WHY ARE THE TEHACHAPI POLICE TERRORIZING OUR TOWN? - What Has Stan Beckham Been Smoking? - bohammond's Blog - Tehachapi News

May 20, 2008 at 10:05 PM : Thats the way TPD...

Thats the way TPD operates, can't make a simple traffic stop without multiple patrol cars and what is called a "Felony Stop".

That's what you get when you hire wannabe hotdogs from places like Stallion Springs PD. Most of them are on a power trip with no one reining them in.

May 20, 2008 at 11:05 PM : I too have noticed...

I too have noticed that you seldom see a Tehachapi car stop a vehicle alone, there are usually 2 or 3 cars at every stop I've seen.

I'm sure it isn't all the officers that are overzealous, just a few who make them all look bad. They need to be reined in.

Side note, I heard from a friend in Acton that one TPD officer commutes from Acton everyday in a TPD Police vehicle(Yukon). Thats 150 mile round trip.

Lets see, assuming 20 working days per month X 150 miles thats 3000 miles per month. A Yukon only gets about 10 miles per gallon so thats 300 gallons of gas per month at $5.00 per gallon equaling $1500.00 of city money per month for one officers commute, not counting tires, maintenence, or wear and tear. I wonder how many others are actually commuting.

May 21, 2008 at 03:05 PM : I don't know your...

I don't know your friend, so please forgive me for asking: Why did the TPD draw their guns; didn't think they could do that w/o probable cause. I am totally not judging your friend, just wondering why the guns were drawn. If your friend did not do anything wrong, he should file a complaint.

May 21, 2008 at 03:05 PM : TPD certainly has not...

TPD certainly has not done anything to improve its image of late, however, there are no laws against them using three police cars for a routine stop, or handing out citations for parking too far from the curb, or even putting a notice in the local paper to move parked cars and towing those that are not moved. You are not alone if you have been stopped or cited by TPD for a seemingly innocuous matter.

Sadly, rather than attempt to clear up the bad PR they are receiving for these types of actions, they continue to flash their badges and foster bad feelings from the community in general. Perhaps Chief Kermode, who appears to be a reasonable, educated and even personable man, will take note of the public's increasing disappointment in his crew and start doing something to remedy the situation. It is never good when the local authorities lose the respect of a town's general. law-abiding population.

On a brighter note for allegedly innocent citizens, the TPD's record of convictions through the DA's office is dismal due to their lack of proper procedure. If you are cited by TPD for something more than a traffic violation or minor offense, I would strongly suggest contacting a local attorney to discuss the charges.

May 21, 2008 at 06:05 PM : In reference to...

In reference to DonMar's question. There was absolutely no cause for weapons to be drawn. Certainly no probable cause as they released Bert immediately after the stop with no charges or tickets... I do not know if Bert intends to lodge a formal complaint. I would would advise him too also. He is still in the hospital...

Bo Hammond

May 21, 2008 at 10:05 PM : Last time the TPD was...

Last time the TPD was disabanded (was it 1987 or 1988???), it was for similar things (power trip, etc.) which eventually edged into violations of the law......My feeling is that this is inherent in small city police departments (they want authority and power and typically only have small potatoes to fry.......so they play it for all its worth). Hope this does not end up the case, but, sadly, its happened before (that's when we went to the Sherrif's Dept).

May 22, 2008 at 08:05 AM : The night of...

The night of the THS lip sync I was driving home from dropping off my daughters friend I had a bad feeling about doing this so late it was almost midnight. I knew my chances of getting pulled over were pretty great. As I was turning back on to Red Apple from Tucker I was not suprised to see in the rear view the lights I had expected. I pulled over my daughter on the passenger side. Did not attempt to get my purse from behind the seat of the pickup. I had to wait until the officer came to my window what I didnt notice was the 2nd police car and another officer at my daughters window. I explained everything to the officer and told him I was afraid to get out of the truck to retrieve my purse with my license until he asked for it(didnt want to get accidentally shot ). He was very polite as I explained everything. But then they got a call about some party going on in G.H. So they just zoomed off with 2 or 3 more police cars behind them. Leaving me there. I guess they are more than bored in this semi-small town and need a little action. I feel very sorry for Bert they could of made his condition worse. I think our police officers need more training. They need to be more active in the community, get to know Tehachapi a little better along with its citizens. Then maybe they might get the trust of our people. Right now as it stands they are going downhill very fast.

