County officer asked to resign

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Comment removed by HometownAnnapolis staff. - January 7, 2009

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- Karma: Terrible

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A.A.Co. Council Meeting - January 3, 2009

After reading the comments of others, I am really happy to find that I am not the only person with many questions unanswered. Absolutely no one is coming forward with a logical reason as to why these 2 officers, with over 40 years of combined service to the residents of Anne Arundel Co. are being singled out, and their lives and those of their families, being made a living nightmare. There have been rumors that the officers were suspended( for 8 months now) because of an erroe in judgement. If this is so --- then don't you think that the Officers who made this suspension decision have also made a HUGE error in judgement? Perhaps we need others to step up and judge those who are makine the judgement! Once again, the Anne Arundel County Council will have their Legislative meeting on Monday January 5,2009 at 7 p.m. It is held at the Arundel Center , 44 Calvert St. in Annapolis. Please, lets show up and support these guys. Maybe even help find some answers, or find someone who will.

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Carol S. - Glen Burnie, MD - Karma: Bad

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Police chase - January 3, 2009

I just read an article on ABC News Channel 2 about the police chase in Wicomico County, which involved the Md. State Police, and Wicomico Co. Sheriffs Dept. The criminals car and 2 police vehicles were smashed up. They got the bad guy. I just hope that Wicomico County has more regard for their officers than A.A.County has. Good Luck.

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Carol S. - Glen Burnie, MD - Karma: Bad

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This isn't right ! ! ! - January 2, 2009

Why is it that in our social system and specially in MD we keep protecting the criminals and bashing our Police Officers (P/Os)? A call is placed; and the police responds to the scene. They decide to take a closer look at who is driving the vehicle. I can?t find anything wrong with that. The police tries to investigate to find out who is driving this alleged stolen vehicle, which is a normal task of an investigation process. P/Os are investigators and they are paid for that specific duty. Right? Right. So, why is it that Sgt. Max Weinstein can be charged with neglect of duty even when he was off-duty at time the time that the chase took place? This whole situation is a wrong. P/Os are part of the permanent liberties that we enjoy in this country, and because of it we are safer in this country than many other nations. P/Os are liable for any inaccuracy on duty and when they are off-duty. The wages are not worth the P/Os physical and mental pressure; furthermore, the stress inflicted on family and friends. Isn?t it enough pressure that P/Os have to be on the lookout for criminals that they had previously arrested for crimes and who wanders our Streets? The death of Det. Thomas Newman of the BPD who was fatally shot while off duty on 11/23/2002 outside of a bar when he was leaving the bar accompanied by his girlfriend is a perfect example of this. Be mindful that they put their lives at risk every day after they are sworn as P/Os. His decision was taken under good faith, and that should say something. This action is a positive reinforcement to the criminal which tells them that they have more power than those who keeps them in check. Why is it that we put more emphasis on innocents P/Os than in real criminals? If he had acted with malice, I?m in complete agreement that he should be charged and convicted, but this is not the case on this situation. A reprimand in this case is unjust, and why cut him off his services?

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A. Reyes - Baltimore, MD - Karma: Bad

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WHAT ABOUT THE CRIMINAL?? - January 2, 2009

SO THE CRIMINALS IN THIS CASE ARE GETTING ONE YEAR IN JAIL, THE JUVENILE IN THE CASE WILL MOST LIKLEY SPEND A FEW MONTHS IN SHELDINGHAM AND DUE TO LACK OF BOYS DETENTION FACILITIES IN MARYLAND WILL GO HOME. HOWEVER, SGNT WEINSTEIN HAS TO PAY FOR THE REST OF HIS LIFE FOR SOMETHING THAT 3 OTHER OFFICERS FAILED TO DO. STOP 3 BOYS FROM GETTING IN THE VAN TO BEGIN WITH. NOTE TO JUDGE...LETTING GO A BOY WHO STOLE A VAN WITH A GUN IN IT, AND NOT GIVING HIM PROPER PUNISHMENT, COULD RESULT IN THE DEATH OF AN INOCENT PERSON. IN 2003 A CAR WAS STOLEN AND THE JUVENILE WAS GIVEN PROBATION, IN 2004 HE SHOT HIS GIRLFRIEND, IN 2006 SHE DIED FROM HER INJURY, IN 2007 HE STABBED ANOTHER PERSON. PLEASE USE MY TAX MONEY TO PUNISH THE CRIMINAL, NOT THE POLICE. SO ANOTHER FAMILY MAY BE SAVED FROM THE PAIN MINE STILLS FEELS.

