State Trooper a member of the kkk

[wikdsvt]

THOUGHTS?



http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/08/26/trooper.racism.ap/index.html

OMAHA, Nebraska (AP) -- Robert Henderson was not fired as a state trooper because he belonged to the Ku Klux Klan and another white supremacist group, authorities said.

Instead, he was ousted because he could not uphold public trust while participating in such groups, they said.

An arbitrator disagreed, ordering the State Patrol to reinstate Henderson within 60 days and pay him back wages. The state went to court Friday to keep him off the force.

"The integrity of Nebraska's law enforcement is at risk," Attorney General Jon Bruning said at news conference in Lincoln. "The Constitution does not require law enforcement to employ anyone tied to the KKK."

In a summary of the causes for firing Henderson in March, the State Patrol said membership in the KKK "seriously compromised" Henderson's ability to do his job.

Henderson and the state troopers union appealed and, under its contract, went to binding arbitration, to get his job back.

Arbitrator Paul J. Caffera, a New York lawyer, last week overturned the firing.

He said Henderson was entitled to his First Amendment rights of free speech and that the state violated the troopers' contract, in part when it fired Henderson "because of his association with the Knights Party ... and the Ku Klux Klan."

According to a copy of Caffera's ruling, Henderson was interviewed by a patrol captain in February. He confirmed he had been a member of the Knights Party since June 2004 and made postings on its members-only Web site while off-duty.

Henderson also said he had joined the KKK, according to the arbitrator's report. He did so, he said, for two reasons: His wife had "divorced him for a minority" and the KKK gave him an avenue to vent his frustration.

Attempts to reach Henderson on Friday were unsuccessful. The state troopers union refused to comment, referring calls to its attorney, Vincent Valentino.

Valentino said Henderson has resigned his Knights Party membership and apologized to the State Patrol commander, Col. Bryan Tuma. The attorney also said Bruning and Tuma blew Henderson's membership and activities out of proportion.

"Bob Henderson wasn't running around in a sheet and hood," he said.

Besides, Valentino said, "State employees have a right to think in private what they think."

Tuma said a review of Henderson's record showed no pattern of bias or misconduct against minorities.

"There were no concerns whatsoever that he was engaged in any profiling or any biased treatment of any minority," he said.

Nonetheless, Bruning said, "This trooper can join the KKK, but he can't remain a trooper while he is a member."

[L98Terror]

I guess I'm torn first and foremost I believe an private employer should be able to hire and fire who ever they want for what ever reason they want but this isn't a private employer it's a public employer. So being a public employer I'm not sure how they can dismiss someone for their beliefs as long as it doesn't affect how they do their job. So I guess my stand is he should be reinstated unless they can show he is not performing his job as required. Otherwise where does it stop no members of the Black Panthers, No Jews, muslims, Catholics, MM members, women groups....you get the point.

[BigWheelinBubba]

I guess I'm torn first and foremost I believe an private employer should be able to hire and fire who ever they want for what ever reason they want but this isn't a private employer it's a public employer. So being a public employer I'm not sure how they can dismiss someone for their beliefs as long as it doesn't affect how they do their job. So I guess my stand is he should be reinstated unless they can show he is not performing his job as required. Otherwise where does it stop no members of the Black Panthers, No Jews, muslims, Catholics, MM members, women groups....you get the point.agreed :)

[Foolsgold80z]

They have violated his right to freedom of association. Where are all the
Lib's to defend this guy's rights? ACLU? Yeah, right.

[Ortontucky Terror]

this is bullshit, why isnt the aclu all over this. fuckin libs. he never did anything wrong but got canned wtf. so your saying because someone in kkk cant do any public service? wasnt there a president in the kkk?

[TSHAFTISA5-OH]

I agree with Ken. If they could prove that a majority of his arrests or contacts made while on duty were "one sided" and showed some sort of profiling, then I would agree with his dismissal. But since they say his records show no evidence of such misconduct, who gives a fuck what he does on his own time? I could also see if they could prove him making posts on their "members only" message boards while on duty, but again, no such misconduct! I think it's good that the judge ruled in his favor.

TSHAFT

[wikdsvt]

remember, the government can "regulate" candidates for certain positions. Teachers, Law enforcement, Heck even the President must be born in the USA.

[L98Terror]

remember, the government can "regulate" candidates for certain positions. Teachers, Law enforcement, Heck even the President must be born in the USA.
They let teachers that have been involved in sexually misconduct with students stay employed:dontknow:

Again where is the ACLU?

[Crazzy_Al]

Brings a whole new meaning to "DWB."

[TSHAFTISA5-OH]

remember, the government can "regulate" candidates for certain positions. Teachers, Law enforcement, Heck even the President must be born in the USA.