May 22, 2008 at 10:05 AM : Hey Andy...

Hey Andy Taylor are you reading this blog? Barney, Gomer and guber are out of control and need a talking to. Driving your car on a city street at midnight is not a crime. Your goon squad is out of control. 3 police cars on a simple traffic violation is a little obsessive don't you think. At least when the Sheriff's pulled someone over they are brave or man enough to handle the call on their own. Your Dept. is quickly becoming a joke. And what is up with those stupid looking hats? Ditch the hats they make your officers look stupid and dumb. Maybe its the hats that are making them act that way.

May 22, 2008 at 12:05 PM : really...

really simple... TBD has nothing better to do, they harrass people... they should have just left KCSD up there, TPD is on too much of a power trip.

May 22, 2008 at 01:05 PM : Its Barney's...

Its Barney's world and we just live in it. Unfortunately, Barney's pulled the bullet out of his pocket and Andy's not around to talk sense into him.

May 22, 2008 at 01:05 PM : Do you think the TPD...

Do you think the TPD is living up to their mission statement?

Mission Statement:
The men and women of the Tehachapi Police Department are committed to providing a safe community and preserving a high quality of life for all residents, businesses, and visitors through community partnerships and responsive professional service.

While building community with safety and service, we will hold ourselves to the highest ethical and professional standards of conduct, always treating people with dignity, fairness, and respect.

May 22, 2008 at 02:05 PM : My dil had a...

My dil had a terrible experience with two officers of the TPD. Two - not the whole department, and I don't hold the entire department responsible for her treatment.

If there's two or three cars for a routine traffic stop...so what? That means there's no other serious crime going on in our little town. If you're not doing anything wrong, your vehicle/license is in order, what's the big deal?

Everyone hates the cops - until they need one.

I am still fondly remembering the look on that guy's face in the little red truck when he got pulled over for blowing through the school zone and tailgating me.

May 22, 2008 at 04:05 PM : What's the big...

What's the big deal? Well, for one thing, it reveals a level of paranoia that is entirely unjustified and demonstrates that OUR police department sees us as dangerous enemies, and not as neighbors and friends. It effectively tells me that the stopping officers think I'm a thug. I could go on - its basically a repulsive practice, better suited for downtown Bagdahd than Tehachapi....

May 22, 2008 at 04:05 PM : Funny I remember...

Funny I remember people complaining that the KCSD didn't do enough and were never seen about town. Now TPD is being "seen" to much and are harassing innocent people. I was talking to a TPD officer not that long ago. This officer works nights and was telling me that the amount of people they(TPD) pull over in town under the influence of drugs or alcohol is astounding!! I believe it and quite frankly it is no surprise. This officer also commented on our horrible meth problem. Again, no surprise here either, BUT I for one am glad they are doing something about it.

KCSD had their problems too. When I got pulled over by the KCSD after picking my sister up at the bar years ago I was pulled over by TWO officers. They blared their big ol lights at me and pulled the whole put your hands where I can see them bit. Never thought twice about it...I wasn't doing anything wrong. They figured this out in about two minutes after talking to me and they were off. My mom was totally harassed by an officer from the KCSD because of her last name. Apparently, there were "bad" people in Lancaster with the same last name, and he wanted to know if she was related. We weren't and he let her go with no ticket. Not sure why he even pulled her over. The list doesn't end there, but my point is no one is perfect. So I ask you....would you rather have officers doing their job and pulling people over or would you rather have someone who doesn't do enough?? Quite frankly if I need help I don't care who shows up, just as long as they do. :)

May 22, 2008 at 05:05 PM : Ha its no surprise...

