Cozzi Update
The presentations are finished. Here is a link to the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals website.
To access the streaming data you must enter the following case number - 09-2648. You are taken to a Quicktime MP3 player that should play automatically (at least it did for us.)
More information as it becomes available.
To access the streaming data you must enter the following case number - 09-2648. You are taken to a Quicktime MP3 player that should play automatically (at least it did for us.)
More information as it becomes available.
Labels: general
posted by SCC at 2:45 PM
87 Comments:
I could not change a prior appt. How was the turnout? I've listened to the audio twice. Bill is supposed to call me later so I will play it for him, but will have to do it in a couple of calls, since calls are limited to 15 minutes.
I'm hoping to give him a good report on the turnout.
Thanks.
If player does not launch (for instance, if you don't have Quicktime installed on your machine), right click on " Oral Argument" link and chose "Save Target As" to download MP3 to your hard drive for listening through your computer’s speakers, or to transfer it to your Blackberry or iPod.
I just listened to the appeal again....Fullerton said the appeal was 'extravagant.' Asswipe
Are we going to know today??
If you do any work out there you should have your head examined. I've got about 3 years left and am not doing ANYTHING.
All you hard-chargers better figure on being thrown under the bus. I don't know who hates us more--JPutz or Shortshanks.
How many coppers showed up today? Anyone got a ballpark number?
just listened to it... dont really know what to think about it. Hopefully it works out for bill.
These fuckin Feds..........
The turnout was not good. There were still plenty of seats left. 2 officers in uniform (one was a supervisor) and a handful of POs not in uniform. The rest appeared to be Bill's family. Greg Bella was also there.
wow... lots of tough questions for the federal prosecutor and for bills attorney also. It sounds like(to me at least) that the judges know that this was a witch hunt by the incoming supt. I dont know which way it will go due to politics but I hope the judges have enough mind to know that bill has been punished more than he should have been and that he was used to appease the public and to send a message to a department who was going through several scadals at the time. This act against bill was to please the public due to recent scandals and to intimidate and scare the rank and file of the police department to calm down and "straighten up"... almost to scare the rank in file.. almost trying to intimidate a new puppy as to who the master is. beat the dog enough and it will be obidient. thats just my outlook on it. these judges seem to have a good and fair head on thier shoulders. (by the way your honor, 13000 police officers...not 7000 :).. but its ok... your probley right by saying we only have 7000 with how short handed we are!!
Anyone who wants to know how many people were there should have showed up to find out.
To the old timer who has three years to go: ever consider going inside (i.e. detectives), where there's less chance of being put in a position to be thrown under the bus?
I guess the real number of CPD officers is 7,000. That is what the judge said: "He (JFed) was about to become a single most important person in 7000 person organization". 7,000 is far from 13,500 being reported.
The arguement made by Cozzi's lawyer sounded good. The judges did seem to doubt the validity of the government's case that Weis did not prejudice the case by listening to Cozzi's coerced statements. Weis is the weasel that eveyone says he is. He brought the case to the special agent in charge even bofore he took the CPD job. Did shorkshanks dirty work in order to get a job. Disgusting.
Thanks, SCC, for posting this link to the oral arguments. It provided a lot of insight into the case. At least one of the judges appeared to have a clue as to the political nature of the prosecution when she said, "This is not my next door neighbor, this is the future superintendent of police." Or something to that effect. Remember guys and gals, this could be any one of us. Listen to this tape, write to Bill, write or email our legislators to lobby on Bill's behalf.
I think after listening to the hearing you really, and I mean really, get to see what a piece of shit Jody really is. The female judge hit on it three or four times, noting that "Mr. Weiss" was just not somebody like her neighbor, he had some pull to his phone call. He is guilty - as if there was any doubt.
I think in the end, when the lawyer brought up the "lay people" of the CPD - the Judge got hot and cut it off.
i think it went well, and i hope for something positive for Cozzi!
Wow, I listened to it.... and I dare say that the judges think that Mr.Jody P. Weis is the biggest politicaly driven asshole on the planet for his referal of Bill's case to the Government for prosecution. I gather that the gov't incorrectly used Bill's compelled statemnents per Mr.Weis and his overwhelming influence to corrupt their investigation. Gov't attorney Fullerton could not come up with a plausible explanation for why Mr. Weis did not testify as to how he attained his knowledge of the case and it's particulars.....This smacks of double jeopardy and I think the judges feel it. I think like the other guy who posted. I think Bill win's and I think there exists a deep dislike for the likes of Mr. Weis across the board.Cozzi's laywer was great and I think towards the end he smelled blood in the water.Just sayin.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
If you do any work out there you should have your head examined. I've got about 3 years left and am not doing ANYTHING.
All you hard-chargers better figure on being thrown under the bus. I don't know who hates us more--JPutz or Shortshanks.
2/18/2010 03:30:00 PM
If you are going to make an arrest, then you better have a signed complaint by the victim on hand. Otherwise, you are placing your job and financial security in severe jeopardy. The times yes they have changed.
