SCC Exclusive!
At least we haven't seen it anywhere else. The complete ruling by judge Ackley. We weren't sure how to post it online appropriately, so we did it as photos:
The judge is really stretching here - saying the jackass was in danger of dying, but the ruling states he was snoring after being hit once. Kass writes that he was out golfing low scores shortly after this incident and didn't even come to court for most of the trial. He was also DUI'ed.
Again, head down to our previous posts and fire off some e-mails to the appropriate authorities decrying this miscarriage. Then forward a bunch of e-mails to your copper buddies, any media personality who is remotely sympathetic to the police, and all your family and friends.
Any bosses speak up in public yet? Or are they waiting for the mayor to come back from Rio and tell them what their opinion is?
The judge is really stretching here - saying the jackass was in danger of dying, but the ruling states he was snoring after being hit once. Kass writes that he was out golfing low scores shortly after this incident and didn't even come to court for most of the trial. He was also DUI'ed.
Again, head down to our previous posts and fire off some e-mails to the appropriate authorities decrying this miscarriage. Then forward a bunch of e-mails to your copper buddies, any media personality who is remotely sympathetic to the police, and all your family and friends.
Any bosses speak up in public yet? Or are they waiting for the mayor to come back from Rio and tell them what their opinion is?
Labels: info for the police
posted by SCC at 12:05 AM
109 Comments:
Black out Mette's address for Christ sake!
Incredible.
After Cline digests those four pages and still refuses to step up to the plate for Mette, he should be tarred and feather. It doesn't take a lawyer to make that document look like Swiss cheese.
Was the officer drunk and did he put himself in that situation???...I agree that the sentence is absolute bullshit but the root of most of all off duty problems is alcohol...and did the officer lie to the police officers to to get arrested in the first place?? (blood on his shirt and stating the person fell)
The report says that he did not admit to punching him until after being in custody, away from the scene.
If some suburban copper lied to a CPD officer and later it was determined their original story was a lie, wouldn't we say F him??
But again, this should have been a minor Misd. battery charge..probation at best.
The 2 year anniversary is here, take a look at that picture. What a piece of work and all you hear SILENCE
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=News&id=3259397&ft=sm
SOME DON'T FORGET
So we shouldnt stand up to Bullies? Next thing ya know we will be speaking FRENCH!
I cant believe this! So just take an ass whooping, and then call the police?
Leave the gun and badge at work. If neighbors ask what you do, your a streets and San. guy or some other city type job. "I answer phones at the police station etc."
Can I be the first to call for a total boycott of the State of Iowa?
First we will avoid crossing the border into that state.
Second we spend our tourism dollars else where!
Hey wait...I cant think of one damn reason to go to Iowa. Whats there???
I have placed several calls to the national media about this INJUSTICE, I encourage everyone else to do likewise.
I will also post my letter on SCC so that others may cut and paste it. It might be helpful to have several different templates to use to vary it.
SCC,
Can you scan those and put them into adobe pdf format?
I read the judgment and now I understand what the hell went on...I think! I still think the entire episode sucks and the verdict is bullshit.
However, Fuckup #1: lying to the on-duty police about what happened. They initially said the piece of shit fell to the ground because he was drunk. Should have said right up front exactly what happened in the first place.
Fuckup #2: Whoever took the cell phone from the piece of shit fucked up. Let him call the damn police. Maybe if he hadn't taken the phone, they would have been long gone before the on duty police arrived, or maybe the piece of shit wouldn't have called. Either way, shouldn't have done that.
Fuckup #3: Bad lawyering. The Iowa code requires you take flight or escape whenever possible, an Iowan attorney should have known that. That being the case, he should have requested a jury trial. As all of us know, you pick a bench trial when you should win on the law, jury when you should win on the emotions of the case.
This is for real, and it sucks!
I say "Let The Protest Begin." What do you say about a march at the Dubuque County Courthouse, 720 Central Ave, Dubuque, IA, on 01 AUG 2007 (D.O.G. 2/3). We could meet at the Des Plaines Oasis and caravan from there. We should plan to meet at 0900 HRS. This would put us into Dubuque at approx 1100 HRS. Each person can make/bring their own sign and contact news outlets. We need to come to the aid of our brother.
Expect the announcement of the new Superintendent this week and to being the new police period with a new boss. Now is the time for Phat Phil to support Officer Mike Mette.
So, if I think I'm gonna get beat up in Iowa, or if somebody hits me I have an obligation to run away and hide in my closet.
These charges should have been amended after numbnuts was found not to be in serious condition.
appeal fund raiser anyone? I'm in.
his was posted on djwriter's blog
A Study in Media Bias
Chicago Police officer Michael Mette was recently sentenced to five years in prison for punching out a drunken college student in Dubuque, Iowa two years ago. The judge did not dispute the facts about the incident. The drunk and a friend followed Mette, his brother, and some friends to Mette's brother's house. The drunk started the fight with two or three pushes to Mette's chest, which Mette answered with one solid punch to the jaw of the drunk, knocking him to the ground. Yet the judge thinks Mette should have walked away, even though Mette was being attacked on his own brother's front lawn.
The Chicago Tribune doesn't report it as a news story, but there is an opinion piece by John Kass bluntly headlined "This officer's sentence is hogwash." He tells Mette's side of the story -- again, the judge did not dispute the facts -- and portrays the drunken student as a child of privilege being protected by the court. A Chuck Goudie report on WLS-Channel 7 (Chicago's ABC affiliate) presents a very similar story with the headline "CPD officer sentenced to 5 years in Iowa." The other major television stations apparently did not cover the story (I'm not going to bother checking radio stations).