Ha its no surprise that you countygirl would rush to the TPD defense. Well played!

May 22, 2008 at 05:05 PM : I've never said...

I've never said that KCSD is great...but why insist on these false choices "do you want the first bad thing or a second bad thing"? I want law enforcement that doesn't harass innocent people, blare their lights, or pick on people because of their last name, even if they are related to "bad" people.

But people make mistakes, of course. Mostly I don't want police officers pulling guns on citizens, like what happened to Burt at the top of this thread, I've heard of other instances - including one in the Letters to the Editor this week.

May 22, 2008 at 06:05 PM : Ha its no...

Ha its no surprise that you countygirl would rush to the TPD defense. Well played!

Why... thank you! I'm not quite sure what you're getting at, but then again I don't care either. I missed your pink font so I added it here. Apparently, Tiffani wasn't aware that pink is your signature color! lol

PD, I do have to agree with you though that pulling guns on people is a bit extreme!

May 22, 2008 at 09:05 PM : The point of the 2 or...

The point of the 2 or 3 cars on a traffic stop isn't exactly the numbers, it's the attitude. As I've stated before, I retired after 30 years a cop, the last 10 was as Chief of a small police department. Every place I have been any simple traffic stop was one car unless the officer had reason to request a back-up. If nearby, a second car would usually, as a precaution, park discretely nearby within sight, just in case. That appears to not be the case here. Apparently, at least some of the local officers have what we called the "mall cop" mentality. They are the hero out to save the world and everyone's a criminal until proven different.

A couple of weeks ago, just after noon on a Sunday I was stopping at the light at Currie and Valley when a TPD unit stopped an older large sedan going thru the intersection (on green, as I had red). The driver was a male in his 70's in a suit and a lady also in church clothing. The TPD unit parked behind the old couples car. Before my light changed, a second TPD car squealed tires turning the corner at 50mph (yes, 30 years of running radar gives one a good eye for estimating speed) It then slid to a stop at an angle in front of the older couples car. I considered this unnecessary but my light changed and I drove on. When I had gone about 2 blocks I met a 3rd TPD unit going toward the stop at 65-70 mph. I watched in the rear view and the 3rd unit turned toward the stop. This made me really curious so I circled the block just in time to see the "suspect" drive away and the 3 TPD units all heading the opposite direction.

Being a retired officer I would almost always take up for the officers in any dispute, but what I've seen and read about the TPD makes me believe that they have a large percentage of inexperienced officers with egos overriding common sense.

As to the Chief, I want to think he's a good man, however, after nearly a year of supervising these officers, he cannot be in the dark about all these problems so he must be in agreeing with the heavy handed tactics

May 22, 2008 at 10:05 PM : Recently I was in the...

Recently I was in the new Cleaners by Del Taco and the new Subway. It was their first week and the owner, a very nice little lady told me about their half price promo deal. I told her they should publicize the special and they would get more business. She told me that on opening day they had hung an electronic sign in their front window with the half price special running across it.

She then said that that same morning two uniformed officers in a marked car came in and without any explanation rudely demanded she take the sign down, it was illegal. She said she apologized profusely and took it down. She said the gruff and abrupt attitude of the officers scared her badly and she is now scared to do anything there.

May 22, 2008 at 10:05 PM : If we have two or...

If we have two or three cars pull up for a simple traffic stop, doesn't that mean that we might just have too many cops? Are they trying to look busy so we don't notice the inefficiency? Although if we have questions, we could all just listen in on scanners: see what they're up to- if anything at all.

