Should federal authorities investigate St. Louis police practices?
Sunday’s Post-Dispatch had a front page story about how St. Louis runs its own police towing service, but also contracts with a private towing firm to also tow cars in police matters.
The story, Tow firm deals draw questions brings to light that the chief’s daughter, and some officers, consistently received free vehicles to drive for personal use. The chief’s daughter was also allowed to purchase confiscated vehicle for prices far below the vehicle’s actual value.
The company continued to supply her with more vehicles — until the Post-Dispatch began asking questions this spring and, police say, Chief Joe Mokwa ordered the firm to stop it.
On Friday, the police department first acknowledged part of the arrangement. The next day, it began contradicting details in an investigative report from its own law firm on when the chief learned of the arrangement.
Department attorneys said that there is no proof the private company ever got preferential treatment, so at worst it might be a violation of police rules.
Still, the Police Board president said that department will stop using Metropolitan Towing and turn over all towing business to the city.
U.S. Attorney Catherine Hanaway questioned why police didn’t bring in the FBI or Missouri Highway Patrol to investigate.
Should state or federal authorities be brought in to investigate the department’s practices?
I welcome the FBI looking into this matter. For far too long, this has gone on, I say take away that golden parachute and hang em high, the ex Chief of Police has caused a blemish and disgrace to the entire St Louis region and needs to be punished, let the punishment fit the crime, all of them that got cars this way need to pay back the original owners, and then be given that wonderful job of picking up trash on the highways of this fair town…
I think Lacy Clay said it best: “It’s time to drain the swamp”
There are many wonderful Men in Blue in St. Lou. It’s gotta be demoralizing to watch and work with folks who take advantage of the system.
The FBI should also investigate Ticket gate. Just who was really sitting in those seats? Why does a “retiring” Chief get a “severance package”?
But then again… Don’t you think the Towing company had olenty of time to move their records around? The FBI and IRS should have gone in at least 2 weeks ago.
They should absolutely be investigated. Just like the city development where the LRA is buying up and stealing property (under the guise of condemnation etc) and then selling and transferring to other departments (PIE) and then getting more funds for it from grants and developers. Meanwhile harassing business owners for silly violations while thier properties are being used for drugs, squatters, not being kept up, 4ft grass. even city hall has mold/mildew, falling ceilings and they dont HAVE to fix them. Why should we?
So? HMMMMMMM
Every major department that the city has should be reviewed on at least a 2-3year basis. Sites like this should be used to report wrongdoings. After all you Citizens service cant help.
Yes! Yes! YES! if we cant trust the police, who can we trust?