Police Corruption in Southampton

Have you read the latest article on the internecine workings of hirings, promotions, demotions and what to some would appear to be actual criminal activities in the Southampton Police Dept. An expose written in the Soho Journal this week by Christopher Boich a highly decorated, 19 year veteran of the police force should make all ordinary citizens tremble with the twisted, avaricious manipulations of certain members of the police force to maximize their own personal gain. The endemic corruption was revealed during an attempt at fixing the decision of who to promote to the position of Chief. 

Chief of Police is a highly coveted role in any small town. The salary and perks and usually quite high for a relatively easy job. After all how stressful can the role of police chief be in a tourist town. It would seem that is doubly true in Southampton. Rigging the selection process, associating with pornography sites, running unlicensed security companies, fixing traffic tickets, providing private security to large events while at the same time being on duty. These are just a handful of the allegations - some proven - some not.

I think it all points to too much money being thrown at this guys, too little to do, too many cars and officers, and a philosophy of omnipotence that showers down on all the residents. Be it police traffic blockades asking people for documents to incessant speed traps,  and organizing raids of traditional businesses, i.e. the recent alcohol raids on galleries. The police culture has gone from there to help the community, to catching the community. Power has gone to their heads and someone needs to clean them up and get them behaving as respectful civil servants - not mad max disciples. 

 

www.myhamptons.us - kara.