I haven't had any trouble whatsoever with TPD, so I can't speak from any sort of personal experience, but it is nice to see them around. I've seen them pay special attention to areas that aren't so nice. I've seen them working with parole officers and gang units. And speaking from experiences with police that are called in serious situations but never show (*ahem LAPD*...) it's rather reassuring that if I make an emergency call, I know there will be multiple cars there within minutes.

No excuse for bad behavior and citizen harassment, but I'm not going to condemn them yet.

May 22, 2008 at 10:05 PM : I'll ask you...

I'll ask you again does it sound like the TPD is living up to their mission statement?

May 22, 2008 at 10:05 PM : Now the code...

Now the code enforcement stuff- yeah I've heard horror stories about that. They'll ticket you for anything. That's ridiculous.

May 23, 2008 at 08:05 AM : THIS IS IN REPLY TO: ...

THIS IS IN REPLY TO: Recently I was in the new Cleaners by Del Taco and the new Subway. It was their first week and the owner, a very nice little lady told me about their half price promo deal. I told her they should publicize the special and they would get more business. She told me that on opening day they had hung an electronic sign in their front window with the half price special running across it. She then said that that same morning two uniformed officers in a marked car came in and without any explanation rudely demanded she take the sign down, it was illegal. She said she apologized profusely and took it down. She said the gruff and abrupt attitude of the officers scared her badly and she is now scared to do anything there.

Someone else had the same thing happen recently, on two separate occasions: Once at K-Mart and once at Canine Creek Pet Adoption Day where the unmarked car/police were extremely RUDE and aggressive; what is going on here, people?

May 23, 2008 at 09:05 AM : test

test

May 23, 2008 at 09:05 AM : I wrote the letter to...

I wrote the letter to the editor in this week's Teh. News about the Code Enforcement officer/K-Mart/Canine Creek incidents.

I also called and complained directly to the police chief who told me they--the police dept--were trying to get Mr. Hiner to go with the "spirit" of the law rather than the "letter" of the law and that they were also trying to "soften" his hard edges. I asked them why not just fire him and hire someone with softer edges? Seems to me as many people as he's ticking off that that's the answer. Oh, and by the way, according to the police department, Hiner had no right to stop me in the K-Mart parking lot. If he suspected any unlawful act, he should have called a REAL police officer, but how was he held accountable for his actions? I didn't get an apology and sure would like one straight from Hiner's mouth.

My neighbor called to congratulate me on my letter and said he went to Walgreens to pick up an RX. When he came out Hiner was writing him a ticket--because my neighbor had a "For Sale" sign in his car to sell his car and Hiner said he'd been in Walgreens more than 15 minutes. My neighbor disputes that but even if he was--the point is?

Oh, come on now--this is insane. Tell me, what happens when the Avon lady pulls into Walgreens with her door Avon sign on her car--is Hiner going to ticket her?

And isn't it nice of the police department to make so that people don't want to go to Walgreens for fear of being ticketed or have guns drawn on them? We should thank them for their shop locally assistance.

May 23, 2008 at 09:05 AM : My experience with the...

My experience with the new TPD:

I have ridden motorcycles for just shy of 30 years, probably nearly 200,000 miles on street bikes varying from sport bikes to large touring bikes. In that period, I have had only ONE citation, and that was for 5 MPH over the speed limit.

I’ve never had an accident, but have avoided waaaay to many to count. That was until last summer.

Having completed my banking, pulling out of the Bank of the West parking lot, turning left heading south on to Tucker, only doing about 15 MPH, I was confronted by a woman pulling out of the Albertson’s parking lot, turning left (northbound) basically turning right in front of me! By the time she saw me, it was nearly too late.

I jammed my brakes, she jammed her brakes, and still completing my turn onto Tucker, I locked up the front brake and laid the bike down about 15 feet from the front fender of her car.

At the corner of Tucker and Valley, a CHP was sitting at the light. He said he didn’t see the accident, only my bouncing on the pavement and coming back to my feet. I asked him to stop the lady who pulled in front of me, stating that she was well over the threshold of the street, across the concrete gutter, and I stopped thinking she was going to proceed across in front of me. In-so-doing I locked up the front brake and laid the bike down.