Agreed, but don't those guidelines have to be set out in the job requirements portion of the job description before employment is offered? It is my understanding that ANY employer, government or otherwise cannot make people who are currently employed adhere to any "amended" job qualifications....sort of a grandfather clause situation. That's like hiring someone with "visible" tattoos, on the forearm for instance, then creating a "no visible tattoo" policy and firing that person that had been working there for 5 years who has full arm sleeve tattoos......

TSHAFT

[patman]

I guess I'm torn first and foremost I believe an private employer should be able to hire and fire who ever they want for what ever reason they want but this isn't a private employer it's a public employer. So being a public employer I'm not sure how they can dismiss someone for their beliefs as long as it doesn't affect how they do their job. So I guess my stand is he should be reinstated unless they can show he is not performing his job as required. Otherwise where does it stop no members of the Black Panthers, No Jews, muslims, Catholics, MM members, women groups....you get the point.

X2

Plus, like everyone else has stated, where is the ACLU? For that matter, where are the guys from this board that defend the ACLU??

patman

[loosenut]

You guys don't see a conflict of interest here?

Correct me if I'm wrong but aren't cops supposed to be impartial?

How can a police officer who is racist (or belongs to a racist organization) be impartial?

How can this not affect his judgment and change the way he does his job?

[Crazzy_Al]

You guys don't see a conflict of interest here?

Correct me if I'm wrong but aren't cops supposed to be impartial?

How can a police officer who is racist (or belongs to a racist organization) be impartial?

How can this not affect his judgment and change the way he does his job?
NO ONE is 100% impartial!

[Ortontucky Terror]

you think cops are impartial... my ass they are i've been searched a few times for no reason.

[TSHAFTISA5-OH]

You guys don't see a conflict of interest here?

Correct me if I'm wrong but aren't cops supposed to be impartial?

How can a police officer who is racist (or belongs to a racist organization) be impartial?

How can this not affect his judgment and change the way he does his job?


Apparently you missed the part in the article where it specificly stated that after reviewing his arrest records, that there were no patterns of racism or profiling. Here it is......

Tuma said a review of Henderson's record showed no pattern of bias or misconduct against minorities.

"There were no concerns whatsoever that he was engaged in any profiling or any biased treatment of any minority," he said.

TSHAFT

[TTA]

This is tough one but I'd have to say I agree with the troopers dismissial.
Replace KKK with Manbla and maybe make him a Teacher does it change your outlook?

Not firing him would leave you open for BS from every non lilly white skinned dirtball he ever hooked up, leave you open for a lawsuit from him if he can make a case that he has a hostile work environment from the 'minorities' at the job making his life rough or providing backup via slow road to china etc.. ect...
I really can't see any good coming from keeping this guy on the force.:dontknow:

PS
Why would you admit to your boss your in the KKK?
I wouldn't want dumbasses on the force either...
Some things are better off left unsaid.

[cASe SenSiTive]

To everyone asking "where is the ACLU?"
Two things:
He was already re-intated by an arbitrator.
The ACLU has to be contacted by a "wronged" party. They don't just swoop in on every rights violation case in the country.
And the ACLU certainly has NO qualms about defending white-power groups. They were the ones who fought to let the Nazis march in Skokie, IL back in the 70s.

[cASe SenSiTive]

This is tough one but I'd have to say I agree with the troopers dismissial.
Replace KKK with Manbla and maybe make him a Teacher does it change your outlook?




Yes it probably changes the outlook. But that's a hypothetical situation, and this isn't. You can't judge law based on "what ifs". :dontknow:

[TTA]

Yes it probably changes the outlook. But that's a hypothetical situation, and this isn't. You can't judge law based on "what ifs". :dontknow:
Each group, while not illegal to belong to promote an ideology wildly unpopular with large portions of the population and promote ideas that if acted upon would subject their members to be at best ostracized and at worst prosecuted for their behavior.

[loosenut]

Apparently you missed the part in the article where it specificly stated that after reviewing his arrest records, that there were no patterns of racism or profiling. Here it is......

Tuma said a review of Henderson's record showed no pattern of bias or misconduct against minorities.

"There were no concerns whatsoever that he was engaged in any profiling or any biased treatment of any minority," he said.

TSHAFT

Not yet anyway.

[TSHAFTISA5-OH]

Not yet anyway.


So you're saying they should fire him for what "might" happen?

TSHAFT

[loosenut]

So you're saying they should fire him for what "might" happen?

TSHAFT


Well....Yes.

With this info public don't you think that any arrest he has made or will make in the future will come into question? Any minority he has (or will) arrest, detain or ticket just got permission to sue the state. This could let real criminals go because of one racist asshole.

I understand that no one is 100% impartial, but its kinda hard to deal with someone when you already have 2 strikes against you.

[TSHAFTISA5-OH]

Well....Yes.