Last night I overheard two of the TARA instructors calling COZZI an embarassment to the CPD. Where do these inside hacks come from?
O.T., sorry but this has to be addressed SCC. Did you see this?
After criticism for a string of deadly shootings by deputies, the nation's largest sheriff's department told officers Wednesday to think twice before chasing and trying to arrest suspects who are believed to be armed.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department issued new guidelines telling deputies it's often better to contain someone considered armed and dangerous then wait for backup officers to arrive before taking them into custody.
WOW, this is what this world is coming to, second guessed on everything, now a Sheriff is making it policy to not attempt to apprehend an armed subject. Wait til the first a-hole gets away and kills an innocent child because some officer doesn't go after a suspect due to this new "policy." Once again letting the reverends dictate police work.
"the misdeeds were "driven by arrogance, personal greed and professional ambition."
NYPD ex-chief sent to prison!!!
This quote is applicable to a stroke that we all know too. Lets hope Cozzi's case sinks him as well.
Ed O'Donnell demoted to Captain. He is leaving in a couple months and angry he didn't get promoted. Its to bad because he was a great Commander and real good boss. Another one bites the dust.
2/18/2010 03:00:00 PM
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Is this true or a rumor? Because I worked for him once, and he was a good boss.
Oral arguments before the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals began promptly at 9:30 AM.
The three judge panel:
Chief Judge Frank EASTERBROOK
Judge Michael KANNE
Judge Ilana ROVNER
Judge ROVNER asked virtually all of the questions of both Marc MARTIN and AUSA Stuart FULLERTON.
An otherwise silent Chief Judge EASTERBROOK adjourned the hearing 35 minutes later. You can listen to the audio (No. 09-2648) on links posted on both SCC and SLC as well as the Web site www.ca7.uscourts.gov
It is undisputed that but for the WEISel, Bill Cozzi would not be rotting in a federal prison hellhole a thousand miles to the south.
With only about 50 persons in the courtroom, ample seating remained. It is my personal opinion that the turnout was pathetic.
The written opinion will be entered in about 2 to 4 weeks at the discretion of the court.
http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2010/02/alderman-mayor-richard-daley-manny-flores-isaac-carothers.html
Too damn funny. If you want to be an alderman, you can submit your application to Mayor Daley.
I haven't seen something this funny in a long time.
Daley just never ceases to amaze!
The following is the direct link to the audio of oral arguments before the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals this morning in USA v. William Cozzi:
http://www.ca7.uscourts.gov/fdocs/docs.fwx?submit=rss_sho&shofile=09-2648_001.mp3
Dear SSC,
I listened to the audio and I thought Cozzi's advocate stuck to his points well. There was an unspoken text to his remarks, (and probably decided in advance), not to go too deeply into Weis' unofficial, undocumented access to Federal investigators. I thought that everybody got that without him saying it. And that meant he stayed direct and on point.
The judges, two especially, seemed to be very good listeners and one in particular very challenging.
It did seem the judges were also aware of the larger issues for the CPD. So I have hope, although I will not guess the outcome.
Best of luck to you all, and especially Bill Cozzi today,
Ann T.
I have no idea what happened today. But all I know is that from past work experience I HATE STUART FULLERTON. He is a police hater and a liar.
Wow, after listening to this i just hate that Weis. What a f*cking weisel. If it wasn't for him trying to "make an example" out of Cozzi for his own benefit, the Cozzi would've served his time and been gotten on with his life. He could've just denied him coming back on the job, but instead he wanted to f*ck Cozzi. What a piece of sh*t.
Anonymous said...
I just listened to the appeal again....Fullerton said the appeal was 'extravagant.' Asswipe
2/18/2010 03:27:00 PM
How many shitheads use the revolving door of justice to be back out on the streets killing people? How about some fucking equality!
It sounded to me like the government made asses out if themselves and jfed. That female judge was not buying any of their bullshit.
It's pretty cut and dry. Weis made mention of cozzi's statements one of his two emails. Dumb fuck.
Cozzi wins. I'd bet my freedom on it!
His lawyer did a great job!!!!
Fuck you, jfed. U made yourself look like a big asshole.
Masters, u r a cocksucker too and I wouldn't know you walking down the street.
Masters.
No one gives a shit for their fellow copper. no one was even there. Stop pretending.
Anyone who wants to know how many people were there should have showed up to find out.
2/18/2010 04:09:00 PM
==
Oh, yeah; a retiree in Arizona should have jumped on a plane 'to find out'. You're a self-absorbed goof.
I listened to the entire hearing. It is interesting to hear, but is boring. I have no legal training beyond the 40hrs taught at 1300 W. Jackson. So listening to it made my head spin.
I pray for Bill Cozzi and a positive outcome.
But to me it's 50/50..it'll come down to a coin toss..heads you win/tails you lose!
A handful of coppers showed up. Lots of talk from all of you until you actually have to put yourself out a little to be there. I just hope you all realize that this could be you someday. Soon.