Minutes later, TPD shows up, and the CHP hands everything over to them. They talk to the lady, and let her go. They take all my information, and let me go with about $2000 damage to my motorcycle.

Weeks later, I receive the accident report, and TO MY SURPRISE the TPD officer Fife had listed ME as being at fault for the accident!!!

The pavement was dry. The sun was shining. There was no wind, or perhaps just a slight breeze, and no dirt or sand of any kind on the pavement. So how is it that he determined I was at fault, and termed it an accident??

Now I have that on my record, an ACCIDENT!!! No one was hurt, but for some bruises to my left side. No property damaged, except for a lot of scratching on the left side of my bike, which I subsequently rode home, and continue to ride to this day.

So if you could even CALL it an accident, how is it that it was MY fault? The TPD officer’s stated reason, unsafe left turn into traffic!!!

When I made the turn, the street was uncharacteristically deserted! No cars north or south traveling in either direction, between the two lights, at Valley Blvd and the other at Red Apple. Amazing!!!

Yes, I made a panic stop, and locked up the front tire, and went down without being touched by anyone or anything. But I was trying ever-so-hard to avoid hitting the side of that lady’s car, which in a split second, could have happened if she hadn’t slammed her brakes when she saw me coming.

Fact was, she was exiting the parking lot, never intending to stop, just to roll right down the drive, and out into the street heading north. Then she saw me at the last minute, and jammed her breaks. I do the same, and go down. How is that my fault?

Anyway, I’m over it. I’ve accepted the “at fault accident” point on my record, and it will soon expire I hope. But HOW did Officer Barney arrive at that conclusion?

And, by the way, there were 2 TPD cars that responded, the CHP, a total of 4 or I think it was 5 cops!!!

This IS a small town, and these guys think and act like they’re from South Central. They get real excited when even the slighted event occurs. To say they’re overreacting is a gross understatement.

But if you REALLY want to see a PD that’s raging out of control, check out Bear Valley’s PD! It’s WAY worse out there!!! The Keystone Cops reign in BVS.

bvsJeff

May 23, 2008 at 09:05 AM : In response to Country...

In response to Country Girl's comments. I agree that no one is perfect. There is a big difference between perfection and what happened to Bert Bockover. Her question "would you rather have officers doing their job and pulling people over or would you rather have someone who doesn't do enough??" is an interesting one.

Personally I would rather have the Police to their job. My post about the incident at Walgreen's concerned inappropriate and overly aggressive police tactics used on Bert Bockover that resulted in his hospitalization. A police officer is supposed to be trained for his job and also know and respect the community. In their words...

Mission Statement:

The men and women of the Tehachapi Police Department are committed to providing a safe community and preserving a high quality of life for all residents, businesses, and visitors through community partnerships and responsive professional service.

While building community with safety and service, we will hold ourselves to the highest ethical and professional standards of conduct, always treating people with dignity, fairness, and respect.

Doesn't the fact that they basically behaved in a way that is the opposite of their their stated job description, ending up with damage done to one of community bother Country Girl at all? This incident was not the TPD "doing their job". Their job description is quite clear in their mission statement. The incident shows a callus disregard for the proper procedure and the community.

understand that the Police are aware of this blog

May 23, 2008 at 10:05 AM : Hey Tehachapi News how...

Hey Tehachapi News how about doing a news story on the the way The TPD are treating it's citizens........OH that's right you don't report on any thing that news worthy or controversial. These bloger's aren't the bad guy's they are citizens that deserve better. I hope when it comes to voting for our city council you remember which council members voted to replace the Sheriff's with these bozo's. Its both scary and embarrassing to watch this happen in my hometown. I would imagine that real cops would want to work in bigger and better Departments but these bozo's probably couldn't pass the physiological and IQ tests that real police Departments require. Lets face it people of Tehachapi we got the scum off the bottom of the barrel.