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chrissy callender - linthicum, MD - Karma: Bad

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Cindy - January 1, 2009

You make a weak argument. Under the auspice of your rationale, we would have what, five people who would be allowed to criticize the Presidency? I agree that no one can fully understand what LEOs have to go through on a daily basis (unless they have done it) and I do not agree with one iota of her statements. However, as public servants police officers must be allowed to be the subject of public scrutiny as this only allows there to be more transparency into what they do on a daily basis. It does disturb me, especially here, when officers seem to get treated far worse than the criminals that they are trying to prevent from causing the public any further harm. Carol-----yeah, the details as to what transpired in "setting up surveillence" of the vehicle and the following problems is a bit sketchy. I should have been more clear in that I assummed upon initial discovery of the firearm, they stopped the search, obtained a search warrant, the detectives showed up and they "staked out" the vehicle. The timeline for these events might tell us more, but unfortunately, much of facts are not being released until completion of the investigation. This might shed light onto what happened and prove that the officers were justified, or just show us that they erred in their judgement. Either way, I don't see how anyone could be fired based off what has been printed/published/released thus far. People mess up, no one's perfect. Let's learn what we can from this, stop the finger pointing and scapegoating and move on.

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Johnathan Locke - Edgewater, MD - Karma: Good

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AAPolice Officer - January 1, 2009

After a 21 yr. career it seems rather harsh to ask an officer to resign. Isn't there any way to reprimand Sgt. Weinstein rather than ending his career? His loyalty and experience must count for something. Doesn't the dept. owe him some loyalty? AA County needs officers with his experience. Are there other incidences that the public is unaware of?

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Ann M. - Ocean City, MD - Karma: Bad

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Punishment well deserved? - December 31, 2008

To: Jamie H. - Annapolis MD So tell me Jamie, exactly how many years of Police experience do you have under your belt? Before you EVER criticize the actions of ANY Officer, put yourself in the shoes of that person who's job I'm sure you not only couldn't do, but don't have the guts to do! I'm betting you're just another one of those

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Cindy S. - belcamp, MD - Karma: Bad

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And What About... - December 31, 2008

And what about the criminals in this case? What charges have been brought against them? Is the teenager going to get a slap on the wrist? When you talk about public safety, don't you want criminals off the streets? Yeah, nobody's perfect, but slamming someone with 61 charges smells a bit fishy to me...there is more to the story...

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J. Jovkovich - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Food for thought - December 31, 2008

Being closely connected to the facts of this case, we have forgotten the fact that there remains another police corporal with over 20 years experience remaining on desk duty suspended of his police powers. As for Mr. Johnathan Locke, remember, there are laws that restrict officers from tampering with evidence!(ref gun) This is the result of Mr. Cohen expressing his interest in the chase itself, however claiming that his interest was only to be used later as a learning experience. Now Mr.Cohen has nothing to say knowing two officers remain off the street! Someone has forgotten about the detectives who allowed the suspects to get into the car in the first place. Regardless of what happened, police are not trained to disable a vehicle, and even if they are, THAT vehicle was not reported stolen. It was only suspicious at the time, and the fact that it was a government vehicle made matters worse for those involved. Shortly after this incident, AAPD purchased "Terminator" stop sticks, specifically designed for incidents like this. Where were they before? Hang in there guys, and be sure to find a good lawyer that will expose the (possible) cover up with Anne Arundel County! As for the posting by Jamie H. You need to read the facts before you post anything. The detectives that were involved in the chase are still working. The two suspended are being used as scapegoats.