With this info public don't you think that any arrest he has made or will make in the future will come into question? Any minority he has (or will) arrest, detain or ticket just got permission to sue the state. This could let real criminals go because of one racist asshole.

I understand that no one is 100% impartial, but its kinda hard to deal with someone when you already have 2 strikes against you.


So if I was your boss, it would be ok for me to fire you because you might fuck up???? Get real bro, open your eyes. Termination cannot take place unless there is some sort of misconduct! Every arrest an officer makes has the possibility of coming under scrutiny for some reason or another......it happens every day! If that officer treats all arrests he makes equally, there is no cause for dismissal....Regardless of the groups he is a member of!

TSHAFT

[wikdsvt]

Just stoking the fire a little here:

Lets look at what police have to do? Can he continue to do his job?

Police must testify in Court before a jury or people of all races. The police officer's testimony is generally has more weight with the jury than the regular lay person. Now if you are a defense attorney nd you open this can of worms while questioning the officer. How will he look to the Jury? Like a bigot ass!
Now if you were his boss, would you want this person on your force? Obvously their credibility with the jury is greatly diminished if not evaporated completely.

As an attorney, I had to take an oath.



I do solemnly swear or affirm:

(1) I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Michigan;

(2) I will maintain the respect due to courts of justice and judicial officers;

(3) I will not counsel or maintain any suit or proceeding which shall appear to me to be unjust, nor any defense except such as I believe to be honestly debatable under the law of the land;

(4) I will employ for the purpose of maintaining the causes confided to me such means only as are consistent with truth and honor, and will never seek to mislead the judge or jury by any artifice or false statement of fact or law;

(5) I will maintain the confidence and preserve inviolate the secrets of my client, and will accept no compensation in connection with my client's business except with my client's knowledge and approval;

(6) I will abstain from all offensive personality, and advance no fact prejudicial to the honor or reputation of a party or witness, unless required by the justice of the cause with which I am charged;

(7) I will never reject, from any consideration personal to myself, the cause of the defenseless or oppressed, or delay any cause for lucre or malice;

(8) I will in all other respects conduct myself personally and professionally in conformity with the high standards of conduct imposed on members of the bar as conditions for the privilege to practice law in this state.



I'm sure this officer had to take a similar one.

[loosenut]

So if I was your boss, it would be ok for me to fire you because you might fuck up???? Get real bro, open your eyes. Termination cannot take place unless there is some sort of misconduct! Every arrest an officer makes has the possibility of coming under scrutiny for some reason or another......it happens every day! If that officer treats all arrests he makes equally, there is no cause for dismissal....Regardless of the groups he is a member of!

TSHAFT


Its not about that he might fuck up. Its about character. Its about integrity.

So your saying someone who's beliefs are so strong that he joins the KKK to deal with his anger can still do his job objectively.

If I remember correctly you are a cop right?

How many racist cops are on your force? Not guys who crack a black or Jew joke every now and again. Guys who would go out wearing a sheet and burn a cross on someones lawn.

Would you be comfortable working with that person?

[loosenut]

So if I was your boss, it would be ok for me to fire you because you might fuck up???? Get real bro, open your eyes. Termination cannot take place unless there is some sort of misconduct! Every arrest an officer makes has the possibility of coming under scrutiny for some reason or another......it happens every day! If that officer treats all arrests he makes equally, there is no cause for dismissal....Regardless of the groups he is a member of!

TSHAFT


Being involved with the KKK is misconduct in my book!!!

[MentallyChallenged]

I think people are missing the boat here, it's his business what he does in his personal time. If it's drugs, street race, member of the kkk, an alternate life style or anything else, that's his business. And as long as he doesnt bring it to work then it doesnt concern his job.

Let's say a cop is a street racer and gets cought and ticketed in his off-duty time street racing. Should he be fired because he's a cop for his employment? and he'd be biased giving traffic tickets while he is working? Hell no, and the KKK isnt even an illegal organization, street racing is more illegal.

[TSHAFTISA5-OH]

Its not about that he might fuck up. Its about character. Its about integrity.

So your saying someone who's beliefs are so strong that he joins the KKK to deal with his anger can still do his job objectively.

If I remember correctly you are a cop right?

How many racist cops are on your force? Not guys who crack a black or Jew joke every now and again. Guys who would go out wearing a sheet and burn a cross on someones lawn.

Would you be comfortable working with that person?

That's not what you were saying a couple posts ago....I asked you if they should fire him for some thing that might happen, and your reply was...."Well......Yes".

I cannot give you an exact number of how many racist cops I work with, but I'm sure the number is well over 10. And I'm not just talking white guys that hate black guys, because there are just as many, if not more black guys that hate white guys. But when we put the uniform and badge on, we are all the same color, and as long as they have my back and don't subject me to any of their beliefs and it doesn't interfere with their jobs, then it doesn't bother me one bit and I am 100% comfortable working with them!