May 23, 2008 at 10:05 AM : Bohammond don't...

Bohammond don't pay no attention to countygirls comments. When it comes to supporting the public servants who earn their keep off of mine and your sweat she'll pick the public servant every time. I had no problem with the way the Sheriffs were policing Tehachapi. I knew that when Tehachapi formed their own Police Dept we would have these kind of problems. I have seen and heard enough to say that it was a mistake for the city of Tehachapi not to continue their contract with the Kern County Sheriff's Dept.

May 23, 2008 at 08:05 PM : ANYONE REMEMBER THESE?...

ANYONE REMEMBER THESE?

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Council approves incentives to lure the best officers for new police force

By: Matthew Chew

Description: Looking for a few good people

Topics: City council
Posted by editor Mon Mar 26, 2007 12:44:56 PDT
Tehachapi City Council unanimously passed a resolution on March 19 giving Chief Jeff Kermode the ability to use a full package of incentives to draw qualified officer candidates to the Tehachapi police force.

Addressing the Tehachapi City Council Kermode pointed out the difficulty the city will face recruiting qualified officers to the new force.

Kermode said during Phase II of the development of the police force, it was concluded that to draw qualified candidates to the city, the plan must include incentives that are competitive with other agencies.

Kermode broke down the incentive plan as a combination of pay incentives for items such as the achievement of milestones through a graduated certification process, specialty pay for acquiring skills beyond basic training, one-time reimbursement pay for the purpose of relocation or commuting in the initial year of service and a take-home patrol car program.

“The recommendation tonight would be to provide some of the incentives as part of the recruitment package,” Kermode said.

Kermode elaborated that the issue has come to the forefront because currently there are two sergeants and one officer in the background check stage and on April 1, 17 more candidates will begin the interview process.

“These folks are asking because it's been talked about,” Kermode said.
Kermode projects cost for the incentives in the current year are $8,262 and the projected cost in 2007-2008 to be $45,433.

He further broke down the incentive program into the stages of the Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) certifications; intermediate, advanced, supervisory and Field Training Officer duties, in addition to the one-time pay and the take-home patrol car program.

Liz Fox, a citizen addressing the council, disagreed with the incentive plan, stating the profits a new officer would receive from the sale of a home in another area and the purchase of a lower cost residence in the Tehachapi area would serve as a sizeable incentive.

However, Fox said officers in high risk areas deserve larger compensation.

“There are men out there because of family, because they want to live until tomorrow, who are going to choose not to work in downtown L.A.” she said.
Councilwoman Linda Vernon said she hoped candidates would take into account the quality of the community.

“However, it sounds to me like they have the doors wide open for them and they’re probably being wooed by larger cities trying to get them to come,” Vernon said. “I think we really do need to be aware and we need to address the compensation issue.”

Kermode listed three options to the council: Pass with the patrol car take-home program, pass without the patrol car program or do not pass the incentive programs.

The council passed the program to include the patrol car program.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Tehachapi City Council welcomes new police force

By: Matthew Chew

Description: Tehachapi Police Department growing towards serving the community

Topics:
Posted by editor Tue May 29, 2007 11:16:39 PDT

A proud Chief of the Tehachapi Police Department, Jeff Kermode, introduced the first wave of his new force that will be taking over law enforcement duties for the city on July 1.

“As I expressed to to the city manager, one of my biggest concerns was to make sure we could find quality people that understood community policing. I was very pleased, after going through the interview process to find these folks,” Kermode said.

Six new members of the department were introduced at the meeting; two sergeants, three officers and an administrative assistant. A total of 11 officers will be on board on June 30 for a formal badge pinning ceremony at Tehachapi City Hall from noon to three p.m. The public is welcome to join the festivities.

The chief also asked the council to pass resolution 17-07 that provides worker’s compensation benefits for volunteers to the force, including: reserve police officers, law enforcement explorers and Volunteers in Policing. The council passed the resolution unanimously.