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Carol B. - Pasadena, MD - Karma: Bad

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Punishment-Well Deserved - December 31, 2008

These officers involved in this case have received a well deserved punishment. How much training and fore thought did the officers need to before their first response was to protect the lives and safety of citizens? It's only common sense. Why on earth.... Did it never dawn on them to remove the weapon for the vehicle or to simply prevent the offenders from ever entering the vehicle in the first place. There should have not been a vehicle chase. During the chase the officers involved demonstrated DIS-REGARD, and NEGLECT for the public safety. If these officers represent the department's FINEST? - I dare see the rest. My guess is these cops have been watching TOO cop shows. Wake up and turn off the TV this is real life. You can't drive a car down the wrong way on a highway at a high rate of speed - firing your gun out the window. -

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Jamie H. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Score - December 31, 2008

So far, the score: County Officials/Councilmen-- 0 Officers - 10 ( counting myself) The police don't catch the bad guys, they get criticized The police catch the bad guys, they get criticized.

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Aimee V. - Pasadena, MD - Karma: Bad

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Monday Morn Quarterbacks - December 31, 2008

You gotta love those Monday morning quarterbacks who can sit back and criticize an event in hindsight. The police are the good guys people! They are doing the best they can within the restrictions placed on them. Sure, there were lessons learned in this case, but do you ask a 20 year veteran to resign? There's a lot more to this story or the AA County leadership is a bunch of morons. I'm all about being held accountable, but Sgt Weinstein needs to fight this tooth and nail.

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Charles J. - St Johnsbury, VT - Karma: Bad

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Maybe its just me - December 31, 2008

Im not sure if its just me, but it seems common sense should have dictated removing/taking possession of the shotgun upon its discovery (after seeing the state of the vehicle). However, I'm not sure that there was sufficient time to disable the vehicle safely. Leveling 61 charges against anyone is not unheard of, as many charges are often levied against criminals in an attempt to elicit a plea or get at least one to stick, even though this isn't a criminal case. However, I will agree with all that it is a bit odd that he is being singled out in this mess and the point could have been made with one charge. To be honest, the intent was there to try and apprehend the perpetrators, just the methods used leading up to the chase were probably not proper procedure. Let's not forget, these "bad guys" chose to run, the police didn't force them to. Heck, they even tried to get them to stop at gun point. So I don't see how any of this warrants anyone losing their job. Gotta love AACo, MD.

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Johnathan Locke - Edgewater, MD - Karma: Good

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Officer asked to res - December 31, 2008

I have followed Scott Daugherty's column for some time, and find him to be a very fair and accurate reporter. Once again I am reading about the police officers who were suspended in May because they were apparently doing their job. This should be a lesson to other Police Officers in Anne Arundel County. Do not take action, do not get involved. This could be you. Can you imagine the hell these officers must be going through for 7 months of not knowing if they would have a job or not? And for what? And has it taken 7 months to dig up 61....repeat 61 charges against Sgt. Weinstein. Is this not overkill? And Councilman Cohen...Why do you not wish to be involved with this now, when you are the one who initiated this mess. Too late to shake the dirt off of your shoes now,sir. Is there no one in this county who will stand up for these officers? I cannot help but wonder what is the real deal with the treatment of these officers. And it was particularly nice of Anne Arundel County to save this present for Sgt. Weinstein and his family just for Christmas! How sweet. Good Luck, and God Bless. Rally Around Folks. Don't let these guys down.