The Chicago Sun-Times takes a radically different approach. Their news story bears the headline "Cop gets 5 years in beating of student." In fact, staff reporter Norman Parish uses the word beating three times in his short article though it's conspicuously absent from the Tribune and WLS coverage (except in a quote from Mette about getting, not giving, a beating). It's just another police brutality story to Parish, concluding with this sentence: "This latest incident follows a string of allegations of beatings of civilians by off-duty Chicago Police officers."
Now, I don't know any more about this story than what I've read from these three sources, so I can't say who is correct. But the treatments by the Tribune and the Sun-Times are so different that clearly someone is advancing an agenda. Choose your news sources carefully, everyone!
Sorry this is so long but we need to see....over and over that the media are mostly not our friends.
I do commend John Kass his Trib article rocks. On the most part tho remeber the lesson written here
I sent the letter to the University of Dubuque's President regarding Jacob Gothard, a current student at that college. Here is a copy of the letter I sent.
Dear Sir,
I am a Chicago Police Officer and I am writing you as a matter of concern for one of your students, Jacob Gothard. Mr. Gothard's actions have resulted in ruining the life of a hard working Chicago Police Officer. Mr. Gothard appears to have a problem with alcohol and controlling his temper. Mr. Gothard's aggressive behavior resulted in an off-duty Chicago Police Officer having to use force against him to defend himself. I am including in this email a copy of the ruling that a judge in Dubuque, IA gave with regards to this case. Although the ruling ultimately finds fellow officer Michael Mette guilty, the body of the ruling ultimately does not support the judge's finding as she failed to truly take the aspect of self defense into question when giving her ruling. There is also hints of political ties for Jacob Gothard that might have resulted in wrongful arrest for Michael Mette and maybe even aggressive prosecution on the part of the Dubuque County District Attorney's office. Either way, Jacob Gothard has truly enraged the entire population of the Chicago Police Department and I believe that this may not be the only email you will receive with regards to this incident. Mr. Gothard's actions have reflected poorly on your college and on your community as numerous people are expressing never to support Iowa business or even visit the state over this incident. This story is spreading fast and furious through the power of the internet and I truly suspect that in the next couple of days to weeks you will find this incident on the front pages of some national news agencies. This incident has already made headlines in Chicago and there is a movement by my fellow officers to push for this to be made public everywhere possible. We have learned collectively that Jake Gothard has also been arrested for a DUI since this original incident. Also, following this incident, we have collectively learned that Mr. Gothard's injuries were not as serious as originally thought and that was not taken into thought when the ruling was issued, also hinting of a political motivation for pushing for the ruling. We know that Mr. Gothard's injuries were not that serious has he played in a golf tournament, representing your school a short time following. I am asking that you review your student's behavior and examine a course of action that results in punishing this individual for his actions on the nights in question. Thank you in advance.
I just can't believe this. What the hell is this country coming to when you can't even defend yourself anymore, on your own property to boot!! I'm so pissed i can't even express it. I really hate the direction our country is headed. I'm ashamed. What can we do to help this officer?
What they should have done was got out the garden hose and sprayed 'em down. That would have do it.
The judge is a total ass! Someone mentioned previously that this kid is the son of some politian. Do we have a name?
Is there a benefit for Mette on the horizon?
amazing the law is sounds stupid. I guess you have to walk away instead of taking care of business. Iowa is for hillbillies. I will NEVER drive through there.
This judge is a moron. If she is right in stating the facts of the case, lay off the copper who arrested him. If they lied at first and said the guy fell, then it is out of his hands. The upgrading of the charges later, is an entirely different story. The facts don't appear to be disputed, even buy the 2 OFFENDERS!!! The fact that this idiot judge is saying that you can only use self defense in action if you can't run away is idiotic. Can the police fire at someone with a gun or do they have to hide first? If someone breaks into your home, are you required to escape first? I wonder how much money she got for this verdict? The shit about the severe injury? She even says, "It wasn't severe, but because the small hospital didn't know that they conscidered it severe so that counts. Sooooo.... Using that logic, if you shoot somebody in Iowa, and the person doesn't die before they get to the ER, then it is only an aggravated assault, not a murder. Cool.
Fucking Moron.
I had to read this a few times to understand it. I have some knowledge of Iowa law as a former Iowa cop (not in Dubuque). I would also note from that experience that much of Iowa is not pro-law enforcement but viewed us as "necessary evils." The situation in Wisconsin, for the most part, is substantially different. (When I was in the academy in Davenport the city had a little over half the number of officers that Racine, a comparable city, had so you can see how important we are in Iowa.)
Some preliminary observations.
Bad move to waive jury trial. In a jury trial all 12 jurors must agree unanimously. Here, the judge, one person, found both the facts and the law. It's very difficult on appeal to disturb factual findings unless clearly erroneous. Errors of law, however, are more readily appealable.
Also bad move by Mike to lie to the Dubuque officer. In a credibility contest one lie is enough for the finder of fact to discredit all of that witness' testimony. (Also, under Iowa law,
everyone has the power to arrest and can use reasonable force to make an arrest. Had Mike known this and acted to effectuate an arrest of Jake, his conduct would have been authorized by law. Go figure.)
The finding of serious injury would also likely be sustained (although one must wonder how much can be attributed to the drunk falling down as opposed to being struck...but I digress).
Where the findings can be attacked is on the legal conclusions about self-defense.