May 23, 2008 at 08:05 PM : Thanks for writing the...

Thanks for writing the letter to the editor, oscargoescamping1....I had just heard about this clown from others, I was hoping he was a bad apple, but it sounds like he's more the norm....

May 23, 2008 at 08:05 PM : We should not be...

We should not be surprised we have what we have

If I remember correctly the "experienced officers" credentials were;

1. Former army MP who later worked for a small town PD in Arizona

2. Former LA County Police Officer (They serve as park rangers and security guards at county buildings)

3. Former Stallion Springs PD

4. Former Calexico PD

5. Former Calexico PD

6. Former Lompoc PD “Police Beat” Television Co-host

7. Former Ventura Co. Jailor and then Flooring salesman.

8. Former Coast Guardsman and LA County Police Officer (USC Hospital Security)

9. Former “extra-help” probation officer with Kern County Probation Department.

10. Graduate of "Rio Hondo College Department of Public Safety Police Academy" with no former Police experience

While several were "sworn officers" per se, Less than half have any actual real world street police experience.

May 23, 2008 at 09:05 PM : Hey Tehachapi News how...

May 23, 2008 at 10:05 PM : Gube, good idea,...

Gube, good idea, however, unless you contact the TN directly, it is doubtful that there is a dedicated person on their staff monitoring these blogs and who could potentially address the important issues, such as this TPD topic.

May 24, 2008 at 06:05 PM : We have only been told...

We have only been told one side of the story here. Why where the cops called? Its funny you guys hated KCSO for not doing anything and now you hate TPD for doing to much.

May 24, 2008 at 08:05 PM : I agree we have been...

I agree we have been told only one side of the story and I don't hate our Police Dept! I believe this incident will be raised at the next City Council meeting and I encourage anyone who wants to be a part of this process to utilize their entitled three minutes to address the Council. The Police Dept is represented at that meeting and can present their side then. I want a professional and responsive Dept. and am speaking out in the pursuit of that. What I said in my original post was that there are people who were upset about this Police error and it seems that a lot of other people are also concerned with heavy handed Police behavior in Tehachapi. I have been informed that a Police officer has mentioned my original blog so I believe they are aware of the problem and my writing about it. I am not suggesting that they communicate through this forum. The point needs to be raised through official channels which is the City Council meeting. There is nothing wrong with expressing ones concerns as a citizen. That is a big part of what is Representative Democracy and in fact is ones duty. It has nothing to do with hating anyone!

To answer dreamkiller's question, my understanding is that the cops were not called at all but chose to follow Bert as he left his hotel. We don't know why. We only know they were wrong. The result quite literally put the man back in the hospital.

May 26, 2008 at 07:05 PM : It ‘s funny...

It ‘s funny how all of you are posting that the police department is “Terrorizing our town.” Yet very few of you have had little to no personal experience with the department. One you was found at fault for an accident, wonder why you are upset. Also, you post that the officer is fife. I think you were trying to be funny, you weren’t. Are we just suppose to believe that you were not at fault, because you say so. I would, but I try to get as many facts about something before I judge. Should try it some time, it works.

One of you posted that you were stopped on Red Apple? Why were you stopped. Guess that is not important to your story. Also, you say that the officer was not rude and eventually left to go to a large party. What is you complaint? There were to many officers out there for the stop? Do you know the officers? Probably not, and they don’t know you. How are they going to know if you have a gun, or are wanted for something and your not going to fight with them. They don’t, just because we have a small town, doesn’t mean we don’t have crimes, drugs, or even murders. We do. I am quite sure they want to go home at the end of their day. I have no problem with how they do their jobs. Also, I recall from some recent council meetings they hired some volunteer police officers. Which would mean that they would have to learn the city and the department, so they would have to ride with a trainer, right? So how do you know this was not a trainer car? You don’t, but it gave you something to complain about.