Anyone who wants to know how many people were there should have showed up to find out.
2/18/2010 04:09:00 PM
___________________________________
I asked that question and I couldn't make the hearing because I have to watch my son while my wife works days. I'm sorry that I have some responsibility to care for my child unlike some absent motherf*cker people that we have to deal with everyday. Should have I brought him to the hearing and got kicked out due to his crying? I'm sure you would have bitched about that too.
This is great. I think Weis owes the rank and file an explanation why he lied when he said he did not refer the case to the federal prosecutors.
"The Roadmap to this prosecution" was "Agent WEIS".
Excellent work by the defense attorney.
Nice Lie, I mean Try by the persecution.
Based on what I heard Cozzi has a good chance of being released.
Judge Rovner is very fair & I hear that the other 2 judges are quite decent & fair. It is also apparent that the judges have issue with WEIS etc.
Hopefully the case will turn out right and officer Cozzi will be freed immediately.
Good luck to all,
Retired in Colorado
Anonymous said...
If you do any work out there you should have your head examined. I've got about 3 years left and am not doing ANYTHING.
All you hard-chargers better figure on being thrown under the bus. I don't know who hates us more--JPutz or Shortshanks.
2/18/2010 03:30:00 PM
Your 110% correct sir! To the young skulls full of mush all you "warrant guys" go ahead fuck up this will be you"! All I keep hearing in this case is WEIS! These jag really threw COZZI under the bus like he will do to the youngsters! To the young uns complaining about the older coppers not busting ass on "safe streets" keep listening to this and you will learn!!
Anonymous said...
Last night I overheard two of the TARA instructors calling COZZI an embarassment to the CPD. Where do these inside hacks come from?
2/18/2010 05:40:00 PM
Another reason tara is a waste of time! WTF these jags with no clue worka "3 hour tour" bunch of punks!1
I listened to the hearing and the judges did see the weight and relevance of the weasel emailing the fact that Cozzi made a false statement. That in itself will be enough; this type of action has been referenced in many case law rulings.
Good luck!
I had to stop by HQ a few days ago and, as I was leaving, I had to walk around a group of three men in suits who were standing in the middle of the aisle, talking.
I recognized the voice before I saw the short guy blocked by the other two. It was Weis. Having heard from my partner that Weis disses even uniformed officers who say hello to him, I made eye contact, then turned my head away from him without speaking. And I felt bad. That's not my style, deliberately snubbing someone.
And then I read all of this and remembered WHY I did it. He isn't deserving of us even acknowledging his existence. Evil backstabber.
Anonymous said...
Last night I overheard two of the TARA instructors calling COZZI an embarassment to the CPD. Where do these inside hacks come from?
Of Course he's for people who getting FEDs funds for BS training. They claim they were working busy DST and have tremendous military experiences fighting the the war on terror.
I missed court today for a family funeral. Said a prayer today, as I do each day, for Bill. Never met him, but he's one of us. Godspeed, Bill. God damn j-fed.
Your 110% correct sir! To the young skulls full of mush all you "warrant guys" go ahead fuck up this will be you"! All I keep hearing in this case is WEIS! These jag really threw COZZI under the bus like he will do to the youngsters! To the young uns complaining about the older coppers not busting ass on "safe streets" keep listening to this and you will learn!!
I hope all of you guys here know that you can still make arrests that are completly lawful without booting in doors, lying, drop cases, beating people, cursing at people and treating people wrongly... i go out and get a head a night. usually never is it on signed complaints. I dont go out and get a gun or felony a night... maybe 2 felonies a night.. Im sleeping just fine at night. I dont mother F anyone or beat anyone.. its called being a professional who can see things then articulate why you are doing something. after 24 and a half years on the the things have changed alot. You have to adapt. they days of old are gone. That doesnt mean that you cant go out and make arrests because you are gonna get indicted. Trust me, hundreds of thousands of officers do it everyday without any problem. Do it by the book and like your on camera the whole way through. Ill continue to get my head a day.. FOR THE COMPANY.. I could care less who I get the head for. Ive almost got 25 years on this job and I do it because I have pride of being a police officer. Ive been shot, sued, suspended and all that good stuff in my career. Ive learned there is a better smarter way to be the police. professional always works. get your bag or weed, your pisser or drinker and do it by the book and you have nothing to worry about. Dont make excuses why you dont do work anymore. Your scared or just lazy. You know damn well that you can still make arrest but dont want to because of lazyness. we get paid over 70k a year do your job. stop using cozzie and the feds are out to get us for your reason for not doing work...oh yeah, the classic excuse for not doing work is the no contract crap.. pathetic, do your job and make an arrest. all they want is numbers.. they want pissers and drinkers then I will give them that all day long... god knows ill sleep better at night then most of you. sleep well...
Last night I overheard two of the TARA instructors calling COZZI an embarassment to the CPD. Where do these inside hacks come from?
2/18/2010 05:40:00 PM
Bill paid for his mistake. Who of us has not made them as we WORK on this job. If they said that then they are embarassments to this department.