Had the case gone to a jury here's what the jury would have been instructed:
400.2 Justification - Elements - Self-Defense Of Person. A person is justified in using reasonable force if [he] [she] reasonably believes the force is necessary to defend [himself] [herself] from any imminent use of unlawful force.
If the State has proved any one of the following elements, the defendant was not justified:
1. The defendant started or continued the incident which resulted in [injury] [death].
2. An alternative course of action was available to the defendant.
3. The defendant did not believe [he] [she] was in imminent danger of death or injury and the use of force was not necessary to save [him] [her].
4. The defendant did not have reasonable grounds for the belief.
5. The force used by the defendant was unreasonable.
400.7 Reasonable Belief. concerning element number _____ of Instruction No. _____, the defendant was not required to act with perfect judgment. However, [he] [she] was required to act with the care and caution a reasonable person would have used under the circumstances which existed at that time.
If in the defendant's mind the [danger] [danger of loss of property] [need to use force to prevent (name of forcible felony)] was actual, real, imminent or unavoidable, even though it did not exist, that is sufficient if a reasonable person would have seen it in the same light.
400.10 Alternate Course Of Action - Exceptions. Concerning element number _____ of Instruction No. _____, if a defendant is confronted with the use of unlawful force against [him] []her], [he] [she] is required to avoid the confrontation by seeking an alternative course of action before [he] [she] is justified in repelling the force used against [him] [her]. However, there is an exception.
*If the defendant was in [his] [her] [own home] [office] [place of business] [place of employment] [property] which [he] [she] was legally occupying and the alternative course of action was such that [he] [she] reasonably believed [he] [she] had to retreat or leave [his] [her] position to avoid the confrontation, the [he] [she] was not required to do so and [he] [she] could repel force with reasonable force (including deadly force).**
*If the alternative course of action involved a risk to [his] [her] [another's] life or safety, and [he] [she] reasonably believed that, then [he] [she] was not required to take or use the alternative course of action to avoid the confrontation, and [he] [she] could repel the force with reasonable force (including deadly force).**
Comment
Note: *Use the alternative(s) supported by the evidence.
The best attack at this is the judge's gratuitious findings that Mike could have safely retreated. The evidence she recites leading up to that doesn't square. No reasonable person could conclude that Jake and company would simply go away or that Mike and friends could have safely gotten into a car or did the other things that she speculated about.
The case hinges on one factor -- whether a duty to retreat existed under the circumstances at that time. I don't think based on the findings of fact that a reasonable opportunity to retreat existed and therefore no duty existed under the Iowa law. The record of this case shows that Mike used out of town counsel, probably another bad move. If I was in his shoes, I'd want someone well-versed in Iowa law. He will definitely need that at the appellate level. (Certainly the possibility of ineffective assistance of trial counsel will be an area for appellate counsel to explore.)
I alerted the publisher of the Dubuque Telegraph-Herald and the editor of the Des Moines Register about this case. Hopefully they will be able to get some local interest going, especially if there is a conflict of interest in Dubuque County as some have inferred.
I am not going to bang up on the Dubuque officer here because he had what appeared to be an assault with a major injury here and the person who appeared to have delivered the blow had been drinking and initially lied. Not much room for officer discretion here.
The assistant county attorney, however, had much more discretion and, had he exercised it more appropriately, the case would never have gone to trial.
Good luck.
scc, this may be a stupid question, but why are we just hearing about this now? we shoulda been on this from the beginning!
The worst part of this is that it claims he should have just turned and retreated and in doing so would only be justified in hitting him if he became MORE aggressive then he already was. One punch was enough to lay out the student with injuries. So if Mette continued to allow the student to batter him until he punched Mette, then Mette could be the one laying on the ground with his nose broken and possible brain injury. Walking away was an option when the threat was just verbal (have to point out that Mette did walk away). Once the pushing started, the threat was over and it was now a physical confrontation and a physical confrontation could lead to serious injuries obviously. You cant just turn the other cheek and hope that your drunken attacker doesnt sucker punch you as you walk away AGAIN.
Just Wondering,
If they could find a judge with a thought process as convoluted as that idiot in Iowa. Could Mouse's son sue the CPD and its training process for teaching him not to run away from danger but to take some action? Where is FOP??? After this much time Jesse would have dozens of buses on the way to Dubuque. Maybe FOP should get off a few thousand dollars and rent some buses and demonstate.
"Cline, the bosses and Donahue have to do the right thing for this Mette kid."
You are delusional. I suggest you read and compare the story of Jesus, Pontius Pilate and King Herod.
The soap is on the sink, boss.
Send letters of outrafe to the following...
Gov. Culver, Lt. Gov. Judge, Attornet General Miller, Sen. Harkin, Sen. Grassley, Rep. Braley (although he only take letters from residents of the 1st Congressional District of Iowa. Enter this Zip Code, 52001, and you can circumvent that process.) and State Rep. Jochum
"Free Mike"
I just read this travesty.
Daley and Blagojevich could easily phone their fellow Democrat in DesMoines--Iowa Gov. Chet Culver and resolve this whole outrage overnight.
Mette would then be vindicated and restored to full duty with back-pay.
Even a borderline moron could read Ackley's decision and rightfully charge her with magical reasoning.
Dubuque Co. prosecutor Timothy Gallagher is Iowa's answer to the despised and disgraced Michael B. Nifong.
Using a timeline, the world-wide infamy of Anthony Abbate sure didn't help.