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Carol S. - Glen Burnie, MD - Karma: Bad

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Kangaroo court anyone? - December 30, 2008

This whole situation seems to me something out of a bad Law and Order episode. It looks like one man is being sacrificed in order to satisfy and protect a select few. Councilmen Josh Cohen and Jamie Benoit both questioned the departments handling of this chase in June, but now state "...It's inappropriate for a council member to comment on or seek to influence the departments handling of an internal personnel matter." Was the initial questions the reason for the "knee-jerk" reaction to this whole mess? Is someone being protected? Is that why Sgt. Weinstein is the only one being hung out to dry here? Was there no one else involved? Who handled the situation when Sgt. Weinstein was relieved? There is a significant amount of time where Sgt. Weinstein was not involved, that has not been explained, so who took over? And when another Police Officer took over wouldn't that absolve Sgt. Weinstein of any further responsibility? And how did two officers and two detectives miss the three suspects returning to the vehicle? And why did NONE of the officers and detectives on the scene disable the vehicle? As far as I know Sgt. Weinstein cannot be counted as four individuals. This smells of a cover up by the department in the worst way.

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Cindy S. - belcamp, MD - Karma: Bad

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Typical - December 30, 2008

This is just another way that an higher official can pass the blame to another lower staff member. The officer did the best of his ability, (without the support of his supervisor)and should not be prosecuted. Most criminals do not get 61 counts against them. How can a police officer doing his job get such a charge???? This is just passing the buck. NOT FAIR.

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seedless guy - edgewater, MD - Karma: Bad

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Sgt. Weinstein - December 30, 2008

This is typical action on the part of the A.A.Co.police Dept.Perhaps a federal investigation is in order.The County should demand an outside independent investigation of this matter.To level 61 charges on this Sgt.is ludicrous and way beyond reason. Sgt. Weinstein can not be the sole officer responsible. What about the detectives & the lieutenant? I hope the Sgt. hires a very good attorney & sues the county.

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Lou Albertsen - Ocala, FL - Karma: Bad

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Led to the slaughter? - December 30, 2008

Why is Sgt. Weinstein the only one being focused on? Was he capable of singlehandedly maintaining the surveillance, conducting the chase, supervising, making the stop and arresting the suspects? I know of only one person capable of those acts and he lives in a comic book called Superman. If there is blame to be laid it should be placed on the shoulders(all the shoulders) it belongs with and not someone who is being made to be the scapegoat. 61 charges??? Did internal affairs feel that their case was not strong enough with 5 or 10 charges, that they needed 61? And how is it that Sgt. Weinsteins' supervisor remained unaware of this whole incident until it was almost concluded? A big question in my mind is who was in charge for 50 minutes after Sgt. Weinstein was relieved and who was in charge of the chase? I think there are more than a few questions that need to be answered and I do not believe Sgt. Weinstein can be the answer for all of them.

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Ed R. - brooklyn, MD - Karma: Bad

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Elect them out! - December 30, 2008

If our own council members cannot see that this officer did his job, protected innocent lives...then I say VOTE them out and VOTE Officer Weinstein in! He has been on the force for 20 years and to level 60 plus charges for doing what..his job? I say at the least, fight for your job and demand justices! I grow tired of our council members acting on their own behalf and not of the best interest of the people who put them in office. I will help you vote them out if needs be! To protect and serve, not to be punished for doing his job people! Enough is enough. It would appear that he is getting more of a punishment then the people who committed the crime! Again our VOTE speaks, Officer Weinstein does not deserve this. Were is this man's union rep when needed? Funny, seems others have to cover up there mess by blaming a good cop yet again. Smart real smart fellows. This makes me mad to!

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J. Kammerdiener - Arnold, MD - Karma: Bad

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what ? - December 30, 2008

Come on , I think this officer did a wonderful job, he do not deserved to be punished in that manner, I say the police have it hard, they are darned if they do and darned if they don't, He was only doing his job, this kind of stuff really make me mad, because when the police do their job they still get punished for some reason or the other, I do not know you Mr.Weinstein, but I say fight for your job, you did what you felt was best!!! Happy New Year

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Alisa H. - College Park, MD - Karma: Bad