Good luck to Cozzi. This post is for Cozzi, but i have to respond to W. Butler's post that some should get into the detective division to avert being thrown under the bus . . .
FYI, the D-unit has more than its fair share of lawsuits from the proverbial "turning piss into lemonade" type cases and from every case where a POS witness changes his testimony and dum dum gets off. lawsuits follow. some days it seems detectives are getting more subpoenas for corp counsel than court.
also, not everyone can just "consider going inside" to the D-unit. you have to pass a test or be one of the 20 percent making a political donation at the right time.
other than that, here's hoping cozzi gets a trip home soon.
Be safe. Watch your front, back and sides. and never be rushed to write paper when you got shit on your shoes.
I have listened to the oral arguements numerous times. My question is why did Weis have internal information regarding the case before he was Supt? Had he been Supt. I may understand, but reality is that he was given CPD confidential information before he was Supt.
Is a C.R. No. possible? Who gave Weis the information? An average citizen would NEVER be granted information pertaining to an internal investigation!!!
I realize it may have been a transitional period, but still Weis got information prior to him being Supt., which is demonstrated in the oral arguements.
"...I think in the end, when the lawyer brought up the "lay people" of the CPD - the Judge got hot and cut it off."
"lay people", that's the first time I've heard that term to describe jody and hus fed hangers-on. I suppose that is accurate, and "cut it off". I'd like to do that too.
Let's some Yellow Ribbons (crime scene tape) around the trees at our stations. It will drive Jody nuts.
This lawyering has to be expensive. Is there some place whee we can send money to help support Bill's legal defense?
Someone posted it above...
If this is costing Bill and arm and a leg, maybe we need to get together on this and pass the hat?
Also, no matter which way this goes, it may still be some time before we get to see Bill come home. A quiet (Shh!) coming-home party would be nice. AND, if the bills have been mounting, it could be a benefit type party. Of course-we couldn't post it on the walls at work.
This has been the travesty of a lifetime. To those of us that know Bill personally, he's been really hurt by this. I know he loved doing this job!!! He would travel from one side of the District to the other to take a job FOR YOU!
He would put up with some bad drunks, and put them away. He's done so much for so many. MADD should be heartbroken, that he's still not out there.
Remember, especially the TARA guys who would trample on someone when they are down, Bill was a warrior-patriot in the best sense. An Air Force Vet. Who probably only left, when he was forced to. A great copper. I've seen this personally. I've called for help on the radio, and after the slowdown was given, Bill kept coming. I'm sure he slowed down, but I know in my heart, to everyone else who ever called, he never turned back!!!
It breaks my heart to see what has happened to him and his family. WEISel, you're a jag-off of the highest form. I would never throw a copper, yet alone, a fellow one under a Bus. Not even a Fed! Nor, would I speak ill-will of anyone. But I will now for you. Of course- you probably never did the work that Bill did. Even to include your handcuffing training, you probably never placed cuffs on as many people as Bill has in one month. I challenge you to do the math. Bill would have easily put cuffs on someone each night. AT LEAST ONE. Not many coppers out there can even say that. Myself included.
WEIS, you have no idea what you have done to this department. That knife that is in our backs, just keeps getting twisted. You've hurt us, and you've hurt this city---This Great City!
These Men and Women out here do this job day in and day out without question. It used to be, without fear as well. But now, we fear the types like you. The Cancer that eats from within!!! The trash that is cleaned up on these streets here is the worst there is! AND YOU will never know what that is really like. How it feels to get your ass kicked and go back to work after that. To fight with that hype- who is fighting you and six other coppers! ---and have your knees shake afterward cause you know death could have been at your door. You've probably never felt that and never will!!! Those six guys that showed up to help you will NEVER be there to help you now. Sure, they would come if they heard a scream on the radio. But once, they saw it was you, ------aaarrrhhh, you disgust me!!!
I've even heard it from you old comrades. YOU-are the embarrassment here. The embarrassment to all of Law Enforcement!!!
SCC, sorry for the long post.
God Bless Chicago and Chicago's Finest. God Bless the USA.
Damn you Jody Weis!!!
Someone asked how many coppers where there. I'll tell you how many. Not many at all. About 20 -25 if that. It was disgusting. I now know that this "thin blue line", this "special club", this "special fraternity" that I always hear about is nothing more than a figment of someones imagination. Even if the judge was correct when she said there are 7,00 of us, the best we can do is 20 or 25 coppers out of 7,000? Embarrassing and pathetic to say the least. I now know that unless the issue at hand has a direct impact on today's coppers,they could care less. And don't tell me that the turnout was sparse because guys have family commitments, court, work afternoons etc. as a reason for not going. Out of the 20 or so people that did attend, one was a retired Lieutenant, one was a retired Sergeant and one was a female from the southside who is on disability, who doesn't know Bill but felt it was an issue that is so important that it required her appearance. No sir, the real reason the turnout was so sparse is because you don't care, you are lazy, wanted to sleep in a little longer.