TSHAFT

[TSHAFTISA5-OH]

Being involved with the KKK is misconduct in my book!!!


No policy against it, means no misconduct in the department's eyes! You cannot enforce a law that doesn't exist!

TSHAFT

[WhiteHawk]

A friend of mine in Grand Rapids is a cop and also in a band called Fled 5. They are watched very closely by the GRPD. There was one point where they had to stop playing at a certain bar because it had received complaints of nudity during a bikini contest. I think it is understood that as an officer of the law, you are held to a higher standard, and with whom and where you associate do matter.

-Geoff

[Foolsgold80z]

I think people are missing the boat here, it's his business what he does in his personal time. If it's drugs, street race, member of the kkk, an alternate life style or anything else, that's his business. And as long as he doesnt bring it to work then it doesnt concern his job.

Let's say a cop is a street racer and gets cought and ticketed in his off-duty time street racing. Should he be fired because he's a cop for his employment? and he'd be biased giving traffic tickets while he is working? Hell no, and the KKK isnt even an illegal organization, street racing is more illegal.

Your examples are poor. Being an officer of the law, he is obligated not to
be involved in any illegal activities. Being a member of the KKK is not illegal.Burning a cross on your neighbors lawn is. Do you see the distinction?
:icon_mrgr

[wikdsvt]

Whether you want to believe it or not, there are certain professions that people CHOOSE to partake in, where your personal life and affairs are a factor.

If this individual was a teacher in Detroit, how long would he have his job? What about the presidnet of the USA? Clinton was a good president, but as a role model, husband, father he failed considerably.

Police officers are in the same boat. What they do in their personal life DIRECTLY impacts their professional life.

HEMI:
I strongly disagree withyour statement, what he does in his personal life is his business. Especially with a person who is trusted to enforce the laws and interact with society every minute they are on duty.

It's simply a fact of life, that what you do in your personal life directly effects you professionally.

[loosenut]

That's not what you were saying a couple posts ago....I asked you if they should fire him for some thing that might happen, and your reply was...."Well......Yes".

TSHAFT


Theres more to it than just that though.

[loosenut]

I cannot give you an exact number of how many racist cops I work with, but I'm sure the number is well over 10. And I'm not just talking white guys that hate black guys, because there are just as many, if not more black guys that hate white guys. But when we put the uniform and badge on, we are all the same color, and as long as they have my back and don't subject me to any of their beliefs and it doesn't interfere with their jobs, then it doesn't bother me one bit and I am 100% comfortable working with them!

TSHAFT


I just think that someone who feels strongly enough to join a hate group like the KKK would be able to turn off the hate when he puts that uniform on.

[QUASAR]

kkk members dont celebrate being white, they celebrate hating blacks. Kick that fuck off the force.

[MentallyChallenged]

Your examples are poor. Being an officer of the law, he is obligated not to
be involved in any illegal activities. Being a member of the KKK is not illegal.Burning a cross on your neighbors lawn is. Do you see the distinction?
:icon_mrgr

Yes good point but I know cops who are street racers and do a lot of drugs. You can keep your personal life separate.


I just think that someone who feels strongly enough to join a hate group like the KKK would be able to turn off the hate when he puts that uniform on.

Im pretty racist and I'd have to say I dont get pissed off unless I'm dis-respected. You can be racist and still respect other people, you dont have spout your racism off constantly. If there was some thug, white, mexican, whatever i'd probably be harder on them than say a white or black person that was well spoken and wasnt being an idoit to me if I were a cop.

Oh and call me an idoit all you want but I think everyone is racist, there are just different levels of acceptance of the opposite race.

[BigWheelinBubba]

Yes good point but I know cops who are street racers and do a lot of drugs. You can keep your personal life separate.




Im pretty racist and I'd have to say I dont get pissed off unless I'm dis-respected. You can be racist and still respect other people, you dont have spout your racism off constantly. If there was some thug, white, mexican, whatever i'd probably be harder on them than say a white or black person that was well spoken and wasnt being an idoit to me if I were a cop.

Oh and call me an idoit all you want but I think everyone is racist, there are just different levels of acceptance of the opposite race.wow.. i half way agree with you :doh:

[1BadLSC]

They said he joined the force in 2004 and he may have been an officer for a while and that might have offset his average and also not to sound ignorant but how many black people live in nebraska let alone how many white people live there for that matter. I don't think it's wrong that he was fired because his job revolves around profiling people and that would be a lot more related to his racial views than say he worked in a court doing paperwork or something like that, his job involves a lot more judgement calls and those judgements can't be totally impartial if he believes so much in hating minorities that he joins the KKK over it/