With his $140K pension guaranteed for life, lame duck Cline may grow a pair yet.
The current eerie silence aside, let's at least give Phil a chance for redemption.
Was the officer drunk and did he put himself in that situation???...I agree that the sentence is absolute bullshit but the root of most of all off duty problems is alcohol...and did the officer lie to the police officers to to get arrested in the first place?? (blood on his shirt and stating the person fell)
The report says that he did not admit to punching him until after being in custody, away from the scene.
If some suburban copper lied to a CPD officer and later it was determined their original story was a lie, wouldn't we say F him??
But again, this should have been a minor Misd. battery charge..probation at best.
7/15/2007 11:46:00 PM
You my friend are a complete goof, but I bet you have a four year degree from a good college that your mommy and daddy paid for.
You are what is wrong with this job, what about protecting each other, you couldn't do that because you probably grew up in the burbs or better yet out of state and have never been in an altercation or even a fight.
Do all of us a favor and quit so you can move back and work with the ACLU.
I will be a sergeant soon and I hope i get a goof like you asking those questions.
And no daddy didn't pay for my education I came on with a H.S. diploma and had the city pay for it.
Anonymous said...
I say "Let The Protest Begin." What do you say about a march at the Dubuque County Courthouse, 720 Central Ave, Dubuque, IA, on 01 AUG 2007 (D.O.G. 2/3). We could meet at the Des Plaines Oasis and caravan from there. We should plan to meet at 0900 HRS. This would put us into Dubuque at approx 1100 HRS. Each person can make/bring their own sign and contact news outlets. We need to come to the aid of our brother.
7/16/2007 12:42:00 AM
I say why protest at the courthouse when you can protest in front of the judages house. She is listed on zaba search under her name. Give it a look and maybe throw it out on the site for others to see. Lets get together I am in.
Off topic but does any one know who is in charge of the Dept. at this moment? Cline's last day was Fri. First Dep. should be in charge (what a scary thought) but I've heard it is like a committee now. Of course Daley had to go to Rio instead of sticking around a few days and interviewing candidates.
Pallidin
Can you say "RAILROADED"?
So we shouldnt stand up to Bullies? Next thing ya know we will be speaking FRENCH!
You work for bullies, Why don't you stand up to them. MISTER
SOUND LIKE A CASE OF BIG FISH LITTLE FISH. OFFICERS ARE CONSIDERED BIG FISH COLLEGE STUDENTS LITTLE FISH.
POLICE AND POLITICIANS ARE ALWAYS FRONT PAGE NEWS.
BE SAFE BOYS PEOPL HATE THE POLICE JUST AS MUCH AS WE HATE THEM.
Please go to roll call and encourage everyone in attendance to stop all Memorial Fund withdrawals immediately from their paychecks until Cline speaks out against this injustice! Let's give that money to Mette.
You my friend are a complete goof, but I bet you have a four year degree from a good college that your mommy and daddy paid for.
You are what is wrong with this job, what about protecting each other, you couldn't do that because you probably grew up in the burbs or better yet out of state and have never been in an altercation or even a fight.
Do all of us a favor and quit so you can move back and work with the ACLU.
I will be a sergeant soon and I hope i get a goof like you asking those questions.
And no daddy didn't pay for my education I came on with a H.S. diploma and had the city pay for it.
7/16/2007 08:59:00 AM
Yeah, you lived with Mommy and Daddy until you were 28 years old, finaly found a pig to marry and got more bitter every year. Shut the f@#k up whiner... it's about Mette hear. This posters' opinion is valid. Don't lie to the police...sound familiar. It doesn't mean Mette should go to jail though.
This is a joke! What this law states, and quite ambivalent too, is what constitutes retreating. They left the initial crime venue, Gothards place. Wasn't that the first retreat. What... Are you supposed to keep retreating or when does the law that states that when you are in fear of great bodily harm or death, you have the right to defend yourself ? This situation is beyond a stretch for this type of sentence. How did this Gothard puke not get charged with anything? She was admitting he started everything !?
I guess IOWA wants us to go back to Dead men tell no tales, cause I'll be damned if I'm going to defend myself and let some peckerheads tell their bullshit and set me up. This is why people want to go after Judges and lawyers. They can do and say anything, and you have to just sit there and take it. Hasn't anyone learned anything from the Duke case? Another Nifong trying to make a name.
The judicial system is a Fuckin' joke!
Cline was asked to stay another week or two while Daley was in Brazil and picks a successor...
I agree with what "It's not all real " said.
There is a line of mistakes happening here that steered this to this situation.
But sticks and stones...The Gothard dude and his buddy cannot use force in retrieving their phone. No excuses! Then they throw first punch. It could/should have been argued that they were in an attempt to get to the house when they were attacked.Retreating! Lying screwed that up.
The facts should still be strong enough to have not been found guilty. Atleast not to this degree.
How does this jagbag just walk away?
Well, when's the march? When's the protest?
Silence....Remember, it could be you !
I've sent numerous emails in support of Mette to the City Council members in Dubuque. Most of them will respond and try and shift blame to the state. Don't let this stop you from flooding their offices with more mail every day. Word will get to those in control, including the so called Judge.
SCC:
I have a 8A furlough and I am willing to dedicate it to organize a protest in Iowa. I have contacted COACH bus lines and have been quoted a price for 5 days from Chicago to Dubuque. It will cost approximately $40.00 per person including tip daily . The dates are 23 through 27 July 07. The bus is air conditioned with bathroom facilities. The bus will leave Chicago at 0800 hours and we will be back in Chicago at 1600 hours. We can bring coolers and sandwiches along. The bus holds 55 passengers.