Who is the guy with Barney fife up there? You have got to be the most bitter human being. You have disliked the police department since it started and have just complained and complained. Finally someone listen. Of course they are mostly people that did not like the cops or sheriffs and others that have since been in trouble. Also, you said that you were a police chief at one point. How did your department get along with the public? Was it always perfect, probably not. Why don’t you tell us what department it was so when you reply to this, we can verify it.

What is it MADKOW, you are quick to bash. But, I recently read a blog that you posted when someone bashed Tehachapi Towing. Your response stated that you don’t know what the drivers go through and how difficult their job is. Boy, that sounds kind a like the same thing here. You have no clue what they do or what they go through. When was last time you had to deal with a traffic accident or had to see a dead body? Probably, never.

Someone also stated that the TPD conviction rate is “Dismal.” How would you know? You go to court all the time to find out. Show your facts; don’t just type your hate.

If you have a true complaint why don’t you go into the police department and talk to the chief. Oh, wait you would not be able to hide then. I would lay money on the fact that most of the one’s on this blog that are complaining don’t even live in the city. You probably live in Golden Hills, Alpine Forrest, Stallion, or Bear Valley. As for me I live in the city. I feel better every night when I go for walks or am just out. I know I am less likely to get mugged then before.

May 26, 2008 at 08:05 PM : I wonder if it was...

I wonder if it was gomer, gubber, Barney or Andy that wrote that lame azz comment. Either a cop or a brown noser.

One of TPD finest ?

May 26, 2008 at 09:05 PM : The argumentation used...

The argumentation used in these blogs is so predictable. Whatever the issue, the rebuttal points go like this:

1) You are ignorant - as in "you have had little to no personal experience with the department"

followed by:

2) You are a bad guy - as in "you was found at fault"

and

3) You are personally obnoxious - as in "You have got to be the most bitter human being"

and (I love this one)

4) You are consistent - as in "You have disliked the police department since it started"

and then we get the ULTIMATE - the FINAL CRUSHING BLOW!!

5) You are anonymous!! - as in "you would not be able to hide then"

Having made these crucial points - the one-size-fits-all standard of the Tehachapi News blogosphere -

the great argumentarian signs his work, with his OWN pen-name - in this case:

- UpBULL2

Great name choice, BULL! Say hello to Upbull1, Upbull 3, and the whole UpBull family for me, will you please?

May 26, 2008 at 10:05 PM : Whoah, looks like this...

Whoah, looks like this is getting more than a little wild.

I have to admit, that I am a little weary of the police here, but I can't even say it's from personal experience. All of my contact with the TPD has been positive, though I have many friends who have had problems with them, and I've seen them acting (in my opinion) out of line.

I have met the Tehachapi Police Chief, and he seemed like a great guy. He was very courteous and polite. Of course I couldn't tell you anything about any of Tehachapi's other officers.

May 27, 2008 at 09:05 AM : Hi Folks, Thought I...

Hi Folks,

Thought I would let you folks know I plan to go in a speak with the Police Chief this week about the original incident that motivated me to write the blog as well as the resulting discourse. I look forward to the meeting and a constructive conversation. I for one think this whole process is a good thing...

May 27, 2008 at 09:05 AM : Thanks Bo please keep...

Thanks Bo please keep us informed.

May 27, 2008 at 01:05 PM : Bo I commend you on...

I commend you on going to talk to our city police chief about the issue. I just wish more of you would do the same. Don’t worry Mr. Anonymous I know you don’t have time to get out of your house to do this you know with watching TV land (Mayberry RFD , Gomer Pile) then getting on the this blog bashing others who do not have the same opinions as you do about our police department. What happen to the first amendment or is that only for your opinions

May 27, 2008 at 02:05 PM : upbull it's...

upbull it's spelled pyle .The only show that I am watching is the keystone cop's starring the gubbers and the gomers of the TPD.