Austin Motel
APD Cover-Ups?
RECEIVED Fri., May 14, 2010
Dear Editor,
The cover-up by Austin Police Department's Internal Affairs, police monitor's office, and city officials of the facts surrounding the death of Nathaniel Sanders II constitutes a violation of Title 42 U.S.C. 14141, which is called the Police Misconduct Statute [“KeyPoint Questions Linger After City Admits Goof,” News, May 28].
Former APD Officer Leonardo Quintana wasn't following proper police procedures when he shot Mr. Sanders. We wouldn't know it by the city's concerted actions and spin before the leak of the unredacted KeyPoint report. "Under color of law," APD conspired to willfully deprive Mr. Sanders of his constitutional right to be free from excessive and unreasonable force and suppressed and redacted the information that would bring the truth to light.
I already knew about the system from personal experience. Bad APD officers are given layers of protection by IA, city officials, and the citizen complaint system. At least I have police protection four days a year when I work as a cashier at South by Southwest.
The other report APD is suppressing is the investigation report into the death of Riad Hamad. A suicide investigation does not meet the standard to be withheld … but it has been.
The cover-up by Austin Police Department's Internal Affairs, police monitor's office, and city officials of the facts surrounding the death of Nathaniel Sanders II constitutes a violation of Title 42 U.S.C. 14141, which is called the Police Misconduct Statute [“KeyPoint Questions Linger After City Admits Goof,” News, May 28].
Former APD Officer Leonardo Quintana wasn't following proper police procedures when he shot Mr. Sanders. We wouldn't know it by the city's concerted actions and spin before the leak of the unredacted KeyPoint report. "Under color of law," APD conspired to willfully deprive Mr. Sanders of his constitutional right to be free from excessive and unreasonable force and suppressed and redacted the information that would bring the truth to light.
I already knew about the system from personal experience. Bad APD officers are given layers of protection by IA, city officials, and the citizen complaint system. At least I have police protection four days a year when I work as a cashier at South by Southwest.
The other report APD is suppressing is the investigation report into the death of Riad Hamad. A suicide investigation does not meet the standard to be withheld … but it has been.
Sara Black