I was hoping we had someone out there that could contact Cellular Field and allow us to park and leave from there. It is centrally located.
If there is an interest in this proposal, I will contact SHIRTS Our Business, they like the police. (FREE MIKE)
We could reach out to the FOP, local media, invite local politicians, bosses, religious figures and the Duke/Lacrosse players. Everyone is welcome. Like them or not, we have a common goal and we need to focus. Remember, we need attention and anyone who can give us that attention is valuable.
This is our chance to show a united front, experience some commoradory and make a lasting political statement.
I do not know Mike Mette or his father but I will attempt to contact them and have them contact his Attorney before proceeding to ensure this will in no way damage his appeal.
I will monitor SCC closely to see if there is overwhelming support for this idea. If there is, I will publish my name, district and personal e-mail (and subject myself to all of the anonymous abuse). I will not publish any telephone numbers, police officers, retired and active will know how to contact me.
Come on guys, let's lend Mike a hand.
Thank you.
I say why protest at the courthouse when you can protest in front of the judages house. She is listed on zaba search under her name. Give it a look and maybe throw it out on the site for others to see. Lets get together I am in.
7/16/2007 09:02:00 AM
As is OUR Govenor's home, why not protest there, and demand him to get involved.
If you're a cop and you'd like to bitch, here's some info for you:
District Court Judge, Monica Ackley: District 1A Dubuque County Courthouse 720 Central Avenue PO Box 1220 Dubuque, IA 52004-1220 phone 563-589-4418 fax 563-589-7832
--------------------------------------
Dubuque County Attorney Timothy Gallagher Dubuque County Courthouse Dubuque, IA 52001 phone 563-589-4470 fax 563-589-4477
Concerned 008th dist be nice in your Correspondence
Here is the contact info for the judge
State of Iowa, District Court, 1st District
Address: Dubuque County Courthouse
720 Central Ave.
P.O. Box 1220
Dubuque, IA 52004-1220
Phone: (563) 589-4418
Fax: (563) 589-7832
E-mail:
Web site: http://www.judicial.state.ia.us/district/d1.asp
Some states do have a law that if it proven the victim could have retreated than the victim would be wrong if the victim continued the confrontation. This applies to the police in those states as well. If someone points a gun at a police officer in a retreat state and it is proven the officer had a retreat option, then the police officer would be wrong in shooting the offender. I know it's dumb.
***Off Topic*** Does anyone know about the "10-1" at the Allstate Arena last night?
Please go to roll call and encourage everyone in attendance to stop all Memorial Fund withdrawals immediately from their paychecks until Cline speaks out against this injustice! Let's give that money to Mette.
that will work, However just so you know the Memorial fund is a slush fund and their has been some accounting problems.
---- Anonymous said...
Leave the gun and badge at work. If neighbors ask what you do, your a streets and San. guy or some other city type job. "I answer phones at the police station etc."
7/16/2007 12:15:00 AM
You are a coward.
I'm stopping every Iowa tag till it gets over turned. No breaks!!! Empty baggies are going to get their cars impounded.
Is this the same Mike Mette that was a bouncer at Excalibur years back?
I have known Mike Mette for most of my life and could not be any prouder of him now. He is one of the kindest people I have known and a loyal Chicago Police Officer. Under no circumstance would Mike have done anything maliciously to injure ANYONE or cause them harm. He was defending himself, plain and simple- on his property and after he and his brother DID walk away. The problem FOLLOWED THEM HOME, but the "problem" has yet to have any assault charged filed against him. Mike did the right thing and I, like many, many others, stand behind him. This is beyond a miscarriage of justice, he's being completely railroaded by the entire state of Iowa. They should have saved their time and money on someone that was ACTUALLY guilty.
JACK POTTING;
A siuation that usally occur to members of The Chicago Police Department, an Officer who has been drinking while off duty.
1. when you wandering around in the wee hours of the night looking for another drink, bad things happens
2. allowing your buddy to take the stupid cell phone (cause for continual contact between both groups)
3. should have allowed the idiot to call the POLICE. (THIS COULD HAVE SOLVED THE WHOLE THING)!!!!!
4. Initially lying to the Police
( he was either to drunk to know any better or was just a little bit stupid)
5. The flashing of the CPD star only works in Chicago (No longer useful after Jefferson Park incident)
6. When the media portrays drunken CPD officers as a bunch of out of control bullies (You can't win this argument)
Slightly off topic:
Has anyone seen this? A slain police officer's widow is court ordered to pay $150K to the guy acquitted of killing her husband. WTF?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19719368/from/ET/
Come on guys, let's lend Mike a hand.
Thank you.
7/16/2007 11:34:00 AM
This guys got the right idea!!! he's done the work for us, all we got to do is show up for our brother!! come on guys! let's get this started!!!
To 10-1
I'm in man, set it up.
Go here for the link to the complete findings on the Mette case and where to write.
http://www.lineofduty.com/content/view/88735/1/
What do you expect from Iowa? It's the state where Jesse Jackson came close to winning the Democatic Presidential nomination a few years ago. It's also the birthplace of "Brown Eyes, Blue Eye's", a grammer school role playing exercise dreamed up by a butch teacher trying to convince her farm town students that the Wilson brothers, O.J. Simpson, The Mahaffey brothers, Willie Lloyd, et al, are no different from us! Save yourself-Vote Fred Thompson!