It was IMHO, a good day for Bill. But it was a terrible day for the Chicago Police Department. It's members have been exposed for what they are. Self centered, selfish,uncaring and full of hot air. This department is a shell of what it used to be. And you can blame anyone you want for that. You can blame Daley, Weis,Dugan the reverends, the alderscum, anyone you want to. But the people that really deserve credit for the destruction of the CPD is you. You allowed it to happen. Here we have one of the most important days in the life of one of our own, a day that could have been a defining moment for one of our own, a day in which Jody Weis was exposed for what he really is, a day which could be the last chance for one of our own to obtain his freedom and how many of us care enough to attend to make a statement and show some support for Bill. Twenty or so.
Pathetic, embarrassing and disgusting!
time to write an upbeat letter to Bill.
Dont make excuses why you dont do work anymore. Your scared or just lazy. You know damn well that you can still make arrest but dont want to because of lazyness. we get paid over 70k a year do your job. stop using cozzie and the feds are out to get us for your reason for not doing work...oh yeah, the classic excuse for not doing work is the no contract crap.. pathetic, do your job and make an arrest. all they want is numbers.. they want pissers and drinkers then I will give them that all day long... god knows ill sleep better at night then most of you. sleep well...
2/19/2010 01:15:00 AM
I am sure you will get flamed for that post, but know, many agree with you and they are the true "real Police". The rest are covert Welfare recipients.
Ed O'Donnell demoted to Captain. He is leaving in a couple months and angry he didn't get promoted. Its to bad because he was a great Commander and real good boss. Another one bites the dust.
2/18/2010 03:00:00 PM
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Is this true or a rumor? Because I worked for him once, and he was a good boss.
I'm going to take a guess and say Ed went back down to Captain so he can retire with the 55yr old health care. He wasn't demoted, the exempts don't have the health insurance package....Daley is afraid they would all retire.
Ed O'Donnell demoted to Captain. He is leaving in a couple months and angry he didn't get promoted. Its to bad because he was a great Commander and real good boss. Another one bites the dust.
2/18/2010 03:00:00 PM
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Is this true or a rumor? Because I worked for him once, and he was a good boss.
2/18/2010 07:33:00 PM
No, he's leaving because the city will not give exempts 55 & out with insurance. So he requested that he go back to his captain's rank for a period and thus be elgible for the 55/out. Great man/great boss a true gentlemen.
Anonymous said...
Last night I overheard two of the TARA instructors calling COZZI an embarassment to the CPD. Where do these inside hacks come from?
2/18/2010 05:40:00 PM
Now Tara is a unique unit. Lucky if they work 6 hours a day and yet they have the balls to critize Cozzi? An inspector would have a field day checking up on the Tara unit. Even the academy cannot hold that team responsible for work. Inside hacks is a compliment if anyone can find them.
It is undisputed that but for the WEISel, Bill Cozzi would not be rotting in a federal prison hellhole a thousand miles to the south.
2/18/2010 07:48:00 PM
Peter Fitzgerald could have told J-Fed to fuck himself, but he didn't. He is not your friend.
I go out and get a head a night. usually never is it on signed complaints.
Wow, you must be the REAL police...
I dont go out and get a gun or felony a night... maybe 2 felonies a night..
No wait,you must be on an 06 team!...
Im sleeping just fine at night.
In our mothers basement...
after 24 and a half years on the the things have changed alot. You have to adapt.
Yeah, but you don't...
they days of old are gone. That doesnt mean that you cant go out and make arrests because you are gonna get indicted. Trust me, hundreds of thousands of officers do it everyday without any problem.
The question is, do you want to be the poor bastard that is amde an example of? Even when EVERY eye is dotted, and T crossed, you still put yourself in harms way...
Do it by the book and like your on camera the whole way through...
And they may settle out of court...
Ill continue to get my head a day.. FOR THE COMPANY..
That says it all...
I could care less who I get the head for. Ive almost got 25 years on this job and I do it because I have pride of being a police officer. Ive been shot, sued, suspended and all that good stuff in my career.
I'm sorry, I said you were on the 06 team...Your a SUPERCOP!!
Ive learned there is a better smarter way to be the police. professional always works. get your bag or weed, your pisser or drinker and do it by the book and you have nothing to worry about.
You sir, are either dilusional, or obtuse...
Dont make excuses why you dont do work anymore. Your scared or just lazy. You know damn well that you can still make arrest but dont want to because of lazyness. we get paid over 70k a year do your job.
Which is to answer radio calls...
stop using cozzie and the feds are out to get us for your reason for not doing work...oh yeah, the classic excuse for not doing work is the no contract crap.. pathetic, do your job and make an arrest. all they want is numbers.. they want pissers and drinkers then I will give them that all day long... god knows ill sleep better at night then most of you. sleep well...
I will...but don't expect me to contribute to your benefit, you blowhard..
Wait a minute...Hey Jody, stop that!! Get off our blog!!
Go home and get your shine box!!
