In Greensboro, This Cop Would Have Probably Been Promoted

But he chose to work in Charlotte instead, and he got charged.  Imagine that.

Comments

[Brandon Burgess]

"Jackson was immediately fired after his arrest Wednesday night"

--But, but, what about personnel issues? Isn't this chief afraid of what the public will think? I guess not since this chief had the decency to speak to the public about this matter; as opposed to Greensboro's chief who sits silently, not wanting to rock any boats this close to retirement, while he is forced to accept an officer back in his department. An officer who lost the trust of his colleagues by aligning himself with the leader of a community group that is known for it's involvement in petty and organized crime.

[Fred Gregory]

Joe,

I think the link is busted

[Joe Guarino]

Working OK from this end, Fred.

Brandon, in Greensboro, this officer would have been placed on paid leave for close to a year while the investigation would take place; and then he would be reinstated. And then he would later be promoted, as I suggested in the title.

You are right-- the city would claim personnel confidentiality, due process, appeal rights, etc. And if this was a high ranking officer, the matter simply would not be discussed. The city administration and police chief are not nearly as enlightened in Charlotte as we have had here in the Gate City.

[jaycee]

In GSO the pulpit forum would have immediately rushed in and filed a protest and the new city manger would have reinstated him with a promotion. And then he would have started a home for wayward girls on the side with "community leader" support...

[Joe Guarino]

... and of course, the whole thing would have been the fault of the white officers and command staff responsible for investigating him. We can't leave out that critical piece, jaycee.

[Sott Sanders]

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/topstories/story/1152421.html

Hey Joe this is the address link from the Charlotte Observer, you may have to copy and paste it. Here is an excerpt from the article:

"We worked the investigation around the clock with our Internal Affairs Division and Sexual Assault Unit," said police spokesman Capt. Brian Cunningham. "Within 24 hours of identifying Mr. Jackson as the suspect, evidence was collected, he was interviewed and arrested, and his employment was terminated. ... We believe that we acted in a swift and appropriate manner."

Wow is it a perfect world in Charlotte or is Greensboro the exception? Thanks for have the courage to be fair and objective in your reporting. Scott Sanders

[Joe Guarino]

Scott, thanks for providing that link. It is amazing how quickly another city responded to this situation. We would have scarcely thought that could be possible in Greensboro.

The link you provided also illustrates how important it is to screen applicants well at the pre-employment stage. There have been questions about how well this is done.

Thanks for your kind comments, Scott, and I hope you and your family have a great New Year.

[Bubba]

"Thanks for have the courage to be fair and objective in your reporting."

Unlike certain unnamed people who have covered the entire GPD debacle in other venues.

[Brenda Bowers]

Gee, after he gets out of prison maybe he can come to Greensboro and apply to the GPD. This guarantee of a job waiting for him will surely make his unfair and racist prison sentence go faster. BB

[Stormy]

http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local-beat/chicago-police-scrap-entrance-exam-80790827.html

Is this a precursor of things to come in Greensboro? Just what we need, unqualified cops patrolling the streets. But, wait....we already do.

[Stormy]

Doesn't Greensboro always have Charlotte-envy? Perhaps, if Greensboro wants to grow up and be a large, first class city, it should start to emulate Charlotte.

[Joe Guarino]

Stormy, there has been an intent interest in some quarters with the prospect of throwing out qualifying exams-- and almost throwing out disqualifiers in general.

It seems there is little chance Greensboro would have handled that particular situation as it was in Charlotte.