The decision of the city not to appeal the ruling of the arbitrator is not uncommon. The city, not the chief determines whether or not to appeal the decision and unfortunately once the arbitrator makes their ruling, the matter is considered final. Remedial training for any officer is mandatory after a lengthy absence from duty for disciplinary reason, injury or military or voluntary leaves of absence. The training is necessary to ensure that the officer in question is familiar with any departmental policies and procedures that were adopted during the officers absence. Chief Schmaderer has a decision to make that will have far reaching implications on the very fragile relationship that currently exists between the African American community and the police in the Northeast Precinct. That decision is whether it is in the best interest of the community or the officer to return him to duty in the same precinct where he gained his notoriety or infamy. To be fair, this officer will have his every action placed under a microscope and his conduct seconded guessed not only by the public but his supervisors. His return to the precinct will be regarded by most in community as a daily reminder of the disparities associated with the criminal justice system in Omaha and a police department that continuously is allowed to mistreat people of color. During his relatively brief tenure, Chief Schmaderer has made an earnest attempt to reconnect with the African American community to address those factors that have hampered community - police relations for decades. The image and overall credibility of the police department has been called into questioned due in part to a number of officer involved shootings, perceived heavy handed police tactics, a lack of police accountability, allegations of excessive use of force, racism and overall disparities in the criminal justice system. The aforementioned factors coupled with the increase of violent crime, a high rate of poverty and unemployment, a woeful educational system and a lack of confidence in the police department has done nothing but exacerbate the fear, anger, mistrust and frustration of those in the African American community given the conduct of the officers involved in this situation the decision to reinstate the officer at the center of this controversy.
Posted on: Thu, 30 Jan 2014 06:09:11 +0000
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