But to me it's 50/50..it'll come down to a coin toss..heads you win/tails you lose!
2/18/2010 09:45:00 PM
I hate to be a cynic but in this town it's "Heads I win, tails you lose", unless of course you're related.
Last night I overheard two of the TARA instructors calling COZZI an embarassment to the CPD. Where do these inside hacks come from?
2/18/2010 05:40:00 PM
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Com'on.....those guys need to stop replaying the 9-11 videos....they think they really matter.....news flash.....if a terrorist hits this city im thinking family first and the west side.....hmmm.........FUCK the WESTSIDE.......
Excellent defense attorney arguing Bill's case. Judge Rovner's grasp of this case and her compelling questions spoke volumes about Jody Weis' complicity in this prosecution.
To W. Butler who stated that "officers should hide in the detective division to avoid getting thrown under a bus," I would suggest he try talking to a real Homicide detective. I have been sued federally more times than I ever had when I was in a beat car and every one of the plaintiffs have been convicted murderers.
Stick to reading the blog and not commenting on it till you actually have some experience in police work.
I just hope you all realize that this could be you someday. Soon.
-------------------------------
It could be you, if
You beat up a guy handcuffed to a wheelchair in front of a video camera,
and then use your clout or knowledge of some higher ups indiscretions, to keep your job as a PO.
Then yes, it could be you.
But chances are you are not going to beat up a guy handcuffed to a wheel chair in the first place. You do understand that regardless of any other circumstance surrounding that incident, that is what happened and you cannot get past it. No one cares that the guy handcuffed to a wheelchair that Cozzi beat might have earned the beating. Its not relevant.
I grant you that it should have been enough to be fired and be convicted of some relatively minor offense not involving jail time.
But that was not good enough for Cozzi. He had to use his clout (or maybe knowledge of higher ups cohabitating with goats) to get his spot back. If he had just gone away quietly, he would not be in prison today, and he could be well on his way to making his life over again.
Sometimes you make choices for yourself and they bite you in the ass. It does not even have to be an evil choice, but your choices do affect what happens to you down the road.
Those of you who think he is getting his case overturned and will be rejoining the CPD are dreaming. Not happening. No matter what. I predict the City will pay him to go away if they have to.
I asked that question and I couldn't make the hearing because I have to watch my son while my wife works days. I'm sorry that I have some responsibility to care for my child unlike some absent motherf*cker people that we have to deal with everyday. Should have I brought him to the hearing and got kicked out due to his crying? I'm sure you would have bitched about that too
Babysitter?
I have listened to the oral arguements numerous times. My question is why did Weis have internal information regarding the case before he was Supt? Had he been Supt. I may understand, but reality is that he was given CPD confidential information before he was Supt.
Bill's Lawyers should sue Weis and anyone who gave the info!!! A complaint against the dept and federal investigation as to why civilians can get internal police documents started!!!
If the allegations are true.
To the dad, that thought if you wanted to know how the case went then you should have shown up???? But you could'nt go cause you had to watch your son, while your wife worked??? Boo-Hoo!! Did you not think others had to do the same??? When you and the wife want a night out...bet you get a babysitter...& let me guess??? Grandma!!! How dare you tell others what "they" should have done!!! Me?? I prayed for Bill today as I'm sure many others did, my CHILD was discharged from hosp. today & I was with her..I'm not a M'Fer...I'm her Mommy! I too, had to look it up on the blog, just like you...and so many others!! Wow...a child, like never of us ever had one of those!! Alot of Officers could not go due to children, but they don't blame others & make excuses!! God Bless you Bill....you are in my prayers every day.
WOW....someone sounds mad that he has to watch his son...while his "wife works days"...way to go dad...feel sorry for your little boy!!!
"Leadership is solving problems. The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them. They have either lost confidence that you can help or concluded you do not care. Either case is a failure of leadership". ~ Colin Powell
To the know it all....Get your facts straight. TARA instructors never said anything of the such about Bill. Not sure why your spreading BS or trying to explain something you think you heard. Grow up and get your ears checked.
i think that 2:07 post is weis himself. what a hand job!!!!
"Those of you who think he is getting his case overturned and will be rejoining the CPD are dreaming. Not happening. No matter what. I predict the City will pay him to go away if they have to."
You are a true asshole. If you think that was a fucking "beating "
then you grew up dancing in a tutu throwing rose petals in the air. This is Chicago and police work is ugly,and dirty and generally a disgusting pain in the ass. Bill had a lapse of judgement big time but he paid for it. This two tiered system of judgement, very easy on shitheads, and to the letter of the law for cops is a federal crime in and of itself.
Weis you have been exposed for all to see, and I hope this is the begining of the end for you.
Ok people...let's stop treating each other like crap. I was at the appeal hearing for Bill. I found a babysitter for my son so I could go. BUT, not everyone is able to find a babysitter for everything. Who are we to judge other peoples' personal situations? Not everyone has a grandparent to drop a child off with. This story wasn't posted to bash people for not going to the appeal. Yes, it is disappointing that more coppers weren't able to make it. I'm sure some were just lazy or wanted to sleep in etc. But our focus should be in supporting Bill however we can. If the most some can do is support him on the blog then so be it. PLEASE stop bashing each other for EVERYTHING. We are our own worst enemy...and we have enough of those that don't wear our uniform.