You can march and march until your feet fall off and it won't make a damn bit of difference. Instead, read this and hopefully some of you can learn from this.
This is a true tragedy. Not because this officer is being so unfairly punished, but because he had an inside look at the criminal justice system and still didn't figure it out.
In the criminal justice system in every state IT DOES NOT MATTER IF YOU DID IT. NOBODY CARES IF YOU ARE TREATED FAIRLY! All the state needs is evidence of guilt.
When the police showed up and asked questions he should have said, "I don't know" or "I don't feel good, call me an ambulance." WHENEVER there is even a chance you violated some law, memorize those two responses and use them ALWAYS!!
When the police told him to "come to the station" he should have said, "I am under arrest. I want a lawyer." Memorize this phrase.
You are under arrest if you believe you are not free to leave. It is always important when being questioned by police to ARREST YOURSELF. Tell the officer that he has arrested you and, poof, you are under arrest.
Had the officer done this it would have been IMPOSSIBLE for the state to prove beyond a resonable doubt that THIS PERSON that punched that "victim". Their only witness would be a grossly drunk friend of the "victim" who initially lied to police. Furthermore, it would have been IMPOSSIBLE to prove that the "victim" was even punched and didn't just fall on the ground.
Even if the state did prove that the officer was the "offender." The officer could then (after talking with his LAWYER) testified that he was in "IMMEDIATE DANGER OF DEATH OR GREAT BODILY HARM." Memorize that phrase. You do not strike, shoot, or hit people who might "hurt" you. You hit them because you are absolutely certain that they are going to "KILL" you. The officer could then testify that he had no opportunity to escape because he was one instantaneous moment from CERTAIN DEATH.
Its a cold, hard world out there. I wish the very best for the officer on his appeal.
10-1 said...
sir if you can contact me at Second City Sarge I would be willing to help also. I have a friend in an executive position with the White Sox.
Who is Jake Gothard's father?
I say we stick with the original idea of protesting at the courthouse. Zaba Search has her address at two different locations. Although, if we can find which one is accurate, and it is lawful, Then I say in front of her house, 2035 Deborah Dr. Dubuque, IA. or 335 Nevada St. Dubuque, IA.
Who is the old blonde female Sgt in 23 Tact.? I ran into her at a Cubs game while she was working at Wrigley Field and she started screaming at me like I was her kid! I never told her I was the police and I found out she works at 023. This broad needs some therapy, i would think people skills would be needed to be a Sgt.. I feel bad for anyone who has to work for her.
For Rag: Thank you for your complete and concise explanation of the law in Iowa. Because he was on his brothers lawn, will this exempt him from further retreating? For SCC: We're watching the site closely, faxing and writing letters. Please continue to keep retirees informed. Thanks
MICHAEL METTE DEFENSE FUND
10-1!
A defense fund has been established for Officer Michael Mette. I urge YOU to generously contribute to assist in appealing this outrage.
Address your envelope and make your check payable to:
"MICHAEL METTE DEFENSE FUND"
Northwest Community Credit Union
7400 N. Waukegan Road
Niles, IL 60714
If you have any comments and/or questions for the METTE Family, I will pass them on. Email me at:
cpdfop7@yahoo.com
SCC. Let us know of any protest arrangements in IOWA and I'll be there with as many ISP as I can get. I promise our brothers in blue that I will promote this as best I can in support of Officer Mette. I'm think Bill O'Rielly needs to hear about this injustice and maybe he can put a big fire under some IOWA JUDICIAL ASS !!!!!!!
I agree with the 7/16 12:32:00 AM poster.
Another issue is if you're off duty and in such a situation (and have enough time to do this), always call 9-11, state the situation along with your star number. Always cover your ass!!!!!
But why is this asshole getting off scot free? If someone takes your property, call the police instead of instigating a fight.
FYI. They have set up a fund for those of us that widh to contribute. R.
The Michael Mette Defense Fund
c/o Northwest Community Credit Union
7400 N Waukegan Road
Niles, IL 60714
Statement re: PO Michael METTE now on FOP Lodge 7 Web site.
Click on "Current Updates".
The memorial fund is audited and is totally legit. For some low life moron on here to say otherwise is just pure bullshit.
Monday, July 16, 2007
METTE/IOWA INCIDENT PRESS RELEASE
The following press release was issued on Monday, July 16, 2007 by President Mark Donahue of the Fraternal Order of Police, Chicago Lodge #7.
An incident that occurred in the early morning hours of October 9, 2005, has resulted in a Delaware County, Iowa Judge convicting an off duty Chicago Police Officer of an assault that caused serious injury and then sentencing this officer to five years imprisonment. In the “Findings of Fact and Order” issued by Judge Monica Ackley, she states that the Officer was “not the initial aggressor” and that, “it was reasonable under the circumstances to believe that harm might come to any one of the individuals standing outside on the street.” The latter quote addressed the actions of the 6’3”
220 lb. alleged victim and his 6’8” 245 lb. friend who was later arrested for Public Intoxication.
The fact that the officer did retreat [as is required by Iowa law] a significant distance after a barrage of threatening statements were made toward him and his friends, is acknowledged and “credited” by the Judge in her finding. But this retreat wasn’t enough for this Judge. She felt that the Officer should have done more even after, in her findings, the officer was “pushed at least two times, maybe three.” After retreating and being pushed, the officer felt threatened enough to strike the alleged victim one time which partly caused the alleged victim to fall to the ground and strike his head. The other contributing factor was that the “Findings” showed the alleged victim had a .27 blood alcohol level. When assistance was rendered to the alleged victim, he was found lying on
the ground “snoring”.
