Fisher: Police chief has to do more than apologize

imho_in my humble opinion wrote:

Ridiculous.
Cops use probable cause to stop people, not race.
This entire article is a giant NON-issue.

About Time wrote:

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I guess it would be a non-issue for someone non-black.

imho_in my humble opinion wrote:

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You are assuming my race, and you are incorrect. If I was in the wrong place at the wrong time, I expect the PAPD would want to have a chat with me. However, since I choose not to violate the laws of this state, I don't have a problem with them doing their JOB.
The suspects for the robberies in question have been reported to be white, hispanic, pacific islander, asian, and ONE black individual wearing a 'do-rag' near the California Avenue train station.
Officers were asked to make (key word here, please pay attention) CONSENSUAL contact with individuals matching the description to ascertain their identity. The persons stopped could exercise their right to remain silent, and say nothing to the officer(s).
My best friend is wearing black pants and a red sweatshirt. If a report came in for a person matching that description, I would expect my friend to get stopped by police.
Under the rules of law covering search/seizure and probable cause, Chief Johnson was well within the boundaries of her job to instruct her officers to look for people matching the suspect(s) description. This includes the other races and descriptions mentioned above.
People going about their normal daily business would not be stopped, only those hanging around, appearing to have nothing to do, matching the description given by the victims of the crimes would be interviewed. What's the harm in that? Not breaking the law? No reason to object to the police doing their job. As a rule, the people who snivel and whine the loudest are the ones with something to hide.
It is NOT a personal thing, it is a "probable cause" issue, required by LAW. Don't like the law? Then change the constitution. Otherwise, you have no reason to complain.
For more information on Probable Cause, contact your local District Attorney. They're kind of sticklers for things like legal rules and stuff like that.

Thank God wrote:

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Thank God, someone gets it.

imho_in my humble opinion wrote:

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Please, print out my post, and send it to the City Manager, and the Mayor of Palo Alto.(my printer is on the fritz)
SOMEONE has to have a brain down at the Napkin Dispenser!
Call Anna Eshoo's office too - she's been blasting Johnson with no concept of the LAW!

Thank God wrote:

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E-mail it...

imho_in my humble opinion wrote:

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I would like to, but have not yet found the direct email addresses for the City Manager and the Mayor. There isn't a direct email addy for the Chief, either, so I called her office and told them precisely what was posted. They appreciate all the support.
I may just go to the next City Council meeting. The flack Chief Johnson is getting is uncalled for.