To the poster at 2/19/2010 01:15:00 AM, about your almost 25 years on the job and still getting your arrest every night.
you are right about wanting to continue doing the job because you love it. many of us still do. my only reply to you is that the only problem with aggressive, proactive police work comes when you make a mistake. as humans, we sometimes do that. one time in the past when you made a mistake, it was no big deal. nowadays, it seems that making a mistake can get you into really big trouble. look at the two recently acquitted 008 district officers who had been charged with perjury. for two years they faced the uncertainty of going to jail, losing their homes, livelihood, and dignity. they made a mistake on an otherwise good arrest ($4k worth of crack). the state's attorney's office hung them out to dry. but judge porter ruled that the state didn't even come close to proving a case of perjury. i wouldn't want to go through that "for the company" or to please some boss with numbers that only make the boss look good and not you.
hopefully, while you are out there, after your 25 years of experience, you will not have to go through any of that and make it through to retirement. keep up the good work.
however, at this point in the game, when the refs are against you, the other team is cheating like hell, your own coach was hired to quell your desire to play, your own coach measures his success by how many of his team he can trade to the other team, and when just being close to the sidelines will get you called out of bounds, i think i'll stay on the bench until the game gets so bad that new, respectable coaches and the fans are really cheering for me to get back in the game.
Funny how coppers hate lawyers UNTIl the day comes when they are the accused and need one....
Just like we are not ALL bad ,neither are attorneys...
Just a thought from a non-lawyer
however, at this point in the game, when the refs are against you, the other team is cheating like hell, your own coach was hired to quell your desire to play, your own coach measures his success by how many of his team he can trade to the other team, and when just being close to the sidelines will get you called out of bounds, i think i'll stay on the bench until the game gets so bad that new, respectable coaches and the fans are really cheering for me to get back in the game.
2/20/2010 01:16:00 AM
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Very well said!!
bill was suckered into a bad situation...and made the wrong decision. i worked with bill and he s a good guy that would give you the shirt off his back. make people sign complainants first. i have a story to tell...it will have to wait a few years though.
I was there and I don't know how someone counted 20-25 coppers there. It was actually 15 people there for Bill and 2 were family members. Very sad turnout after so many said they would be there.
I have know idea who suggested to flood the court room. It was a mistake! I understand that officers may want to support the family. Attempting to get App. Judges to change their minds by strong-armmming them is BAD decision. The Judges DO NOT care. I am elated for Bill the crowd was small. Out of site is out of mind!!! Listen to Judge Easterbrrok's final comment on the case. The Judges want nothing to do with the CPD B.S.!
Here's the real legal issue.
The judges catch on, but the defense doesn't get it across until the rebuttal. The judges seem to know what the real issue is and also seem a little pissed that this argument doesn't come out immediately.
Cozzi is a cop. Cops are subject to internal police investigations. Statements are unconstiutionally obtained in these investigations.
Weis reviews these statements and the overall evidence against Cozzi. Weis e-mails his buddy (the FBI SA in charge) and tells him to start a Federal investigation that results in indictment.
The trial judge then allows the trial to proceed without Weis' testimony and even without an affidavit from Weis telling the court what he knew and what he let Federal investigators know.
So, here's the issue. Can the Federal government prosecute a person when there was evidence unconstitutionally obtained by a State government (city police) without PROVING that the unconstitutionally obtained evidence played no part in the federal investigation?
The answer is no. The feds say it is "obvious" the evidence was not used, but they offer no substantive proof that it was not.
Funny how coppers hate lawyers UNTIl the day comes when they are the accused and need one....
Just like we are not ALL bad ,neither are attorneys...
Just a thought from a non-lawyer
2/20/2010 03:47:00 AM
I am pretty sure no legit copper has ever needed a lawyer except to protect themselves from another lawyer. That's why we hate them all. I have never met a lawyer on this job that I thought was a decent person. Corp Counsel and States Attorneys have some decent guys and girls, but the other side are nothing but lying bastards.
If you learn anything from this disgraceful treatment of Cozzi, learn this...
Do not love this job.
Cozzi loved this job and wanted to come back to it.
The job showed Cozzi how much it loves the officers who work for it.
Whether you have 2 years on or 22 years, mentally prepare yourself to leave this job. Do side jobs, get extra education, get a hobby, but don't just do this job. Don't love it.
Cozzi should have left when this all started. If this job starts squeezing you, leave! It's not all you think it is and its not worth staying if they put the screws to you.
Anonymous said...
Last night I overheard two of the TARA instructors calling COZZI an embarassment to the CPD. Where do these inside hacks come from?
2/18/2010 05:40:00 PM
-----------------------------------Stop spreading rumors. That was the best training I've had in 25 years on. I highly doubt that a TARA Instructor would be inclined to say that about Cozzi.
professional always works.