The alleged victim suffered no serious injury and was back on the University of Iowa golf team shooting low scores in no time. As a matter of fact, the alleged victim showed little interest in pursuing this case after the incident occurred. He only appeared once during the subsequent almost two year ordeal in the courts. His only appearance was on the day of his testimony. The victim’s father, a prominent Dubuque businessman, however, has not missed a court appearance and surprisingly was allowed to address the court with a self-serving statement on behalf of his son even though he lacked the appropriate standing to be heard.
The entire ruling by this county judge smells. The Fraternal Order of Police stands behind this officer and it is our hope that justice will prevail in the appeals process so that this young man is not forced to serve one day of this unjust sentence.
A legal defense fund has been established for Police Officer Robert Mette. Details to follow...
It seems a few people are a little confused. Nowhere in any documentation I've seen does it state Mette showed anyone a badge or had his gun with him. Lets keep it to the facts of the case and stop the speculations.
You my friend are a complete goof, but I bet you have a four year degree from a good college that your mommy and daddy paid for.
You are what is wrong with this job, what about protecting each other, you couldn't do that because you probably grew up in the burbs or better yet out of state and have never been in an altercation or even a fight.
Do all of us a favor and quit so you can move back and work with the ACLU.
I will be a sergeant soon and I hope i get a goof like you asking those questions.
And no daddy didn't pay for my education I came on with a H.S. diploma and had the city pay for it.
7/16/2007 08:59:00 AM
If you are going to be a sergeant soon I would think you might want to begin looking at ALL the evidence. This officer asked an intelligent question - was Mette drunk and why did he lie to the police? What the newer kids on this job don't understand is that you must be able to justify whatever you do and believe me in 22 years I have had to justify a lot!! A lie from the beginning is a very bad start to justifying anything.
As a "soon to be sergeant" to need to look ahead, see the big picture if you are going to help your guys. How is this going to end up with this story....ask the guys in 018 about how the Cabrini Green incident of a few years ago ended up when lies were told from the beginning.
While I agree that this ruling is a serious injustice, please take a step back and look at the big picture. I fully support Mette, but the facts are the facts and a lie is a lie. Had the truth been told from the beginning, perhaps things would not have ended up this way. I say that knowing full well it may have.....considering the judge on the case, but like a said a lie is a lie and facts are facts.
Please go to roll call and encourage everyone in attendance to stop all Memorial Fund withdrawals immediately from their paychecks until Cline speaks out against this injustice! Let's give that money to Mette.
If that is how you feel, then you aren't giving to the Memorial Fund for the right reasons anyway. I know I didn't give because of Cline, I gave in honor of fallen Chicago Police Officers. That was a bad suggestion and I hope no one listens to it.
Didn't CLine retire already???
TO: Anonymous said...
Slightly off topic:
Has anyone seen this? A slain police officer's widow is court ordered to pay $150K to the guy acquitted of killing her husband. WTF?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19719368/from/ET/
7/16/2007 03:22:00 PM
This article should be sent nationwide and police unions should be leading the charge to help the widow with a small monetary donation...I for one would give willingly... Where is the National FOP about this....
"5. The flashing of the CPD star only works in Chicago (No longer useful after Jefferson Park incident)"
You mean Jefferson Tap? Because Jefferson Park is a bout 12 miles northwest of The Tap. That all but verifies YOU ARE NOT THE POLICE!!
Beat it Poser!
I once spent a year in Iowa. I think it was on a Tuesday.
WELL ANOTHER DAY GONE AND NOTHING FROM FLOP,DELAY,OR ANYONE WHY? SIMPLE THEY DON'T GIVE A SHIT ABOUT US NEVER HAVE NEVER WILL!
A DEFENSE FUND HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED FOR MIKE METTE.CONTRIBUTIONS CAN BE SENT TO THE NORTHWEST COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION AT 7400 N. WAUKEGAN RD, NILES. PLEASE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO MIKE METTE DEFENSE FUND.
THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT!
We have 2 U.S. ELECTED senators, call them and let them handle this travesty
A LEGAL DEFENSE FUND HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED FOR MIKE METTE.
CONTRIBUTIONS CAN BE SENT TO THE NORTHWEST COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION, 7400 N. WAUKEGAN RD, NILES IL 60714. PLEASE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO THE MIKE METTE DEFENSE FUND.
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
INFUCKINCREDIBLE!
Check this out, guys!
This afternoon, I spoke with Mr. Ken Brown, the editor of the Dubuque Telegraph Herald newspaper. As you all know, there has been significant (but never enough) coverage of this outrage in Chicago--the third largest media market in the nation.
Mr. Brown acknowledged that the local Dubuque media has been unaware of the atrocity that occurred last week in the courtroom of Judge Monica "The Kangaroo" ACKLEY.
After my cordial conversation with Mr. Brown about the CPD/Chicago media firestorm, I anticipate that the good citizens of Dubuque will learn of this outrage shortly.
Trust me. The Dubuque P.D., Judge Kangaroo and prosecutor Timothy "Nifong" GALLAGHER are now aware of a huge storm moving in on Dubuquers from east of the Mississippi.
You can follow future Telegraph Herald coverage at:
www.THonline.com
As Senora Sherlock would say, "the game is afoot, Watson."
Dana Starks minions have been relocted to other units, look for him to leave very soon....good riddence.
My last name is NOT pronounced GOT-HARD.
