleaning up prostitution is not important, but it should not be the top concern at this moment.

Posted by: Ellis Copeland | August 31, 2008 6:21 PM

Dear Insider--

Aren't you so cute? First, my mother is the kind of raging psycho who would have driven someone of your weak character to suicide years ago. Second, I have never taken a police exam, and I freely admit I could never get a job as a cop if I wanted one-- having multiple degrees (real ones not BS "criminal justice ones) I would be considered grossy overqualified. As to what dangers I may face beyond a paper cut: I come face to face with the "criminal element" daily. With no gun and no badge. I have to rely on wit and force of character unlike cops who are too chicksh*t to even drive down Ferry St after dark. It's easy to con yourself into thinking you're some kind of man when three to eight of you gang up on some guy with sticks, guns and tasers. Why don't you join me for a stroll down Dixwell Ave at 2am some night with nothing but a Yale bag slung over your shoulder. Hell, why don't you be man enough to identify yourself on this little chat line?

For the rest of you naive folk. Wake up! The entire city knew about Billy. It is even claimed he was the inspiration for "Dirty Harry." If you are on the force and claim not to have known, then you are too dumb to be a cop. And you'd have to be stupid to think all the corrupt cops are now gone. Travel around that state people. The two things you will hear about NHPD-- 1)corrupt, 2) buffoons who couldn't solve the mystery of their own cracked asses.

Insider-- since you are SOOOOOO smart-- tell us who killed Suzanne Jovin. Tell us who burned down the Brass Monkey. Oh, that's right, you'd have to give up your mob bosses. Can't hope for that.

This town needs its own Dark Night to flush all this sewage.

Posted by: Insider | September 1, 2008 1:46 PM

Ellis

Where do I start, first it is against department policy to commit without the consent of the Chief, so I can't tell you my name, you can easily look it up in our department policy book.
I grew up in New Haven, ( public housing ), in the 80's and early 90's, so I don't need a gun to back what I say, the weapon is a tool to help when your out numbered by superior fire power, but I'm sure a pusdo intellectual snob like yourself knows that.

I never professed to have a degree in pyschology but your mom is pretty messed up and that what may attribute to your hate of authority, just saying.
As far of your numerous "degrees" ( by the way conrats on your application to Mensa ), you have a missconception of police, most have degrees (look at the cop of the weeek ), and several have masters. I myself did not attend college, I know being the snob that you are, that this whole back in forth with a high school grad is beneath you but be open minded.

Lastly it is tragic about the case of Ms.Jovin, I wish I could bring comfort to her family, and btw bringing her up to make a silly point is both pathetic, and insensitive...I guess a college degree doesn't bring class. Since you profess to have all this slewthing knowlege why don't you put the old sheep skin to the test and save our city....maybe you can turn out to be this Dark Knight, or Pokeyman what ever your into.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | September 1, 2008 8:46 PM

Ok I am going way off track from John's ect. But to qualified? Hmmm is that an elitist comment? Shame on you! Not very PC off you, I thought an educated person would have the common sense not to make that kind of a comment. hmmmmm

Bill Gates, Gandhi did not have degrees yet they managed to exceed you with your many.

Posted by: Ellis Copeland | September 2, 2008 4:48 PM

Insider-- I thought you had 25 years on the force? If you grew up in the 80's/90's the math doesn't add up-- sorry to be an "elitist."
Cedarhill-- I only invoke pedigree when I get accused of being ignorant, especially by lying thieves.
Let me get this straight Insider, you are knowingly violating department policy by commenting on this board, but want us to believe you are the paragon of virtue? Mmmmmm.

Posted by: Insider | September 2, 2008 6:20 PM

Ellis

I have 18 years on, and I lived in Housing as a young officer, your confusing me with NHPD.

Why can't I commit, I'm a life long New Haven resident, and still live here, and have you ever read the Bill of Rights?, just because it's department policy doesn't preclude me from having an opinion and exspressing it.

I know I can't change your opinion of me, becuase I'm not worthy and all, with my simple high school diploma and your superior intellict, but you shouldn't judge people on education alone. It's just not cool, have a safe and good life.

Posted by: shane | September 2, 2008 6:25 PM

Hey Ellis,
I have been a member of NHPD for 20 years and can say, I can walk in any neighborhood (and did in the late 80's BEFORE I got hired) without a weapon or problem. I've worked with the people of New Haven throughout college (Yes, I have a bachelor's (minor in accounting) a master's (Public Administration)and am working toward another degree for more job opportunities if/when I retire. I cannot be offended by a narcissist like you. It just won't happen. I never had time to follow the likes of Billy White around. I had a JOB to do when I hit the street every day. And as I said earlier, I give people the benefit of the doubt when I hear rumors. Until I see with my own two eyes that a rumor is true, I still have my own work to do. If I saw something wrong, I absolutley would have said something. Not to make people like you happy but because it would be the RIGHT thing to do. If I believed what anyone said about you, I'd think you were an asshole however, I'm just schooling you on the simple facts (you can understand simple, right? It's not too below you?)of the dynamics of the job. Until then, continue to humor us because I just pity you. As is obvious, plenty of people are thankful and appreciate the job we do. You just don't matter.

Posted by: Ellis Copeland | September 3, 2008 8:14 PM

You guys are just plain funny and you pretty much prove my points. If you really want to be somebody go after the mob-- we all know who they are. Obey the laws you swore to uphold. Stop cussing out citizens. And stop taking bribes.