Then you sir, are the exception. What would really help boost the moral of the rank and file would for the city to stop paying out to virtually every complainant that comes along.
The attitude of "it's cheaper to pay out than to risk losing in court" needs to end now! Once the word gets out that the city would rather go to court then a good majority of these leeches will go away.
To 2/19/2010 09:58:00 AM......
Amen! I couldn't agree more. I have nothing against coppers like that one. If, after 25 years you still run and gun, god bless you.
But........
Why do you and others like you have to make it a point to scream out the fact that your still running like a PPO? Why do you go out of your way to belittle other officers who, in your mind, don't measure up to your standards?
If you truly do it for the love of the job then it shouldn't bother you that other P.O.'s would rather be less pro active.
As long as I can count on my fellow officer being there when I need help, what you do (or not do) is your own business.
Cozzi is a cop. Cops are subject to internal police investigations. Statements are unconstiutionally obtained in these investigations.
The statements are not unconstitutionally obtained - they are just immune from prosecution- there is a difference - if they were unconstitutionally obtained they could not be used to fire someone.
The statements are not unconstitutionally obtained - they are just immune from prosecution- there is a difference - if they were unconstitutionally obtained they could not be used to fire someone.
2/20/2010 11:06:00 PM
The constitution does not protect your job, idiot.
It only protects your freedom.
Unconstitutionally obtained statements CAN be used to fire you.
"Those of you who think he is getting his case overturned and will be rejoining the CPD are dreaming. Not happening. No matter what. I predict the City will pay him to go away if they have to."
You are a true asshole. If you think that was a fucking "beating "
then you grew up dancing in a tutu throwing rose petals in the air. This is Chicago and police work is ugly,and dirty and generally a disgusting pain in the ass. Bill had a lapse of judgement big time but he paid for it. This two tiered system of judgement, very easy on shitheads, and to the letter of the law for cops is a federal crime in and of itself.
Weis you have been exposed for all to see, and I hope this is the begining of the end for you.
-------------------------------
You just don't get it. This is the way the feds operate. They look at high profile cases and go after people that will get the most press.
Its the same way the IRS operates. The theory seems to be that you "get" some high profile guy and it will discourage others.
Cozzi's situation was a perfect case for this kind of prosecution. It does not really matter if the guy deserved a few whacks or not. It was not Cozzi's place to whack him, and it is very easy to spin for maximum outrage. Beating a guy handcuffed to a wheelchair? Could not ask for a better police excessive force case.
But what probably did Cozzi in was getting his job back. The perception that he got off Scot-free, even though not really true, makes it an even better case.
I agree there is an element of unfairness involved, but life is often unfair. And the criminal justice system has never really been fair. Its probably as good as it can be given that human beings are involved in it, but it is subject to all the unfairness that attends anything operated by human beings.
As for Cozzi ever coming back to work. Be real. Every time he arrested someone the defense lawyer would bring up him beating a defenseless handicapped guy handcuffed to a wheel chair. It does not matter one bit if that characterization of the incident is not completely accurate. Its close enough for spin purposes, and a lot of times that is what matters.
Maybe I am an asshole for pointing out the reality of the situation Cozzi got himself into, but it does not change that situation one bit.
11:58 AM
REPEAT 100 TIMES AFTER READING THIS
The mutt in the wheelchair was able-bodied. The mutt was NOT handicapped.
Stop trying to mislead the readers.
The mutt was seated in the wheelchair for convenience and mobility purposes before Officer Cozzi arrived at the hospital. Furthermore, the rails on the wheelchair easily accomodated handcuffs.
GOT IT?
AUSA Stuart Fullerton tried "the wheelchair" bullshit during Thursday's oral arguments before the Seventh Circuit. BULLSHIT!"
"WHEELCHAIR?" SHUT THE FUCK UP!
(I have no eMail access at home yet. This was posted from the Best Buy, 1000 W. North Ave. Please hold all eMail until further notice. Thank you.
Some pimple on a crack whores ass said...
As for Cozzi ever coming back to work. Be real. Every time he arrested someone the defense lawyer would bring up him beating a defenseless handicapped guy handcuffed to a wheel chair. It does not matter one bit if that characterization of the incident is not completely accurate. Its close enough for spin purposes, and a lot of times that is what matters.
Maybe I am an asshole for pointing out the reality of the situation Cozzi got himself into, but it does not change that situation one bit.
Someone who really did this job said...
GFY, Your arrogance is only preceded by your ignorance.The federal investigation was tainted from the start by Jody's calling in his favors from his fellow good old boys. The feds had no fucking interest in this case until they were called upon to help a fellow fed "Weis" land a million dollar job. That was wrong and really criminal and if there is any justice in this world , your buddy J-Trick gets in serious trouble for this and Cozzi is back to work. Free to look at the sheets one day and then look at what a piece of shit like you must be and then tell the W/C , "I can't work with pussies."
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