However, my middle name is BONER.
The Volokh Conspiracy takes up Mette's story.
Frankly, I don't get why Mette must retreat when they followed him. Why must he retreat from their attack when they are allowed to pursue for the theft of the phone? Seems contradictory...
"Jake the Fake":
Is your nickname "WOODY"?
Did we forget a couple years ago??
Was it not the daughters of Iowa Attorney General arrested by CPD,at Crowbar and then kicking out squad windows and whatever else cornfed brats do in the big city.
retribution ya think?
Since when does the constitution state that if you are a police officer you can't defend yourself? This is wrong!!!! Just cuz some little rich punk didn't know how to control his liquor.
To 10-1 ,
Now that's what I'm talking about! Great work, keep it going. The word is spreading and it's great to see a copper who is putting action to his/her words. God Bless and stay safe.
Free Mike
Frmr. Copper
WE REMEMBER! MAY GOD BLESS...
JIM SEVERIN and TONY RIZZATO
Chicago P.D.: Area 6 Task Force
EOW: July 17, 1970; 1150 N. Sedgwick St.
Off Topic
For those interested in the Pension Portability legislation..
http://www.cpdpensionport.com/
The CPD is alive and well...Brothers and Sisters fighting toegether to end this INJUSTICE
A big thanks to the ISP and the other blogs,departments,agencies,PD's assisting.
Off Topic
For those interested in the Pension Portability legislation..
http://www.cpdpensionport.com/
7/17/2007 12:01:00 AM
Hey Dennis,
Good site,good cause, it affects me too. I sent something into the FOP about this issue about 5 years ago. You need to update the site. What happened to the FEB 27,2007 council vote?
Did we forget a couple years ago??
Was it not the daughters of Iowa Attorney General arrested by CPD,at Crowbar and then kicking out squad windows and whatever else cornfed brats do in the big city.
retribution ya think?
No, that was Minnesota....
Did we forget a couple years ago??
Was it not the daughters of Iowa Attorney General arrested by CPD,at Crowbar and then kicking out squad windows and whatever else cornfed brats do in the big city.
retribution ya think?
7/16/2007 11:01:00 PM
That was Minnesota, but thanks for playing.
Did we forget a couple years ago??
Was it not the daughters of Iowa Attorney General arrested by CPD,at Crowbar and then kicking out squad windows and whatever else cornfed brats do in the big city.
retribution ya think?
7/16/2007 11:01:00 PM
Thank you Dr. Goebbles, but those two bitches were from Minnesota.
Anonymous said...
Did we forget a couple years ago??
Was it not the daughters of Iowa Attorney General arrested by CPD,at Crowbar and then kicking out squad windows and whatever else cornfed brats do in the big city.
retribution ya think?
7/16/2007 11:01:00 PM
They were from Minnesota
Northside:
I'm still trying to let it sink in.
The people of Dubuque don't even know what that judge did to Mouse's kid.
I'm mailing my $100 check this morning.
When are we going to Dubuque, IA?
Who is the old blonde female Sgt in 23 Tact.? I ran into her at a Cubs game while she was working at Wrigley Field and she started screaming at me like I was her kid! I never told her I was the police and I found out she works at 023. This broad needs some therapy, i would think people skills would be needed to be a Sgt.. I feel bad for anyone who has to work for her.
7/16/2007 06:00:00 PM
You didn't tell her you are the police because you are NOT the police. Real police identify themselves. Better yet, they don't come down to a Cubs game and act like the drunken idiot suburbanites. She is a stand-up copper and one of the few females that can do the job. So go screw yourself you drunken imbecile!!!
New News Article in Iowa...
http://www.thonline.com/article.cfm?id=166075
To the maybe policeman who got yelled at at Wrigley Field---
Boo Hoo--you got yelled at by a woman. I work with that "old lady"
(by the way, you must have been really drunk because she is not an old lady) at Wrigley. She's a class act. You must have really screwed up if you didn't identify yourself. She's a class act and takes care of her people.
Anonymous said...
Who is the old blonde female Sgt in 23 Tact.? I ran into her at a Cubs game while she was working at Wrigley Field and she started screaming at me like I was her kid! I never told her I was the police and I found out she works at 023. This broad needs some therapy, i would think people skills would be needed to be a Sgt.. I feel bad for anyone who has to work for her.
7/16/2007 06:00:00 PM
Let us guess...you were at the game, a drunken cop who was doing something he shouldn't be doing, and was called to task. Oh boo hoo, Im going to cry about it on the SCC board. I'm the police and I said so and I couldn't get my way.
Yeah, you were "screamed" at for NO reason whatsoever. Sure. Face it jagballs, it's obvious that you were just another drunken Cubs fan.
"old"? Try to lay off the booze son, that's what got you in trouble in the first place.
K. SKIPPER=GOOD PEOPLE
"She is a stand-up copper and one of the few females that can do the job"
That's a stretch. Amazing all these POs rushing to her defense?
Very Strange, usually when folks are overstating accolades the recipient falls short of the sunlight test?
Off Topic
For those interested in the Pension Portability legislation..
http://www.cpdpensionport.com/
im a cpd officer and i think this portability is bullshit.
"She is a stand-up copper and one of the few females that can do the job"
FU with your female comments I've seen more dog ass men (by volume) then women on this job. She doesn't need you to defend her.
This is a post for Mette send a couple of bucks his way and shut your mouth. I will be sending 50. K
7/16/2007 06:00:00 PM
Being a Police Explorer is not the same as being a Copper
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