In response to a post over at Ben Holder's blog regarding the infamous GPD surveillance incident involving certain black professionals that was hyped by the city during 2006, Matt Lojko-- who was part of the command staff at that time-- saw fit to speak out. Cathy Vance, the female GPD employee who was victimized as a result of the investigation into the affair, had earlier posted at the same blog.
Here is what Lojko said:
The manner in which Cathy Vance was treated by the Greensboro Police
Department and the City of Greensboro is outrageous and heartbreaking.
From
Cathy’s beginnings as a volunteer with the GPD and later as a full-time
employee, she distinguished herself as an outstanding and dedicated
worker who truly loved her job. Literally, every commanding officer she
ever worked for had nothing but glowing comments about her personally
and the quality of her work. Cathy was the perfect fit for the position
of Violent Crimes Task Force Coordinator.
I couldn’t help but
imagine, as I read Jerry Bledsoe’s article on this incident, that I was
witnessing an innocent person being victimized – much like a wife being
emotionally and physiologically abused by the husband who supposedly
loves and cares for her over an issue that isn’t even true. Regrettably
in my 27 years in law enforcement, I witnessed far too many incidents
like this. Those situations made me sick and angry then and even more
so now.
Why did this happen? Why didn’t Internal Affairs and
Chief Bellamy believe Captain Rick Ball when he quickly stepped forward
to explain the situation? Why did Cathy Vance have to go through the
ordeal of an IA interrogation when the truth was already known? Why did
Chief Bellamy and the City Manager go public with information that, at
best, was incomplete? These are all legitimate questions worthy of
answers.
Maybe I’m naïve, but I refuse to believe that the
citizens of Greensboro feel that what happened to Cathy Vance was in
the public’s good.
Matt Lojko, Jr.
Captain (Retired)
Greensboro Police Department
How much more will it take before reasonable doubt takes over? Evil always lurks in the shadows. Evil will not fight fair. It lurks and hides in our blind spots. You have to wonder how so many intelligent people can be so blinded. Surely there must be questions in their minds. When will they ever learn? Are they waiting until the whole damn city is destroyed?
Posted by: wayne | January 30, 2009 at 05:10 PM
Wayne, you raise some great questions.
I know why otherwise intelligent people are blinded. It is because it is in their self-interest to be blinded; and because their worldview demands certain preconceptions.
Posted by: Joe Guarino | January 30, 2009 at 05:24 PM
Unfortunately, some idiot took the opportunity to trash Capt. Lofko....anonymously, of course. I rather suspect that "anonymous" is one of the miscreants at GPD.
"It's amazing how you--Mr. Lojko can actually be outraged at the way someone has been treated when in fact you've done some things that were immoral and unethical yourself! I'm not taking anything away from Ms. Vance--if she was treated unfair then by all means, there should be reprecussions and restitution on her part. You are really not one who should be in the position to argue for ANYONE! Especially with your PROVEN unethical tactics and your version of how police work is or should be done. In the future, please refrain from giving out opinions and your truths--at least until you understand self accountability and validation. Thank God you're retired!"
And, there was more, but why bother repeating it. The person doesn't have the courage to identify themselves. If Capt. Lofko is retired, how can there be fear of retaliation? The spelling, grammar, and lack of punctuation do not suggest a highly educated individual.
Posted by: Stormy | January 30, 2009 at 07:24 PM
Stormy, I saw those comments also. It is very unfortunate that happened. I have met and spoken with Matt Lojko on at least several occasions, and he appears to be a fine man.
Remain mindful that the person who made those comments is precisely the type of individual to whom the city capitulated three years ago.
Posted by: Joe Guarino | January 30, 2009 at 08:34 PM
IN MEMORIAM
Greensboro, North Carolina
1808-2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4LyoUGxVd8
Posted by: Fred Gregory | January 30, 2009 at 09:57 PM
Indeed, Fred. Thanks for the effort in linking to that video. The symbolism is not lost upon us.
Posted by: Joe Guarino | January 30, 2009 at 10:04 PM